Geneva: Suggested Itinerary

The Peace Capital

 Day 1: Begin your adventure in Geneva with a walk beside the River Rhone to the Tour d'Ile, the remnants of the 13th century city fortifications. Then go to Lake Geneva and gaze over Mont Blanc and marvel at the Jet d'Eau - 7 tonnes of water shooting into the air at recorded speeds of 200 km/h.

Geneva's most significant building is the Cathedrale de St Pierre, dating from the 11th century. Also on the site are archaeological dig sites including 4th century mosaics and a 5th century font. Geneva's oldest house, Maison Tavel dates from the 14th century and houses a museum of Genevan life through the centuries. Then there are many museums to visit: Musee d'Art Moderne et Contemporain, Patek Philippe Museum and Musee de L'Horlogerie et de L'Emaillerie being the best
When you are tired, head for the pedestrianised old town streets for its many bars and restaurants. You can find cuisine from almost any part of the world, or settle by the lake for unsurpassed views while you rest.


Day 2: Geneva is renowned for its world significance in peacekeeping. This is the place where the United Nations began, back then it was called the League of Nations and you can visit the Palais des Nations, now the European HQ of the UN. Then there is the Red Cross, established in 1863 with the Geneva Convention for relief of those wounded in world conflicts. You can also visit the Red Cross Museum. Less peaceful but just as significant is CERN, the European Centre for Nuclear Research, located just outside the city. Last year they hit the news when people feared they might create a black hole in the universe. They have a display called Microcosm you can visit.
And when your head is full of information, head for the Carouge district of Geneva. Once an independent village established in the 18th century by the Duke of Savoy, it's now part of Geneva itself and worth a visit for some fine buildings, bars and restaurants, good boutiques and bohemian atmosphere.

Day 3: What is a visit to Switzerland without hitting those alpine surrounds? Take a day trip to Mont Blanc and the village of Chamonix. See views to astound you and even a glacier. You can take a cable car and walk on a glacier if you like. If you like cheese, chocolate or wine (or perhaps all three) head out to the village of Gruyeres and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Geneva from the famous Golden Express train. Lausanne is the cultural capital of Switzerland and well worth a visit. As are Montreux and Chillon, home of the lovely Castle Chillon. All great ideas when you visit here and of course, great places to find that all-important souvenir to take back home with you.

Day 4: If you’ve followed the guide, you may find that you’ve done just about everything that would be expected of a visit to Geneva. Still if you have, you can at least revel in the fact that you have the final day well and truly to yourself. Pick up those last-minute keepsakes and presents.