Discovering STEM in Switzerland and Germany

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Thursday April 2: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Friday April 3: Lucerne

Welcome to Switzerland! Upon arrival in beautiful Zurich, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and drive to charming Lucerne. Renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and nestled amid scenic mountains, the city stands on the shore of pristine Lake Lucerne. A walking tour will show you the magnificent Lion Monument, a touching tribute to Swiss mercenaries who died while fighting during the French Revolution, and Chapel Bridge, a 1300s engineering marvel that crosses the Reuss River. Linking the city’s Old and New Towns, it’s the world’s oldest covered bridge. (B,D)

Day 3, Saturday April 4: Lucerne

The day begins with a thrilling ascent of the legendary, 6,994-foot-tall Mount Pilatus via cable car and the world’s steepest cog railway. Along the way, don your scholar’s cap as you enjoy an introduction to the principles used by the engineers to design and erect the cable car. After marveling at the summit views of 73 alpine peaks, you’ll return to Lucerne. This afternoon give your technology IQ another boost with a guided tour of a Swiss hydroelectric power station—one of 556 in the country. (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday April 5: Freiburg

In the morning,enjoy a guided tour of the fascinating Verkehrshaus Museum, which chronicles milestones in transportation and communication. Bid farewell to Lucerne and you’ll cross the border into Germany and enjoy a scenic drive through the world-famous Black Forest. Upon arriving in Freiburg, take a walking tour of this picturesque city, during which you’ll stroll past attractions such as the Münster Cathedral, a stunning masterwork of Gothic architecture. (B,D)

Day 5, Monday April 6: Freiburg

Today starts with a guided tour of nearby Vauban, a model of environmental planning and eco-friendly urban living where residents embrace innovative mobility concepts, renewable energy and public participation and plus-energy housing design. At the end of the tour they will have a chance to show their new found knowledge in a Vauban energy team challenge. Later, return to Freiburg and enjoy more of Germany’ sunniest and warmest city at your own pace, perhaps practicing your German as you order a tasty, cheese-filled maultaschen along the way. (B,D)

Day 6, Tuesday April 7: Munich

Today you'll head for historic Munich, the capital of the state of Bavaria and a thriving center of technology and scientific discovery. In the afternoon visit the riveting Deutsches Museum, home to 28,000 exhibit items spanning 50 different fields of science and technology and filled with hands-on activities. (D)

Day 7, Wednesday April 8: Munich

Enjoy a unique perspective of this remarkable city's hidden gems with a bike tour that combines cultural highlights with an eco-tutorial on the regeneration of natural spaces along the Isar River. In the afternoon, trade in two-wheel transportation for four-wheeled vehicles during a tour of the BMW factory, a sterling example of German technology and engineering in car manufacturing. (B,D)

Day 8, Thursday April 9: Munich

This morning depart towards Salzburg, first we take you out to the Hallein Salt Mine, where you journey deep beneath the ground to learn more about how this precious mineral deeply influenced Salzburg’s (or, literally, Salt Town) history. Besides, you get to slide down the long wooden slides the miners used and traverse a dark lake deep inside the mountain mine. Continue to Salzburg for a sightseeing tour with a local guide shows you the lovely, manicured gardens in front of the Mirabell Palace, the Sound of Music Churchyard and the stunning Baroque Dom Cathedral. Then take the funicular to visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress, located 400 feet above the city center.Return to Munich in time for dinner. (B,D)

Day 9, Friday April 10: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)