Geneva & Annecy: Alpine Town & Lake Cruise Option

Two countries, one day: Annecy's medieval streets and Geneva's lakeside landmarks

You board a coach in Geneva, cross into Annecy for a guided walk through the medieval Old Town with two free hours by the lake, then return for a two-hour Geneva tour covering the UN district, Flower Clock, and Old Town by mini train or foot. An optional one-hour Lake Geneva cruise follows if you choose it and travel between April and October. Hotel pickup is not mentioned, so confirm your meeting point when you book.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Lake Annecy5m
2. Island Palace5m
3. Annecy Castle2m
4. Palais des Nations5m
5. Flower Clockpassing by
6. Geneva Water Fountainspassing by
7. Lake Genevapassing by
8. Tavel Housepassing by
9. Geneva Old Town40m
10. St. Peter's Cathedralpassing by

Geneva and Annecy sightseeing tour

• Meet guide and board coach
• Cross border to Annecy, France
• Walk Annecy Old Town
• See Palais de l'Île
• Stop at Annecy Castle viewpoint
• Free time by Lake Annecy
• Return to Geneva, short bus break
• Tour Geneva international district
• Photo stop at Broken Chair
• Pass Flower Clock and city gardens
• View Jet d'eau fountain and parks
• Pass Lake Geneva
• See Maison Tavel
• Visit Geneva Old Town by mini train or walking
• Admire St. Peter's Cathedral
• Optional 1-hour Lake Geneva cruise

The experience

Hands grip the coach rail as it pulls away from the station, and you're already crossing into France. The guide points out Lake Annecy before you even arrive: that clear Alpine water the locals call the blue lake, one of Europe's purest. After the walking tour through Annecy's Old Town, you get two hours free to wander the narrow streets, sit by the water, or grab lunch somewhere quiet. The Palais de l'Île, shaped like a ship and built right into the lake, has been a prison, courthouse, and administrative center across its centuries. Your guide walks you through that history while you stand there looking at the stone.

The castle stop gives you a view back across Annecy: medieval walls mixed with Renaissance detail, the kind of place that makes you understand why people stayed here. Then the coach turns back toward Geneva, and after a 15-minute break at the bus station, the second half of the day begins. Two hours in Geneva proper: the UN headquarters and the international district, where your guide explains why they call this the city of peace. You'll see the broken chair sculpture in front of the Palais des Nations, the Flower Clock (which represents both watchmaking and the city's green spaces), and the Jet d'Eau fountain that you can spot from almost anywhere in Geneva. The Old Town comes by mini train or on foot depending on the season, and you'll pass St. Pierre Cathedral, where John Calvin preached between 1536 and 1564.

If you book the optional Lake Geneva cruise, available April through October, that's an extra hour on the water after the walking tour ends. The whole day runs long, but the guide handles the pacing and the coach handles the distance, so you're not managing logistics yourself.

What’s included

• Coach transport between Geneva and Annecy.
• guided walking tour through Annecy's Old Town with stops at the Palais de l'Île and Annecy Castle.
• two hours free time in Annecy.
• two-hour Geneva city tour by coach with stops at the UN headquarters, Flower Clock, Jet d'Eau fountain, and Lake Geneva.
• Geneva Old Town by mini train or on foot depending on season.
• expert guide or driver-guide commentary throughout.
• optional one-hour Lake Geneva cruise (April–October only, additional cost).

Options for this experience

2 options

TourGuide in English or French · 09:00Sightseeing tour of Geneva and Annecy, leaving at 9 am

Tour with CruiseGuide in English or French · 09:00Geneva and Annecy sightseeing tour that includes a one-hour cruise on Lake Geneva, leaving at 9 am

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 45

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Keytours (Switzerland)

Is this one for you?Book this if you want both Annecy and Geneva in one day without arranging your own transport or timing between towns: the fixed itinerary and coach handle the logistics, leaving you free to absorb the medieval streets and international landmarks without planning the route.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4).

What's included in the tour price?

Coach transport, guided walking tour in Annecy's Old Town, the two-hour Geneva city tour by bus and mini train or foot, and expert guide commentary. The Lake Geneva cruise is optional and costs extra. It runs April through October only.

How long is the whole day?

The main tour is a full day. Add an hour if you choose the Lake Geneva cruise option.

Do I need a passport?

Yes. A current valid passport is required because the tour crosses the border into France.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible. Infants can travel in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available. Public transportation options are nearby if needed.

Can I do this tour in winter?

Yes, but the Lake Geneva cruise option is not available November through March. The rest of the tour runs year-round.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included. You have two free hours in Annecy where you can eat, and the Geneva portion includes stops but no meal.

How many people are in a typical group?

Groups of more than 10 people have a dedicated guide. Smaller groups travel with a driver-guide.