School trips to Sicily
Discover history in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea
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Views and culture as far as the eye can see
The stunning island of Sicily, nestled in the mediterranean sea is the ideal destination for geography and history enthusiasts. Ancient Greek temples, Roman mosaics and ancient settlements provide endless learning opportunities. Geography and Classics & Archaeology students will gain invaluable knowledge from exploring Sicily’s sights first hand within an engaged group. Education isn’t all that Sicily has to offer, the picture perfect scenery makes it impossible not to enjoy and photograph every view.
A trip to Sicily wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Dating back over 500,000 years, this wonder of nature will take your breath away, an unmissable stop for a school trip. Take in the expanse of the volcano from the base or venture to the summit for a completely new perspective of the volcano and the whole island.
Explore subjects in Sicily
Meet our Italy experts
Our Tour Designers know Italy’s school trip destinations inside out. They’ll help you choose the right location and build an itinerary that fits your subject focus, budget and students with expert support from planning to travel.
“Our favourite Sicily trips”
Classics & Archaeology trips to Sicily
Explore Greek, Roman and later civilisations in one of the Mediterranean’s richest classical landscapes.
- Study how civilisations shaped Sicily during the ancient world
- Examine Greek & Roman temples, theatres and mosaics
- Visit the Valley of the Temples at Agrigento, Syracuse & Taormina
Geography trips to Sicily
A Mediterranean island shaped by volcanoes, coastlines and human settlement.
- Study tectonic hazards, volcanoes and volcanic landscapes
- Explore tourism, agriculture and coastal processes
- Visit Mount Etna, coastal towns and historic settlements
Charlotte
“My top pick of things to do and see in Sicily”
Historical, geographical and archaeological learning locations span every mile of this special Italian island, making it far from difficult to fill your time here. Trip itineraries vary from group to group but you’ll never be short of stunning scenery to see along the way.
Full Day Excursion to Etna
Mount Etna is Europe’s largest active volcano and uniquely formed on a boundary between the European and African continental plates.
Palermo
The city is noted for its rich history, culture, architecture and gastronomy, playing an important role throughout much of its existence; it is over 2,700 years old.
Vulcano Island
Vulcano is located north-east of Sicily and south of the Island of Lipari.
Catania
Since the eighteenth century, Catania has been the second most important city of Sicily, supplanting Messina in that respect.
Alcantara Gorge
Situated to the south-west of Taormina is the Alcantara Gorge.
Syracuse
Syracuse was founded in 733BC, and became one of the first Greek colonies on the island.
Agrigento
Agrigento can be found on the south west of Sicily.
Aci Castello
Aci Castello is a city in the province of Catania.
Caccamo
Made of rough white stone, this 12th century Norman Castle dominates the Village and the valley below.
Lipari
Lipari is the largest of the eight Aeolian Islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the north coast of Sicily, and the name of the island’s main town.
Alcamo
Alcamo was founded in 828 by the Muslim commander al‐Kamuk (after whom it is named).
Taormina
Taormina is on the east of Sicily and has welcomed visitors for centuries.
Full Day Excursion to Etna
Mount Etna is Europe’s largest active volcano and uniquely formed on a boundary between the European and African continental plates. This excursion allows students an amazing viewpoint of the volcanic landscape from the summit of the still active volcano.
Palermo
The city is noted for its rich history, culture, architecture and gastronomy, playing an important role throughout much of its existence; it is over 2,700 years old. Palermo is located in the north‐west of the island of Sicily, right by the Gulf of Palermo in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Major sites include Palermo Cathedral, mosaics the Crypt and the Norman Tombs.
Vulcano Island
Vulcano is located north-east of Sicily and south of the Island of Lipari.The island of Vulcano is made up of three volcanic units: Vulcanello (123 metres) in the north, coming from an eruption during II century B.C., it is linked with the island by a strip of land made up of lava flows. In the middle, you can find the Gran Crater or Vulcanic Cone (385 metres) which is stll active; in the south there is the Mount Aria (499 metres), inactive, it is the top summit of the island. Vulcano is a very interesting island due to its volcanic and post-volcanic phenomena. Its plateau, the widest of the Aeolian Islands, is surrounded by hills, falling towards the sea. Vulcanello is made up of three lined-up craters in direction North-East/South-West. Vulcanello is constantly monitored by the Institute of Volcanology of the University of Catania. The islands of Vulcano counts around 450 inhabitants who are involved in tourism and viticulture.
Catania
Since the eighteenth century, Catania has been the second most important city of Sicily, supplanting Messina in that respect. Subjected to Etna’s fickle temperament, Catania has been damaged by lava flows and earthquakes on several occasions. A particularly destructive volcanic eruption in 1669 was followed by a serious earthquake in 1693.
Alcantara Gorge
Situated to the south-west of Taormina is the Alcantara Gorge. This natural monument of basalt rock was created by the eruption of a volcano that once stood between Mount Etna and the Peloritani Mountains, and is an absolute must for geography students. The black lava walls of the Alcantara Gorge stretch 50m high, amidst an unspoiled parkland landscape of flora and fauna.
Syracuse
Syracuse was founded in 733BC, and became one of the first Greek colonies on the island. Top sites include the Altar of Hieron II, Castello di Eurialo, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Catacombs of San Giovanni.
Agrigento
Agrigento can be found on the south west of Sicily. It is a medieval town which is home to ruined Greek temples that stand, or partially stand, against a backdrop of the sea. Top sites include the Abbazia di Santo Spirito (abbey), the Temple of Herakles, the Greek roads, gates and walls and the Roman Quarter.
Aci Castello
Aci Castello is a city in the province of Catania. The city developed around the castle, which was built in 1076 by the Normans. In 1169, Aci Castello started to grow after an eruption of Mount Etna made the towns around it uninhabitable.
Caccamo
Made of rough white stone, this 12th century Norman Castle dominates the Village and the valley below. Pass through the one impregnable wall, walk among ramparts, and visit the Sala di Congiura (Hall of Conspiracy) where in 1160 the barons plotted to overthrow King William I.
Lipari
Lipari is the largest of the eight Aeolian Islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the north coast of Sicily, and the name of the island’s main town. Lipari is the largest of a chain of eight islands in a volcanic archipelago that straddles the gap between Vesuvius and Etna. Groups can take a day trip to Lipari with a guide and see the stunning rock formations, 6000 year history and powdery grey‐ white beaches with pumice or black with powdered lava. The ferry departs from Milazzo, which is near Taormina on the north east of Sicily.
Alcamo
Alcamo was founded in 828 by the Muslim commander al‐Kamuk (after whom it is named). Alcamo contains two important sites. The Castle of the Counts of Modica and Alcamo Cathedral, which has important works of art.
Taormina
Taormina is on the east of Sicily and has welcomed visitors for centuries. The town, with breathtaking views, has a number of features to abstract groups. Features include the Greek Theatre, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, Giardino Pubblico and the medieval clock tower. Taormina is on north east of Sicily.
The most popular questions, answered
Sicily offers students a powerful sense of how culture, geography and history intertwine. The region encourages curiosity and comparison, helping learning feel broad and meaningful. Experiences here often leave a lasting impression on students.
Sicily works particularly well for humanities, languages and cultural studies. Its layered past supports exploration of identity, continuity and change in context. Learning feels expansive but grounded.
Esto designs Sicily itineraries that allow learning to unfold through observation and discussion. Structure supports engagement without rushing reflection. Ideas are given space to connect naturally over time.
Esto selects accommodation that creates the right conditions for learning, confidence and wellbeing. Bases support smoother days and settled evenings where students can discuss and reflect together. Comfort and reassurance remain central throughout the journey.
Trips include accommodation, transport and a bespoke itinerary aligned with your learning goals. Planning is clear and considered from start to finish, making the experience both manageable and rewarding.
Esto partners with teachers as thoughtful designers of educational experiences. Support is calm, reliable and consistent, giving you confidence every step of the way.
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