Swiss Innovations and Alpine Inspirations
with Joseph Howlett
Highlights
Join Scientific American Travel to explore Switzerland’s leadership role in scientific innovation. Each day delves into a different branch of Swiss excellence—from particle physics and international cooperation in Geneva to viticulture science in the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, pioneering energy research in Lausanne and cutting edge transportation engineering in Lucerne.
Travel alongside a Scientific American expert, who will provide context and generate discussion with our local guides. Enjoy behind-the-scenes access to cutting-edge institutions such as CERN and the Swiss Plasma Center, which illuminate how Switzerland’s commitment to precision, research and collaboration has shaped some of the world’s most influential scientific advancements. Along the way, savor the quintessential pleasures that make Switzerland unforgettable: taste artisan cheeses and regional wines, glide above alpine landscapes on cableways, wander lakeside promenades and take in dramatic mountain vistas.
Expert Guide: Joseph Howlett
Joseph Howlett is a staff reporter at Scientific American, where he covers all areas of science with a focus on physics and mathematics. Before that, he was math staff writer at Quanta Magazine for a year and a half. His freelance writing has also appeared in the New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, BBC Future, Gizmodo and elsewhere. He has a Ph.D. in physics from Columbia University and a master’s degree in science communication from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Scientific American has partnered with Academic Travel Abroad (ATA). Links from this brochure allow you to directly access websites operated by ATA. By clicking on these links, you will be leaving scientificamerican.com and directed to ATA. You can review their privacy policy here. Due to GDPR policies, ATA cannot accept customers from the EU, UK and Switzerland.
Itinerary
Saturday, March 13: Geneva Greetings
Arrive in Geneva today and transfer independently to the centrally located Bristol Hotel. Take a guided walking tour of the city center. Gather with fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Included Meal: Dinner
Accommodation: The Bristol Hotel, Geneva
Sunday, March 14: CERN, Cooperation and Collaboration
Begin the morning with a lecture from your Scientific American expert, setting the stage for your day exploring Swiss scientific innovations. Your journey starts at CERN,* established in 1954 to foster international collaboration among scientists searching for answers to what the universe is made of and how it works. While you tour the iconic campus, take in the Science Gateway and the Globe of Science and Innovation, where researchers from around the world collaborate to push the boundaries of particle physics and deepen our shared understanding of the universe. After lunch on site, continue to the Palais des Nations, home to the United Nations Office in Geneva, where multilateral dialogue shapes responses to the world’s most pressing challenges. The day offers a powerful look at how science and diplomacy work together to advance human knowledge and foster global collaboration. After a full day, return to your hotel to spend the evening and dinner at leisure. *Visits to CERN are subject to confirmation.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Bristol Hotel, Geneva
Monday, March 15: Toast to Terroir at Lavaux Vineyards
Start your day with a presentation from your Scientific American expert before traveling along the Lac Leman to Lavaux, where you’ll explore the rich blend of culture, landscape and the science behind Switzerland’s remarkable wines. As you take in the terraced vineyards, learn how centuries-old viticulture traditions intersect with modern scientific practices when considering factors that shape grape growth and flavor: from soil composition and microclimates to unique limestone and glacial deposits. Enjoy tastings of local wines and Swiss delicacies before returning to Geneva for a guided walking tour of the colorful facades, independent boutiques, artisan workshops and lively markets of Carouge. Return to the hotel with time to explore Geneva and have dinner on your own.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Wine Tasting
Accommodation: The Bristol Hotel, Geneva
Julien Viry/iStock/Getty Images Plus
Tuesday, March 16: Fusion and Fission en route to Zurich
Examine Switzerland’s leadership in energy research and innovation as you travel from Geneva toward Zurich. Your day begins in Lausanne with an in-depth visit to the Swiss Plasma Center at the Swiss Federal Technology Institute (EPFL), where scientists from around the world work to advance fusion research and develop cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions. After a group lunch, continue to the Gösgen Nuclear Power Plant (subject to confirmation) for a behind-the-scenes look at how nuclear technology contributes to Switzerland’s low carbon energy mix. Arrive in Zurich late this afternoon and settle into your hotel, with time to explore the city and have dinner on your own.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Seefeld, Zurich
Wednesday, March 17: Trains, Transit and Time
Today’s program explores Switzerland’s remarkable locomotive innovations, combining dramatic alpine engineering with world-class transportation design. Begin by ascending Mount Pilatus by cable car and experience the precision engineering and aerial transit systems that make high altitude travel both efficient and breathtaking. Continue to the Swiss Museum of Transportation in Lucerne for a guided tour highlighting advancements in rail, road and cableway technology, as well as the impact of these efforts on tourism. Switch gears after lunch with a visit to the Beyer Clock and Watch Museum, where you’ll learn about Swiss innovation in precision timekeeping – which keeps Switzerland’s public transport system operating “on the minute” according to the Taktfahr plan, or national timetable. On return to the hotel, hear a talk from your Scientific American expert followed by dinner at leisure.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Seefeld, Zurich
Jordan Lye/Getty Images
Thursday, March 18: Quakes, Quartz and Quarries
Delve into the geological forces that have shaped Switzerland’s stunning landscapes and charming cities. Begin with a guided tour of the Focus Terra Earth Science Museum, where an earthquake simulator illuminates the dynamic processes beneath your feet. Continue with a geology-focused walking tour of Zurich that tells the stories embedded in the city’s building stones, from the materials used in the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology to the glacial deposits that sculpted the modern cityscape. After lunch on your own, visit the Technorama, exploring interactive stations such as plate tectonic models and hands-on rock formation experiments that bring Earth science concepts to life. Conclude the day with a festive farewell dinner as a group.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Seefeld, Zurich
Friday, March 19: Departure
Depart anytime today for individual flights home.
Included Meal: Breakfast
Scientific American has partnered with Academic Travel Abroad (ATA). Links from this brochure allow you to directly access websites operated by ATA. By clicking on these links, you will be leaving scientificamerican.com and directed to ATA. You can review their privacy policy here. Due to GDPR policies, ATA cannot accept customers from the EU, UK and Switzerland.
Accommodations
The Hotel Bristol
Located steps from Lake Geneva and facing the tranquil Mont Blanc Square, Hotel Bristol Geneva offers an elegant retreat in the heart of the city. This four-star boutique property features newly renovated, Art Deco–inspired rooms that are spacious, sound-proofed and thoughtfully appointed with modern comforts, including air conditioning and luxury bedding. The hotel features an exceptional wellness center with fitness room, jacuzzi, hammam, sauna and massage facilities. The property also offers award-winning on-site dining with inventive French and Mediterranean cuisine and a piano bar with live music several evenings a week. (3 nights)
Hotel Seefeld
The Hotel Seefeld is a stylish four‑star property located in Zurich’s elegant Seefeld district, just a short walk from Lake Zurich, Bellevueplatz, the Opera House, and the city’s cultural institutions. The hotel’s Art Deco roots are reflected in its architecture and interiors, which blend historic design elements with contemporary styling inspired by the surrounding neighborhood. Public amenities include the FLOR Café Bar, serving breakfast, light meals and drinks throughout the day. Guest rooms feature Art Deco accents, premium Swiss toiletries and a refined, residential atmosphere. (3 nights)
What's Included
All accommodations for the duration of the tour
Meals as noted in the itinerary
All sightseeing and visits as noted in each itinerary
Expertise of a Scientific American editor, travel director and local guides throughout the program
All gratuities for on-tour guides, drivers, hotel, and restaurant staff as part of the group program
All on-tour transportation, unless otherwise noted
The assistance of an ATA professional travel team to assist with pre-trip questions, travel arrangements, including flights, extra hotel nights and other services
Comprehensive pre-departure mailings and materials with information about the destination and what to expect on tour, including a suggested reading list
Emergency evacuation insurance
Scientific American has partnered with Academic Travel Abroad (ATA). Links from this brochure allow you to directly access websites operated by ATA. By clicking on these links, you will be leaving scientificamerican.com and directed to ATA. You can review their privacy policy here. Due to GDPR policies, ATA cannot accept customers from the EU, UK and Switzerland.