Geneva City Tour and Yvoire: Jet d'Eau, Old Town, lake cruise

Board the bus through Geneva's international quarter, then cruise across Lake Geneva to a medieval village.

A full-day Geneva city tour combines bus transport through the international district, a mini-train ride through the Old Town, and a lake cruise to Yvoire, a flowery French village on the opposite shore. A local guide leads the Geneva portion in English or French; the Yvoire visit is independent. The tour runs about eight hours and includes the Flower Clock, Jet d'Eau fountain, St. Peter's Cathedral and free time to walk Yvoire's cobbled streets.

Step-by-step itinerary

Geneva city tour and Yvoire visit

• Board bus for Geneva overview
• Photo stop at Nations Square
• Pass by Red Cross Museum
• Pass by Ariana Museum
• Enjoy view of Lake Geneva
• Photo stop at famous monument
• Visit St Peter's Cathedral
• See Geneva Water Fountain
• Photo stop at Flower Clock
• Visit Yvoire village

The Experience

The day starts with a bus ride through Geneva's landmarks: the Palais des Nations (home to the UN's European headquarters), the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, and the Ariana Museum, a neoclassical ceramics collection set in its own park. You'll pass Lake Geneva and stop for photos at the Jet d'Eau, the city's most recognizable fountain, and the Flower Clock, a symbol of Geneva's watchmaking heritage. Depending on the season, a mini-train or a walking tour takes you up to St. Peter's Cathedral on the hilltop overlooking the Old Town.

After the Geneva portion with your guide, you board a boat for a cruise across Lake Geneva to Yvoire, a medieval village on the French shore known for its flower-lined streets and castle views. You have free time to wander the cobbled lanes, photograph the castle (entry not included), and explore the five senses gardens if you choose (separate fee). The return journey is by boat back to Geneva.

The mini-train is weather-dependent and not guaranteed; if conditions don't allow it, the Old Town is covered on foot instead. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and the tour suits all fitness levels. Public transport stops are nearby if you need an alternative.

What’s included

• Bus tour through Geneva's international district and major landmarks.
• mini-train ride through the Old Town (weather permitting, or walking tour as alternative).
• lake cruise to Yvoire and return to Geneva.
• local guide for the Geneva portion.
• free time to explore Yvoire village on your own.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Keytours (Switzerland)

Is this one for you?The tour is led in English or French, so you'll follow comfortably in whichever language you speak. The Geneva section is guided throughout; once you reach Yvoire, you have free time to wander independently, which suits travelers who want structure in the city but prefer to explore the village at their own pace.

Top questions

What exactly is the Jet d'Eau and why do people photograph it so much?

The Jet d'Eau is Geneva's iconic water fountain, a powerful jet that shoots water high into the air above Lake Geneva. It's the city's most famous monument and a photo stop on the tour where you can capture the spray and the lake backdrop.

Do I need to pay extra to visit anything in Yvoire?

Entry to Yvoire village itself is free, and you have time to walk the streets and see the castle exterior. The five senses gardens charge a separate fee if you want to enter them; food and drinks are also not included in the tour price.

Is the guide with me the whole time, or just in Geneva?

The local guide leads the Geneva portion of the tour in English or French. Once you reach Yvoire, the village visit is independent — you explore on your own during the free time before the return cruise to Geneva.

What happens if the weather is bad and the mini-train doesn't run?

The mini-train depends on weather and availability. If it can't operate, St. Peter's Cathedral and the Old Town are covered on a walking tour instead, so you still see those sights.

Can I bring my young child on this tour?

Yes. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller throughout the bus and boat portions. Child prices apply for ages 4 to 12 years.