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Computer Science Trips to San Francisco

San Francisco’s Silicon Valley, the most innovative region in the world is home to Apple, Google, Facebook  as well as thousands of small start-ups who have revolutionised global communications. To see the range of careers available in this sector and inspire the next generation of programmers and coders this is the perfect destination for a computer science school trip.

Take a tour of Stanford University, which was the starting point for so many of the digital pioneers. While a veil of secrecy surrounds the headquarters of the digital giants your students will soak up the atmosphere of the area and gain valuable insight into the subject visiting the Intel Museum, Tech Museum of Innovation and the history of the subject at the Computer History Museum. Add in some sightseeing at the cities iconic sites and you have an unforgettable and memorable tour guaranteed to inspire your students.

Prices start from£1569pp

Popular itinerary

Our sample itinerary provides you with an idea of the visits you can cover during your trip. We can tailor-make an itinerary to support your specific learning outcomes.

Morning Afternoon Evening
1 Check in to UK airport for flight to San Francisco Arrive and transfer to your accommodation Evening meal
2 Tour of Silicon Valley Visit Computer History Museum Evening meal
3 Guided Tour of Intel Museum Visit to The Tech Interactive and the Exploratorium Evening meal
4 Guided Walking Tour or walk over Golden Gate Bridge Visit to and tour of Alcatraz Island Evening meal
5 Stanford University Tour Free time at Fisherman's Wharf Overnight flight back to UK
6 Arrive UK Airport, onward return travel to school
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Morning Check in to UK airport for flight to San Francisco
Afternoon Arrive and transfer to your accommodation
Evening Evening meal
Morning Tour of Silicon Valley
Afternoon Visit Computer History Museum
Evening Evening meal
Morning Guided Tour of Intel Museum
Afternoon Visit to The Tech Interactive and the Exploratorium
Evening Evening meal
Morning Guided Walking Tour or walk over Golden Gate Bridge
Afternoon Visit to and tour of Alcatraz Island
Evening Evening meal
Morning Stanford University Tour
Afternoon Free time at Fisherman's Wharf
Evening Overnight flight back to UK
Morning Arrive UK Airport, onward return travel to school
Afternoon
Evening

Price Shown includes

  • Return Flights
  • 4 nights Youth Hostel Accommodation - Room Only
  • Airport Transfers
  • Visits including coach transportation where required: Computer History Museum, Silcon Valley Tour, Intel Museum
  • Specialist Group Travel Insurance
  • Free Place Ratios
  • Live Trip Tracking
  • Online trip organiser & Travel App
  • 24/7 support whilst you are away

Reasons to Visit

The Tech Interactive

The Tech Interactive reflects its social context, capturing Silicon Valley's fascination with what the museum’s literature refers to as the “gizmos and gadgets” produced by Valley companies. Four major themed galleries: Communication, Exploration, Innovation and Life Tech are filled with with hands-on, interactive experiences about everything from genetics, earth sciences, alternative energy, virtual design, microchips and lots more. The museum is also the home of the ultimate movie experience on the largest IMAX screen in the West.

Computer History Museum

The museum has hands-on activities and holds the most significant and varied collection of computing hardware, software and documents in the world. Spend a day at the Computer History Museum and find out why computer history is 2000 years old. The iconic machines are here, including the first Google server rack from 1999, the original 1976 Apple 1 autographed by the great Woz, the first Internet router called the Interface Message Processor (IMP) from 1965, and thousands of other pieces of computer history that bring the story of computing to life.

Silicon Valley Tour

Take a guided tour of the this world renowned high-tech hub and visit the campuses of some of the biggest names in technology. While it is not possible to tour the individual company headquarters this tour offers students an insight into this unique region.

Stanford University Tour

Without Stanford University, there would be no Silicon Valley. Stanford University has become a wellspring of innovation, producing advances in research and the formation of many companies that have made Silicon Valley one of the most innovative and productive high-tech regions in the world. Take a walking tour with a student guide to visit The Gates Computer Science the home of the Computer Science Department and the Computer Systems Laboratory.

Intel Museum

Discover the people and technology behind the company in the 10,000 square foot Intel Museum. The museum is a self-guided experience that mixes Intel history, technology explanations, demonstrations, and popular culture in more than 30 exhibits. The museum store sells Intel branded merchandise including apparel, pens, gifts, computer devices, toys, and other items.

Exploratorium

The Exploratorium is a twenty-first-century learning laboratory, an eye-opening, always-changing, playful place to explore and tinker. For more than forty years, they’ve built creative, thought-provoking exhibits, tools, programs, and experiences that ignite curiosity, encourage exploration, and lead to profound learning. 

Alcatraz Island

The formidable fortress in the middle of San Francisco Bay known as “The Rock” started out as a lighthouse station in 1854, but its isolated location made it an ideal spot for a penal colony. Infamous former inhabitants include Al Capone, George ‘Machine Gun’ Kelly and Robert Stroud, the Birdman of Alcatraz. The audio cellhouse tour, narrated by former inmates and guards, offers accounts of life at the prison and escape attempts.

Fishermans Wharf

The best known neighbourhood in San Francisco is home to the city’s waterfront community where it'a rich seafaring history comes to life. Waterfront marketplaces and the Wharf's famous fishing fleet complete with sea lions basking in the sun, seafood stalls and steaming crab cauldrons; you know you’re in world-famous Fisherman’s Wharf. Souvenir shops and historic ships add to the atmosphere

Golden Gate Bridge & Park

Arguably the world's most beautiful bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge connects San Francisco with Marin County and can be experienced from near countless angles. Drive, bike, or walk across the two-mile long suspension bridge. The 1,000-acre Golden Gate Park, larger than Central Park, is located in the western area of the city includes several great museums, a botanical garden, and an arboretum.

Cable Car Ride

A visit to San Francisco wouldn't be complete without a ride on San Francisco's most notable form of transportation. Hop aboard and you'll be treated to a unique 9 mph rolling tour of the city that includes views of Nob Hill, Fisherman's Wharf, the Bay and Alcatraz Island.

Winchester Mystery House

The Winchester Mystery House is a mansion in San Jose which was once the personal residence of Sarah Winchester, the widow of gun magnate William Wirt Winchester. The Victorian mansion is renowned for its size, its architectural curiosi?es, and its lack of any master building plan. It is a designated California historical landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find glacier-carved valleys, grand meadows, alpine peaks, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.


We Make Trip Planning Easy

  • Day to day support and advice from our team of travel experts
  • Easy-to-view online tour quotation
  • Market-leading trip organiser portal, My Tour Manager
  • Free Resources and templates to help launch your trip
  • Email reminders to keep you on track
  • Free and completely personalised Travel App to access your information on the go
  • Locate My Trip designed to provide reassurance to parents and teachers
  • Risk Assessment advice so you can make an informed decision on every tour component
  • Teacher Inspection Visits

Places to Stay

Hostelling International Fisherman's Wharf

Ideal location offering unbeatable views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Angel Island.  Groups are accommodated in 2-12 bedded rooms with shared facilities.  The hostel has a Cafe, common room & games room.  A simple buffet breakfast is included.

This is just one accommodation option, speak to one of our knowledgeable Tour Consultants today for expert advice on the most suitable accommodation for your specific requirements and budget.


What You Say

omputer History Museum now has more hands-on exhibits. This is a great enhancement to this venue. Academy of Science continues to impress pupils with the variety of exhibits.  St Ninians High School