Classics & Archaeology trips to Sicily
Classics & Archaeology trips to Sicily
Temples, tyrants and tectonic drama
Sicily is a crossroads of classical history. Greeks, Romans, Phoenicians, Arabs and Normans all left their mark here. The result? A treasure trove of temples, amphitheatres, mosaics and myths, all set against a backdrop of Mediterranean beauty and volcanic drama. From the Greek Theatre in Taormina to the Roman Quarter in Agrigento, this island is an open-air museum with serious storytelling power.
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Meet our Sicily experts
It’s the people behind the scenes who make our trips truly special. Our Tour Designers know Sicily inside-out and are ready to listen, share ideas, and offer tailored, experience-led advice to make your trip a huge success.
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Millie
“My favourite itinerary”
Here’s a little inspiration to get you started…
Harry
“My top pick of things to see and do”
Sicily is packed with historical wonders, but here are a few standout experiences I always recommend for Classics & Archaeology groups:
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.
Monreale
The Cathedral at Monreale reigns high above Palermo, on the north west of Sicily.
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
Syracuse
Syracuse was founded in 733BC, and became one of the first Greek colonies on the island.
Taormina
Taormina is on the east of Sicily and has welcomed visitors for centuries.
Aci Castello
Aci Castello is a city in the province of Catania.
Agrigento
Agrigento can be found on the south west of Sicily.
Alcamo
Alcamo was founded in 828 by the Muslim commander al‐Kamuk (after whom it is named).
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.
Monreale
The Cathedral at Monreale reigns high above Palermo, on the north west of Sicily. Top sites include the Façade, Ceilings, Mosaics and the Cloister. The Cathedral faces the lively Piazza Guglielmo, with palm trees and cafés, but the entrance is around to the left in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, with a fountain in the centre.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jess D
“My top tips”
Here’s how to make the most out of your Classics & Archaeology trip to Sicily.
Comfort zones are for stretching
Gentle encouragement can unlock amazing experiences.
Early starts make the day run better
Everything just runs smoother when you’re not under pressure or rushing.
Rest isn’t wasted time
Downtime helps everyone recharge and reset.
Millie
The best places to stay
We’ve tried and tested accommodation across Sicily to find the options that work brilliantly for school groups – safe, comfortable, and perfectly located.
Hotel Baia Degli Dei
On the bay of Recanati in Giardini Naxos, Hotel Baia Degli Dei is a small, centrally located hotel offering school groups a comfortable coastal base with good transport links.
- En‑suite, air‑conditioned rooms
- Beachfront, coastal location
- Close to bus and transport links
- Communal dining and lounge areas
- Centrally located within Giardini Naxos
Hotel San Pietro
Hotel San Pietro provides school groups with a comfortable base overlooking the coast, with regular bus connections into the town centre.
- En‑suite, air‑conditioned rooms
- Coastal setting with sea views
- Regular bus services to Taormina
- On‑site dining facilities
- Quieter location just outside the town centre
The most popular questions, answered
Sicily gives students the rare chance to explore Greek, Roman, Norman, and Byzantine influences all in one place. Walking through temples, amphitheatres, and ancient settlements helps them connect ideas from the classroom with real evidence shaped by centuries of cultural exchange.
The island’s layered history offers an exceptional mix of Greek temples, Roman mosaics, and medieval architecture. Students can examine how different civilisations adapted the landscape, giving teachers rich material for discussions on continuity, change, and cultural identity.
Itineraries often feature Palermo, Syracuse, Taormina, Agrigento, and Aci Castello, each offering its own archaeological strengths. Esto tailors the schedule to your learning aims, ensuring a balanced mix of major sites, coastal landscapes, and time to absorb the island’s character.
You’ll have a dedicated specialist to help shape your itinerary, organise timings, and handle all the practical details. With pre‑booked entrances, clear guidance, and 24/7 support while travelling, teachers can focus on the learning experience rather than logistics.
Groups typically stay in comfortable, well‑located hotels such as Hotel Baia Degli Dei or Hotel San Pietro. These options offer reliable facilities, easy access to key sites, and a relaxed base for students after full days of exploring.
Your package covers return air travel, half‑board accommodation, insurance, and a bespoke itinerary shaped around your group’s needs. Free place ratios, an online trip organiser, and a dedicated travel app help teachers feel supported every step of the way.
What people say
“The itinerary was perfect and included everything we were looking for. It was very well organised with timings and information required. Fantastic – everything was very clear.”
St Ninians High School
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