Switzerland — Dark Matter & the Matterhorn: CERN & the Swiss Alps
May 18-27, 2021
This trip has been created from scratch with science and astronomy aficionados in mind. We will be starting in Lake Geneva, Switzerland with a day-long tour of CERN with special insider-only access. As the underground levels are currently undergoing renovations, viewing into the bowels of CERN is currently unparalleled and only accessible to us with special permission!
On the back-end of the trip we’ll be in the heart of the Alps, with perfect views of the Matterhorn; one of the most iconic mountains in the world. We’ll be staying at the world-famous Kulmhotel Gornergrat, one of the most unique hotels in the world.
Perched 10,000 feet up, with the Matterhorn looming behind it; the Kulm boasts two observatories, six functional telescopes, two deluxe restaurants, and some of the most spectacular star-gazing in Europe. As we’ll have the hotel all to ourselves, we’ll have unique access to their telescopes and experts; learning about and viewing the heavens to our hearts content.
And in between these two incredible bookends? – trips to chateaus and medieval villages; stops for cheese, wine, and chocolate; cruises upon Lake Geneva, incomparable cuisine, and so much more. For the full itinerary, click below for more information, but the highlights of the tour include:
- International air from most major metro areas, and all in-country transportation, connections, and transfers.
- Deluxe hotel accommodations in Lake Geneva (4 nights), Montreaux (2 nights), Zermatt (2 nights), and Zurich (1 night). Additional nights in Zurich may be added at the traveler’s discretion.
- An inside, expert-led, private tour of CERN’s facilities.
- Day-long excursion into the French Alps to visit famed mountaineering town of Chamonix, and the Venice of the Alps, Lake Annecy.
- Two cruises, one daytime, one night time on Lake Geneva, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
- Visits to the historic lakeside towns of Lausanne, Lavaux, and Montreaux, with wine, chocolate, and cheese tastings, as well as a visit to the incomparable Chillon Castle.
- A traditional fondue dinner in historic Gruyeres.
- Nighttime stargazing and observatory programs at the Kulmhotel.
- Cable-car rides to the Alps most scenic spots.
- English-speaking guides and drivers.
- Periodic discussions led by our very own dedicated celebrity lecturer.
Itinerary
May 18th – Geneva
After you arrive at Geneva International Airport, we will check-in to the InterContinental Genève, our home base for the next 4 nights.
May 19th – City Center/Boat Cruise
Soak up the highlights and the history of Geneva, known as the Capital of Peace, while crisscrossing the quiet and green district of international organizations. Marvel at the most beautiful harbor in the world; and the famous Water Jet, a symbol of the city.
May 20th – CERN
A unique visual landmark by day and by night, the Globe of Science and Innovation is a symbol of Planet Earth; twenty seven meters high and forty meters in diameter, it’s about the size of the dome of Saint Peter’s in Rome!
May 21st – Aiguille du Midi & Annecy
The trip to Chamonix allows for a magnificent view of the Mont Blanc; the highest peak in Europe, as well as the beautiful surrounding mountains; we will take the most famous cable-car in the world to Aiguille du Midi.
May 22nd – Lausanne/Lavaux/Montreux
Built on three hills and crossed by two rivers; explore the center of Lausanne, its ancient and modern architecture; its picturesque sites and most famous trendy districts. Enjoy the wine cellars of the Domain Croix Duplex situated in the heart of the Lavaux region, where we’ll have a wine tasting paired with chocolates from the Swiss chocolate maker Läderach. We will then board our private transfer to Montreux where we’ll check-in to the Grand Hôtel Suisse Majestic.
May 23rd – Berne & Gruyere
In the morning, we leave for a visit to Berne, where we will visit the old city of Berne – then go to the world’s only Einstein Museum! There is also a permanent exhibition of giant crystals in the town that is available for viewing.
In the afternoon, we will leave Berne and travel to Gruyères, where we will visit the castle of Gruyères and the H.R. Giger Museum. In the evening, you will enjoy a delicious fondue in Gruyères before we return to Montreux for the evening.
May 24th – Montreux – Chillon – Zermatt / Stellarium Gornergrat
We leave Montreaux for the mountains! On our way to Zermatt, which lies at the foot of the Matterhorn, we will stop by Chillon Castle, which has stood proudly on its rocky island since the 12th century – appearing to float on the surface of Lake Geneva. Moving on towards Zermatt’s touristic development, we will see the Matterhorn, one of most photographed mountains in the world! This vacation destination is a car-free zone, which has preserved its original character and offers nearly unlimited possibilities as far as excursions go. After lunch we’ll be able to take the Gornergrat Railway to our Gornergrat Kulm Hotel and observatory. At 3,120 metres above sea level, you will feel the sky and experience the monumental force of the mountains up close!
May 25th – Zermatt
After breakfast at the hotel is a free day in Zermatt. Everyone will receive tickets for admission to the Matterhorn Museum during this free day.
May 26th – Zurich
Upon arrival in Täsch, a chauffeur brings us back to Zurich for the remainder of the last day; leaving the afternoon free to explore Zurich.
May 27th – Zurich City Center/Departure
After our last breakfast at the hotel is check-out; followed by a transfer to Zurich airport, from where flights home will depart.