STEM Tours to Switzerland and Germany | STEM Trips to Europe | WorldStrides

EUROPE

STEM Trip to Switzerland and Germany

Switzerland is a beautiful country nestled between numerous neighbors that maintains a unique culture and identity. With sweeping views of the Alps, crystal clear springs, and distinct cities, such as Zurich and Geneva, it has something to offer to everyone who visits. Germany is a fascinating country that has produced a religious revolution, scientific and technological breakthroughs, and masterpieces of art and music all while establishing a rich cultural heritage. Experience the historical and cultural sights and sounds of both Germany and Switzerland on this highly interactive and engaging STEM tour.
Request Info

It looks like you are visiting from Australia or New Zealand, would you like to go to the Australian Worldstrides site?

Yes, go to worldstrides.com.au No, stay on worldstrides.com
  • Itinerary

Germany

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
  • Geneva
  • Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva City
  • ATLAS at the CERN
  • Verkehrshaus der Schweiz
  • Town of Entlebuch
  • Mount Pilatus
  • Boat Ride on Lake Lucerne
  • Grimselwelt Hydroelectric Plant
  • Freiburg im Breisgau
  • BMW Headquarters in Munich
  • City Bike Tour
  • Deutsches Museum Science and Technology Museum
  • Olympiapark

Your adventure, day by day

Day 1 : Departure from North America
Depart from home

Relax and enjoy your scheduled flight from North America.

Day 2 : Arrive in Europe
Upon arrival

Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group throughout your STEM trip in Europe. For tonight, you will enjoy the convenience of a centrally located Geneva hotel, where breakfast will be included.

Geneva

Geneva is situated in a prime Rhône Valley position at the southwestern corner of Lake Geneva, within view of Mont Blanc’s pinnacle. The city's strong French influence is everywhere, but most notably in its mansard roofs, iron balconies, sidewalk cafes, and French signs. Geneva is a cosmopolitan destination and home to more than 200 international organizations, including the European headquarters of the United Nations.

City stroll

Take a walking tour along the Left Bank of the old quarter.

Patek Philippe Museum

Enjoy a visit to the Patek Philippe Museum, a museum operated by one of Switzerland's famed watchmakers. The museum covers the history of the timepiece from as early as the 16th century to the modern era. You’ll get the chance to see how much watches have changed as well what features have stood the test of time.      

Dinner in a local restaurant

Enjoy an evening meal with your group.

Daily Reflection and Group Discussion:

We do not learn from experience, we learn from reflecting on experience." - John Dewey On every evening of the program, we’ll set time aside to update your Reflection Journal and share thoughts and impressions that have come up during the day.

Day 3 : CERN
CERN

Visit CERN, a research organization whose purpose is operating the world's largest particle physics laboratory. Many international collaborations and studies take place in high-energy physics research with the use of their particle accelerators and other infrastructure. You’ll have the chance to visit the two permanent exhibitions at CERN. The Universe of Particles installed in the Globe of Science and Innovation is dedicated to CERN’s main missions and allows exploration of the world of particles by immersing visitors in a unique and spectacular ambiance. The Microcosm is located next to CERN's reception and the exhibition offers a CERN discovery adventure.        

Lucerne

Lucerne is the most populous city in Central Switzerland and a focal point of the region. Due to its location on the shore of Lake Lucerne within sight of Mount Pilatus and Rigi in the Swiss Alps, it has traditionally been a tourist destination and was once voted the fifth most popular in the world. One of the city's famous landmarks is Chapel Bridge, a wooden bridge first built in the 14th century. For the next two nights, your base will be in Lucerne. Breakfast will be included at the hotel.

Verkehrshaus

Switzerland's most popular museum, the Swiss Transport Museum or Verkehrshaus der Schweiz in Lucerne opened in July 1959 and exhibits all forms of transport, including locomotives, automobiles, ships, and aircraft as well as communication technology.    

Dinner in a local restaurant

Enjoy an evening meal with your group.

Day 4 : Environmental Science in Lucerne
City stroll

Enjoy a walking tour of Lucerne. Begin by viewing the Lion Monument, which was created in 1820 in honor of the Swiss Guards who perished in 1792 during the French Revolution. Next, you’ll view the impressive Jesuitenkirche, which was the first large baroque church built in Switzerland. The architecture is quite ostentatious but is supposed to represent the power and glory of the Catholic tradition. Then, you’ll bask in the historical heart of Lucerne’s beauty as you stroll through the picturesque medieval Weinmarkt square and the Kornmarkt square, which contains the Town Hall and beautifully painted Pfistern guildhall.  

Town of Entlebuch

Take a walking tour around Entlebuch that focuses on how the town uses multiple forms of energy—the area surrounding the town has many characteristics related to the past, present, and future of the topic. Visitors receive hands-on exposure to six forms of energy—peat, wind, water, wood, solar, and gas—by participating in experiments. Experience Energy at Entlebuch is intended for visitors who want to be informed about all the exciting aspects of energy.      

Mount Pilatus

Visit beautiful Mount Pilatus, which is easily accessible from the Pilatus Railway, the steepest cogwheel railway in the world. Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the pristine surrounding area.    

Boat ride on Lake Lucerne

Enjoy a cruise on Lake Lucerne, Switzerland's most famous lake.

Dinner in a local restaurant

Enjoy an evening meal with your group.

Day 5 : Hydroelectricity in Switzerland and the Black Forest in Germany
Grimselwelt

Take the Witness Hydroelectricity Tour at Grimselwelt. The underground Innertkirchen 1 Power Plant is the lowest in elevation but not the lowest in importance. All of the water from the Grimsel catchment area runs through this power plant and is converted into electricity. This power plant, with its state-of-the-art operating system, reliably regulates the Swiss electricity grid. The tour is an electrifying experience!        

Freiburg

Freiburg im Breisgau is a town dating back to 1120 and a natural gateway to the southern Black Forest. Your base for the next night will be Freiburg, where breakfast and dinner will be provided at the hotel.

Day 6 : The Sustainable City of Vauban
Local expertise

During your tour, you’ll gain the knowledge and insights of three half-day local guides in Germany.

Vauban

Take a walking tour around Vauban, just outside of Freiburg, considered the most sustainable city in the world. This is an introductory tour and will include stops at some of the town’s ongoing projects to show how citizens are working to keep town green.      

City stroll

Take a walking tour of Freiburg im Breisgau, including Martinstor, a gate from the 13th-century fortifications; the Fischerau, with picturesque streets along the Gewerbebach Stream; Freiburg University; the Haus zum Walfisch; the Bächle, a unique draining canal; and Münsterplatz, featuring the Münster as well as Gothic and Rococo houses.

Munich

Munich is the capital city of Bavaria. It was founded in the 12th century and named for a settlement of Benedictine monks. Munich is now a cosmopolitan city, at the forefront of the financial and publishing industries, and notable for its role in the development of music and the arts.

Hofbrauhaus

Enjoy dinner accompanied by folklore music and dancers at the world-famous Hofbräuhaus.

Day 7 : German Automotive Industry
BMW HQ

A guided tour of the BMW Group's main plant in Munich will give you access to all areas of automotive production: the press plant, the body shop, the paint shop, and assembly.   

Bike tour

Explore the city on a bike tour. On your tour of Munich, you’ll learn why Napoleon Bonaparte made Maximilian Joseph the first King of Bavaria, when Oktoberfest started, how beer saved the city of Munich from the Swedes, why everyone rubs a lion's head sculpture near Odeonsplatz, who or what the coopers are and why they are so funky, and, perhaps most important, what makes Munich such a distinctive city that it's known worldwide.

Dinner in a local restaurant

Enjoy an evening meal with your group.

Day 8 : Munich, Past and Present
Deutsches Museum

Visit the Deutsches Museum, the largest and one of the most important science and technology museums in the world. Enjoy a series of working models and demonstrations, tracing the history of science and technology from the beginning of time to the present day.    

Olympiapark

Enjoy a guided tour of the Olympiapark, built for the 20th Olympic Games held in Munich in 1972. Explore the Olympiahalle, built as a multi-purpose arena, and view the Olympic Tower.  

Farewell dinner

Enjoy an evening meal with your group on the final day of your STEM trip in Germany.

Final Reflection and Discussion Session

This evening, you’ll make the final entries in your Reflection Journal and share some of the most significant observations and perspectives that have taken shape throughout your STEM trip in Europe. We’ll also discuss how these experiences may be most relevant for us all as we return home.

Day 9 : Auf wiedersehen
Auf wiedersehen!

Your rewarding and enjoyable STEM tour in Switzerland and Germany comes to an end as your Tour Director accompanies your group to the airport on your final day.

Featured Posts

Class is in session. And, by that, of course we mean the endless lessons that travel brings. So, no matter if you’re out trotting the globe or at home planning your next trip, adventure is never far! These must-read blog posts open a world of learning through inspirational travel stories, destination spotlights, classroom resources, and other buzzworthy news.

A World of Innovation – Where Popular Inventions Were Created

Do you ever think, “I wonder who was the first person to think of {insert world-changing idea here}….” Like, who created peanut butter (Answer: 3 people get credit for that staple of the modern ...

West Coast Science and Technology. Solar Observation.
Explore WorldStrides’ STEM Programs

Through WorldStrides’ STEM programs, students can take advantage of our relationships around the country and globe to get unique insights into the worlds of science, technology, math and enginee...

Old Town Lucerne Switzerland
STEM Trip to Switzerland and Germany

Switzerland is a beautiful country nestled between numerous neighbors that maintains a unique culture and identity. With sweeping views of the Alps, crystal clear springs, and distinct cities, such as...

Easter eggs
Easter Traditions Around the World

For most Americans, Easter is time to dye eggs, indulge in some sweets, and attend church. If you happen to be lucky enough to get a ticket to the White House, maybe you’ll even participate in the E...

See All Stories
Explore all our educational programs
across the world.
Request Info
  This site uses cookies to store information on your computer. Some are essential to make our site work; others help us improve the user experience. By using the site, you consent to the placement of these cookies. Read our Privacy Policy to learn more.
 AGREE & DISMISS