School of life: 7 family adventures that prove the world really is a classroom
Learning doesn’t have to be dull. From the awesome geology of the Canyonlands to the ancient monuments of Jordan and Cambodia, these trips prove that travel is the best teacher
1: Study art in Italy
The ceiling in the Sistine Chapel (Dreamstime)
Foster a love of fine art in your family on this 8-day adventure through Italy’s cultural heartland with Intrepid.
Travelling through Northern Italy to Rome, you’ll encounter Italy’s most famous artistic achievements, not just in the galleries of Florence, but in the waterways of Venice and along the breathtakingly beautiful Ligurian coast as well. In Venice, your family can try their hand at mask making with a local atelier and learn about art on a hide and seek activity in Rome. Your kids can also brush up on the art of ancient combat at Gladiator school and dabble in the culinary arts too, with a pesto-making class in Cinque Terre.
Who:Intrepid
When: Departures Jul & Aug
How long: 8 days
How much: From £1,545
2: Geology in 3D in Canyonlands, USA
Family swimming in the canyon country of Utah (Dreamstime)
The exposed geology of the Canyonlands in the US is one of the most complex and diverse on the planet. On this epic family holiday with Grand American Adventures, your children can study formations dating from the Carboniferous period to the Cretaceous, as they tackle a host of fun outdoor activities in some of the most spectacular settings in the Southwest.
You and the kids will enjoy a half day kayaking trip on stunning Lake Powell, stay overnight in Monument Valley under a full sky of stars, and see the red rock deserts and bizarre rock formations of Bryce Canyon National Park. Geology has never been such fun.
When: Departures Jul & Aug
How long: 9 days
How much: From £1,549 (exc. flights)
3: Observe Darwin’s theory of Evolution in the Galapagos
Meeting a giant tortoise in the Galapágos (Dreamstime)
Looking to give your kids a crash course in exotic wildlife and the Theory of Evolution? What better place to visit than ‘Darwin’s test kitchen’, the Galápagos?
Over eight glorious days, you and your family will have the chance to snorkel, hike, kayak and swim the islands, having up-close-and-personal encounters with wildlife that your kids will remember for ever. You’ll also visit a giant tortoise breeding centre and the Charles Darwin Research Station, bringing context to the wonders your children have seen.
Who:G Adventures
When: Departures Mar, Apr, Jun-Aug & Dec
How long: 8 days
How much: £1,499
4: Experience a millennia of history in Jordan
Al Khazneh in Petra (Dreamstime)
Wander through the ancient stone city of Petra and follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia in Wadi Rum on this exhilarating family adventure through Jordan with Intrepid.
Following in the footsteps of Indiana Jones, you’ll explore the rose-coloured city of Petra with local guide to you tell its incredible story. You’ll camp in the middle of the desert in Wadi Rum under a blanket of stars. And float effortlessly in the salty waters of the Dead Sea, famous since biblical times. Your kids will also love playing gladiator in the ancient Roman city of Jerash and re-enacting more ancient epics in the crusader Kerak Castle. This is a trip where history across the ages is brought to life.
Who:Intrepid
When: Apr-May, Jun-Aug & Oct
How long: 8 days
How much: From £1,030 (exc. flights)
5: Get a physical education in Croatia
Kayaking in Croatia (Dreamstime)
Enjoy a week of fun activities on the beautiful Dalmatian coast in Croatia on this active family holiday with Explore.
Using a family-run pension as your base, you and the family with experience thrills of whitewater rafting Cetina River, sea kayaking off the coast near Brela and canyoning through caves and waterfalls of Gubavica. There is also time to discover Croatia’s historic sites like the pretty town of Trogir and the medieval pirate town of Omis. Or relax, by the pool, at your pension. It’s the ideal family holiday to Croatia.
Who:Explore
When: Departures Oct
How long: 8 days
How much: From £949 (exc. flights)
6: Study zoology on a Kenyan safari
Kids watching a rhino in Kenya (Dreamstime)
This family safari through Kenya with Wildlife Worldwide is a wonderful way to learn outside the classroom, giving your kids a chance to view some amazing wildlife, walk with Masai warriors, identify tracks and unravel the mysterious sounds of the savannah at night.
Ideal for young explorers, the itinerary visits some of Kenya’s finest wildlife reserves, staying in small exclusive family-friendly camps and lodges. Wildlife viewing is from your own private 4-wheel drive vehicle, and activities include adopting an elephant with a private viewing at the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, walking with Masai warriors and learning bush skills and Masai traditions.
When: Flexible departures through the year
How long: 10 days
How much: From £4,995 (exc. flight) child from £2.695 (exc. flight)
7: Real life religious studies in Vietnam and Cambodia
Young monks at Angkor Was (Dreamstime)
In South East Asia, religion is still an everyday part of life – with saffron-robed monks seeking alms and locals using colourful offerings to decorate shrines. Your family will experience it all on this 15-day adventure through Vietnam and Cambodia with Intrepid.
It’s a journey that will take you across Indochina from Hanoi to Siem Reap, visiting Halong Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh and Angkor. This trip takes in beaches, historic sites, bustling cities and beautiful rice paddies, but it is the Khmer complex at Angkor Wat you’ll remember most. A three-day pass gives you and your family plenty of time to explore this staggering site, discovering hidden nooks and crannies, straight out of an Indiana Jones movie.
Who:Intrepid
When: Dec, Jan, Apr, Jul, Aug & Oct
How long: 15 days
How much: From £1,795 (exc. flights) Child £1,616 (exc. flights)
