Best performing arts destinations for schools
For us Brits, Europe is one of the best performing arts destinations for schools, because it’s intrinsically linked with art and culture.
The romance, the language, the drama… Europe is the perfect destination for a performing arts trip!
Our workshops are designed by professional dance and drama production companies and we often bring out West End performers as our tutors.
With inspiring, exciting and creative opportunities available for your students. At Activ4 we provide all the ingredients for a successful school performing arts trip. We strive to make your itineraries as full as possible so that you make the most of your time.
Below find some of our top Best performing arts destinations for schools in Europe:
Gaudi Architecture, Barcelona
Barcelona and the Costa Brava
“We crossed spacious streets, with building resembling palaces, in La Rambla promenade; the shops were well illuminated and there was movement and life… I did not decide to go to sleep, even though I wished to, so I could rise early and contemplate, in daylight, this city, unknown to me: Barcelona, capital of Catalonia.” – Hans Christian Andersen
The sunny Costa Brava in Spain is popular with schools due to its child-friendly feel, its beautiful weather, palm-lined beaches and good group hotels! We mainly locate our groups in Platja d’Aro. It’s a modern, cosmopolitan town to the South-East Girona which neighbours the elegant town of S’Agaró. This fabulous beachside town also boasts a wonderful historic town centre, which has preserved its medieval charm. The area offers a fabulous holiday experience for school groups, with so much to offer… a beautiful natural setting, culture, leisure, sport and best of all, a delightful seafront location, with an impressive, endless beach, and idyllic little bays.
Nearby you have excellent local studios such as Tipi Park, and the Palau de Congressos to rehearse at. Here you can choose workshops with our renowned UK tutors, local dance sessions in Flamenco or Salsa.
Close to Barcelona, groups will spend the day exploring this fascinating, architectural wonder. This buzzing city is truly exhilarating, and has incredible artists such as Picasso, Miró and Dali. But the shining light of Barcelona has to be its very own Antoni Gaudí whose work can be found throughout the city.
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Venice
Venice, Verona and the Veneto
“It is the city of mirrors, the city of mirages, at once solid and liquid, at once air and stone.” – Erica Jon
Say “ciao” to the North of Italy on your next trip abroad! The city boasts art, culture, amazing Italian cuisine, and most importantly – fantastic performing arts opportunities. The Veneto is the perfect destination to explore for your students. Our fabulous partner in the Veneto, the Bella Italia Village, is located just steps from a fine sandy beach, and boasts a 60-hectare pine grove plus rooms to rehearse to your hearts content! The nearby town of Lignano Sabbiodore also offers plenty of spaces to performing to the welcoming Italian public.
During your stay, you will also get inspired by one of the worlds’ most unique cities, the canalled lagoon of Venice. A listed World Heritage site, the heart of Venice has so much to offer including the ‘Basilica di San Marco’ overlooking the heart of Venice. The Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs and Doge’s Palace are all iconic scenes in this city. You may also opt to finish your day in Venice with a ride on a traditional Gondola cruising along the Venetian canals.
However that’s not all! A trip to the Veneto offers another city visit which is a definite winner for Performing Arts groups. The fair city of Verona exudes romance, with from the complete Roman Amphitheatre which dates back to AD30 to Juliet’s famous balcony. Feel Shakespeare’s presence around the city and maybe even enact a scene or two!
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Performing Arts trips to Italy
Lake Garda
Milan and the Italian Lakes
“Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life.” – Anna Akhmatova
Italy makes our list of the best performing arts destinations for schools twice! The Lake Garda region is ideal for students. It has stunning views, a mild climate and a wide range of things to see and do!
The nearby stylish city of Milan is globally recognised as the Capital of Fashion and Design, and the culture is second to none. At the world famous Teatro alla Scala, the Milan Opera House, we offer a fantastic behind-the-scenes tour of the building. Visit the design workshops, practice rooms orchestra pit and more, ending up in its museum. We also ensure plenty of time to see the world-renowned Quadrilatero d’Oro shopping area. A district that features 4 full streets of Designer boutiques to wander around.
Lake Garda also include a short journey to Verona, meaning this can be included in a visit – as can some of the local theme parks which are among the best in Europe!
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Performing Arts trips to Italy
The Acropolis Parthenon, Athens
Athens, Greece
“Athens, the eye of Greece, mother of arts and eloquence.” – John Milton
Ancient Greece is the bedrock of all theatre and performance that we see today. Athenians have been creating comedies and tragedies all the way back to the sixth century! Key dramatic terms like ‘episode’, ‘hubris’, ‘catharsis’ and ‘plot’ all derive from ancient Greece. So this trip is the perfect way to get back to the roots of performing arts with a visit to Athens: the city with 148 theatres.
Just over an hour from Athens, many of our groups choose to stay in the seaside resort of Loutraki, a vibrant area with plenty of spaces to perform! The 3 and a half kilometer central pebble beach has glorious crystal water and there’s always the option for a team-building watersports session. Best of all, the Loutraki sunsets are known as some of the most beautiful sunsets in Greece. Your hotel features onsite dance and rehearsal spaces.
We also like to include a stop at Argolida – in our opinion one of the most picturesque towns in Greece! This old city looks like a postcard with cascading flowers, Turkish fountains, and a beautiful central Square featuring serene mosques and cafes you will never want to leave! Immerse yourself in its history by exploring its military past and St. Spyridon church where Kapodistrias, the first governor of Greece, was assassinated!
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Performing Arts trips to Greece – coming soon!
Arc de Triomphe, Paris
Paris, France
“A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of Life.” – Thomas Jefferson
Has any city ever encapsulated the romance and drama that Paris does? An all-seasons destination, you can expect balmy, summer evenings but even grey clouds and drizzle is glamourous on Parisian streets!
An inspiration to artists such as Dalí, Manet, Matisse, Monet, Picasso and Van Gogh, Paris’ dramatic backdrop of iconic architecture. The scent of delicious bread, pastries and cheeses on the air is sure to inspire students!
Home of the incredible Eiffel Tower, the majestic Arc de Triomphe leading to the sweeping shopping haven for the rich and fabulous – the Champs-Élysées. Paris feels like you are starring in your very own film from the get-go. With our range of professional workshops, a choice of fantastic accommodation and a range of performance venues, France will steal your heart. As the closest destination to the UK makes it accessible and manageable.
Want to spoil your students? With Disneyland Paris on the doorstep, we can provide tickets for the two parks in one day to really get value for money.
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Interested in learning more about any of the above? Read more about our performing arts trips or contact us today for a bespoke quote!
