Geneva and Annecy Tour With Optional Lake Geneva Cruise

Geneva , Switzerland

Geneva and Annecy Tour With Optional Lake Geneva Cruise

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About this experience

Discover the charm of Geneva and Annecy on this combination sightseeing tour. Start and cross the border into France to explore the enchanting Alpine town of Annecy, whose medieval Old Town is a sight to be seen. In the afternoon, come back for a 15 minutes break at the bus station, keep going with Geneva tour for 2 hours, listen to informative commentary from a knowledgeable guide. The 2-hour tour of Geneva allow you to see top attractions like the UN headquarters, the Flower Clock and Geneva Old Town. Travel by coach, mini foot or by foot with an expert guide, followed by an optional 1-hour Lake Geneva cruise.

Available options

Tour with Cruise

(KTG209) - Tour with Cruise: Geneva and Annecy sightseeing tour including a 1-hour Lake Geneva cruise, departing at 9am

Tour

(KTG208) - Tour : Geneva and Annecy sightseeing tour departing at 9am

What's included

City tour of Geneva by bus

Guided walking tour in Annecy Old town

Free time for shopping in Annecy

Old town of Geneva by mini train or by walk ( depends on the season)

Guide for more than 10 people or driver guide for small groups

Lake Geneva cruise between April - October (if option selected)

Detailed itinerary

Meet your guide and board the coach

Stop 2

Pass by the purest lake of Europe, After the walking tour in the Old town, you have 2 hours of free time, you can have a nice promenade along the lake and see the beautiful clear water of the blue lake, as we call it

Stop 3

Your guide will tell you all about Palais de I'lle, often described as a “house in the shape of a ship”, which has been a prison, a courthouse and an administrative center.

Stop 4

Enjoy a stop at the castle - a combination of medieval defensive architecture and renaissance elegance, inspired by castles in Ile de France - and admire the view from there to Annecy

Stop 5

After, taking a tour of the international disctric of Geneva, you will understand why we called Geneva "city of peace", you will pass sevral organisations such as WIPO, Red CROSS, WTO, ITU, World council of churches, ILO, UNICF, UNESCO. Then get off the bus and enjoy a photo stop at the broken chair in front of the UN

Stop 6 Pass by

Our symbolic flower clock represents the importance of watches as it's the main industry and the importance of botanic as we have gardens and we are called a green city

Stop 7 Pass by

Enjoy the view on the fountain, our symbol that you can see from everywhere: the famous Jet d'eau. Admire the two biggest public park of the city.

Stop 8 Pass by

Pass by Lake Geneva, one of the largest lakes in Western Europe.

Stop 9 Pass by

See the Maison tavel, the oldest house in Geneva, built in the 12th century by the Maison family.

Stop 10

Visit the old town with mini train or walking depending on the season

Stop 11 Pass by

Admire St. Pierre Cathedral, where between 1536 and 1564 Protestant John Calvin preached.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.2

122 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.0

28 reviews

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

Please note in winter the cruise option is not available

Meeting point

Place Dorcière 1201 Geneva

About Geneva

Geneva, nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva and surrounded by the Alps, is a picturesque city known for its international diplomacy, stunning natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage. As the home of the United Nations and the Red Cross, it's a hub of global significance with a high quality of life and a vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Top Attractions

Jet d'Eau

A iconic water fountain on Lake Geneva, shooting water 140 meters into the air. A symbol of the city and a popular photo spot.

Nature 30 minutes Free

St. Peter's Cathedral

A beautiful Romanesque cathedral with a rich history and panoramic views from its tower. It's a significant religious and historical site in Geneva.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (tower climb CHF 5)

Palais des Nations

The headquarters of the United Nations in Europe. Offers guided tours to learn about the UN's work and history.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (tours require advance booking)

Lake Geneva

A stunning lake surrounded by the Alps, offering various activities like cruises, swimming, and water sports.

Nature Half day or more Free to explore, cruises from CHF 20

Reformation Wall

A monumental wall honoring the Protestant Reformation and its leaders. An important historical site in Geneva.

Historical 30 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fondue

Melted cheese served in a communal pot, enjoyed with bread. A classic Swiss dish.

Dinner Contains dairy, not suitable for vegetarians or those with lactose intolerance.

Raclette

Melted cheese scraped onto boiled potatoes and pickles. A hearty and comforting dish.

Dinner Contains dairy, not suitable for vegetarians or those with lactose intolerance.

Tartiflette

A rich and creamy dish made with potatoes, onions, bacon, and melted cheese.

Dinner Contains dairy and pork, not suitable for vegetarians or those with lactose intolerance.

Geneva Salad

A fresh salad made with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a variety of cheeses, dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.

Lunch Can be made vegetarian or vegan by omitting certain cheeses.

Popular Activities

Hiking Skiing Mountain biking Paragliding Rock climbing Boat tours on Lake Geneva Spa and wellness treatments Picnicking in the parks

Best Time to Visit

June to August, December to January

Summer offers warm weather and outdoor activities, while winter brings festive holiday markets and winter sports. These are the busiest times with higher tourist volumes.

15-25°C (summer), -1-5°C (winter) 59-77°F (summer), 30-41°F (winter)

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English, German, Italian
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Swiss Franc (CHF)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Geneva is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is relatively uncommon. However, it's always important to stay vigilant and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid using them at night
• Only use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Geneva Airport • 4 km from city center

By train

Geneva railway station

By bus

Geneva Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Efficient and frequent trams and buses. Easy to use with a single ticket system.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Taxi Adagio

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Vieille Ville) Quartier des Grottes Paquis Eaux-Vives

Day trips

Chamonix, France

70 km from Geneva • Full day

A stunning mountain town at the foot of Mont Blanc, known for its outdoor activities and breathtaking views.

Lausanne, Switzerland

60 km from Geneva • Half day

A charming city on the shores of Lake Geneva, known for its Olympic Museum and beautiful views of the lake and Alps.

Annecy, France

45 km from Geneva • Full day

A picturesque town known as the 'Venice of the Alps' for its canals, colorful buildings, and stunning lake.

Festivals

Fête de la Musique • June 21 Geneva International Film Festival (GIFF) • Late August to early September Geneva Christmas Market • Late November to early January

Pro tips

Take advantage of the Geneva Transport Card for free public transport and discounts on attractions
Visit the Jet d'Eau early in the morning or late in the afternoon for fewer crowds and better photos
Explore the Old Town on foot to discover hidden gems and charming streets
Take a lake cruise to enjoy the stunning views of the lake and Alps
Try local specialties, such as fondue, raclette, and Swiss chocolate