Switzerland: Science, Art & a Visit to CERN's Large Hadron Collider - Trips & Courses

Read about CAU trips and the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Marvel at some of the world's most sophisticated technology

Just outside of Geneva, Switzerland, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) is home to the world's most powerful particle accelerator—the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). This insider tour, back by popular demand, will take us underground during the collider's two-year-long shutdown to gaze at this breathtakingly advanced scientific equipment.

Jim Alexander, who’s part of a team of Cornell physicists involved in important projects at CERN, will talk with us about the work they’re doing and about experiments being conducted there by physicists from around the world.

And when we’re not immersed in scientific wonders, Sarah How, Cornell's European studies librarian, will further enrich our travels with her insights about Swiss arts and culture.

Day-by-day itinerary

Trip details

Why travel with CAU?

Trip highlights

Descend 20 stories into the heart of the LHC's Compact Muon Solenoid detector and learn about experiments currently underway by our faculty leader and his Cornell colleagues.
In Zurich and Bern, follow in the footsteps of Albert Einstein and discuss his Theory of Relativity, which revolutionized the way we think about space and time.
Visit famed museums and see works of Swiss artists.
In Geneva, tour the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum.
Relish delicious Swiss wines and food, including fondue in Gruyères.

Faculty experts

CAU adventures are designed and led by some of Cornell's most engaging faculty members. These experts create tours focused on the subjects about which they are most passionate; their enthusiasm shows in the rave reviews we receive from travelers. With extensive experience in both the subject and location of your trip, and access to behind-the-scene tours, our faculty leaders will help you delve deeply into the culture and history of the places you visit.

See faculty experts

Jim Alexander

Professor and director of graduate studies in the Department of Physics at Cornell University

Participant experiences

"The highlight of the tour was the visit to CERN and the opportunity to actually see the LHC and the NA62 experiment sites—a unique experience since we would not have been able to do so on any other tour. The guides were knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and articulate about the work being conducted at this amazing research facility."

"A wonderful trip. Everyone had a rich learning experience, and all the logistics were perfect. The alumni and the faculty learned a lot from each other. It was a powerful experience. Dr. Julia Thom-Levy, lead physics professor, decided to add impromptu after-dinner lectures because participant interest was so strong. I believe the goodwill and friendships generated by CAU cannot be surpassed by any other University program."