Top 5 destinations for cross-curricular trips

Iceland

First on our list is the Land of Fire and Ice! With its breath-taking glaciers and thundering waterfalls, Iceland is a geographer’s utopia. However, it’s not just an ideal location for geography – the country is also great for those studying science or art and photography.

By combining these three subjects, your group will have an exhilarating, jam-packed itinerary filled with both educational and cultural excursions!

Wondering what excursions your students may visit – and how they tie into each subject’s curriculum? Here are some great examples:

• Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant – Explore how this power plant utilises the geothermal energy of the steam reservoirs to produce both electricity and hot water. This excursion is ideal for those studying geography and science!
• Skogafoss Waterfall – Visit one of Iceland’s largest and most iconic waterfalls. Students can investigate erosion, weathering, and the water cycle in geography; explore ecosystems in science; and capture the waterfall’s dramatic scenery through photography, sketching, and landscape studies in art.
• LAVA Centre – The Lava Centre is an interactive, high-tech exhibition exploring the volcanic activity, rift systems, glaciers, and landscapes that have shaped Iceland over millions of years. Ideal for geography students studying tectonic processes and physical landscapes, it also supports Science learning around Earth systems, while providing inspiration for Art and Photography students through its striking environments and unique natural features.

Italy

Italy is another brilliant option for a cross-curricular school trip! Known for its expansive history, stunning Roman architecture, and Mediterranean charm, schools can mix and match an array of subjects when visiting Italy.

This country offers many stand-out cities and regions, from the grandiose capital city that is Rome to the dreamy, lively canals of Venice.

Whether your group wants to study food technology, art, textiles, classics, religious studies, history, geography, or business studies & economics, Italy has it all! Here are some fantastic excursions to discover:

• Pompeii – Explore the remarkably preserved ancient Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Ideal for history and classics students studying Roman life, while also supporting geography and science through the study of volcanoes and natural hazards.
• Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill – Discover the heart of Ancient Rome and learn about Roman civilisation, politics, and engineering. This excursion is perfect for history, classics, and religious studies, while also inspiring art students through its iconic architecture.
• Uffizi Gallery in Florence – Home to world-famous Renaissance masterpieces, the Uffizi Gallery is ideal for art students studying artistic techniques and influential artists, while also providing valuable historical context for history
• Museum of Fabrics & Costumes and Galleria dell’Accademia – Discover Italian fashion, textiles, and Michelangelo’s iconic David. This visit is ideal for textiles, fashion, and art, while also offering insight into Renaissance culture and history.

France

A fantastic close-to-home option, France is an excellent destination for a cross-curricular school trip. From the iconic landmarks of Paris to the historic beaches of Normandy and the picturesque Opal Coast, France offers a wealth of educational experiences across a range of subjects.

Whether your group is studying French, history, art, photography, science, food technology, or religious studies, France has something to inspire every student. Find some great options below:

• Chocolaterie de Beussent-Lachelle – Discover the journey of chocolate from cocoa bean to finished product. This visit is ideal for Food Technology students exploring food production and manufacturing, while also supporting Business Studies through insights into artisanal production and local enterprise.
• Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur Basilica & Sketching and Photography at Sunset – Wander through Paris’ famous artistic district and visit the iconic basilica overlooking the city. Perfect for art and photography students seeking creative inspiration, whilst French students can immerse themselves in the local culture and language.
• Menin Gate & Last Post Ceremony – Experience the moving daily ceremony honouring those who lost their lives during the First World War. This excursion is ideal for history students
• Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie – One of Europe’s largest science museums, offering interactive exhibits on technology, engineering, space, and innovation. Ideal for science students, with engaging hands-on learning experiences.

Germany

Fourth on the list is Germany, a brilliant destination for school groups looking to combine culture, history, and innovation. From the vibrant capital of Berlin to historic Munich and the scenic Rhineland, Germany offers a wide range of educational experiences across numerous subjects.

Whether your group is studying German, history, business studies and economics, religious studies, or art, Germany has plenty to offer. Find some great options below:

• DDR Museum – Explore everyday life in former East Germany through interactive exhibits that bring the Cold War to life. Ideal for history students studying post-war Europe, while also supporting the German language through insights into Germany’s divided past.
• Nuremberg – Visit the historic city famous for its medieval architecture and its role in the aftermath of the Second World War. Students can explore the Nuremberg Trials, making this an excellent excursion for historians, whilst German students gain valuable cultural and language experience.
• Cologne Cathedral – Discover one of Germany’s most iconic Gothic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This visit is ideal for religious studies, history, and art, allowing students to explore medieval architecture, Christian heritage, and artistic craftsmanship.
• BMW Welt Guided Tour – Go behind the scenes of one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers to learn about innovation, production, and sustainability. Perfect for Business Studies, Economics, Engineering, and Design & Technology, offering insight into global manufacturing and modern business operations.

Spain

Bringing our list to a close is Spain, an exciting destination that offers school groups the perfect blend of culture, history, language, and unforgettable experiences.

Whether your group is studying Spanish, art, religious studies, food technology, geography, or business studies, there are plenty of inspiring excursions to enhance their learning. Here are just a few highlights:

• Sagrada Família – Visit Antoni Gaudí’s extraordinary basilica, renowned for its striking architecture and intricate symbolism. This iconic landmark is an excellent choice for art and religious studies students, while also giving Spanish learners a deeper appreciation of the country’s cultural heritage.
• Museo Nacional del Prado – Home to an outstanding collection of European masterpieces, the Prado Museum allows students to discover works by celebrated artists such as Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. A must-visit for art students, it also offers valuable insight into Spain’s history and culture.
• Chocolate Making Workshop at Museu de la Xocolata – Combine learning with creativity by discovering the history of chocolate before making your own delicious creations. This interactive experience is ideal for food technology students and provides a fun opportunity to practise Spanish in a real-world setting.
• La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park Guided Walk – Experience one of Europe’s most impressive volcanic regions on a guided walk-through ancient lava flows and volcanic cones. Perfect for geography students studying physical landscapes, ecosystems, and conservation, whilst also encouraging language development through cultural immersion.
• Camp Nou Experience (subject to stadium availability during redevelopment) – Discover the story behind one of the world’s most famous football clubs with a tour of FC Barcelona’s legendary stadium. This excursion is particularly well suited to business studies and sports students, offering an insight into global branding, marketing, and the business of elite sport.