Geneva: Montreux & Chillon Castle day trip with guide

Summary

Ride from Geneva to Montreux for lakeside castles, film legends & vineyards

You’ll travel from Geneva through lakeside towns and vineyard hillsides to explore Chaplin’s World in Vevey, stroll Montreux’s flower-lined promenade (and maybe snap a photo with Freddie Mercury), then wander ancient halls at Château de Chillon before heading home — all with local stories and plenty of time to soak it in yourself.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed as we left Geneva was how the light changed — kind of silvery over Lake Geneva, with the mountains just sitting there in the background like they’d always been. Our driver-guide (I think his name was Marc?) pointed out little villages as we passed Lausanne, but honestly I was too busy staring at the water. We stopped in Vevey for Chaplin’s World, which I didn’t expect to enjoy so much — there’s something weirdly moving about seeing Charlie Chaplin’s old house and the old film sets. The smell of wood floors and popcorn in one room made me think of my granddad for some reason.

After that we had a quick photo stop in Lavaux. Those vineyard terraces are wild — you can see how monks carved them into the hills centuries ago. You could actually smell the earth and grapevines when you stepped off the bus; it’s different from city air, kind of sweet and muddy at once. Our guide told us about UNESCO status but mostly I just remember the way the sun hit those rows of vines. And then Montreux — palm trees by the lake, people walking slowly along the promenade like they had nowhere else to be. There’s a Freddie Mercury statue right by the water (Li laughed when I tried to say “Montreux” in French — probably butchered it). We wandered around, grabbed coffee outside, watched a couple playing chess on a giant board near the flowers.

I almost forgot about Château de Chillon until we pulled up and saw it sitting out on its own little island. The castle feels cold inside — stone walls, echoes everywhere — but when you look out through those narrow windows at Lake Geneva it suddenly feels peaceful. There were kids running around pretending to be knights; I just leaned against a wall and listened to water lapping underneath. It’s funny what sticks with you after a day like this — not just castles or famous statues but small things: sunlight on old stones, someone humming behind you in line for tickets. On the way back to Geneva I kept thinking about that view from Lavaux and how quiet everything felt for a minute.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Montreux & Château de Chillon Day Trip

• Meet your guide
• Scenic views en route
• Visit Chaplin’s World by Grévin
• Free time in Vevey
• Free time at Montreux Flower Promenade
• Visit Freddie Mercury Statue
• Tour Château de Chillon
• Explore Old Town of Montreux

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Geneva to Montreux & Chillon Castle?

The tour lasts a full day including travel time between stops.

Is entry to Chaplin’s World included?

Yes, entry to Chaplin’s World is included in your booking.

Will there be free time in Montreux?

Yes, you’ll have free time in Montreux to explore or relax by the lake.

Does this tour include visiting Chillon Castle?

Yes, an hour-long visit inside Château de Chillon is part of the itinerary.

Are there photo stops along the way?

You’ll stop for photos at Lavaux vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva.

Is lunch provided during this tour?

No lunch is included; you’ll have free time to find food in Montreux or Vevey.

Is transportation included from Geneva?

A comfortable coach ride from Geneva is included both ways.

What’s included

Your day includes coach transport from Geneva with a driver-guide, entry tickets for Chaplin’s World and Château de Chillon, plus free time in Vevey and Montreux along with a scenic photo stop at Lavaux before returning home.