Pupils from EIFA International School in London enjoyed a culturally enriching trip to Venice and Verona with Diverse School Travel. Art curriculum lead, Philippe Sibelly reports back.
In May, our middle school pupils enjoyed an unforgettable educational trip to Venice and Verona, immersing themselves in the rich culture, art, and history of northern Italy. Over the course of the journey, they experienced two very different yet equally fascinating cities, each offering unique insights into Italy’s artistic heritage, architectural beauty, and enduring traditions.
The adventure began in Venice, a city unlike any other, built on water and shaped by centuries of trade, creativity, and cultural exchange. As pupils travelled by boat through the city’s famous canals, they were immediately struck by Venice’s distinctive atmosphere and breathtaking views. The group explored the city on foot, crossing elegant bridges and discovering hidden squares while learning about Venice’s history as a powerful maritime republic.
School: EIFA International School, London
Subjects: Art and English
KS: 3
Number of pupils: 21
A highlight of the Venice visit was the opportunity to admire the timeless cityscapes painted by Canaletto. Pupils learned how his detailed views of Venice captured everyday life in the 18th century and helped shape how the city was seen by the rest of Europe. This experience brought art history to life, as pupils compared the painted scenes with the real canals and buildings surrounding them.
The group also visited the Ca’ Pesaro Museum, where pupils encountered an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. Seeing works by renowned artists such as Auguste Rodin, Gustav Klimt, and Roy Lichtenstein encouraged thoughtful discussion about how artistic styles evolved over time and how artists express ideas in different ways. Pupils were particularly intrigued by the contrasts between classical sculpture and bold modern artworks, and many enjoyed sharing their personal interpretations.
Creativity took centre stage during a Venetian mask-making workshop, where pupils learned about the tradition of Carnival and the symbolism behind Venetian masks. Using their imagination and artistic skills, they designed and decorated their own masks, creating colourful and expressive souvenirs to take home. This hands-on activity was both enjoyable and educational, offering insight into one of Venice’s most famous cultural traditions.
The visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia was another memorable experience. Pupils explored masterpieces of Venetian painting, gaining a deeper understanding of how artists such as Titian and Veronese used colour, light, and storytelling in their work.
The journey then continued to Verona, a city rich in Roman history and literary fame. Pupils followed in the footsteps of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, learning about the historic rivalries between noble families that inspired the famous tragedy. Visiting key sites connected to the story helped pupils reflect on how literature can shape the identity of a city and endure across centuries.
“Our trip to Venice was so well organised! We never got bored and learnt a lot while having fun. I really liked the hotel where we stayed in the centre of Venice. It gave me the impression our middle school was one big family.”
Rayan, Year 7.
One of Verona’s most impressive landmarks, the Roman arena, left a lasting impression on the group. Pupils explored this remarkably well-preserved amphitheatre and learned about its original use for gladiatorial games. They were fascinated to discover that the arena is still used today for concerts and opera performances, demonstrating how ancient architecture continues to play a role in modern life.
Adding a light-hearted local touch to the visit, some pupils (and one enthusiastic teacher) proudly showed their support for the city’s football club, Hellas Verona. This moment highlighted the importance of sport in Italian culture and provided a fun opportunity for pupils to connect with local life beyond museums and monuments.
“The Venice trip was an amazing opportunity to learn outside of a classroom, and we learned a lot of new things. The food was amazing and I particularly enjoyed our guided Canaletto tour. It was the perfect trip with all my friends.”
Alma, Year 8.
Overall, the trip was a wonderful blend of discovery, creativity, and cultural appreciation. Pupils returned with lasting memories, new knowledge, and a deeper understanding of Italy’s artistic, historical, and literary treasures. The experience not only enriched their learning but also encouraged curiosity, independence, and a genuine enthusiasm for exploring the world beyond the classroom.
