Explore Stunning Sicily: The Perfect Destination for An Amazing High School Trip

Sicily is the perfect destination for an amazing high school trip. Ancient Greek ruins blend seamlessly with medieval castles on this largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Here you’ll find stunning natural beauty, a robust history, and a rich culture to explore.

And while Sicily is a treasure trove of culture and learning, it won’t cost your group a fortune! A week in Sicily -including air, hotel, meals, workshops, attractions, and transfers – may just be priced lower than some of the big theme parks!

Immersive Cultural and Educational Opportunities

Sicily is a charming spot that positively exudes traditional Italian life. Narrow cobblestone streets are lined with family-run trattorias, local artisanal shops, and cafes that smell like heaven!

Students can wander through quaint marketplaces while sampling bold and flavorful cuisine. Or perhaps they’ll chat with local artists about their work. Here the locals are friendly, and the food is phenomenal.

Sicily is also steeped in a history that allows students to connect with the past. Here at the crossroads of empires every site tells its own story. They’ll find the influence of Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Normans in the region’s art, architecture, and music.

Just like a great Sicilian pizza, let’s “dig in” to some of the amazing things your students can do!

Uncover the Past at Palermo and Monreale

Palermo is truly a city with a rich and varied pedigree. Prehistoric settlements here are believed to date back to 8000 BCE, but the first notable civilization was Phoenician – dating from 800 – 500 BCE.

During the next centuries Ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Arabs called the city home, leaving their marks throughout.

Cathedral of Palermo

The Cathedral of Palermo is a brilliant example of Norman architecture in Sicily. It was built in 1184 by the Normans as a re-converted Christian church on the site of a Muslim Mosque – which was previously built over a Christian basilica.

The Cathedral is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a long history of royal coronations and burials including former emperors and monarchs of Sicily like Henry VI, Frederick II and Sicily’s first king, Roger II.

Teatro Massimo

The Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele is the largest opera house in Italy and the third largest in Europe. Renowned for its perfect acoustics, the high Neoclassical venue opened in 1897 after 22 years of construction.

Quattro Canti Square

Quattro Canti Square (also known as Piazza Vigliena) is a magnificent, Baroque-style square at the heart of Palermo’s historic center. It was completed in 1620 under Spanish rule and remains one of Palermo’s most popular landmarks.

Palazzo dei Normanni (The Norman Palace)

When the Normans arrived in Palermo in 1072, reconstruction and growth of the city began in earnest. This work included transforming the existing fortress into the Royal Palace, home to King Roger II.

Today the Norman Palace still stands as an iconic landmark and one of the oldest royal residences in Europe. It is a breathtaking meld of architectural styles and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Fountain of Shame

Built in 1554-55, the late Renaissance-style Fountain of Shame dominates nearly all of Piazza Pretoria in the historic center. The massive, multi-level fountain was originally commissioned for a private Tuscan villa and was considered scandalous in its day.

Not only does it include a multitude of nude figures but it was considered a monumental waste of money by the people, who were plagued by famine and difficult living conditions.

Opera dei Pupi

Experience the traditional Sicilian puppetry that became popular with the working classes in the early 1800s at the Opera dei Pupi. Marionettes perform stories based on medieval literature and are often accompanied by music box music.

UNESCO has recognized the Opera dei Pupi as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Monreale Cathedral

Monreale Cathedral in Monreale is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the greatest examples of Norman architecture in Italy. It combines Norman, Byzantine, Italian, and Saracen styles and the interior is covered in mosaics (including one of the largest in the world.)

Street Food Tours

Once your students have explored the historic highlights in Palermo and Monreale, they can get a taste of authentic Sicily on one of Palermo’s famous street food tours!

Get A Little Salty at the Marsala Salt Pans and Mozia

The Marsala Salt Pans have been producing salt in western Sicily for nearly 3000 years. They are the oldest operating plantations on the island, using ancient methods to extract salt (known as the white gold of Sicily) from the water.

The pans are part of the Stagnone Nature Reserve and are one of the most important wetlands on the planet.

Not only will students love learning about the process of harvesting salt, but they’ll also appreciate the magnificent landscapes and views. The vibrant pinks of the salty waters pop against the stark white of the salt pans and the deep blue-green jewel tones of the Mediterranean. And at the end of the day, they’ll experience one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world!

Mozia on the tiny island of San Pantaleo is a really cool stop. During the 8^th century it was a coveted strategic spot and one of the most important Phoenician settlements. Today Mozia is one of the world’s best preserved Phoenician sites.

Stop in Syracuse

Ear of Dionysius

The Ear of Dionysius is not your average tourist attraction! It’s a manmade cave carved from limestone in a human ear-like shape. Legend has it that Dionysius, who ruled Syracuse in the 4^th century BCE used the cave as a prison. If he stood above, the cave’s unique ability to amplify sound would carry a prisoner’s voice up to Dionysius, who would stand above listening.

Try it with your students by tearing a sheet of paper – they’ll be amazed at its echo effect!

Piazza Duomo

Ortigia is a tiny island connected to Syracuse by two bridges. It measures barely a half square mile but boasts one of the most beautiful squares in all of Italy – Piazza Duomo.

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Piazza Duomo epitomizes the city’s Baroque reconstruction after the earthquake of 1693. Surrounded by palatial buildings with exquisitely ornate facades, the white limestone only adds to the plaza’s regal feel.

Visit the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento

At the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, students will be awed by the well-preserved ancient Hellenic temple ruins.  This impressive group includes the temples of the gods, as well as the necropolis area and sanctuaries.

The Valley of the Temples is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing majestically among the flowering almond trees, an imposing tribute to Hercules, Zeus, Dioscuri, and a host of other Greek gods.

Make Time for Mount Etna

Be sure students have time to check out Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. They’ll experience the awesome power of nature firsthand when they see volcanic craters, lava flows, and unique species of animals and plants that live on these fertile volcanic slopes.

The steam and gases that are present offer a lesson in plate tectonics and volcanic activity – forces that are constantly at work shaping the earth. Not surprisingly, Mount Etna is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Tour the Town of Taormina

Taormina is a picturesque town perched high atop a hill overlooking the brilliant Ionian Sea. It is renowned for its postcard views, charming and colorful streets, Victorian gardens, and historic buildings and squares.

Theatre of Taormina

But perhaps most impressive is the Theatre of Taormina, an ancient Greco-Roman theatre that seems to sit on the edge of a sheer cliff and the town’s claim to fame. Dramatic performances and games have played out here in front of crowds of thousands since the 3^rd century BCE – and continue today!

And by the way… the Theatre of Taormina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 😉

Plan A Prestigious Performance

If performance is part of your high school trip plans, Sicily is an excellent choice! Music is a huge part of Sicilian life – traditional folk music, classical music (of course!), and even Italian jazz are just a few popular genres.

Orchestra Sinfonica Siciliana and the Brass Group

Palermo is also home to the Orchestra Sinfonica Siciliana (Sicilian Symphony Orchestra) and the Brass Group, a non-profit foundation that manages the Sicilian Jazz Orchestra and the Brass Group Jazz Museum. The foundation’s mission is to promote 20th century art and music, especially jazz and African American music.

The Brass Group is based in two of Sicily’s most distinguished spaces: the 16th century Monumental Complex of S. Maria dello Spasimo and the 17th century Regio Teatro S. Cecilia.

You can have your students play in a prestigious venue or take part in a once-in-a-lifetime workshop opportunity… the performance possibilities are endless!

Best Time of Year to Visit Sicily with Students

The ideal time for a school trip to Sicily is during the spring (April-May) or fall (September-October). The weather is picture perfect during these months and great for outdoor activities. Crowds are also smaller, giving you more time and space to explore.

What to Pack

Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a MUST for traipsing through ancient ruins or other outdoor activities in Sicily!

In addition, here are a few other essentials to consider:

• Layered clothing: The weather in Sicily can change quickly, so layers give you options.
• Sun protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are necessary to shield yourself from the strong Mediterranean sun.
• Backpack: A strong backpack is important for carrying your things during day trips and fun outings.
• Reusable water bottle: It’s vital to stay hydrated, especially when you are at outdoor sites.
• Adapter: Make sure to bring a European adapter for charging your electronic devices.

Guide to Packing for a Student Trip

Plan Your Adventure to Sicily with Kaleidoscope Adventures

Sicily is the perfect destination for an amazing high school trip. Its history, culture, arts and music, welcoming people, and accessible price point make it an adventure that your students will never forget!

For more than 30 years, Kaleidoscope Adventures has been the conduit for travel experiences that teach, inspire, encourage, and allow students to explore the world around them. Our pro team has countless ideas for a trip that’s just right for you.

We make it easy SO easy to plan your high school trip to Sicily…

• Expert planning team
• Online registration and payments
• Convenient crowdfunding options
• Impeccable customer service from start to finish
• Travel that exceeds your expectations

Click the link below for a free quote to get started!

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