The Volcanoes Of Italy

Volcanoes are impressive, spectacular and have a profound effect on life on Earth. Visits included Pompeii, the historic city near Naples devastated by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD. Today Vesuvius rises above Naples and although lying dormant, may erupt again one day. Students travel down to Sicily by sleeper train to stay on the Island of Stromboli to visit the one of three active volcanoes in Italy. The whole group climb to the top of Stromboli at night to see it erupt as this volcano regularly throws out rocks and lava for viewing by tourists and students were in awe of this spectacular show! This trip also visits Mount Etna, Europe’s largest volcano, we will stay at the bottom and catch a cable car to the top. The old lava flows and effects of previous eruptions can be seen in the surrounding landscape, making it a fascinating area. All three volcanoes behave completely differently and students learn about cause and effects of volcanic activity as well as improving their Italian.

Activities: ascending to the summit of a volcano, swimming in crystal clear waters and playing on black sandy beaches, enjoying typical Italian food, hiking and exploring the volcanic landscape around Etna, visiting the ancient site of Pompeii and taking a relaxing boat trip around the Island of Stromboli.

Educational focus: Italian Language; students practice their Italian every day for shopping, ordering meals or speaking to guides. Geography; the structure of volcanoes and the importance of eruptions on people’s life. The History of Pompeii. PE; hiking, swimming, improving co-ordination and confidence. A life skills programme with an individual education plan (I.E.P) is offered throughout the program.