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Sicily's Volcanic Landscapes

Overview

Sicily is a geographer’s dream!

With its Aeolian islands, live volcanoes, deep gorges, rich soil and exotic flora and fauna, it will enhance your students’ understanding of volcanic landscapes, plate tectonics, river and coastal landscapes. Its skyline is dominated by Europe’s largest active volcano, Mount Etna! The Alcantara River cuts through an ancient lava flow, producing an almighty gorge within superb basalt columns, while Giardini Naxos’s coastal area offers an excellent case study of coastal management and settlement/tourism studies.

Combine your chosen visits with a trip to past classical civilisation sites, such as Siracusa, and you’re sure to have a truly memorable tour.

Our Suggested Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Flight to Catania.

    Spend the evening exploring Taormina with its lovely gardens and views of Mount Etna.

  2. Day 2

    Day trip to Mount Etna 

    Europe's highest active volcano, situated in a vast natural park, offers spectacular views, especially on clear days!

    An alpine guide will walk you to the best vantage point of the crater, explaining the volcano's history. You will visit the craters of Sartorius Mount, characterised by seven eruptive cones (“Bottoniera”), and explore the raw volcanic landscapes formed by the 2002 eruption and the 1992 lava flow.

  3. Day 3

    Excursion to Aeolian Islands.

    Board the ferry at Milazzo for the one-hour crossing to the volcanic Aeolian Isles, which rise out of the blue waters.

    Visit Lipari Island, the largest and most populated of the Aeolian Islands. Its main town is a a lively place with picturesque streets, an attractive harbour and a historic castle-citadel.

    Visit Vulcano Island. Vulcano's volcanic nature has long been impressing visitors – the ancient Romans believed it to be the chimney of the fire god Vulcan's workshop!

  4. Day 4

    Visit Alcantara Gorge to study river landscapes.

    Experience the impressive Alcantara Gorge, formed by water erosion and deep incisions in ancient volcanic rocks and cliffs. Walk along the river to enjoy the immaculate nature and some beautiful views if the basalts of Etna!

    Coach transfer to the airport.

    Return flight home.

School Trip Accommodation

Accommodation

We use safe and secure accommodation especially suited to schools. Our accommodation is usually 2*/3* or youth hostel standard and provides a perfect base for enjoying your tour. All accommodation we use is audited, and our auditing regime is verified by independent experts.