Geography school trips from Naples to Sicily
This six-day multi-centre tour of Southern Italy immerses students in diverse geographical phenomena, enhancing their knowledge of subjects for Key Stages 3 & 4. Starting in Naples, students explore volcanic landscapes and ancient Roman sites at Campi Flegrei, linking history and geology. A visit to Vesuvius highlights the potential impact and scale of volcanic activity, while a tour of Italy's Aeolian Islands gives groups the chance to witness first-hand active lava flows and insights into volcanic craters and gas emissions. The journey culminates in Sicily, where students visit the iconic Mount Etna: the highest active volcano in Europe.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Day
1
- Depart the UK and travel to Naples
- Meet coach and transfer to hotel via Campi Flegrei
- Guided tour of Campi Flegrei, including Flavio Amphitheatre, Serapis Temple, and external view of Solfatara volcano
- Evening meal at accommodation
- Evening at leisure
Day
2
- Check out of hotel
- Vesuvius visit
- Two-course lunch in Naples
- Guided walking tour of Naples
- Free time in the city
- Transfer to port
- Overnight ferry to Stromboli
Day
3
- Drop luggage at hotel in Stromboli
- Free time in Stromboli
- Lunch at leisure
- Visit Stromboli volcano
- Evening meal at accommodation
Day
4
- Check out of hotel and board Stromboli - Vulcano ferry
- Hike up to volcano
- Free time on the beach
- Depart from Vulcano to Milazzo
- Transfer to hotel in Giardini Naxos
- Evening meal at accommodation
Day
5
- Guided tour of Mount Etna & Taormina
- Free time in Taormina
- Evening meal at accommodation
Day
6
- Check out of hotel
- Depart Italy via Catania airport
- Arrive back in the UK
GCSE Geography
The Challenge of Natural Hazards
Students can experience active tectonic landscapes firsthand, exploring the effects of plate boundaries and volcanic activity in southern Italy. Visits to Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii, Stromboli and Mount Etna provide opportunities to investigate:
- Causes and impacts of volcanic eruptions
- Monitoring and management of volcanic hazards
- Living with tectonic risk
- Primary and secondary effects of natural hazards
- Strategies used to reduce risk and build resilience
Physical Landscapes in the UK and Beyond
The trip allows students to examine a range of physical processes shaping Mediterranean environments, including:
- Coastal erosion and deposition
- Volcanic landforms and landscapes
- Weathering and mass movement
- Formation of lava flows, craters and volcanic cones
- Human interaction with dynamic physical environments
Urban Issues and Challenges
Exploring Naples enables students to investigate:
- Urban growth and development
- Economic opportunities and challenges in southern Europe
- Regeneration and sustainability initiatives
- Tourism as a driver of economic change
Resource Management and Sustainability
Students can consider:
- Sustainable tourism in volcanic regions
- Environmental pressures caused by visitor numbers
- Conservation of natural and cultural landscapes
- Balancing economic development with environmental protection
A Level Geography
Hazards
The Bay of Naples and Sicily offer exceptional case studies for:
- Plate tectonics and geophysical processes
- Volcanic hazard prediction and management
- Social vulnerability and resilience
- Hazard perception and risk management
- Long-term impacts of volcanic events on communities
Coastal Systems and Landscapes
Field observations support understanding of:
- Coastal processes and sediment movement
- Erosional and depositional landforms
- Human management of coastal environments
- Interactions between geological and coastal systems
Globalisation and Tourism
Students can evaluate:
- International tourism flows
- Economic impacts of tourism on local communities
- Sustainable destination management
- Cultural and environmental change resulting from tourism development
Changing Places
Naples and Sicilian communities provide opportunities to explore:
- Place identity
- Cultural landscapes
- Regeneration and regional development
- Contrasting perceptions of place
Features
- Understand tectonic processes and natural hazards by studying active volcanoes such as Vesuvius, Etna and Stromboli, and examining how plate tectonics shape the Italian landscape.
- Explore the interaction between people and the physical environment, focusing on why communities live in high‑risk volcanic regions and how landscapes influence settlement.
- Analyse risk management and resilience strategies through real‑world case studies of hazard monitoring, evacuation planning and urban adaptation in Southern Italy.
- Investigate coastal and physical landscapes including volcanic coastlines, landform formation and the impact of erosion and tourism on fragile environments.
- Develop place knowledge of contrasting European regions, comparing mainland Italy (Naples) and Sicily in terms of development, economy, culture and environmental challenges.
- Apply geographical enquiry skills through observation, fieldwork-style experiences and data interpretation, strengthening critical thinking and exam‑relevant understanding.
ACCOMMODATION
An excellent base for exploring Giardini Naxos and its surrounding area, Hotel Baia Degli Dei offers school groups all the usual home comforts, including a full kitchenette for your group’s convenience. A budget-friendly property, with internet access included.
- 24-hour reception
- Terrace
- Lounge
- Safety deposit box
An excellent base for exploring Giardini Naxos and its surrounding area, Hotel Baia Degli Dei offers school groups all the usual home comforts, including a full kitchenette for your group’s convenience. A budget-friendly property, with internet access included.
- 24-hour reception
- Terrace
- Lounge
- Safety deposit box
Excursions
Naples – Campi Flegrei
This tour of Campi Flegrei guides students around the Flavio Amphitheatre, Serapis Temple, and Solfatara volcano. Here, they'll learn about Roman history and civilisation, as well as the amazing geological wonders of a volcano that was still active during this time.
Guided walking tour of Naples
On this walking tour of Naples, school groups will be shown all of Naples' main attractions, including Piazza Plebiscito (public square), Galleria Umberto (shopping gallery), and the exteriors of Teatro San Carlo (theatre) and Palazzo Reale (palace), presenting an excellent opportunity to explore all that the city has to offer.
Vesuvius
Students can study the history, geography and geology of this magnificent active volcano on a school trip to Vesuvius, one of several volcanoes which form the Campanian volcanic arc. Best known for its volcanic eruption in 79 AD that left devastating effects on the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, we know students will love getting up close with the volcano.
Visit Stromboli volcano
Meet an alpine guide to hike 400 metres up Stromboli's volcano, where students will witness the famous 'Sciara del Fuoco', an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon where lava flows into the sea. A must-see for geography groups studying volcanoes and lava flows.
Visit Vulcano volcano
On the island of Vulcano, students join a local guide to climb the volcano and admire its impressive 500-metre diameter crater. Here, they'll experience its magnificence while learning about the constant emission of noxious gases that prevent descent into the crater itself.
Mount Etna
Scale the slopes of Sicily’s famously active Mount Etna on this full-day 4x4 minibus tour. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013, this incredible peak is the perfect place for students to learn about Sicily’s history as well as the volcano’s impact on life on the island today. During your visit, your group will also see the mountain’s smouldering volcanic craters and jaw dropping lava fields.
Taormina
With its fantastic position overlooking the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna serving as its backdrop, Taormina is the perfect place to discover the postcard-perfect beauty of Sicily. Nearby, groups can visit the Alcantara Gorge – a natural monument of basalt rock which was created by the eruption of the volcano – or the Greek theatre, an ancient structure built in the 3rd century B.C.
Naples – Campi Flegrei
This tour of Campi Flegrei guides students around the Flavio Amphitheatre, Serapis Temple, and Solfatara volcano. Here, they'll learn about Roman history and civilisation, as well as the amazing geological wonders of a volcano that was still active during this time.
Guided walking tour of Naples
On this walking tour of Naples, school groups will be shown all of Naples' main attractions, including Piazza Plebiscito (public square), Galleria Umberto (shopping gallery), and the exteriors of Teatro San Carlo (theatre) and Palazzo Reale (palace), presenting an excellent opportunity to explore all that the city has to offer.
Vesuvius
Students can study the history, geography and geology of this magnificent active volcano on a school trip to Vesuvius, one of several volcanoes which form the Campanian volcanic arc. Best known for its volcanic eruption in 79 AD that left devastating effects on the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, we know students will love getting up close with the volcano.
Visit Stromboli volcano
Meet an alpine guide to hike 400 metres up Stromboli's volcano, where students will witness the famous 'Sciara del Fuoco', an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon where lava flows into the sea. A must-see for geography groups studying volcanoes and lava flows.
Visit Vulcano volcano
On the island of Vulcano, students join a local guide to climb the volcano and admire its impressive 500-metre diameter crater. Here, they'll experience its magnificence while learning about the constant emission of noxious gases that prevent descent into the crater itself.
Mount Etna
Scale the slopes of Sicily’s famously active Mount Etna on this full-day 4x4 minibus tour. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013, this incredible peak is the perfect place for students to learn about Sicily’s history as well as the volcano’s impact on life on the island today. During your visit, your group will also see the mountain’s smouldering volcanic craters and jaw dropping lava fields.
Taormina
With its fantastic position overlooking the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna serving as its backdrop, Taormina is the perfect place to discover the postcard-perfect beauty of Sicily. Nearby, groups can visit the Alcantara Gorge – a natural monument of basalt rock which was created by the eruption of the volcano – or the Greek theatre, an ancient structure built in the 3rd century B.C.
Trip details
All Equity packages are tailor-made to suit the needs of our groups. Here are our standard package inclusions:
- Return travel by air (air packages include overseas airport transfer. Coach to UK airport from school is available as an optional extra)
- All security charges, airport and local taxes
- 1 free staff place for every 10 full paying passengers by air
- Half-board accommodation
- Excursions
- Full use of your coach in resort (this applies to coach groups only and is subject to EU drivers hours regulations)
- 24-hour emergency service support
- All travel documentation, luggage labels and resort information
- Lunches
- Meals en-route. While travelling to and from your destination you need to consider meals. These are not included in the package prices.
- Air passenger duty. Any paying passengers over the age of 16 at time of travel will be charged a small tax fee.
- Tourist tax
- Damage deposit
Prices are subject to change based on intended dates of travel and final numbers, the Equity team are here to offer you advice and guidance from start to finish, ensuring your school trip runs smoothly and is a great success.
Travel by: Air
Nearby airports: Naples International Airport (NAP), Vincenzo Bellini Catania Airport (CTA)
Best times to travel: May – September
Suggested tour length: 6 days, 5 nights
- Pompeii (Naples) – Investigate volcanic hazards near Vesuvius, alongside the impact on landscapes & settlements.
- Sicily – Study volcanic landforms, coastal processes and wetland ecosystems, with exceptional fieldwork opportunities.
- Sorrento – Explore the physical geography of the Sorrento Peninsula, from dramatic coastal landscapes to tourism.
- Spotlight on Sicily – Discover Sicily’s diverse landscapes & attractions, with ideas for building a varied school itinerary.
- All Geography School Trips – Browse our full collection of expertly planned geography school trips.
Geography School Trips from Naples to Sicily: Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Naples to Sicily itinerary ideal for geography students?
This itinerary combines some of Europe's most important volcanic landscapes with fascinating coastal, urban and cultural environments. Students can study active volcanoes, tectonic processes, tourism, sustainability and human geography all within one trip.
What geographical features can students investigate during the trip?
Students can explore active volcanoes including Mount Vesuvius, Stromboli and Mount Etna, alongside dramatic coastlines, lava fields, volcanic craters, coastal landforms and Mediterranean ecosystems.
How does visiting Mount Etna support geography learning?
As Europe's highest active volcano, Mount Etna provides an outstanding opportunity to study volcanic landforms, eruption history, monitoring techniques, hazard management and the impact of tectonic processes on local communities.
What can students learn from visiting Stromboli?
Stromboli is one of the world's most continuously active volcanoes. Students can observe ongoing volcanic activity and develop an understanding of volcanic hazards, risk management and the relationship between people and hazardous environments.
How does Pompeii help geography students?
The preservation of Pompeii offers a unique insight into the impacts of volcanic disasters. Students can explore how communities are affected by natural hazards and evaluate how volcanic events shape human settlements over time.
Is this trip suitable for both GCSE and A Level Geography?
Yes. The itinerary supports a wide range of specification topics including hazards, tectonic processes, coastal landscapes, sustainability, tourism, regeneration and place studies. Activities can be tailored to suit different age groups and curriculum requirements.
What fieldwork opportunities are available on this trip?
Students can undertake data collection, landscape analysis, coastal observations, environmental quality surveys, tourism impact assessments and hazard-management investigations throughout the itinerary.
How does the trip support learning about sustainability?
Students can investigate how destinations such as Sicily and the Bay of Naples balance tourism, conservation and economic development. They will examine challenges associated with protecting unique environments while supporting local livelihoods.
Why are southern Italy and Sicily important for studying tectonic activity?
The region lies in a geologically active area where the African and Eurasian plates interact. This makes it one of the best locations in Europe for understanding earthquakes, volcanic activity and associated hazard management.
What makes this geography trip memorable for students?
Few destinations offer the opportunity to walk on active volcanoes, explore the remains of an ancient city destroyed by an eruption, study spectacular coastal landscapes and experience diverse Mediterranean cultures within a single educational visit.
