Home to CERN, the UN and the WHO, Geneva is shaping both our understanding and regulation of our universe. A physics school trip enables students to see how physics is reshaping the boundaries of the possible.
Geneva - Physics School Trip
- 3 days
- +1
- Switzerland
- Approx. 1hrs
- CERN
- United Nations
- History of Science Museum
- Lake Geneva
- Geneva Old Town
For the latest travel advice, including passport and visa information, visit the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website
Sample itinerary
This sample itinerary is offered as a guideline. The trip focus, length and itinerary/activities can be tailored to meet your learning objectives.
- Day
Day 1 - Fly to Geneva, International District Walking Tour
Arrive in Geneva and transfer to your hostel by coach. You’ll begin your school trip by meeting your local guide, who'll take you straight into the international district, where more than 200 global organisations attest to Geneva’s influence. Complete your walking tour, taking in the numerous international organisations that influence global science policy, such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization. Your guide will discuss how physics research impacts global policy. Students will hear how physics intersects with other disciplines, such as technology, engineering, and even philosophy, through the various organisations and events hosted in the city. Learn about key figures such as Albert Einstein, who worked at the Swiss Patent Office in nearby Bern and developed his Theory of Relativity during that time.
Day 2 - CERN - full day excursion
A CERN (Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire) school visit is a 30 minute tram ride from Geneva's central Cornavin station. Students are welcomed into the iconic mushroom shaped visitor centre housing the permanent exhibition - the Universe of Particles.
A second permanent exhibition, located across the road in the Reception building, is entitled "Microcosm" and takes visitors on a fascinating journey through CERN’s key installations.
After an introductory film outlining CERN's achievements, students hop on a bus and transfer into France to visit SM18, a world-leading test facility for superconducting magnets. Students can see an exact replica of a section of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) tunnel which is 100m underground and 27km in diameter and learn about the science, impact and future research of the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator.
Then head back into Switzerland to visit the Synchrocyclotron - CERN’s first accelerator, completed in 1957 and decommissioned in 1990.
Day 3 - History of Science Museum
After check out, walk along the promenade of Lake Geneva and make your way to the History of Science Museum. Dedicated to scientific developments between the 17th and 19th centuries, it showcases the rare scientific instruments that enabled great leaps forward in astronomy, meteorology, and the creation of electricity, offering physics students a historical perspective on the development of their field.
Later on, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
What’s included
Full TCBC support from the moment you book until you return home
Full itinerary flexibility to ensure the perfect tour for your students
We'll source the best available flights based on your school's location
You'll have all our necessary contact details to hand should the need arise
Knowledgeable TCBC guide ready to bring your walking tours to life
Detailed itinerary, with all entrance fees included, no hidden costs
Return flights, 1 piece of hold luggage per person, airport taxes and security charges and ATOL Protection Contribution
Airport transfers upon arrival and departure. We can also arrange your UK airport transfers if you wish
Experienced local TCBC guide in Geneva for your included walking tours
Free Geneva public transportation tickets included (trams, busses, ferries)
2 nights' hostel accommodation, with multi rooms for students and single rooms for teachers
Breakfasts and dinners daily at hostel, but we can arrange meals in local restaurants if preferred
Guided walking tour of the international district, CERN and the History of Science Museum
There will be no hidden costs on tour, everything will be clearly explained before departure
24 hour emergency contact details of TCBC's office and your local guide's mobile number
The normal free staff place ratio is 1:10 but this is flexible and we'll work to whichever ratio you require
Please check at school to ensure you are covered by an adequate travel insurance policy which we will need to see a copy of. We can help you source cover if you need
We generally don't include lunches unless requested. We prefer to let the students explore the local options and choose for themselves
If you feel you have received excellent service, then our local guides and drivers will appreciate being tipped. Guidelines will be outlined in your quote
Event availability isn't usually known at the time of booking. We will inform you of options and ticket prices closer to departure
Accommodation
We regularly use the same properties in Geneva who are used to working with our school groups and meet our high standards
Geneva Hostel
A well located hostel, close to all public transportation to take you to the places that matter and a 5 minute walk from the esplanade.
So many rooms, quite functional inside with all the basics needed. Student rooms have shared bathroom facilities in the corridor.
Wifi available throughout. Evening meals surprisingly good, breakfast basic but fine.
Reasons to travel with us
We honestly believe we are the best in what we do. We'd love the opportunity to show you.
Safety & reliability
The safety of all our travellers is our number 1 priority. We have a robust Safety Management System in place to ensure that our tours are run to the high levels you expect.
Experience & expertise
We have years of experience in planning school tours. Our expertise lies in our organisational skills, attention to detail and an understanding of what you need to make your trip a success.
TCBC local guides
Our guides are our greatest assets and consistently lauded. Highly experienced, knowledgeable and trustworthy, most are hand-picked and have worked with us for years.
Complete peace of mind
Our accreditations (ATOL, ABTA, STF, LOtC) provide you with the reliability, assurance and financial security expected from a specialist tour operator.
Customer
service
Our dedicated team is on hand to offer help and advice at every stage. We are positive you will be impressed with the high level of service you receive from us.
Flexibility & customisation
We customise every trip to suit your needs and offer maximum flexibility in planning your itinerary. We won’t rest until we get it right!
The personal touch
Getting to know our clients is very important to us. It’s very likely therefore that you’ll meet one or several of us at some point, either at school before departure or on the tour itself.
Total transparency
We include as much as possible in our quotes and are very transparent about what is and what is not included. There will be no hidden or surprise costs.
Pre-departure support
We understand how much work goes into planning a school trip. You will be dealing with the same people throughout the pre-departure process allowing us to respond quickly and accurately.
Repeat business
99.9% of teachers are so happy with our tours and our service that there is no need to travel with anyone else. We are confident you will feel the same way.
A real opportunity of a lifetime for our pupils to see the inner workings of CERN and experience the real cutting edge of particle physics - it has provided memories which will inspire staff and students for years to come. Many thanks to everyone at TCBC.