Geography School Trips & Tours to Sicily

Morning & afternoon: Daytime flight and transfer to accommodation, independent exploration of local area

Evening: Free time to settle in, evening meal

Morning & afternoon: Full day excursion to Mount Etna (TECTONICS/HAZARD MANAGEMENT)

Evening: Evening meal and free time

Mount Etna  

A visit to Mount Etna - Europe’s highest and most active volcano – will open up a variety of study opportunities for your students. The themes of plate tectonics and eruptions, land use, tourism and much more can be investigated here. Over the course of a full day your group will be transported by coach to 1,900 metres above sea level, then by cable car and jeep to reach 2,500 metres.

Your guide will then take you on foot until you reach 2,900 metres above sea level. The continual volcanic activity of Mount Etna has a very real impact on local communities and makes for a fascinating case study, enabling you to cover a number of human and physical geography topics during your tour. What hazard management plans are in place? How has the landscape changed over the years? All this and more can be explored on this full day visit.

Morning & afternoon: Full day excursion to Lipari and Vulcano Islands (TECTONICS/COASTS/TOURISM)

Evening: Evening meal, free time

Lipari & Vulcano Islands    

Depart with your guide on your mini cruise to these two volcanic Islands. Sail along admiring the islands’ coastlines, before passing Punta Castagna. After docking, explore the town of Lipari or spend time in the town centre. You’ll then sail to the island of Vulcano. Here your group can explore the black beaches, hot springs and sulphur mud baths, which you can experience yourself for a small fee. Next, set sail around the Aeolian Islands where you’ll see an array of fascinating landforms including the Faraglioni, the Papa Giovanni rock and the Grotta degli Angeli. 

Vulcano Island Day

Board the public ferry with your local guide and sail directly to Vulcano Island which was constructed during six volcanic stages. The highlight of the day is a walk up the Fossa Volcano to the Grand Crater, which last erupted just over 100 years ago. The eruption deposited 15 feet of pyroclastic material at the summit of Fossa. You’ll also see (and smell!) several active fumaroles and extensive sulphur deposits. More recently, this cone has been the site of volcanic unrest (1985-1995) without culminating in an eruption. Your group will also see the famous mud baths, which are based on natural hot springs.

Morning: Alcantara Gorges visit (TECTONICS/ PROCESSES)

Afternoon: Transfer to airport for return flight to UK

Alcantara Gorges    

Groups flying home in the afternoon or evening will have time to spend their morning visiting the Alcantara Gorges which were formed by the volcanic activity of Mount Etna. The stunning basalt formation known as the Alcantara Gorge lies on the Alcantara River about 20 minutes’ drive south west of Taormina. Etna’s geological influence on the surrounding countryside has created a beautifully scenic site encircled by small luscious green woods.

Gorge Trek: By choosing to spend a little extra time at the gorge, groups have the opportunity to get stuck in and walk in the water through the gorge itself with local experts and provided kit. Trek through the immense natural canyons, 50m deep carved out by an ancient lava flow and observe its beautiful scenery where you can see the lava monoliths carved by water over the centuries. Fitness level options vary from ‘easy’ upwards.