5 October 2026 - 6 days. Sold out.
8 March 2027 - 6 days for £2,998 per person
Register your interest for 2027 and we will contact you when confirmed details including finalised dates and prices are available.
Prepare to have your mind blown as you discover the world’s greatest physics laboratory, CERN, accompanied by a particle physicist. CERN is Europe's particle physics centre, where researchers operate the famous Large Hadron Collider, nestled near the charming Swiss lakeside city of Geneva. You will also visit one of Europe’s most important scientific and technical universities, the Swiss Federal Technology Institute of Lausanne (EPFL).
Explore the CERN complex, where the European Organization for Nuclear Research operates the world’s largest particle physics laboratory, including the famous Large Hadron Collider. The largest machine ever constructed, with a circumference of 17 miles, the LHC is one of the most important research facilities in the world, and several areas of the CERN site are open to visitors free of charge. You will also visit the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), one of Europe’s leading centres for science, engineering and technological innovation. Renowned for its cutting-edge research and close links with organisations such as CERN, EPFL has played a key role in advances across fields including robotics, physics, artificial intelligence and environmental science.
During your stay in Geneva, explore the old town and learn about the traditional craft of watchmaking at the Patek Phillipe workshop. You will also visit the alpine town of Chamonix, in the shadow of Mont Blanc, where you visit the Mer de Glace glacier and ascend the highest vertical ascent cable car in the world, to the Aiguille du Midi.
Enjoy a guest lecture from Professor Victoria Martin (March) and particle physicist Professor Darren Price (April) will give an introductory talk on their work at CERN before you visit the complex. A dedicated tour leader will accompany you throughout the journey, providing local insight into the history, culture and character of both Geneva and Chamonix. They will also assist with logistics, offer recommendations for free time, and provide context throughout excursions, ensuring a more enriching and seamless travel experience.
Victoria's talks for the March 2027 departure will cover topics including:
- Twenty years on, what have we learned from the Large Hadron Collider?
- How quiet man Peter Higgs revolutionised our understanding of the world
- The universe's best-kept secret: uncovering the mysteries of anti-matter and dark matter
You will be based throughout at the Hotel Royal Manotel in Geneva which offers accommodation that blends classic charm with modern comfort, conveniently located near the city center and Lake Geneva.
In partnership with Kirker Holidays.
MAP
Day 1: Arrive in Geneva
On arrival, check into the 4-star Hotel Royal Manotel, located in the centre of Geneva. The remainder of the afternoon will be free for you to explore this beautiful city.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Geneva and the surrounding Alps, Geneva is a cosmopolitan city known for its rich history, elegant architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. From the picturesque Old Town with its winding streets and historic landmarks to bustling markets and chic cafes. As the home of CERN and countless scientific institutions, Geneva also stands at the cutting edge of human knowledge.
In the evening, meet with your tour leader and the group for a welcome meeting followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Old town and introduction to CERN
This morning, you will start with a walking tour of the old town centre of Geneva, including the cathedral where John Calvin preached in the 16th century and a visit to the Patek Philippe Museum, where you will discover over 2,500 watches, automata and precious objects representing five centuries of Genevan and Swiss horological innovation.
This evening you will be joined by a particle physicist to give a talk on particle physics and his work at CERN, followed by dinner together.
Day 3: CERN and the Large Hadron Collider
Today is devoted to the CERN complex, where the European Organization for Nuclear Research operates the world’s largest particle physics laboratory, including the famous Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The largest machine ever constructed, with a circumference of 17 miles, the LHC is one of the most important research establishments in the world. Darren will accompany your visit to CERN and you will see a number of areas of the site, including the new Science Gateway, a striking complex of buildings designed by Renzo Piano, which houses immersive exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops.
Day 4: Chamonix and Mont Blanc
Heading out of the city for the day, you will travel into the Alps which provide Geneva’s striking backdrop. You will visit the charming small town of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and take the mountain railway to the Mer de Glace. The Mer de Glace, or 'Sea of Ice,' is France’s largest glacier, nestled in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif. This vast river of ice stretches for several kilometres, carving dramatic landscapes and deep valleys as it slowly moves through the mountains. You will explore its fascinating ice caves which are carved each year anew within the glacier, they offer a rare glimpse into a shimmering world of frozen tunnels and crystalline formations.
In the afternoon, you will take a cable car up to the summit of the Aiguille du Midi, the highest vertical ascent cable car in the world, from 1,035 to 3,842 metre, with spectacular views of Mont Blanc. The Aiguille du Midi is a spectacular mountain peak in the French Alps, renowned for its stunning panoramic views and easy accessibility. Reached by one of the highest cable cars in Europe, it offers visitors a chance to experience the grandeur of the Mont Blanc massif and the surrounding alpine landscape.
Day 5: Swiss Federal Technology Institute of Lausanne (EPFL)
Across the lake from Geneva, is one of Europe’s most important scientific and technical universities, the Swiss Federal Technology Institute of Lausanne (EPFL). Today we will visit the campus, beginning with a tour of the labs at the Swiss Plasma Center, one of the world leaders in fusion research and plasma applications. We will also see the Institute's Thermal Power Plant, which draws thermal energy from Lake Geneva.
Day 6: Morning at leisure and departure
This morning will be free for independent sightseeing. In the afternoon, there will be a group transfer to Geneva airport for the flight home.
