Geneva

Day Trips

Visit the site of the first Winter Olympics! In Chamonix you’ll experience majestic scenery on a drive through the Arve Valley and from the 12,605-foot viewing platform on Europe’s highest mountain. This full-day tour begins in Geneva with a drive across the French border through the glacier-fed Arve Valley. At Chamonix you’ll marvel at the splendid backdrop of the massive peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges. You’ll take the cable car up to Aiguille du Midi, which was the world’s highest cable car ride when it was launched in 1955. Enjoy breathtaking panoramas of this Alpine wonderland, with views into France, Switzerland, and Italy. Lunch will be at your leisure. You will also have the chance to ride the astonishing Montenvers rack railway to the Mer de Glace glacier. The journey on this electric train covers 3 miles of beautiful mountainous scenery before arriving at the longest glacier in France. You're free to spend the day as you please. Wander by foot to discover the town’s many delights, such as Parc Loisir, Musée Alpin, Lac Gaillands or Atelier Les Racines. Chamonix is the world capital for outdoor activites: mountaineering, alpinism, hiking, climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, trail running, and skiing.

Discover the picturesque area of Les Diablerets (little devils) in the heart of the Alps Vaudoises at Col du Pillon. Made up of chalets, this village has an amazingly preserved heritage. Don't miss the majestic 3000–meter high glacier. Dominate the snowy peaks and take on the Peak Walk, the world's first suspension bridge connecting two peaks. At 108 meters long, discover more than 24 peaks over 4000 meters on the walkway. Take advantage of the fun park where sleds are waiting for you. In summer, try a descent in the Alpine Coaster, Europe's highest tracked toboggan run.  If you prefer to stay in the village of Diablerets, take a stroll along the river and explore the beautiful landscape. Around 3:00 PM, head back to the bus to return to Montreux, and enjoy some free time to explore this artistic city before returning to Geneva.

Annecy, located just 45-minutes from Geneva, is a town that has been awarded France’s prestigious Art and History designation. When you arrive in Annecy you’ll have a guided orientation walk and then plenty of free time to explore Annecy on your own. Please note that if you select the afternoon tour, then this will be self-guided.  As you walk through the streets of this charming town on the River Thiou you’ll come across numerous food and flea markets and historic monuments and landmarks. Browse the shops and stop to try a traditional dish at one of the many restaurants or cafés.

Chocolate Factory - Maison de Cailler Dive into the wonderful world of Cailler chocolate with your every sense. Your eyes discover mysterious ancient Aztec cocoa rituals. Your ears hear fascinating accounts of the first ever chocolate recipe in Switzerland. Your hands feel roasted cocoa beans and your nose wants to follow the aroma of freshly made chocolate. After the tour you will be left alone in the tasting room to try as much chocolate as you like. Gruyère Old Town At the foot of the Pre-Alps, you will be enchanted by the charm and picturesque architecture of the medieval town of Gruyère’s. The town has given its name to the area and to its delicious cheese. Come and explore a little town that’s been unaffected by the passage of time. Visit the impressive medieval castle and delight in the town’s wonderful gastronomy.  La Maison du Gruyère Cheese Factory Snuggling near the mountain pastures at the foot of Gruyère’s Castle, La Maison du Gruyère invites you to discover Le Gruyère AOP. The Maison du Gruyère takes you into the heart of the senses with an exhibition on fragrances and tastes. You will discover the secrets of cheese-making according to ancestral tradition. Panoramic Stop on Wine Terrace Lavaux is internationally famous as a terraced wine- growing region on the shores of Lake Geneva. Part of the Lavaux (bas-Lavaux) has been recognised since 2007 as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Stop here for some truly mesmerizing panoramic views.

Enjoy the slopes with enviable views on the Mont Blanc! As well as offering a hugely diverse and amazing range of skiing and boarding, on and off piste, Chamonix is a fabulous destination. The valley floor is low and the ski areas, of which there are 6 separate ones in the Valley, start at approx 2000 meters with lifts reaching over 3000 meters. From stunning glacial peaks, to gentle rolling slopes, each ski area has something different to offer all levels. There are 3 dedicated beginner slopes, Le Tour has the largest beginner's area, perfect for first timers. There is a vast array of intermediate levels, challenging and difficult runs throughout the whole valley. And for the advanced, slopes on the Grand Montets is the favorite to many locals, due to the sheer steepness and difficulty.

Meet your guide in the morning in the lobby of your hotel and begin your journey to the Swiss countryside. In this full-day tour, you will have the opportunity to experience a culinary adventure, as well as falling into the temptation of one of the best chocolates in the world. You will also taste the Swiss national cheese and wine: the most famous of Swiss delicacies.  Start with a chocolate tour at the Cailler factory, where you will understand the history of chocolate and how it is made. Enjoy an unlimited chocolate tasting at the end of the visit. At noon, you will reach the top of the Moléson mountain and have a tasting in a typical Swiss chalet, a friendly hand-making cheese factory. There you will try the famous Gruyères cheese and the “Vacherin Fribourgeois”, two cheeses mixed for the typical dish, Swiss fondue. In the afternoon, spend some free time strolling around the streets of the medieval village of Gruyères. Located on a hill, you can admire breathtaking landscapes. Breathe pure mountain air and hear cowbells in the pasture lands which surround the small village. Board the bus again to reach the famous city of Montreux or relax in a comfortable ride aboard the famous Golden Express train overlooking the magnificent Alps and enjoy the views over Leman lake (if option selected). Your last stop will be in the world heritage site of Lavaux, where you will appreciate a glass of Swiss wine while contemplating the stunning views. This vineyard’s region is a UNESCO classified area. When your tour finishes, your local guide will take you back to Geneva.

Embark on a guided tour along Lake Geneva, with stops at several beautiful locations. Start with pickup from Geneva and travel along the shores of the lake through the Vaud countryside. Enjoy a photo stop at the Olympic Museum of Lausanne, which is the symbol of the city.  Continue towards the town of Corsier sur-Vevey. Enjoy some free time to explore this charming village where Charlie Chaplin lived for several years. You have the option of visiting Chaplin's World Museum to learn more about his life and see a collection of memorabilia. Then, enjoy a ride through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lavaux, known for its beautiful terraced vineyards.  In the afternoon, visit the town of Montreaux, a glamorous resort popular with international travelers. You can also visit Chillon Castle, a medieval fortress is located on a beautiful small island near the town. After exploring Montreaux, be returned to Geneva in the evening.

This tour will give you the chance to enjoy the beauty of the Swiss Riviera at Lake Geneva (or Leman, as it is also known), while giving you the option to tailor the trip to your needs and interests.  Starting from Geneva, you will board a comfortable coach and drive through the Vaud countryside, passing Lausanne and stopping at Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exquisite wine production. During the spring and summer months, you will also have the chance to visit a vineyard there, where local wine will be served.  Leaving Lavaux, the next stop will be Vevey. Take an overall tour of the city, the Nestlé headquarters, the covered market, and have some free time for lunch. This is also where you will have the option to discover Chapin’s World — a site dedicated to Charlie Chaplin, the artist and man. Go on an extraordinary adventure across time and through the magical world of cinema. Prepare to be moved by one of the most surprising artists of the 20th century through the sets of his greatest films at a Hollywood-style studio. If you decide to add the option of a lake cruise to your tour, after your time in Vevey, you will be boarding an old steamer boat and embark on a journey that will lead you right to the Castle of Chillon. Located on the bank of Lake Geneva, the castle is one of the most visited historic places in Switzerland dating back to the 11th-century.  If you decided on the option that includes the castle, you will have a guided tour through the building, and in case you did not choose the cruise option, you will be taken to the castle directly by bus.  Afterwards, your last stop will be in Montreux, a glamorous tourist resort. Feel the atmosphere of all the great artists who have visited this place such as Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, BB King, and Ray Charles. Wander through the streets full of fancy shops and landmarks of the famous jazz festival.

Board a comfortable bus from Geneva for an hour drive to Lausanne. Take advantage of the morning to stroll in the pretty streets, visit the famous cathedral or walk around the port. You may also explore the world of sports in the Olympic Museum and relive great moments of competition, feel the pulse of the champions and discover the creative flair of the place. This is only optional! At 2:15 PM embark for a cruise on the Léman Lake to Montreux. Discover the idyllic landscapes of this little piece of heaven. Pass a UNESCO world heritage site called Lavaux. Admire the vineyards on terraces and see Vevey with the statue of Charlie Chaplin on the shore and the famous Nestlé headquarters. Get off the boat at Montreux, and enjoy some free time in this beautiful city before coming back to Geneva by bus. Feel the good vibes of this well-known tourist resort. Because of the exceptionally mild climate Montreux’ plants are associated with the Mediterranean. Pines, cypresses and palm trees grow here as well. Charlie Chaplin, Freddie Mercury and several other famous people lived and continue to live on the Vaud Riviera.

After meeting your guide, get accustomed to your E-Bike. Visit the Nations Square and head up hill with ease on your E-Bike to see the Japanese Bell, United Nations Museum and Red Cross Museum. Continue to the House of Swiss People and wizz downhill through the botanical gardens and Zoo. Head through the tunnel to the United Nations Lake and World Trade Organisation. Take a little tour of the Science Museum. Cruise around the lake to the island of Jean Jacques Rousseau. Visit the Sujet Dam and head on to the Reformation Wall. Enjoy these beautiful gardens of Geneva life and continue to the St Peter's Cathedral, Russian church Jet D'eau and English Gardens.