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CERN school trips

A school trip to CERN gives students the chance to experience science where it happens. From seeing one of the world's leading particle physics laboratories to meeting the people working at the forefront of scientific discovery, it's an experience that brings classroom learning to life.

Our CERN school trip is our most popular itinerary, but it's only the starting point. Your group will join the official guided tour, meet working scientists over lunch in the CERN restaurant and visit the Science Gateway, home to the Discover CERN, Our Universe and Quantum World exhibitions.

At Diverse School Travel, we build the whole experience around your CERN visit, taking care of flights, accommodation, activities in Geneva and a carefully planned itinerary, so you can focus on giving your students an unforgettable learning experience.

Trip Overview

From £323pp

Based on 2 days

Suitable for Secondary Schools

 

This is a truly inspiring and potentially life-changing trip for any aspiring scientist! Learn about fundamental research and see deep inside the world's largest particle physics laboratory - excellent and official half-day tours of the centre follow a variety of themes (depending on the day) including ‘Detecting Particles', ‘Discovering Antimatter' or ‘The Accelerators of the Future'.

You can add further to your school trip to CERN by exploring the Microcosm exhibition or the exhibition in the Globe of Science and Innovation.
For a quotation and detailed itinerary, or just if you have any questions about visiting CERN, contact us today.

We are CERN experts and this is our most popular school trip.

Any group size, any duration.

 

"Diverse will always be my first choice when looking at future trips because I just don't think anyone can match up to your service."
Arden Academy

Gallery

School Trips to CERN
School Trips to CERN
School Trips to CERN
School Trips to CERN
School Trips to CERN
School Trips to CERN

Our Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 - & Eveningvisit the History

Morning
Flight to Geneva.

Afternoon & Evening
Visit The History of Science Museum to see an intriguing collection of scientific instruments from the 17th to the 19th century.

Sightseeing Cruise of Lake Geneva.

Day 2 - Science Gateway

Morning
CERN (Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire) visit, including the official guided tour.

Afternoon
Lunch in the CERN restaurant followed by a visit to the Science Gateway with the exhibitions ‘Discover CERN', 'Our Universe' and ‘Quantum World’.

Evening
Fondue night at a local restaurant with live oompah band!

Day 3 - United Nations Ortour

Morning
The Museum of Natural History OR Guided tour of the United Nations OR
Tour of the Red Cross museum.

Afternoon & Evening
Travel to airport and return home

Accommodation

There is a wide choice of accommodation available in Geneva for a school trip to CERN, some specifically recommended by CERN. Most schools travelling with us choose our partner - Geneva Hostel - but there are other hostels available and also hotel options such as the Ibis.

Request a Suggested Itinerary

Contact our friendly team who will be happy to assist.

Alternatively you can call us 0121 271 0121
or email ask@DiverseSchoolTravel.co.uk

CERN School Trips FAQs

Can you visit CERN for free?

Yes, you can visit CERN for free. CERN doesn't charge anything for guided tours, exhibitions or group visits. What you're paying for is getting there and staying there: flights, accommodation, meals and everything your group does in Geneva.

How far in advance should we book a school trip to CERN?

We recommend you start planning your school trip to CERN nine to twelve months before you want to travel. This is because CERN opens group bookings nine months ahead and slots fill within days. Get in touch early and we'll build the rest of the trip around your confirmed date.

How do school groups book the CERN visit?

School groups book their CERN visit directly with CERN. Schools apply through the official Visits Service using the school's official email address and CERN turns away requests from tour operators. Once your tour is approved, you'll send the names and details of everyone travelling at least 21 days before the visit. It's a straightforward form and we'll talk you through it. Once your slot is confirmed, we take everything else forward.

How long does the CERN tour last?

The CERN tour lasts around three hours for school groups. You'll get an introductory talk, then visits to two working areas of the site, which could be accelerators, control rooms or technical workshops. CERN confirms the exact programme close to the day, because it depends on what's running.

Will students see the Large Hadron Collider?

The LHC tunnel can't be visited, and underground visits are extremely rare even for booked groups. But there's still plenty of the LHC on the trip. The guides explain how it works, the Science Gateway exhibitions bring it to life and the scientists your students meet over lunch will happily take their questions. One highlight is the guided tour of the ATLAS experiment control centre, where physicists take shifts 24 hours a day, seven days a week, working on the research that led to the discovery of the Higgs boson in 2012.

How old do students need to be to visit CERN?

Most CERN visit points are recommended for ages 12 and over. Groups of minors must be accompanied by at least two adults. GCSE and A Level groups get the most from it. If your students are younger, have a look at our Science (STEM) school trips and we'll suggest something that fits your year group.

How much does a school trip to CERN cost?

The cost of a school trip to CERN depends on your group size, how long you stay, when you travel and where you fly from. Enquire now and we'll put together a detailed itinerary with a price that's fixed and guaranteed once confirmed.

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