Cultural tour to Geneva by air: 4 days, 3 nights
Your cultural tour to Geneva will provide students with numerous opportunities to extend their knowledge and experience of the Swiss culture along with a memorable visit to CERN. Our suggested itinerary offers inspiration but we will tailor make your tour to meet your specific curriculum needs.
Similar tours
Suggested itinerary
Day one
- Fly from the UK to Geneva
- Transfer to accommodation
Day two
- Visit CERN Centre
- UN Headquarters
- A Symbol for Peace – The Broken Chair
Day three
- Walking tour of Old Town
- See Jet d’Eau de Genève – river cruise
- St. Pierre Cathedral
- Red Cross Museum
Day four
- Transfer to airport
- Fly back to the UK
Excursion locator map
Excursion Ideas
CERN
Subject range: Science, Cultural
What you’ll experience: The European Organization for Nuclear Research known as CERN is a European research organization that operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the world. Established in 1954, the organization is based in the northwest suburbs of Geneva on the Franco–Swiss border and has 21 European member states. Israel is the first (and currently only) non-European country granted full membership.
Select says: This must be booked directly by the school prior to confirmation of your tour. Please note that this is an extremely popular trip and dates book up many months in advance. Find out more on the CERN website.The Palais Des Nations, UN Headquarters
Subject range: Cultural
What you’ll experience: The Palais des Nations houses the European headquarters of the United Nations. It is the largest UN centre after New York. Guided tours are possible where, dependent on meetings, you can see the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room, decorated by famous artist Miquel Barcelò, the Assembly Hall, the largest room in the Palais des Nations, and the Council Chamber, where many important historical negotiations have taken place. You can also watch a film on the activities and the objectives of the United Nations Office.
Select says: Guides will also inform students about the current activities of the United Nations and the history of the Palais des Nations.Symbol for Peace - The Broken Chair
Subject range: Cultural
What you’ll experience: Broken Chair is the 12 metre high work of sculptor Daniel Berset. It was made in 1997 for the NGO Handicap International. Its message is simple: remember the victims of landmines and urge your government to promote a ban on landmines. To illustrate this combat, the Broken Chair stands on three legs, the fourth being splintered half way up.
Select says: This is near to the European headquarters of the United Nations. A great opportunity for a photo of this unique work of art.Walking tour of Old Town
Subject range: Cultural
What you’ll experience: Geneva’s Old Town, in French called Vieille Ville, is an ancient maze of small streets and picturesque squares with beautiful historical buildings, traditional cafés, restaurants, galleries, museums and historical sights. It’s like stepping back into ancient Geneva. In the centre of Geneva’s is Bourg-de-Four Square, the oldest place in Geneva, where the Roman marketplace used to trade its wares.
Select says: Must see places include Maison Tavel – built in the 12th century it is the oldest house in Geneva. Guided tours are avalible at a supplement to get the most out of walking around the Old Town.Cathédrale Saint-Pierre
Subject range: Cultural
What you’ll experience: St Peter’s Cathedral was built in the 12th century but underwent important transformations in the 16th century. Visitors that climb the 157 steps of the north tower have an incredible view of the city and the lake.
Select says: The area beneath the Cathedral has been excavated revealing a rich history of the site dating back to the Roman Empire. Get a great panoramic view of the city from the Tower for a small supplement, payable on arrival.Red Cross Museum
Subject range: Cultural
What you’ll experience: The Humanitarian Adventure is the permanent exhibition and offers a unique opportunity to enter into the history of humanitarian action. Three separate areas allow visitors to explore three major challenges in today’s world: defending human dignity, restoring family links, and reducing natural risks.
Select says: An interactive chronology unfurls 150 years of humanitarian history, while Current focus enables you to track Red Cross operations around the globe.
Excursion locator map
Cultural trip to Geneva by air: 4 days, 3 nights Accommodation
Geneva Hostel
Location: Geneva
Capacity: 336
A 10 minute walk from the town centre and 5 minutes from Lake Geneva. This is the best youth accommodation in Geneva for school groups!
Rooms: Rooms are shared facilities, en-suite rooms available on request.
Facilities: Facilities: On site restaurant, public Wi-Fi, wheelchair access, close to the waterfront.
Meininger Hotel Geneve Centre Charmilles
Location: Geneva City Centre
Capacity: 362
MEININGER Hotel Genève Centre Charmilles is ideally located on the bank of the Rhône. From your door it's a simple stroll to Geneva city center and picturesque Lake Geneva, with the Jardin Botanique, Jet d'Eau and Palais des Nations nearby. Nestled between city and nature, in the heart of lively Charmille district, trolleybus lines make for an easy journey to the airport or central station.
Rooms: Clean & Modern. En-suite bathroom
Facilities: Free wifi & 24 hour reception
Links to Learning
Learning areas:
Why not link your cultural tour to your school PSHE planning? Areas covered could include: gaining self-confidence and independence; working together and making new friends; trying new activities; enjoy healthy, safe, responsible and fulfilled lives; recognising and managing risks; take increasing responsibility for themselves.
For KS3/4 how about linking a cultural tour to the Citizenship curriculum: to enable them to manage their money on a day-to-day basis; KS4: other systems and forms of government, both democratic and non-democratic, beyond the United Kingdom; local, regional and international governance and the United Kingdom’s relations with the rest of Europe, the Commonwealth, the United Nations and the wider world; human rights and international law
KS2 – how about linking to the Foreign Language curriculum: listen attentively to spoken language and show understanding by joining in and responding; engage in conversations; ask and answer questions; develop accurate pronunciation and intonation; broaden their vocabulary and develop their ability to understand new words.
KS3 – Modern foreign language: develop and use a wide-ranging and deepening vocabulary that goes beyond their immediate needs and interests; listen to a variety of forms of spoken language to obtain information and respond appropriately; initiate and develop conversations, coping with unfamiliar language and unexpected responses, making use of important social conventions such as formal modes of address; speak coherently and confidently, with increasingly accurate pronunciation and intonation.
Select Extras:
As French is the main language spoken in Geneva, For KS2 students to practise their language skills pre-tour try these resources:
For KS2 students to practise their language skills pre-tour try these resources:
BBC Primary French – language lab
BBC Primary French – all about me (also includes French sounds video and songs)
KS3/KS4 There are some fantastic video clips available here including situations such as a visit to the market:
KS3 BBC Bitesize – a visit to the market