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Geneva tours and excursions

Geneva tours

E-Bike tour

Choose the most comfortable way to master the challenges of the almost 90 km of cycling lanes of Geneva. Enjoy the sights and wonderful landscape in and around Geneva while sitting on an e-bike. Pick up your bike at the train station.

Tel: +41 41921 0575.
Website: https://www.sbb.ch/en/station-services/auto-velo/rent-a-bike-high-season.html

Boat tours

One of the best ways to see Geneva, especially in fair weather, is to take a ‘Mouette’ boat and tour the lake. Swissboat run tours with guided commentary in English and their boats ply the lake and the Rhône (cruise of the lake: 50 minutes, tour of the Rhône 2 hours 30 minutes). Smaller companies offer similar tours.

Swissboat

Tel: +41 22 732 4747
Website: http://www.swissboat.com

Bus tours

Key Tours organise a choice of tours covering Geneva’s star attractions, as well as incorporating the considerable charm of the surrounding countryside. The company’s three-hour tour explores the main urban sights before finishing with a cruise on Lake Geneva for good measure.

Key Tours

Tel: +41 22 731 4140.
Website: http://www.keytours.ch

Walking tours

The Geneva Tourist Office offers a selection of walking tours in French or English around some of Geneva’s mainstream sights, as well as the kind of quirky tucked-away places that only guides ever seem to know about. Options include an Old Town tour, or a themed visit in the footsteps of Genevan philosopher Rousseau. Private tours are also available.

Geneva Tourist Office

Tel: +49 22 909 7000
Website: http://www.geneve.com

Geneva excursions

Lausanne

This lakeside city, just 61km (38 miles) from Geneva, is easily reached by a 36-minute train journey from Cornavin station. Lausanne's pedestrianised, hilly streets are perfect for wandering. The Rue du Pont leads to the Place de la Palud, with its fountain and Renaissance Mairie (town hall). Nearby, the turreted towers of the Romanesque-gothic cathedral offer the best views of Lausanne, Lake Geneva and the Savoy Alps. The Musée Historique de Lausanne has a rich collection of religious art, while the Musée Cantonal des Beaux-Arts displays work by local artists.

Lausanne Tourisme

Avenue de Rhodanie 2, Lausanne

Tel: +41 21 613 7373
Website: http://www.lausanne-tourisme.ch

Montreux and Château de Chillon

Situated on the north shore, at the eastern end of Lake Geneva, Montreux is the gateway to nearby ski resorts like Gstaad, Leysin and Château d'Oex, as well as the mountains of the Valais canton further afield - of which the Matterhorn is the most famous peak. Montreux is 93km (58 miles) from Geneva and can be reached by frequent trains and also ferries during the summer. The town offers mountain-biking, rafting and paragliding, and sits close to the most famous castle in Switzerland, the Château de Chillon.

Montreux-Vevey Tourisme

Rue de Théâtre 5, Montreux

Tel: +41 848 868 484
Website: http://www.montreuxriviera.com

Lavaux vineyards

Wine production in the Lavaux vineyards, just east of Geneva, dates back to Roman times. Today, this picturesque region flanking the steep northern slopes of Lake Geneva is dotted with beautiful wine-producing villages such as Chexbres, Rivaz and St Saphorin, offering superb wine-tasting opportunities in their local cellars. Follow the 32km (20-mile) Lavaux Wine Trail from Lausanne's Olympic Museum to Villeneuve for spectacular views of the lake or climb aboard the Lavaux Express tourist train at Lutry to explore the area.

Montreux-Vevey Tourisme

Rue de Théâtre 5, Montreux

Tel: +41 848 868 484
Website: http://www.montreuxriviera.com
A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Mövenpick Hotel & Casino Geneva

Located in the International Centre Cointrin (ICC) business complex the Mövenpick Hotel & Casino Geneva is situated just 0.8km (0.5 miles) from the Palexpo Exhibition Centre and 15 minutes' drive from the city centre. Trendy types and the business community enjoy this mini-city which provides everything from an airline check-in desk and discotheque to a casino piano bar and business centre. In short a solid bet in terms of price and location.

Hotel De Genève

Just streets away from Lake Geneva itself, there are no whistles and bells at Hotel De Genève, but what you get is a plum location and a choice of 39 rooms which straddle the line between modern design and historic home comforts. It’s clean, cheap and offers free Wi-Fi and a breakfast buffet.

Genève Cottage

What it may lack in location, Genève Cottage more than makes up for in quality and quaintness. Situated 20 minutes from the city centre by train (with a 10-minute walk), this family-run hotel is a home away from home with individually decorated sleeping quarters, queen-sized beds and modern en suite bathrooms. Ask for a room at the back of the house to enjoy a little more peace, plus views of the lovely gardens.

Starling Residence Geneva

Not only does the Starling Residence Geneva boast a supreme selection of 93 modern, clean and restful rooms and studios, but the staff are amongst some of the best in the business. With flatscreen TVs, free Wi-Fi and free travel cards all available, this is the best budget accommodation in the city.

Le Richemond

Gigi author Colette enjoyed her own suite at Le Richemond, one of Geneva's most established high-end hotels. The property rewards visitors with an enviable setting on the banks of the Rhône and 109 sumptuously appointed rooms and suites. There are also four flexible meeting spaces with its Le Jardin restaurant serving fine Italian cuisine. Additional facilities include a spa and limousine service.

Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva

Billed as Geneva's first hotel, the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva has been standing on the shores of Lake Geneva since 1834. Modern highlights include a spa and fitness facilities, but the real pull lies in the chance to sample the charm of a bygone era. If you've got the cash, this is arguably the finest hotel in Geneva.