Annecy - Venice of the Alps - Tour from Geneva

Geneva , Switzerland

Annecy - Venice of the Alps - Tour from Geneva

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(411 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Dubbed the ‘Venice of the Alps,’ the French town of Annecy is a feast for the eyes (and all the other senses, really). Board a coach in Geneva for an easy 1-hour drive to this romantic village at the base of the snowcapped Alps. Follow your guide on a brief introduction of charming Annecy Old Town to visit iconic Palais de l'Isle, Château d’Annecy and glittering Lake Annecy, the third-largest lake in France. Afterward, you'll have 1.5 hours to spend as you please in this storybook Alpine town.

Available options

(KTG371) - Morning in Annecy

What's included

Return trip in coach

Air-conditioned vehicle

Free time for shopping

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

45 minutes Guided Walking Tour

Detailed itinerary

Meet your guide in our office

Stop 2 Pass by

Pass by Lake Annecy, the purest lake of Europe.

After an hour journey, you'll arrive in Annecy, dubbed the ‘Venice of the Alps'. Follow your guide on a 1-hour walking tour of charming Annecy Old Town.

Stop 4

Take this opportunity to snap some pictures of the iconic Palais de l’Isle, a 12th century castle that's a symbol of the town, and the dominating castle of Annecy, once the residence of the Bishop of Geneva.

Stop 5

You'll pass the 12th century castle, now a museum.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Entrance fees (Chateau d'Annecy: 12 euros)

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

279 reviews

5★

172

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.3

132 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Confirmation for this product will be received at time of booking

Tour is operated in English and French unless otherwise specified

A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

Important: in July and August for the 2:15pm option, there is not guide but audio guide

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