Ophiolite Geology
Investigate rare oceanic crust rock found at mountain elevation.
Educational trip
Sicily: The Ophiolite Mystery
There's a rock on Mount Etna that has no business being there. Hunt for it, read the tectonic story it tells, then replant the slopes the volcano keeps reshaping.
From$1050 per person
Duration7 days, 6 nights
SubjectsGeology, Biology, Environmental Systems, Geography
LevelsHigh School (Grades 9-12)
Overview
About this journey
Conduct a scientific inquiry atop Mt. Etna to find a “stone that shouldn’t be there”. Students use the rare ophiolite rock — oceanic crust found at mountain peaks — to investigate Sicily’s tectonic history.
- Investigate ophiolite rock formations and what they reveal about tectonic history
- Study Mount Etna’s volcanic activity and geological processes
- Examine biodiversity adapted to volcanic and mineral-rich environments
- Practice field geology methods through hands-on rock and site analysis
Educational & Experiential
Learning-focused travel with real-world insights.
Tailored Programs
Customized journeys to fit your curriculum.
Expert-Guided Tours
Led by professionals for in-depth exploration.
Global Learning, Local Impact
Connecting travelers with communities sustainably.
Journey gallery
Moments from the journey
From volcanic outcrops on Mount Etna to hidden ophiolite formations, this journey turns Sicily’s geology into a hands-on scientific mystery.
Key themes
What students investigate
Discover how rare rock formations reveal the deep tectonic history hidden beneath Sicily’s volcanic landscape.
Volcanic Processes
Study Mount Etna's ongoing volcanic activity and its geological impact.
Volcanic Biodiversity
Examine species adapted to mineral-rich volcanic environments.
Field Geology Methods
Practice hands-on rock identification and site analysis techniques.
Edulux Compass
By participating in a native-tree replanting session on Etna's lower slopes to combat erosion after past eruptions; this journey contributes to SDG 15.
What's included
Sites and visits
- Mount EtnaEurope's highest active volcano, offering firsthand insight into volcanic processes and tectonic activity.
- Ophiolite Rock OutcropsRare exposures of ancient oceanic crust revealing the tectonic history beneath Sicily.x
- Alcantara GorgesSpectacular basalt canyons formed by ancient lava flows and river erosion, illustrating volcanic geology in action.
- Nebrodi ParkProtected natural landscape showcasing Sicily's diverse ecosystems and biodiversity across volcanic terrain.
- Catania CoastlineCoastal environment shaped by repeated volcanic eruptions, demonstrating the interaction between lava, land, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Explore and reserve
Ready to solve Sicily's geological mystery?
This journey turns Mount Etna into a hands-on field laboratory in tectonic geology.