Geneva: Annecy, the Venice of the Alps and Geneva City Tour

Discover the captivating blend of Swiss and French charm on this comprehensive tour. Explore the picturesque canals and medieval landmarks of Annecy, the "Venice of the Alps," before delving into the rich history and vibrant culture of Geneva. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and ample time for independent exploration, this experience promises an immersive journey through two of Europe’s most enchanting destinations. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour offers a unique opportunity to uncover the hidden gems that make this region so captivating.

Key Points

• This tour offers a day trip from Geneva to the picturesque town of Annecy, known as the "Venice of the Alps," followed by a guided city tour of Geneva.
• The tour is priced at $139.58 per person, with a duration of 7 to 8.5 hours, and includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Highlights of the tour include a 45-minute guided tour of Annecy’s canals and streets, 2 hours of free time in Annecy, and a 75-minute guided city tour in Geneva.
• The meeting point for the tour is at the Geneva Bus Station (Place Dorcière), and participants must bring their passports for border crossing.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 104 reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable and friendly guides, as well as the comfortable and punctual transportation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour, titled "Geneva: Annecy, the Venice of the Alps and Geneva City Tour," is priced from $139.58 per person and lasts between 7 to 8.5 hours.

A tour spanning 7 to 8.5 hours, priced at $139.58 per person, exploring Annecy and Geneva.

Offering free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the tour also provides a reserve now & pay later option.

Travelers will explore Annecy’s charming canals and Château, then return to Geneva for a guided city tour, passing by notable landmarks.

An optional 1-hour boat cruise on Lake Geneva is available for an additional fee.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting at Place Dorcière in Geneva, the tour begins with a bus journey to Annecy, known as the "Venice of the Alps."

Upon arrival, travelers will embark on a 45-minute guided tour, exploring the picturesque canals, cobblestone streets, and colorful buildings that characterize this charming town.

After the guided tour, guests will have 2 hours of free time to shop and further explore Annecy’s Palais de l’Île and Château d’Annecy.

The bus then takes the group back to Geneva, where they’ll have a 30-minute break before embarking on a 75-minute guided city tour, passing by key landmarks like the Red Cross Museum and St. Pierre Cathedral.

Starting Point: Place Dorcière, Geneva

Travelers meet at the Place Dorcière in Geneva, located at the Geneva Bus Station, in front of the Keytours office.

This is the starting point for the tour that explores Annecy and Geneva. Once gathered, the group boards the comfortable transportation and departs for the first destination, Annecy, a 1-hour bus ride away.

The meeting point is conveniently located and easy to find, allowing the tour to begin promptly. Participants are reminded to bring their passports, as they’ll be crossing the border into France during the excursion.

Annecy Exploration

After the comfortable bus ride, the group arrives in the charming town of Annecy, known as the "Venice of the Alps."

A local guide then leads the tour through the picturesque canals, cobblestone streets, and colorful buildings that give Annecy its distinctive character.

The group visits the iconic Palais de l’Île and Château d’Annecy, two of the town’s most famous landmarks.

A highlight of the Annecy tour is visiting the iconic Palais de l’Île and Château d’Annecy, two of the town’s most famous landmarks.

Afterward, guests have two hours of free time to explore the charming shops, cafes, and lakeside promenade at their own pace.

The serene beauty of Lake Annecy, Europe’s cleanest lake, provides a picturesque backdrop for this delightful Annecy experience.

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Geneva City Tour

After the free time in Annecy, the group boards the bus for the return journey to Geneva.

They spend 30 minutes exploring the city on their own before joining the guided city tour.

Over the next 75 minutes, the expert guide leads them through Geneva’s highlights, including the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, the United Nations office, the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain, and the historic St. Pierre Cathedral.

Participants can opt to extend their experience with a 1-hour boat cruise on Lake Geneva for an additional fee, offering stunning views of the city skyline.

Tour Experience and Attractions

Although the tour focuses on two distinct destinations, it offers a seamless experience that allows visitors to fully enjoy the charms of both Annecy and Geneva.

In Annecy, travelers explore the picturesque canals, cobblestone streets, and colorful buildings, while relaxing by Europe’s cleanest lake. The guided tour provides an insightful look into the city’s history and highlights.

In Geneva, the tour showcases the city’s blend of modernity and history, including the International Quarter and Old Town. Travelers can admire the Flower Clock and enjoy views of the iconic Jet d’Eau during an optional boat cruise on Lake Geneva.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

The Geneva and Annecy City Tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from past participants, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 104 reviews.

Travelers praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, comfortable and punctual transportation, and informative tours in both Annecy and Geneva.

Knowledgeable and friendly guides, comfortable and punctual transportation, and informative tours in both Annecy and Geneva.

Many note positive experiences during the guided portions as well as the free time for individual exploration.

Customers highlight the tour’s ability to provide a comprehensive look at the highlights of both cities, from Annecy’s picturesque canals to Geneva’s blend of modernity and history.

Important Information and Requirements

To take the Geneva and Annecy City Tour, guests must meet at the designated starting point of the Geneva Bus Station (Place Dorcière) in front of the Keytours office. Passports are required, and pets and smoking in the vehicle are prohibited. Unfortunately, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. During the free time in Annecy, guests can explore the city individually after the guided tour.

| Requirements | Details |

| — | — |

| Meeting Point | Geneva Bus Station (Place Dorcière), in front of Keytours office |

| What to Bring | Passport |

| Restrictions | No pets, no smoking in the vehicle |

| Accessibility | Not suitable for wheelchair users |

Ask Away

Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any specific dietary requirements. Participants can bring their own food and snacks, though they’ll have opportunities to purchase meals during the free time in Annecy and Geneva.

Is Photography Allowed During the Guided Tours?

Photography is allowed during the guided tours. Guests can capture photos of the scenic landmarks and attractions along the way, though they should avoid disrupting the guide or other participants.

Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Drinks for the Journey?

Guests can bring their own snacks and drinks for the journey. The tour providers do not provide any food or beverages, so packing personal items is allowed and recommended to ensure a comfortable experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Discounts for Children?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but discounts are available for children. Families can save on tickets – children under 12 get a 50% discount, and those under 5 travel for free. However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

How Can We Extend Our Stay in Annecy or Geneva After the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include accommodations, so travelers can extend their stay in Annecy or Geneva after the tour ends. They can book additional nights at local hotels or explore the cities further on their own.

Final Words

This guided tour offers an immersive experience, exploring the charming canals of Annecy and the historic sights of Geneva. Priced at $139.58 per person, the 7-8.5 hour excursion provides a seamless blend of scenic transportation, knowledgeable guides, and ample time to discover the "Venice of the Alps" and Geneva’s city highlights. It’s an enriching way to experience the beauty and culture of this Swiss alpine region.

You can check availability for your dates here: