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Geneva Science School Trips & Tours

This compact metropolis offers fascinating science trips and tours that will open your pupils’ minds to the immense possibilities of science. CERN offers innumerable learning opportunities for your pupils, however there are also fantastic visits in the surrounding area which explore key study themes, including evolution, theoretical physics, particle matter and the history of science. What’s more, we’ll create an itinerary to suit your group’s specific learning requirements to ensure that you get the most from your time on your school tour to Geneva.

There’s nothing like seeing physics in action to spark pupil’s interest in science. The world’s largest particle physics research laboratory will do just that, taking your pupils on a journey into science.

Sample itinerary

Our sample itinerary provides you with an idea of the visits you can cover during your trip. We can tailor-make an itinerary to support your specific learning outcomes.

Morning Afternoon Evening
1 Daytime flight & transfer to accommodation Visit to Palais des Nations Free time
2 Tour of CERN Free time
3 International Red Cross Museum Transfer to airport for return flight to Ireland
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
Morning Daytime flight & transfer to accommodation
Afternoon Visit to Palais des Nations
Evening Free time
Morning Tour of CERN
Afternoon Free time
Evening
Morning International Red Cross Museum
Afternoon Transfer to airport for return flight to Ireland
Evening

On-tour support

On-tour support includes...

Additional on-tour support available...

  • Pre-booked meals at great group prices

Accommodation

Popular options in Geneva


Top visits

The History of Science Museum

Housing a collection of scientific instruments, this museum allows students to put today’s science into perspective and better understand the evolution of certain disciplines and techniques such as astronomy, microscopy, gnomonic (the development of sundials and similar instruments), electricity and meteorology.

 

The Museum of Natural History

This museum offers a fascinating insight into natural history and ecology. The display of life-size models highlights the great diversity of the world’s mammal, bird, reptile and insect population, as well as an overview of the history of Earth and the human race and geology of the Geneva region.

 

United Nations

A unique opportunity to see the United Nations at work, here your students will learn about the United Nations Office in Geneva through guided tours, presentations and observing working sessions in action.

 

Bern

Visit the historic city of Bern and wander along the cobbled streets of the medieval old town and admire the Zeitglockenturm – the ornate astronomical clock. The Einstein Museum in the city is dedicated to his life and work as he discovered the Relativity Theory while living in Bern.

International Red Cross Museum

The exhibition offers an exciting and adventurous insight into contemporary humanitarian action.

 

CERN Guided Tours

Group guided tours of CERN follow a  variety of themes (depending on the day/availability) and comprise an introduction followed by a film and visits to experimental areas. All tours are guided by staff members involved with CERN. The duration of a tour is approximately 3 hours.

Science Gateway opening on 8th October, 2023, visitors from age five and above will be able to discover their inner scientist in hands-on education labs and explore CERN and the universe through immersive multimedia exhibitions. 

CERN Exhibitions

Groups can extend their visit to permanent exhibitions which will be explored without an escort guide: 
Universe of Particles - a fascinating look at a famous international particle physics laboratory which explore science from the Big Bang to the present day.
Science Gateway opening on 8th October, 2023, visitors from age five and above will be able to discover their inner scientist in hands-on education labs and explore CERN and the universe through immersive multimedia exhibitions. 

 

Bois-de-Bay Treatment Plant

Opened in April 2009, the Bois-de-Bay STEP ('STation d'EPuration' or water treatment plant) is one of the largest water treatment plants in Switzerland. It treats wastewater from Meyrin Satigny Aïre-la-Ville and part of the Pays-de-Gex and disposes the rejected water in the Allondon, a stream known for its organic qualities and beauty.

Geneva Guided Walking Tour - The Old Town and its treasures

In the company of a professional guide, discover the Old Town of Geneva - Switzerland's greatest historic city, dominated by St-Pierre Cathedral, the centrepiece of the Reformation. Explore the area's narrow streets with their shaded terraces, each one home to numerous treasures from Geneva's history that your guide will reveal to you. Appreciate the Reformation Wall in its exceptionally verdant surroundings, a monument to the people who made Geneva the Protestant Rome.

Geneva Observatory

The Geneva Observatory is part of the University of Geneva located in Sauverny. The Geneva Observatory is a centre of education and training in astrophysics. Students will be given a short talk regarding uses for the observatory and how research is used within the astrophysics world. The tour of the observatory will start after the talk and you will visit the mechanical workshops & computer centre. Tour will end at the observatory dome where large astronomical telescope is located.

La Maison du Gruyere Cheese Factory Visit

During the visit to La Maison Gruyère Cheese Factory you will be shown all stages of the cheese manufacture. You will be shown a short documentary about the cheese production and able to see the permanent exhibition at the factory's site. To finish you will be given a sample of cheese to taste. Headsets will be provided (information available in English). The Gruyère shop is open every day so you will be able to purchase cheese and other regional products.

Lake Geneva Boat Cruise

Relax and enjoy all the scenic beauty of the lake with a fully narrated tour (commentary in English and French) as you cruise around lovely Geneva Lake on a 55-minute boat trip with 3 stops and views of the Jet d'Eau fountain.

SIG Energy Pavilion

The exhibition at the SIG Energy Pavilion tells the amazing story of electricity: the mysteries of its production the ingenuity of its distribution and its impact on the environment. Visitors will discover a variety of installations illustrating the birth and journey of electricity from the power plant to the home plug. New renewable energy sources are presented in a practical and informative way. The exhibition also highlights the supply of electricity and explains how to make energy even greener and more efficient. This visit is combined with Verbois Dam and SIG Solar 3 - Verbois Dam opened in 1944 and is the principal hydroelectric installation in Geneva producing electrical energy and SIG Solar 3 is one of the biggest solar power stations in Switzerland. 

World Trade Organisation

Built in 1926 Centre William Rappard was the first building in Geneva designed to house an international organization. Over the past 90 years it has housed at different times the International Labour Office the UN High Commissioner for Refugees the Secretariat of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and since 1995 the World Trade Organization. Guided tours last about one hour and focus on the history of the building and its works of art (not on the functions of the WTO or the world trading system).


Evening activites

  • A quiz or disco at your hotel (most hotels can provide a room for groups to use in the evenings)

Transport

We offer flights from a variety of departure airports and we’ll work with you to plan your route at the best value possible.

Flight


Giving you full support throughout

Before your tour

  • Your own dedicated NST contact
  • Bespoke tour itineraries
  • Unrivalled local knowledge & expertise
  • Curriculum linked visit programmes
  • Great value for money - no hidden costs
  • Free group leader inspection visits
  • Risk assessment guidance
  • Safety assured, transport, accommodation and visits

Whilst you're away

  • Free educational resources
  • Group-friendly accommodation
  • Exceptional standards of coaching
  • On-tour support from our reps on the ground
  • Support & assistance from our specialists guides throughout your tour
  • 24/7 support just a call away
  • Extensive group travel insurance

On your return

  • Priority rebooking services
  • Rewarding your loyalty with our reward scheme
  • You say, we listen - we're committed to continuously improving our tours
  • School travel company of choice since 1996