After Class Activities

Our program allows you plenty of time to discover your new country, culture, traditions and everyday life after your class is over.

Examples of typical cultural opportunities: weekly seminars covering a variety of subjects from Italian literature and poetry to Sicilian-specific subjects including history, politics, cuisine, etc.

Popular excursions include: theater performances and concerts, beaches, local cuisine, Greek theater, picturesque villages, Mount Etna, boat trips, festivals etc.

The entire region is also known worldwide for its traditional food and the very particular type of rich red wine made from the uve grown on Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe.

The region around the town offers many opportunities for exploring the coastline with its many inlets, sea caves, mediterranean vegetation and beaches. If you prefer sports, windsurfing, scuba diving, mountain biking, hill climbing, rafting, swimming are all available.

There are several trails leading down to the sea and up to the picturesque village of Castelmola, and to the top of the highest mountain in the area, Monte Venere, where one of the three Greek Venus temples is rumored to have been.

Valle dei Templi:

The temples of the Valle dei Templi at Agriganto, are really well preserved and well worth a visit if you have time.

Greek Theatre:

The Greek Theatre at Syracuse (where there is also a Roman Amphitheatre).

Temple of Apollo:

The vast Temple of Apollo at Selinunte.

Norman Cathedral at Monreale:

The Norman Cathedral at Monreale, containing an acre and a half of dazzling mosaics, and the Byzantine cliff dwellings at Cava de Ispica near Modica.

Palermo:

The capital, Palermo, is a splendid city in a grand style and full of remarkable architecture, particularly Norman and Baroque. Notable buildings include the Martorana, Santa Maria di Gesa,San Giuseppe dei Teatini and San Cataldo churches, the Cathedral and the Palazzo dei Normanni. The catacombs at the Capuchin Monastery contain thousands of mummified bodies.

Catania and Mount Etna:

Catania is a spacious city dating mostly from the 18th century, having been rebuilt following a succession of earthquakes. Europe's largest and most active volcano, Mount Etna, is also nearby and sports a few fine beaches.

Aeolian Islands:

This group of attractive small islands is popular for its crystal clear waters ideal for diving and fishing, and stunning beaches of hot black sand and rocky outcrops. Accommodation is traditionally simple, although there are some excellent hotels.