The best school trips are those that inspire and inform while being enjoyable and fulfilling experiences for students and teachers alike. There are some very professional companies that provide excellent school trips to a variety of destinations throughout the world. Regardless of the subject focus there is bound to be one to suit your needs. There are numerous benefits of taking children out of school and into a more contextual learning environment. There is no doubt that confidence increases, social development flourishes and students often find themselves motivated, inspired and excited about things they never thought they could be.

School trips take a lot of planning and need to be carefully organised so that the students get the most out of their trip. Most companies offering such trips have a reliable team of experts who will personally help you choose your itinerary and, if necessary, tailor it to your particular needs. Whether it is food science, history, languages, geography, physical education or even music there is a city or town, area or region that will make the perfect place for an enhanced learning experience.

Classical Sicily

One of the most archeologically rich places in the world is the small but fascinating island of Sicily. With an unsettled history, this Italian island has been home to several conquerors throughout the ages, all of which have left their legacy, both archaeologically and socially speaking. School trips to Sicily will be packed full of opportunities to visit some of the world’s most interesting archaeological sites. Many of the sites are located along the coastal areas, as this would have been where the Etruscans, Greeks, Romans and Phoenicians built their settlements, complete with temples and theatres, and decorated with mosaics and intricately designed columns.

Sicily’s most stunning sites include The Valley of The Temples in Agrigento, the Greek theatre in Syracuse and the Doric Temple in Segesta. There are also some beautiful Roman mosaics to be viewed at the Roman Villa located in Piazza Armerina.

This little island is not just about ancient ruins, however. The modern history is just as interesting, with students having the chance to consider the political situation here regarding the infamous Mafia influence. On the way to Palermo, the capital city, you will pass the place where Falcone met his bitter end as a result of his heartfelt attempt to rid the country of the Mafia.

Palermo, despite its hectic reputation, is wonderful place to absorb some local atmosphere. It is important that school trips’ itineries include some time simply taking in the heart and soul of the place you are visiting. Students can sample some local cuisine, visit some of the more modern galleries, and even go and see one of Palermo’s oldest and most famous performing arts, a puppet show.

A walk up Mount Etna is an interesting diversion too. Still smouldering, this incredible volcano is definitely worth a visit. The views are stunning and the students get a real feel for the power of nature that we, as humans, are so inferior to.