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GenevaCulture & history

Our most recommended Geneva Culture & history

From Geneva: Gruyères Gold Tour with Train Ride & Tastings

1. From Geneva: Gruyères Gold Tour with Train Ride & Tastings

Admire breathtaking landscapes of Gruyères. At the top of the hill, breathe pure mountain air and hear cowbells in the pasture. Enjoy authentic Alpine cheese making and suddenly become expert in (Swiss) cheese fondue by preparing it yourself. The chocolat factory visit starts around 10:45 AM and ends at 12:00 PM. After the visit you will go to a traditional restaurant from about 12:20 to 2pm where you will taste different kinds of local cheeses, dried meat and sausage, and enjoy the fondue dish and a small local dessert. Then you will have free time in Gruyères village from about 2:15 PM to 3:00 PM and then we will take you to the Golden Pass train in Montbovon at 3:28 PM. Relax in a comfortable ride aboard the famous Golden Express train overlooking magnificent views over Lake Leman.

From Geneva: Gruyères Cheese & Chocolate Private Tour

2. From Geneva: Gruyères Cheese & Chocolate Private Tour

We will greet you at the lobby of your accommodation in Geneva and invite you to spend a day in the gastronomic heart of Switzerland, the Gruyere region. The region of Gruyères with the peaks of the Friborg Alps, green hills, and pastures for cows is the birthplace of the world-famous hard cheese Gruyère. Experience La Maison du Gruyère and delve into the secrets of the making of Le Gruyère. This popular aromatic cheese has been produced according to the traditional recipe in the canton of Friborg for several centuries. It takes about 400 liters of fresh unpasteurized milk to produce one 35 kg cheese. In the center of the postcard landscape, between the slopes of Moleson and Dents-du-Chamois, is the medieval city of Gruyères. Inside the 13th-century castle is a museum covering eight centuries of the history, architecture, and culture of the region. The second, smaller castle of Gruyères houses the museum of Hans Rudolf Giger. When the Swiss artist won an Oscar in 1980 for his creation of the monster character and set design for Alien, he suddenly gained worldwide fame and bought a beautiful Saint-Germain mansion in the center of Gruyères. In 1998 Giger opened a museum in it, which exhibits an extensive collection of the artist's work. The museum's fantastical atmosphere echoes that of Giger's other brainchild, located across from Giger's bar, with alien sets, provocative paintings, sculptures, and furniture. An important part of Gruyère's appeal - besides its picturesqueness, of course - is the busy life in the small town, where there are several restaurants serving local delicacies: fondue, raclette and, especially, desserts made with Gruyère cream. At the end of our gastronomic journey, a sweet adventure awaits you at the Maison Cailler chocolate factory in the nearby town of Brok. Along the way, you will be able to learn the centuries-old history of local chocolate, discover many secrets of production, and be rewarded with an unforgettable tasting.

From Geneva: Swiss Riviera Tour

3. From Geneva: Swiss Riviera Tour

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.  Board the coach in Geneva 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 where local wine will be served.  Leaving Lavaux, the next stop will be Vevey. Take an overall tour of the city, the Nestlé headquarters, and the covered market, and have some free time for lunch.  You can discover Chapin’s World — a site dedicated to Charlie Chaplin, and go on an extraordinary adventure across time and through the magical world of cinema. Know more about one of the surprising artists of the 20th century through the sets of his greatest films at a Hollywood-style studio. After visiting Vevey, if you have the lake cruise option on your tour, embark on a journey in an old steamer boat to the Castle of Chillon. Located on the bank of Lake Geneva, the castle is one of the most visited historical 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.  Afterward, your last stop will be in Montreux, a glamorous tourist resort. Feel the atmosphere of great artists that 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.

From Geneva: Lausanne, Montreux, and Chateau Chillon Tour

4. From Geneva: Lausanne, Montreux, and Chateau Chillon Tour

The Olympic Museum (Musée Olympique)  The Olympic Museum in Lausanne-Ouchy celebrates the Olympic movement including the history of the games, its organization and of course athletes. The museum is modern with many interactive displays complimenting the wide range of items directly related to the games, its organizers, and the athletes.  Montreux  Montreux town is nestled in a sheltered Lake Geneva bay, surrounded by vineyards and against the breathtaking backdrop of snow-covered Alps. Known to many as the city of music and famed for its international Jazz festival, Montreux is a wonderful city to visit. Its lakeside promenade is bursting with flowers & scents that create the perfect photo opportunity.  Château de Chillon  Chillon Castle is located on the banks of Lake Geneva on a very small island. The water castle is the most visited historic building in Switzerland. For nearly four centuries Chillon was the residence and profitable toll station of the Counts of Savoy. By touring this Castle you can view incredible wall paintings from the 14th century, subterranean vaults and parade halls dating to the time of Bernese rule.  Lavaux wine terrace  Lavaux is internationally famous as a terraced wine- growing region on the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) in western Switzerland. It covers the territory roughly from Lausanne to Montreux, extending to an altitude of roughly 500 meters above lake level and including 6 lake-shore villages and the city of Vevey. Part of the Lavaux (bas-Lavaux) has been recognised since 2007 as a world heritage site by UNESCO. 

From Geneva: Yvoire Castle & Lake Geneva Cruise

5. From Geneva: Yvoire Castle & Lake Geneva Cruise

Board a comfortable vehicle, drive along Geneva lake to reach the fortified village of Yvoire. It is authentic, with its ramparts and gates that were used to defend the town. Built in 1036, Yvoire’s castle is the target of all photography-lovers of Yvoire. When under construction in the 14th century, the military dungeon was used to watch the navigation and control the road that linked Geneva to the high valley of the Rhône and to Italy. Today, the majestic shape of the castle is still standing as a sentinel on Lake Geneva. Spend some free time and enjoy the atmosphere of this unique place. Enjoy the restaurants with its typical fish dish called “filet de perche” in front of the magnificent Lake. Classified among the most beautiful villages of France, the medieval city of Yvoire, fishermen's authentic village, is situated right by the Leman Lake. It is outstandingly flowery and livened up by artists and craftsmen, is one of the inescapable sites of Chablais. You will be enchanted with the Garden “des Cinq Sens” and its labyrinth of greenery. 700-years-old, the village has miraculously preserved invaluable testimonies of past: castle, ramparts, doors and ditch. It is a member of a prestigious Association of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”. You will have a map and you can wonder yourself in this beautiful village. To come back to Geneva, board an old steamer boat “Belle Epoque” cruise, an original journey to enjoy the banks of the lake from the water.

From Geneva: Day Trip to Annecy with Transfers

6. From Geneva: Day Trip to Annecy with Transfers

This day trip to Annecy lets your discover this wonderful icon French town at your leisure. Colorful buildings perched next to waterways house endless restaurants, bistros, and boutique shops. A steep walk to the top of the Old Town reveals the impressive Chateau de Montrottier & Gorges du Fier. The Wonderful Lake that surrounds the town is one of the most pristine in Europe. Boat tours around the Alpine lake are highly recommended to finish off the day. Annecy Old Town  Nick-named the ‘Venice of the Alps,’ Annecy’s old town is beautifully restored and a joy to stroll through. Colorful buildings perched next to waterways house endless restaurants, bistros, and cafés with outdoor seating and incredible views. Much of the old town of Annecy has only very narrow streets and alleys that are open to pedestrians only.    Lake Annecy  A major attraction of Annecy is its beautiful location on the banks of Lac d’Annecy. Boat excursions are popular on Lake Annecy and range from lunch cruises to short round-trip cruises. It is also possible to rent boats from the park behind the Hotel de Ville – powerboats and pedal boats (pedalos) can be rented by the half-hour. Swimming is allowed in this crystal clean- lake and the alpine views are simply stunning.  Château de Montrottier & Gorges du Fier The medieval castle of Montrottier and its remarkable collections is located in the Savoyard foreland between the Rhone and the limestone Pre-Alps. The castle houses wonderful sets of furniture, earthward, lace, weapons and rare objects from Africa and the far East. Opened in 1869, the Gorges, 300 m long and 70m deep, surpass in picturesqueness and striking size the most famous Gorges. At the exit, the river threads its way through a veritable maze of rocks. It is a vast lapiaz with tormented shapes called a "sea of rocks"

Private Tour at Swiss Riviera from Geneva

7. Private Tour at Swiss Riviera from Geneva

Fall in love with the Swiss riviera sceneries around the Leman Lake. Drive through the Vaud countryside, Stop in Lausanne for a photo stop at the Olympic museum, symbol of the city. Arriving at Vevey, discover Chapin’s world: a site dedicated to Charlie Chaplin, the artist and the man. Board 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 our Hollywood-style Studio. Enjoy a ride through the World heritage site of Lavaux: vineyard terraces with stunning views over Lake Geneva and the Alps. In the afternoon, board an old steamer boat “Belle Epoque”, a cruise that will surprise you with the splendor of the landscape. The Lake of Geneva is the home of the world's most important, most elegant and most homogeneous fleet of side-wheel paddle boats. You will arrive to the Castle of Chillon, this medieval fortress is located on a beautiful small island. You enter the Middle Ages as you cross the little castle’s covered bridge into its walled courtyards. Then discover the Artistic and famous city of Montreux, feel the good vibes of this well known tourist resort before to ride back to Geneva.

Geneva: 5-Day Tour of Bern and Montreux with Lodging

8. Geneva: 5-Day Tour of Bern and Montreux with Lodging

Enjoy an exciting journey to Switzerland in one action-packed 5-day trip to the charming cities, natural beauty, and spectacular views. Start in Geneva and explore the region's historical and cultural diversity. Stay in 4-star accommodation and relax next to picturesque Swiss lakes and mountain scenery. Day 1: Arrival at Geneva Airport. Transfer from the airport to the Interlaken region. Discover the delightful Lauterbrunnen Waterfalls Valley, the pearl of the Bernese Oberland. You will visit the Aareschlucht gorge which is 1400 metres long and up to 200 metres deep. The limestone chasm formed 10000 years ago was created by the water of the melting glaciers. The gorge varies in width from some 30 meters at its widest to just 1 meter at its narrowest. Lodging at the hotel in the Interlaken region. Day 2: Interlaken – Bern – Gruyere – Montreux region Breakfast Explore Bern City with many fountains, sandstone facades, arcades, and historic towers. Visit the medieval city of Gruyères, the cheese factory La Maison du Gruyère, and the chocolate factory Maison Cailler. Lodging at the hotel in the Montreux region. Day 3: Montreux region Breakfast. The heart of the Swiss Riviera is Montreux. Just walk along its flowering promenade, recognized as one of the most luxurious in all of Europe. Enter the legendary Queen: The Studio Experience museum and visit the amazing Chaplin’s World museum of the outstanding Charlie Chaplin. The great Charlie Chaplin lived on the outskirts of Vevey for the last 25 years of his life. The modern museum next to the mansion of the outstanding actor is one of the most visited in all of Switzerland. The highlight of your Swiss Riviera trip will be visiting the 830 hectares of terraced slopes of the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a fascinating example of a centuries-long interaction between people and their environment, to produce a highly valued wine that has always been important to the economy. Day 4: Montreux region – Vevey – Lausanne – Geneva After breakfast, we will visit Chillon Castle the most visited historical monument in Switzerland. Discover the magnificent embankments of Montreux and Vevey. Visit the cozy Olympic Park in Lausanne. Enjoy the sightseeing Geneva City walking tour. Lodging at the hotel in Geneva. Day 5: Geneva Breakfast. Enjoy free time in the city until it’s time to transfer to the airport.

Enchanting Geneva: Unveiling Hidden Charms

9. Enchanting Geneva: Unveiling Hidden Charms

Join our professional guide on an enchanting journey through the captivating city, as we uncover the hidden tales and treasures that lie within its streets and corners. Discover the intriguing secrets concealed within the Brunswick Mausoleum and unravel the captivating story it holds. Marvel at the majestic Jet d’Eau fountain, standing tall as the tallest in all of Europe. As we explore Geneva, be prepared to be enthralled by captivating facts, legends, and fascinating narratives that will breathe life into the city’s rich history. Witness the remarkable sight of the world’s longest wooden bench and delve into the countless stories interwoven within the fabric of Geneva’s architecture and alleyways. Our charming guide will ensure that you experience the city’s unique essence and uncover its extraordinary highlights. This tour is tailored for first-time visitors who yearn to make the most of their time in this remarkable city.

Private Trip From Geneva to Annecy in France

10. Private Trip From Geneva to Annecy in France

If you are looking for a romantic adventure, then this excursion is the perfect match for you! This trip can be organised according to your preferences, offering a personal approach. Start the journey from any convenient location for you in Geneva. Hop into a comfortable car or minivan for a short but pleasant ride to the charming town of Annecy, situated 35 km away from Geneva and right at the base of the snow-covered Alps. Annecy is also known as the “Venice of the Alps” due to the Thiou River flowing through the town creating canals reminiscent of Venice. Located beside the clear waters of Lake Annecy, the town offers a large green park with walkways, tiny bridges, fountains, swans and options for boating activities. Wander around and explore the delightful Old town, which was built in the Middle Ages. Take a look at the central landmark of Annecy – Palais de I’lsle, a medieval castle and prison built in the 12th century that is now an art and history museum. Discover the Chateau d’Annecy – a renovated castle, dominating the town. Afterward, you will take a boat trip and sail around the lake to see the tiny villages dotted at the shores of the lake, the Menthon Saint Bernard – a castle built in the 13th century and enjoy the beautiful view.  You can have a meal by trying local dishes at one of the canal-side cafes or restaurants. Do not forget to bring your camera, as it is going to be a very picturesque journey!

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What people are saying about Geneva

Overall rating

4.1 / 5

based on 199 reviews

I did this as a solo trip and loved it. We started off at the Chaplin House which was entertaining and informative. Followed by a short picnic with our tour guide in Vevey. After (if your purchase the boat ticket) we went on the boat to the castle. Lastly we ended the day off with some time in Montreux. Your guide will take you everywhere, explain everything thoroughly and make sure you have meeting points/times. My guide was fantastic! It’s a long day with lots of walking but I didn’t even notice because of the fun I was having! Despite it being overcast/rainy the views were still breathtaking and we made the most of the day. Highly recommend this tour.

Normunds was our tour guide and he was excellent! Very clear instructions on where to meet and what time. He kept track of everyone. He even told stories otw to our destination based on the sights we’d pass by. The tour was not tiring, didn’t feel like rushing too much. I just wish we had more time in Montreaux and Gruyeres. Maybe the tour can extend to an hour.

Super fun tour, only thing I think can be improved is the last stop at Montreux could be longer. The guide Norman was super funny too. Recommend for people who are travelling solo.

it was a wonderful tour but not enough time to go around the gruyeres village. i would love to go back.

Amazing , happy , nice ambiance , the tour is totally worth it