Geography Field Trips to Sicily and Naples

Day 1: ARRIVAL (D)

Arrive at Catania Airport, where you will be greeted by your driver and transferred to your hotel in the Catania/Giardini Naxos area, the perfect starting point for exploring eastern Sicily. Depending on your arrival time, explore the dynamic city of Catania, which offers a fascinating case study in urban environments shaped by volcanic activity, or enjoy a panoramic coach tour along the Cyclops Riviera, renowned for its dramatic coastal cliffs and volcanic formations.
Enjoy a welcome dinner and overnight stay in the Catania/Giardini Naxos area.

Day 2: MOUNT ETNA & TAORMINA (B, D)

After breakfast, embark on a day exploring Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Guided by experts, observe volcanic landforms, craters, and lava flows—real-world examples of Plate Tectonics, Volcanic Hazards, and Hazard Management Strategies. Continue your journey to Taormina, where you will tour the ancient Greek Theatre and enjoy panoramic views of Mount Etna and the coastline.
Return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: PALERMO, CEFALÙ & NAPLES (B, D)

After breakfast, travel to Palermo, the capital of Sicily, with a stop in Cefalù to explore its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Norman Cathedral. Continue to Palermo, where you’ll board an overnight ferry to Naples—an experience that allows students to reflect on the journey thus far while traveling along the coast. Enjoy dinner onboard and prepare for the next day’s adventure.

Day 4: NAPLES & POMPEII (B, D)

Arrive in Naples in the morning and start the day by exploring Mount Vesuvius, the infamous volcano that erupted in 79 AD, burying Pompeii. Ascend to the summit for sweeping views of the Bay of Naples and the ruins below. Next, visit the preserved city of Pompeii, learning about the eruption’s devastating effects and how the city’s remains provide valuable insights into Roman life.
Transfer to your hotel on the Sorrento Peninsula for a well-earned rest and dinner.
DAY 5:

Day 5: DEPARTURE (B)

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to explore Sorrento, known for its charming streets, stunning views of the Bay of Naples, and rich cultural heritage. Depending on your flight time, you may visit additional local sights or do some last-minute shopping. Later, meet your coach for a smooth transfer to Naples Airport for your return flight home.

Sicily and Naples Geography Excursions

Mount Etna

Experience Europe’s highest and most active volcano, observing its craters, lava flows and unique landscapes shaped by volcanic activity. Learn about tectonic processes, geothermal energy and how communities adapt to living in a volcanic environment.

Taormina’s Greek Theatre

Visit the ancient Teatro Antico di Taormina, set against a backdrop of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Explore how its strategic location and architecture reflect both cultural heritage and the use of the surrounding landscape.

Palermo

Discover Sicily’s vibrant capital, where centuries of history and diverse influences are visible in its architecture, street markets and harbour. Consider how geography has shaped trade, culture and urban development.

Mount Vesuvius

Climb to the summit of one of the world’s most famous volcanoes and take in panoramic views of the Bay of Naples. Study volcanic landforms, eruption history and risk management strategies in the surrounding region.

Pompeii

Walk through the remarkably preserved Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Gain insight into ancient urban planning, daily life and the impact of volcanic hazards on human settlements.

Cefalù

Explore the coastal town of Cefalù, with its medieval streets, historic cathedral and sweeping bay. Examine the relationship between coastal geography, tourism and the preservation of cultural landmarks.

Cannolo Cooking Class, Taormina

Enjoy a fun, hands-on cultural experience learning to make traditional Sicilian cannoli. Discover the history of this iconic dessert, prepare the crispy pastry shells, fill them with fresh ricotta and compare flavours with regional variations.