SOS - 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, Monday July 12: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Tuesday July 13: 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, Wednesday July 14: 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 for a guided tour of the fascinating Verkehrshaus Museum, which chronicles milestones in transportation and communication. (B,D)

Day 4, Thursday July 15: Freiburg

In the morning, bid farewell to Lucerne and give your technology IQ another boost with a guided tour of a Swiss hydroelectric power station—one of 556 in the country. Then 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, Friday July 16: 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. Enjoy an included lunch at a historic Black Forest Mill before your immersion in sustainable energy practices continues with a visit to an intriguing Plus-Energy town. Equipped with solar panels, biogas digesters and small hydroelectric plants, the town generates 300 percent more energy than its citizens require. 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,L)

Day 6, Saturday July 17: 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, Sunday July 18: 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, Monday July 19: Munich

Another dose of scintillating science awaits during a morning tour of a nuclear research center. Then enjoy a final afternoon to explore more of Munich at your own pace, during which you might visit the Siemens Forum, a museum that details the many innovations sparked by this global technology giant. (D)

Day 9, Tuesday July 20: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)