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| Geneva, Switzerland |
Geneva is the capital of the canton of the same name, and is located at the southern tip of Lake Geneva in the Rhone Valley, between the Jura Mountains and the Rhone Alps. The view of the lakefront is the city’s best known feature, with its bobbing boats, the huge Jet d’Eau and its lakeside quays and gardens. It is considered to be a global city due to the large number of international organizations and agencies which are based here, and has become one of the most cosmopolitan areas in Switzerland. The city itself has a population of 185,000, making it the second largest in the country and has the second highest standard of living of any city in the world!!
Once a fortified border town which was taken over by the Romans in 120 B.C., the lakeside city of Geneva has grown from these early beginnings to become a world class centre, home to a multi-national, multi-cultural and multi-lingual population. Famous for the Swiss army knife and being the capital of the Swiss watch making industry, master chocolate makers and a paradise for shoppers, this modern, classy city with its graceful lakeside parks is situated in an idyllic location and has much to appeal to the visitor. From the old neo-Gothic town with its historic centre, street side cafes, boutiques, watch and jewellery shops, museums and galleries there is something for everyone!!
From a visitors point of view a trip to the old centre of Geneva is well worth the effort. The heart of the old town is centered around the old Roman marketplace, the Bourg de Four, which itself is surrounded by a maze of sloping cobblestone streets and alleyways. The Bourg de Four is full of bistros and open air cafes, tiny antique shops and boutiques surrounding the charming 18th century fountain. The Geneva Parliament is housed in the 15th century Hotel De Ville located along Rue de l’Hotel de Ville, and is the site of many political milestones including the first convening of the Geneva Convention in 1864 which marks the birth of the Red Cross organisation, and also the founding of the League of Nations in 1920. Across the street, the Old Arsenal, which was also built in the 15th century originally as a granary, became an arms depot in 1720 and now houses the state’s archives. In the covered outdoor area are five original canons from Geneva’s artillery of the 17th and 18th centuries. Located on the back wall of the Arsenal are three mosaics created in 1949 by Alexandre Cingria depicting Caesar’s arrival in the city 58 BC, fairs at the Bourg de Four during the Middle Ages, and the welcoming of the Huguenot refugees. There is much more to see though such as the Cathedral of Saint Pierre, from which can be enjoyed the best view of the city from atop the north tower, that is provided you don’t mind climbing the 157 steps, don’t forget the 12th century Maison Tavel the oldest private home which now houses the museum of old Geneva, the International Museum of the Reformation, the Palais de Justice, the English gardens with the famous flower clock.
For the photographers take a trip along the Treille Promenade, which lies on the south side of the Old Town, this is the last remaining part of the old rampart wall and offers great views of the city!!
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| Accommodation | Activities | Tours |  |
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Starling Geneva Hotel
Geneva
 |  The hotel is perfectly located next to the International airport and Geneva's Congress Centre. It is approximately 10 - 15 minutes from the major attractions and the shopping district. It is an ideal hotel for the business traveller and has 21 conference rooms and can accommodate up to 1300 delega... |
Hotel d'Angleterre
Geneva
 |  The Hotel d'Angleterre is a beautiful, boutique hotel on Lake Geneva. It has a picturesque setting with direct view to the Jet d'Eau and the mountains in the distance.
The hotel is privately owned and the service is impeccable, nothing being too much trouble. There is a wonderful blend of olde wor... |
Best Western Chavannes De Bogis
Geneva
 |  Ideally located in a pleasant green setting, only 10 minutes from Geneva, and 15 minutes from the International Airport, you will enjoy a spectacular view on the Alps and Geneva Lake. Stay in quiet a place, perfect for relaxing after a long day of work, or after a visiting day…Come and use the sauna... |
Crowne Plaza Hotel Geneva
Geneva
|  The Crowne Plaza Geneva is ideally located in the heart of the dynamic and fastest growing business district of Geneva, with free hotel shuttle bus from the airport and free Public Transport card to the city centre. In only a few minutes you reach the International Airport, the Cointrin railway stat... |
Hotel Cornavin
Geneva
 |  This hotel is ideally located, close to the railway station, and right in the centre of Geneva, just a short walk to important tourist attractions and shopping streets. The dining room is on the 7th Floor and has great views of Mont-Blanc and the 'Water Fountain' of Geneva. This is one of the most... |
Hotel Kipling
Geneva
|  The Hotel Kipling is located in the city centre and just 5 minutes walk from the main station, Gare Cornavin. It is within walking distance of the Lake and other central attractions of Geneva. It is just off the main streets so it is quiet. The hotel staff are very efficient and friendly and give... |
Hotel President Wilson
Geneva
|  The Hotel President Wilson is an elegant hotel offering a world of unique privileges. Located in the heart of Geneva, it is just steps away from international organisatons and chic boutiques. There is much to enjoy at the hotel including a lovely swimming pool, or discover new flavours at one of t... |
Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva
Geneva
|  In the heart of Geneva, this is the city's first hotel and now is the first choice of world statesmen and global travellers. It has been a landmark on the Rhone since 1834. Now, as Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, it blends a revitalised sense of history with the essentials of today's plasma-screen... |
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Lausanne, Montreux and Chillon Day Tour
Tour
Geneva | Your first stop is Lausanne, the cultural center of Switzerland. It's a beautiful city, surrounded by the Alps, and after an orientation tour you will have free time to take a stroll around the lake, visit the Olympic Museum, or whatever you please.
In the afternoon, you'll take a drive the canton ... |
Geneva City Tour
Tour
Geneva | The city tour of Geneva will bring you to visit the International part of Geneva through the center of the world's peacemaking organizations followed by a panoramic road highlighting Geneva's scenic route.
Following the bus tour, get a taste of Geneva's history with the Tramway Tour on Geneva's Min... |
Chamonix and Mont Blanc Day Tour from Geneva
Tour
Geneva | Your mountain excursion begins with an unforgettable 90-minute drive through the picturesque Arve Valley from Geneva to Chamonix, at the foot of majestic Mont-Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps and Western Europe (15,770 feet/4,800 meters).
Continuing to Aiguille du Midi, a rocky peak close to Mon... |
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The Grand Alpine Tour
15 days |  Grand is an understatement when you experience the mountainous regions, beautiful rivers and valleys of these five fabulous countries. Enjoy a Rhine River Cruise, a visit to the Bavarian Alpine Resort of Berchtesgaden and scenic drives through the Rhine Valley, Black Forest, Italian Lakes and more! ... |
Switzerland & Austria
13 days |  Switzerland & Austria are two of the most picturesque countries within Europe and this tour offers every opportunity to capture those special moments for yourself. Drive along Lake Zurich, Lake Misurina & Lake Maggiore. Through alpine passes and pretty skiing villages all whilst visiting major attra... |
Winter Wanderer
24 days |  It’s the perfect excursion for a winter dream holiday! Winter in Europe is packed with activities to try and places to explore. This tour visits 11 countries, each with its own unique flavour and attractions. Some of the highlights of the tour include driving along the French Riviera, exploring the ... |
Best of Switzerland
8 days | An alpine paradise filled with snow-capped mountains, sparkling lakes, and gorgeous castles. Get acquainted with charming Zurich, Italian-speaking Lugano, cosmopolitan Geneva, and lovely Lucerne. |
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