{"id":16431,"date":"2021-02-16T08:34:37","date_gmt":"2021-02-16T08:34:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/solemar-academy.com\/?page_id=16431"},"modified":"2026-02-04T14:25:29","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T14:25:29","slug":"leisure-activities","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/solemar-academy.com\/en\/leisure-activities\/","title":{"rendered":"Leisure activities"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Leisure Activities on Your Study Holiday<\/span><\/h1>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”normal” color=”#ffffff”][vc_column_text]\n

How\u2019s this for an unforgettable Sicilian experience? Travel back to the time of Hercules, defy rumbling volcanoes, slip through small seaside villages, explore the mysterious Madonie Park on horseback, take flight on a paraglider, free as a bird\u2026<\/p>\n

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All this and more is waiting for\u00a0 you at our boutique Italian language school. We like to work hard, then play hard, because we know students learn so much more when they are stimulated by the culture<\/strong>, history<\/strong>, and traditions<\/strong> that make up our homeland of Sicily. With us your education won\u2019t be limited to vocabulary and grammar, but the whole Sicilian experience. We guarantee it!<\/p>\n

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Sicily<\/strong> is the perfect tourist destination, with so much more to offer than just sea and juicy lemons. There is something for everyone in its splendid ecosystem, whether you prefer smouldering volcanoes or peaceful, calm waters \u2013 and those who appreciate Italian cuisine are most definitely in the right place! Lovers of the arts, tradition, and archaeology need look no further: The Phoenicians, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, and Spaniards all left their mark on Sicily\u2019s colourful history.<\/p>\n

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Below you will find just some of the incredible optional leisure activities on your study holiday with us. And remember: we want your experience to be completely authentic<\/strong>. Forget big, stuffy coach buses and tour guides grimly brandishing umbrellas. You\u2019ll travel in small groups, visiting locally-recommended destinations at just the right time of day.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”16342″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1613121503431{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 30px !important;}”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<\/p>\r\n

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GUIDED TOURS<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n

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FOOD AND WINE<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n

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BOAT EXCURSIONS<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n

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NATURE<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n

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SPORT<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n

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ARCHAEOLOGY<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n

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Guided tours<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”normal” color=”#4f8797″ thickness=”3″][vc_single_image image=”15387″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1613041744903{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<\/p>\r\n

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Tour of Cefal\u00f9<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n

What we like to call our \u2018Semi-Serious Walking Tour of Cefal\u00f9\u2019, is offered as a welcome experience to new students every Monday and a great way to ease into the programme of leisure activities on your study holiday. Let Valerio or Giuseppe lead your way through the historic old town, pointing out secret history and local legends along the route.<\/p>\n

If that whets your appetite to discover more about Cefal\u00f9, take a look at this guide to the city<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<\/p>\r\n

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The Markets of Palermo<\/span><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n

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Palermo\u2019s markets are its cultural arteries: a huge, free-flowing supply chain not just for groceries but news and gossip, culture and art. You\u2019ll find beautiful fresh produce from the hills and sea alongside some fascinating antiques and curiosities.<\/p>\n

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As students of the city\u2019s history will readily understand, the atmosphere here is reminiscent of an Arabian souk and the secret to find what you\u2019re looking for is to rely on local people. This is a huge reason why our tour is so appreciated: Francesco, our guide, knows these markets like the back of his hand.<\/p>\n

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To get a flavour of Palermo, check out this video of one of the city\u2019s most unique and colorful characters, Rocky della Vucciria<\/strong>, a meusaro whose local streetfood staple has been keeping locals and tourists well fed for decades.<\/p>\n

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Finally we would like to remind you that the Solemar Academy is a proud member of Addiopizzo<\/a><\/strong>, the\u00a0 association of anti-mafia entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=DLlhhE1zCF0″ css=”.vc_custom_1613045556504{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<\/p>\r\n

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Palermo by night<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n

Our tour begins at dusk in the Kalsa district, following the streets around the Foro Italico and reaching the Piazza della Magione. This hub of summer nightlife was the birthplace of the city\u2019s famous pair of anti-mafia judges, Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino. We will stop for dinner at the famous Focacceria San Francesco<\/strong>, itself a symbol of the anti-mafia resistance. The owner, Fabio Conticello, is an old friend of ours, and always delighted to chat to our students about his work, experiences and the district\u2019s rich history.<\/p>\n

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After refuelling we will continue to make our way through the other three districts of the historic Old Town: Vucciria, Ballaro, <\/strong>and Capo<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Always a smash-hit with participants, this walking tour is led by our charming and infinitely knowledgeable guide, Thomas.\u00a0 His ability to be informative and hilarious in an impressive range of languages will showcase the city in all its color and vibrancy.<\/p>\n

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We are proud to confirm that our tour is a member of the anti-mafia association Addiopizzo<\/strong>.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<\/p>\r\n

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Food & Wine<\/span><\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”normal” color=”#4f8797″ thickness=”3″][vc_single_image image=”15557″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1613041754768{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<\/p>\r\n

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Cookery Classes<\/span><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n

Everyone knows that in Italy you eat plenty and very well, but the secret is that in Sicily you do so even more and even better! Even the Northern Italians cast envious glances at the variety of culinary traditions found on this Mediterranean Island. The complex and varied history of Sicily created (in every sense) a true melting pot for a cuisine which has produced unique and unmistakable dishes. This is no country for the junk food junkie!<\/p>\n

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Never mind photos and fridge magnets, what better way to share your language holiday experience with friends back home than to return with a mastery of a few choice Sicilian recipes? This Sicilian cookery course makes a wonderful addition to the leisure activities on your study holiday, and we guarantee these will impress any gathering.<\/p>\n

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In the traditional working class recipes of cucina povera, fish is preferred to meat (we\u2019re an island culture, after all) and seasonal fruit and vegetables are found in abundance. Hearty dishes and delicate flavours are often produced with a true \u2018zero-kilometre\u2019 mentality. What can be a weighty ecological undertaking in other regions and countries is just a way of life in Sicily!<\/p>\n

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Desserts and sweet treats could fill a whole extra chapter of our cookbook. Local ingredients, especially fruits and peels, mixed with a blend of Latin and Arabian traditions make typical Sicilian confectionery a bucket list item for the sweet-toothed.<\/p>\n

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To open a door into this vast, fascinating world, Solemar Academy organises cookery courses<\/strong> specially tailored to students of Italian. You\u2019ll start with an introduction to the history of the cuisine, continue by looking at the preparation of some carefully-selected dishes and build up, of course, to a magnificent dinner where we can taste our labours. Naturally, paired with the very best local wines!<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<\/p>\r\n

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Aperitivo with teachers<\/span><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n

The aperitivo<\/strong> is one of Italy\u2019s most important social rituals.<\/p>\n

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The formula is simple: some delicious early evening snacks, aglass of wine, a chilled beer or perhaps a spritz to accompany it, relaxing music in the background and lots of free-flowing conversation.<\/p>\n

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Every week Solemar Academy organises an aperitivo where students can mix with their teachers and the school\u2019s other staff in some of Cefal\u00f9\u2019s most popular spots. It\u2019s the easiest and most enjoyable way to get to know each other, practice a little conversational Italian, and – literally and metaphorically – melt the ice!<\/p>\n

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We only choose places where we like to go ourselves with friends, to enjoy good company and unwind after a long day\u2019s work.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<\/p>\r\n

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Boat excursions<\/span><\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”normal” color=”#4f8797″ thickness=”3″][vc_single_image image=”15382″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1613041764467{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<\/p>\r\n

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Coast to Coast<\/span><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n

Ahoy there! Set sail \u2013 in a first-rate motorboat – across the crystal-clear waters of the Sicilian Meditarranean. Stunning views and suntans are guaranteed on this most luxurious of Italian expeditions. Take in some of Sicily\u2019s greatest views from a unique vantage point.<\/p>\n

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The boat trip<\/strong> lasts about three hours, although this is flexible on request. Of course, we only sail when the sea is calm, and light refreshments are provided (we are Italians, after all!).<\/p>\n

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Passengerswho would like to swim, snorkel and discover some of our underwater sights can do so, too: Captain Fabrizio<\/strong> always has extra goggles, flippers, and snorkels for his guests. If you have your own equipment you\u2019re of course welcome to bring that, too.<\/p>\n

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Always a high point of our students\u2019 study holiday, the boat trip is not to be missed!<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<\/p>\r\n

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Aeolian Islands<\/span><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n

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\"Stromboli\"Secret coves, deserted beaches, waters of turquoise and active volcanoes \u2013 quite a day out, right?<\/p>\n

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The Aeolian Islands<\/strong> are a spectacular archipelago of paradise: even in a country as beautiful as Italy there\u2019s little to touch them. We guarantee that you\u2019ll return with enough photos to make your Instagram feed the envy of your friends for months!\u00a0 The Aeolians represent the raw, untamed side of Sicily\u2019s nature.<\/p>\n

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Trips to the islands leave almost every morning, with a length varying dependent on the route. The shortest and cheapest trip is the tour of Alicudi and Filicudi<\/strong>, the smallest islands. For this the boat sets sail in the early morning from Cefal\u00f9\u2019s small port and returns home in the late afternoon.<\/p>\n

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On Lipari and Vulcano<\/strong> secret coves and beautiful caves abound. On this excursion you can bathe in crystal clear tropical waters. With this itinerary the boat returns at sunset, just in time for dinner.<\/p>\n

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The longest trip includes the islands of Salina, Panarea and Stromboli<\/strong>, returning late at night (around 11pm). But this includes an unforgettable experience: a circumnavigation of the volcanic island of Stromboli at sundown, when the great rock is at its most active. You\u2019ll never forget the breathtaking sight of nature\u2019s most spectacular firework display – from a safe distance!<\/p>\n

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All excursions leave from the port of Cefal\u00f9 (a short walk from town), and operate between May and the end of October.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<\/p>\r\n

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Nature tours<\/span><\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”normal” color=”#4f8797″ thickness=”3″][vc_single_image image=”15432″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1613044617653{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<\/p>\r\n

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A Ramble through the Woodland of Guarneri<\/span><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n

Our very own Italian teacher Simona will accompany you on a discovery of the fantastic Guarneri woods<\/strong>, which stand just 8 km outside Cefal\u00f9. Let her help you discover the varied native vegetation of this exotic Mediterranean landscape, as you encounter cork oaks, holm oaks, wild pines, wild olive trees, a variety of animals of all sizes and plants of countless varieties.<\/p>\n

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You\u2019ll work up quite an appetite in that fresh hillside air, so this walk culminates in a tasting session of traditional Sicilian produce at the Serra Guarneri<\/strong> Environmental Education Centre.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<\/p>\r\n

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Undiscovered Sicily \u2013 Exploring the Madonie Park<\/span><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n

The medieval villages of the Madonie <\/strong>are our destination on this journey through the one of Sicily\u2019s most beautiful natural landscapes. Stretching from the beach at\u00a0 Cefal\u00f9 right up into all the way to the highest mountain range in Sicily, where you can even ski and snowboard in the winter months.<\/p>\n

\"nature\"<\/p>\n

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Our driving tour takes you into the Undiscovered Sicily through the stunning towns of Geraci Siculo, Gratteri,\u00a0 Castelbuono and Pollina<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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In Castelbuono<\/strong> you can sample the award-winning panettone of the Fiasconaro bakery, judged the best in Italy by more than one jury, as well as other local delicacies like manna, the moreish, treacle-like resin that locals named after the legendary nectar of the gods. Take in the princely castle of Ventimiglia, recently restored and opened to the public.<\/p>\n

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The tour continues with a visit to the stately baroque chapel of St. Anne<\/strong>. In Gratteri, you get to enjoy not only the breathtaking panoramas and the fortress which once protected this hilltop town, but the spectacular caves.<\/p>\n

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The last stop is usually at the gorgeous village of Pollina<\/strong>, a typical Madonie community made especially memorable by sprawling sea views and the remarkable outdoor amphitheatre which has been carved out of the rock itself. Truly an unbeatable backdrop!<\/p>\n

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Another option to enjoy in the summer months is the dramatic gorge named the Gole di Tiberio<\/strong>. Even many locals aren\u2019t fully aware of the majesty of this truly special place. Take a refreshing dip in some of the cleanest spring water you\u2019ll ever find, as it winds through the mountainside.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<\/p>\r\n

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Sport and The Great Sicilian Outdoors<\/span><\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”normal” color=”#4f8797″ thickness=”3″][vc_single_image image=”15367″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1613042473366{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<\/p>\r\n

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Soft Trekking<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n

You\u2019re not the type to spend your study holiday soaking up the sunshine on our beautiful seafront? Looking for a more dramatic form of exercise than a few strokes in our crystal-clear waters? Then Soft Trekking<\/strong> through the majestic Madonie is the right thing for you.<\/p>\n

\"nature\"We start our trek from the medieval village of Gratteri<\/strong>, where our expert guide, Dario, will tell you a little about the area\u2019s past.<\/p>\n

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From there we will hike the path that leads to the historic ruins of the Abbey of San Giorgio<\/strong> and the impressive Rock of Monaco\u2026 Can you guess where it got this unusual name?<\/p>\n

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Continuing along the 12km route, you will pass through a beautiful forest of ancient cork trees and discover the old cottages of the shepherds who once tended this land.<\/p>\n

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The tour comes full circle back to Gratteri \u2013 but the adventure is not over! There will still be time to visit the spectacular Gratteri caves, a magical site where the power and elegance of Sicilian nature are on full display.<\/p>\n

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Taking one last chance to drink in the views of the valley, we enjoy a well-deserved glass of local wine<\/strong> as the sun goes down.<\/p>\n

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And finish it off, the tour includes a hearty dinner of delicious local fare including pizzas and Sicilian cannoli.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<\/p>\r\n

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Archaeology<\/span><\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”normal” color=”#4f8797″ thickness=”3″][vc_single_image image=”16365″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1613042134741{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<\/p>\r\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1613125538036{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 30px !important;border-top-width: 10px !important;border-right-width: 10px !important;border-bottom-width: 10px !important;border-left-width: 10px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;border-left-color: #006b8e !important;border-left-style: dashed !important;border-right-color: #006b8e !important;border-right-style: dashed !important;border-top-color: #006b8e !important;border-top-style: dashed !important;border-bottom-color: #006b8e !important;border-bottom-style: dashed !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1613725477413{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 30px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 20px !important;}”]\n

We will explain the full programme of leisure activities on your study holiday each Monday morning during the coffee break.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Students are free to choose which activities to participate in, subject to the registration deadlines set by the school staff.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Registration and payment for activities are made directly at the school.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<\/p>\r\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Send us an enquiry<\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

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