Your trip to Geneva will include an incredible experience of visiting CERN, home of the Large Hadron Collider!
School trips to Switzerland are trips that journey into the very heart of Europe and are ideal for scientists and geographers!
Most groups who choose to visit Switzerland base themselves in the cosmopolitan city of Geneva or in the pretty alpine resort village of Leysin, in the Swiss Alps.
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Why visit Switzerland?
Groundbreaking science
Switzerland, and Geneva, in particular, is a very popular destination for science school trips. That’s because it offers school groups the incredible opportunity to visit the world’s largest particle physics laboratory at CERN.
Here, your students will learn how scientists are using impressive technology like the Large Hadron Collider to answer some of the key questions about our universe.
If you want to take your students on a science school trip that both excites them and helps them to understand the key role that science plays in our understanding of the world around us, then this is the trip for you!
In addition to visiting CERN, there are a number of other fascinating science-based visits that your school group can enjoy in and around Geneva, including the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum and the History of Science Museum.
Epic Alpine landscapes
Switzerland is the most alpine country in Europe, with the Alps making up around two-thirds of the country’s surface area. The Alps have also played a hugely important role in the history and culture of Switzerland.
A geography school trip to Switzerland offers your group the opportunity to study an Alpine landscape that is home to towering mountains, such as the Matterhorn, and impressive glaciers, like the Langgletscher. Your students will also have the opportunity to learn more about river processes and even study the impact of alpine tourism on the area.
The crossroads of Germanic and Romance cultures
Switzerland is where Germanic and Romance cultures meet and this is reflected in the fact that it has four distinct language and cultural regions – German, French, Italian and Romansh.
Despite these very clearly distinct cultural and linguistic differences, the Swiss still have a strong national identity, that is based on a shared history and shared values. And so a school trip to Switzerland is also a wonderful lesson in citizenship and the importance of tolerance and cultural understanding for your students.
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Activities in Switzerland that your school group will love
CERN
Enjoy a half-day, guided tour of CERN, one of the world’s largest and most respected centres for scientific research.
History of Science Museum
The History of Science Museum is a must-see when visiting Geneva. Your students will find a fascinating collection of around 800 rare scientific instruments from the 17th to 19th century.
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum
Three internationally acclaimed architects from different cultural backgrounds combined their talents to design the exhibition organized around three different themes:
Patek Philippe Museum
Patek Phillippe is a Geneva-based firm of master watchmakers that was founded in the city in 1839.
United Nations
The United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) has more than 1,600 staff, andis the biggest United Nations duty station outside
Berneuse
The Berneuse is the mountain that stands over Leysin, in the Bernese Alps. Take the cable car to its summit
Langgletscher and Fafleralp
The Langgletscher is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts a nature trail designed to educate visitors on
Tourism Study - Les Diablerets
Les Diablerets is an area popular with tourists, particularly those interested in adventure sports.
Thermal Baths at Saillon
Relax in the thermal baths at Saillon! Let the current carry you along the Thermal River, heal your aches and
Where to visit in Switzerland
CERN
Your school trip to CERN will be an incredible, inspirational experience for your young scientists!
CERN is most famous for being the home of the Large Hadron Collider and is, perhaps the best example for students of how science can tell us more about the world around us.Your students will return home excited by the possibilities that science holds for them!
Geneva
A school trip to Geneva is an exciting opportunity for your students to visit a city that is an important global financial centre and home to many international organisations!
Geneva school trips are most popular among science groups who want to visit CERN, the largest particle physics laboratory in the world, as well as the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum.
Swiss Alps
A school trip to the Swiss Alps will allow you to explore alpine Europe and all its fascinating geography, spectacular landscapes and vibrant cultures!
Swiss Alps school trips are most popular among geography groups who are interested in deepening their understanding of glaciated landscapes and fluvial landforms. This is also a great destination in which to learn more about climate change.
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Why choose Halsbury?
We build your trip around you
Tell us your learning objectives, curriculum and budget and we’ll do the rest.
Contact usWe’re trusted for a reason
We’re members of ABTA, ABTOT and the School Travel Forum. We also hold an ATOL and the LOtC Quality Badge.
Read moreOur Education specialists
Laura Lucas
Tour Consultant
Paul Hudson
Tour Consultant
Laura Martin
Language Sales & Product Manager
Emma Gray da Silva
Tour Consultant
Meet our education specialists and get to know more about the people committed to making your school trip the best it can be.
FAQs
I can’t see the destination I’m looking to travel to, can you still help me with my trip?
Of course.
We've got great relationships with suppliers all over the world, so we should be able to arrange something for you to suit your budget and trip objectives in your preferred destination.
Just get in touch with us and we'll let you know what we can do.
Do you offer travel insurance?
We do. Travel insurance is an optional extra and you can find out more about it in our travel insurance resource (which includes the policy documents and FAQs).
If you decide against arranging this insurance through us (which is absolutely fine, by the way), please just remember you must have suitable travel and medical insurance to cover your group.
Can the trip itinerary be adapted to my curriculum and requirements?
Every single trip we arrange is tailor-made, so yes, the itinerary can be adapted.
Our Tour Advisers and Itinerary Coordinators are all experienced school travel specialists. They'll work closely with you to make sure your itinerary supports your learning objectives. They'll be able to offer suggestions and advice to make sure you make the most of your time.
So, when you're browsing through our school trips, just remember that the itineraries and activities you see are there for inspiration only - your own itinerary can look as similar or as different as you want.
Equally, we've suggested trip durations based on what groups usually request - if you want to go for a shorter or longer duration, just let us know.
What accommodation options are available?
The accommodation options that are available vary depending on the destination but we're usually able to arrange everything from hostel-style accommodation to more luxurious hotels.
On each of the trip pages, you'll see some accommodation options - these are usually the most popular for those destinations, but we often have plenty of other options available. You'll discuss accommodation options (and budget) with your Tour Adviser when they're putting your quote together, so don't be afraid to let them know if you want something different.
We only work with accommodation options that are suitable for schools. As a member of the School Travel Forum (STF), you can be certain that all accommodation contracted by us complies with local legislation with respect to fire and general safety, is contracted by trained Halsbury Travel staff or reputable agents, receives a standard audit and risk assessment prior to use by Halsbury Travel and receives a supplementary audit if it is used on five or more occasions in a year.
How far ahead should I start planning my trip?
As a general rule, we recommend that you start planning your trip 12-18 months before you want to travel. This gives you plenty of time to get it approved and launched to students and parents.
Planning early will mean you have a greater choice of accommodation and travel options - and it will make paying for the trip easier for families, as they'll be able to break it down into smaller, more manageable payments.
You can check out our trip-planning timeline for a better idea of the process and when you should expect to be doing things.
If you are looking to travel sooner than this, it is possible. It will depend on availability and you may find prices are a bit higher, but get in touch and we can see what's possible.
Let's chat!