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CERN & Mont Blanc: Dark and Frozen Matter

Geneva 5 nights Price from £3,298 per person
Departs: 05 May 2024, 08 Oct 2024
Departs: 05 May 2024

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Join readers of New Scientist magazine to discover the world’s greatest physics laboratory, accompanied by particle physicist Darren Price. One of the world’s most important centres of science and innovation, Geneva is also a charming lakeside city with a fascinating history. Our focus will be a visit 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. The largest machine ever constructed, with a circumference of 17 miles, the LHC is one of the most important research establishments in the world, and several areas are open to visitors. Guest Lecturer and particle physicist Darren Price will give an introductory talk on his work at CERN before we visit the complex.

During our stay in Geneva we will also explore the old town, visit the Museum of the History of Science and learn about the traditional craft of watchmaking at the Patek Phillipe workshop. One day will be spent visiting the alpine town of Chamonix, in the shadow of Mont Blanc, where we will visit the Mer de Glace glacier and enjoy a fondue lunch. 

What's included

...when you travel with Kirker

  • Return flights
  • Five nights’ accommodation with breakfast
  • Three dinners
  • All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities as described
  • Guest lectures from New Scientist contributor
  • One Lunch

Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Fly to Geneva

    Flying direct into Geneva, we will be transferred to the 4* Hotel Royal Manotel in the centre of the city. The afternoon will be free and we will enjoy dinner this evening at a local restaurant.
  • Day 2 - Geneva

    This morning we 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 we learn more about one of the city’s most famous crafts. This evening Darren Price will join us to give a talk on particle physics and his work at CERN.
  • Day 3 - CERN complex

    Today is devoted to the CERN complex, just outside the city centre, where we shall gain an insight into the work which takes place here. Darren will accompany our visit to CERN and we will see the Universe of Particles exhibition inside the Globe of Science and Innovation – a 27-metre-high wooden dome – as well as the Microcosm exhibition, opened in 2016, which displays a range of interactive exhibits including a model section of the Large Hadron Collider, and a simulation of a particle accelerator. We will also visit inside the laboratories at CERN (the exact areas we can see are subject to confirmation closer to the time as this is a working facility).
  • Day 4 - Mer de Glace

    Heading out of the city for the day, we will travel into the majestic Alps which provide Geneva’s striking backdrop. We will visit the charming small town of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, and take themountain railway to the Mer de Glace where we will visit an ice cave carved into the glacier itself. In the afternoon we take a cable car up to the summit of the Aiguille du Midi, at over 3,800 metres. Dinner will be taken independently this evening.
  • Day 5 - Museum of the History of Science

    Today we will start with a scenic cruise on Lake Geneva. In the afternoon there will be free time to visit the Museum of the History of Science, located by the lake, which opened in 1966 in the neo-classical Villa Bartholoni. The museum houses exhibits relating to astronomy, microscopy, meteorology and electricity, including a collection of old scientific instruments from the 17th to 19th century, such as microscopes, telescopes, thermometers and astrolabes.
  • Day 6 - Fly to London

    This morning will be free for independent sightseeing before we are taken to Geneva airport for the flight home.

Flight Details

Flights with Swiss:
Depart Heathrow 14:25, arrive Geneva 17:05
Depart Geneva 15:50, arrive Heathrow 16:35

Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

Departure Dates and Prices

05 May 2024

Status Available

Price from£3298

Single Supp.£598

Book Now Enquire

08 Oct 2024

Status Available

Price from£3298

Single Supp.£598

Book Now Enquire

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