During the Easter holidays 35 Year 10 geography students and 4 staff had a very early 3a.m. start from school, to take a flight from Heathrow to Rome.

After collecting our luggage from the airport, we met our driver who took us to the San Sebastiano Catacombs, for many this was a new experience of going underground and incredible to explore many of the underground tunnels which lie underneath the city. The dark narrow tunnels were once burial places for the many dead in the city however these have since been robbed of artefacts and bones but still remain as reminders of the past.

Leaving the Catacombs, we progressed to our first hotel on the outskirts of Rome, leaving our luggage here before taking a tram back to the city. On foot, we walked to the Spanish Steps, the celebrated Trevi Fountain and then on to the beautiful Piazza Navona to grab some pizza, gelato and a few souvenirs.

Then, once again climbing on a tram back to the hotel, everyone settled into their rooms before dinner. Sleep at last!

Day 2 was a big one. Back on the trams for the guided tour of the Colosseum, which was totally awe inspiring, then a spot of lunch…pizza for most!

The coach took us next to Sorrento where there was new accommodation, which overlooked the Mediterranean and had access to a beach and football pitch. The cabin type accommodation here was thoroughly enjoyed.

On day 3 we were up for an early breakfast, before heading up onto the slopes of the dormant Vesuvius for a guided walk in the Valley of Hell and a chance to see some inspiring views overlooking Naples and Pompeii where 8 million people live in the shadow of the volcano.

A short drive took us to the ancient city of Pompeii, where 7 metres of ash froze the city in time. It was difficult to not be totally taken by the sights of the houses, mosaics roads and amphitheatre.

Day 4 had a little more leisurely start, with a late breakfast, time to tidy up and then enjoy the beautiful surroundings before getting back on the coach, for our tour around a local organic farm with animals, oranges, lemons olives. Students had a go at making pizzas, followed by eating them! We were then taken by coach into Sorrento for last minute souvenirs for a very memorable trip. Last gelatos before Naples airport and back to school at midnight.

An action packed 4 full days!!