School Trips To Sicily Geography School Trips

A WST tour to Sicily will support the study of elements of the following exam board specifications:

AQA

GCSE

Section 3.1.1: The challenge of natural hazards

            3.2.1 Section A: Urban issues and challenges

A level

Section 3.1.1 Water and Carbon Cycles

           3.1.3 Coastal systems and landscapes

           3.1.5 Hazards

           3.2.4 Population and the environment

Edexcel

GCSE -   Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9 - 1) in Geography A (1GA0)

Component 1:   Topic 2 Weather hazards and climate change

Component 2:   Topic 5 Global Development

Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9 - 1) in Geography B (1GB0)

Component 1:   Topic 1: Hazardous Earth

A level

Topic 1: Tectonic Processes and Hazards

Topic 2: Landscape Systems, Processes and Change

OCR

GCSE (9–1) in Geography A

2.3 Environmental threats to our Planet

GCSE (9–1) in Geography B

Topic 1 – Global Hazards

A level

Option A – Coastal Landscapes

Topic 3.1 – Climate Change

Topic 3.5 – Hazardous Earth

WJEC

GCSE

Key Idea 3.1: Tectonic processes and landforms

Key Idea 3.2: Vulnerability and hazard reduction

A Level

Section 1.3: Tectonic Hazards

Our Guides

Our expert local guides are available to accompany you for as little or as much of your trip as you wish. They are highly experienced in working with educational groups and have vast knowledge of the sites we offer our groups. We would highly recommend including a guide on at least your full day excursions.

There are several sites in Sicily where having a local guide is compulsory however these are mostly the Classical sites.

Guided Mount Etna Adventure Day

This exciting adventure day will wow your students from start to finish. Mount Etna is Europe’s highest volcano, and also its most active meaning your group stands a good chance of seeing activity first hand. Your coach will take your students up to 1900 metres above sea level. Here they will take a cable car to climb further up before meeting jeeps which will take them up to 3906 metres. Your Alpine Guide will then escort your on foot to the height of 2167 metres above sea level where you will enjoy fabulous views of the summit, possible activity and the island below. 

This excursion allows Geographers and Geologists an abundance of discussion points throughout the day and is one that they are sure to remember. 

The Volcanic Islands of Lipari and Vulcano (Mid- March to Mid-October only)

Your coach will take you to Milazzo Harbour to board your mini cruise to these two volcanic islands. The boat affords excellent views of the islands and their coastlines as you approach.  First stop is Lipari, the largest island and capital of the chain, ringed with several small communities and a 16th-century castle complex towering over the main town. After an exploration of the town here, you’ll re-board your boat and head to Vulcano, the natural spa island, with bubbling mud pits, black volcanic beaches and geothermal waters.  Many groups chose to enter the mud baths for a small fee. After time to explore, your mini cruise will then be waiting to take you back past the stunning coastal landforms as you head back to Milazzo harbour, for a coach transfer back to your accommodation.

Vulcano Island Day

Set sail directly to Vulcano Island on the public ferry for a day exploring this active island which went through period of volcanic unrest 20 years ago.

The Island consists of several volcanic edifices whose formation overlapped in time and space. The most recent volcano is the La Fossa cone, a 391 metre high active composite cone. Your group will walk up walk up the Fossa cone to the Crater, which last erupted over 100 years ago. The walk entails several active steamy fumaroles and extensive sulphur deposits, along with the smell you would expect!

The island is perhaps equally famous for the bubbling mud baths, which are based on natural hot springs. The baths are celebrated for the health benefits that they provide. Like other hot springs, the water is rich in sulphur, which has anti-fungal activity so bathers cover themselves with the warm mineral-rich mud, first, and then enter the spring-warmed sea to wash off.

Strait of Messina/Tindari Lake

The Strait of Messina is the narrow passage between the eastern tip of Sicily (and the western tip of Calabria the south of Italy. It connects the Tyrrhenian Sea to the north with the Ionian Sea to the south. At its narrowest point, it measures 1.9 miles in width.

The strait is characterised by strong tidal currents that established a unique marine ecosystem. The Strait of Messina, therefore constitutes an area of fundamental importance for biodiversity. The hydrology of the Strait of Messina accommodates a variety of populations of marine organisms.

You will then continue to Tindari where you will discover a fantastic viewpoint over the ‘linguetta di sabbia’ (tongue of sand), which stretches 1.5km into the sea, defiantly resisting the destructive, relentless raids of the Tyrrhenian. Clearly visible on satellite photos, the ‘tongue’ is raised about 4 metres above sea-level at its highest points and creates a lagoon area on its protected side.  This is now a nature reserve and several small lakes dot the surface and provide an ideal home for a large variety of flora and fauna.

Alcantara Gorges and Cyclops Riviera

Visit the beautiful 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.  Etna’s geological influence on the surrounding countryside has created this beautifully scenic site encircled by small luscious green woods. Groups will ascend into the gorge and get a closer up view of these rock formations from the beach side areas.

You’ll then continue along the Sicilian coast passing through small fishing villages of the Cyclops Riviera with beautiful views out over the coastline with its famous protruding rocks. The area owes its name to the ‘Faraglioni’, huge outcrops or rock forged by underwater lava which gave rise to Mount Etna. 

Alcantra Gorge Half Day Visit

This beautiful George with its stunning basalt column formations provides an ideal stop off en-route to the airport for your flight home. Lying on the Alcantara River, this site is popular with tourists who visit the small beach areas and admire the beautiful surroundings of the gorge itself..

Etna Land Theme Park (April to November)

This award winning park now offers both a Theme park and a Water park option, both of which are very popular. Why not treat your group and enjoy a day’s visit to this popular Sicily attraction? We will arrange your coaching to drop you off and pick you up.