taly is one of the most significant educational destinations
in Europe, offering many exceptional sites of artistic, historical and architectural importance, from the inspirational art galleries of Florence to the amazing ruins of Pompeii. Groups cannot fail to experience a real sense of history and culture.
Our Italian programme gives you the opportunity to discover the fascinating Italian cities of Florence, Venice and Rome, and to experience the rich culture and language of this beautiful country.
Our multi-centre tours provide you with contrasting views of Italy, combining the impressive bustling cities with the relaxing atmosphere of the coastal resorts.
Our classical tour of Sicily reveals the rich archaeological treasures of this beautiful mediterranean island.
Founded in 811AD, Venice developed into an empire reaching its peak in the 15th Century. Today, this is one of the greatest art cities in the world, built on over 100 islands and connected by nearly 400 bridges. The exceptional setting of Venice threatens its very existence. To discover its treasures, you must take both to the water by vaporetto (water bus) and explore on foot.
Lido di Jesolo is the best known resort on the Venetian coastline, situated 48km north of Venice, with 16km of magnificent golden sands sloping gently into the sea.
This large fashionable Venetian resort is less than 50km from Venice and serves as an ideal base combining the leisure facilities of a well-established resort with the rich culture of the surrounding region. Lido di Jesolo is very Italian in style with a wide sandy beach and plenty of recreational activities. A major attraction of Lido di Jesolo is its proximity to Venice which can be reached by road or by waterbus across the lagoon from nearby Punta Sabbioni. The waterbus arrives spectacularly at St Mark's Square, the heart of Venice. From here you may explore Venice on foot or alternatively take a 'vaporetto' along the Grand Canal to view the glorious palazzi - or just meander and discover the Venice of the Venetians.
Lake Garda is Italy's largest lake enjoying a mild climate and a stunning Mediterranean landscape. Popular since Roman times when it was known as Il Benaco "beneficent lake", there are many vestiges of Roman settlement. Surrounding the lake are beautiful historic towns and villages. The region was greatly influenced by the Venetian Republic which ruled here from the 15th -16th centuries.
This sophisticated holiday destination offers not only culture, leisure and outstanding natural scenery, but enjoys a location allowing for day excursions to Verona, Venice and Milan. Excellent leisure facilities also abound including Italy's largest theme park Gardaland.
Capital of Tuscany, Florence is a compact beautiful city full of art treasures. The city particularly flourished during what has become known as the Renaissance period - three centuries of intense artistic and intellectual activity from the 13th to 16th Century. Modern day Florence reflects this artistic and cultural past in its abundance of paintings, sculpture, churches, palaces, architectural masterpieces and fine museums. Florence has been immortalised by such creative talents as Dante, Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
The Eternal City, Rome is the capital city of Italy and was once the capital of a vast Classical Empire. In this vibrant city the Modern, the Classical, the Renaissance and the Baroque blend harmoniously together. Rome is a mix of narrow back streets, pleasant piazzas, busy main streets, attractive parks and fashionable shops. Extensive excavations in the classical centre 'fire' the imagination.
The Vatican, a "city state within the city", is crowned by St Peter's, the monumental Basilica built to house the tomb of St Peter. Rome's prestigious past can be seen at every turn.
We are able to offer centrally located hotels in Rome or hotels in the beach resort of Fregene 35 kilometres from Rome.
This is a dramatic and beautiful coastline where steep rocks plunge into the sparkling Mediterranean sea. The region is rich with archaeological treasures as the area was settled first by the Greeks and then by the Romans. The Bay of Naples is dominated by the twin summits of Mount Vesuvius, one of the few active volcanoes in Europe. The volcano smothered Pompeii and Herculaneum nearly two thousand years ago preserving their treasures and a record of Roman daily life. Tourists have been attracted to this region since Roman times because of the mild climate and beautiful scenery and today visitors are lured by the abundant classical ruins.
Italy is bulging with priceless art treasures, breathtaking architecture, fine classical ruins and magnificent countryside. Consider a multi-centre tour to maximise your groups appreciation of the extraordinary riches and contrasts of this beautiful country. We offer a wide range of tours, by luxury touring coach, or by Air. Our standard selection of Multi-Centre Air tours includes a programme of excursions.
Rome & Bay of Naples
The most popular classical tour combination. The treasures of the capital city are combined with the scenery of the Bay of Naples. The abundance of classical and historical sites in both of these centres makes them a magnet for visitors and provide a unique educational experience for school parties. Choose to travel by luxury touring coach or by Air with a programme of coach excursions included.
Sicily
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean. It's shores are washed by three seas, the Tyrrhenian, Ionian and Central Mediterranean. Sicily is renowned not only for its beautiful and often dramatic scenery, fine beaches and rocky coves but for its fine archaelogical heritage. The island has had many different settlers throughout its past including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Normans and Saracens. STS's classical tour of Sicily includes the most important archaelogical sites and gives an insight into the rich history of the Mediterranean basin.
