Last updated: Jan 25th, 2024
Sicily, a land characterised by rugged landscapes, diverse peoples, rich history and a constantly active volcano: Mount Etna!
An ancient and spectacular geological entity, the fiery giant offers a glimpse into the titanic forces under Mother Nature’s sway, bringing the curriculum to life like nothing else and giving your students something they simply won’t ever forget. We’ve picked out a few standout excursions whilst visiting Etna too…
Check it out below!
As volcanoes go, Mount Etna is a breath-taking standout. Dominating the Sicilian skyline, its white-tipped peak is constantly active and is the highest in Europe, with a base circumference of 93 miles, square mile coverage of 600 and elevation of 3,300 metres – it’s a giant in every sense!
A marvel itself, Etna has created a plethora of awe-inspiring geological sights. The Alcantara Gorge, with stunning basalt geology and natural geometric patterns, is a direct consequence of river water plus Etna’s lava plus an epic timescale of thousands of years.
And with evidence indicating activity for millions of years, Etna’s mark is felt throughout the surrounding countryside and on its slopes too, with a complex and rich geography waiting to be discovered…
The flanks of the mountain are bursting with geographic tales, due in large part to the fertile volcanic soil. Agriculture plays a huge role, with vineyards, olive groves, citrus plantations, honey farms and orchards – that’s before you mention that the whole of Catania rests on the lower part.
Rich in forest, the mountain is covered in eruptive material, like ash, sand and fragments of lava. With guided treks around spots like the Piano Provenzana Lava Field a fantastic way for students to see, smell and touch the aftermath of volcanic episodes. Gorgeous, mesmeric, and a true piece of immersive education. You don’t get that in a textbook.
That agricultural abundance includes a shop bursting with delicious bee produce: honey!
Etna’s vast array of farming land is a prime space for pollenating bees to convene. Which means you and your students get a real taste of the product as well as understanding the process and journey from beehive to jar at Oro d’Etna Honey Shop & Factory.
A taste of Sicily, straight from the source.
Deep in sprawling vistas and geographic aspects, there’s space for immersive excursions that don’t include trekking (your students are already thanking you!)
Enjoy a scenic journey up Etna Sud in cable cars then meet Jeeps specifically designed to get the most out of the rugged terrain – getting you near to the crater height!
When there, you’ll be gripped by compelling Alpine Guides – or our very own Field Study Tutors – stuffed with Etna knowledge.
Volcanoes are utterly mesmeric and usually the most sought-after geographic experience for schools looking to immerse and engage their students. On Sicily, instead of an extinct eruptive mountain or volcanic complex, you get the constantly active and cinematic Mount Etna.
It’s right there igniting real shock and awe. Truly a lifetime moment.
The best part is we can tailor-make your Sicilian school trip to include this giant of Mother Nature. Discover the vast landscape of Etna, it’s volcanic features, agricultural uses and how humans interact with the land.
Impactful, immersive and utterly magnificent – let’s chat Sicily. Let’s chat Mount Etna.
Let's Chat Sicily
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