Combo Trips: Geneva and Lucerne

Geneva and Lucerne are two fantastic Swiss cities that make a great combo trip! Over the past few weeks, we have been sharing trip ideas for some double destinations. These are places that can be easily combined to make a wonderful tailor made trip.

Located along the banks of Lake Geneva at the foot of the Alps, Geneva is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. It is home to the European headquarters of the United Nation. It’s a diverse, culturally important city full of great restaurants, shops and entertainment.

Lucerne is famous for its incredible medieval architecture, and for its stunning location on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Located in the Alps, it’s known for its amazing views and great day trip options. More than that, there are tons of activities in Lucerne. From taking in the history of Old Town to exploring the Alps, Lucerne is a spectacular Swiss stop.

Switzerland is one of the many destinations Bella Vita Travels can introduce you to as we expand our portfolio of spectacular destinations.

Combined, these two cities make a great combo trip in Switzerland. Here are some of our top choices for tours, hotels and excursions!

Hotel: La Reserve, Geneva

In a lavish park on the shores of Lake Geneva, La Réserve offers 102 rooms and suites. They are decorated by the acclaimed Jacques Garcia, and the opulent three-bedroom glass Villa du Lac. Indulge at Loti for international cuisine, the Michelin-starred Tsé Fung, Café Lauren for healthier alternatives. Also, the Bar for cocktails, and The Lodge for summer dining. La Réserve Genève rolls out the red carpet for its littlest guests with whimsical, connected kids’ rooms and numerous activities for ages 0-13. The 2,500-meter Nescens Spa offers pools, a fitness room, sauna, steam bath, better-aging programs, yoga, and personalized treatments.

Hotel: Mandarin Oriental Palace, Lucerne

This is THE place to stay in Lucerne. The lakefront destination is home to 4 unique contemporary dining concepts. Gilad Peled, Michelin-star experienced Chef, brings exclusive gourmet experiences and international high-level dining to Lucerne. The renovated banqueting venues include the elegant ballroom overlooking Lake Lucerne. As well, the landmark’s hidden historic gem, Salon Alpine, which captures the hotel’s rich history with its original 1906 décor. The leisure and spa facilities offer a serene and rejuvenating sanctuary with private treatment rooms as well as a beauty and fitness salon.

Tour: Geneva Chocolate Tour

Geneva is synonymous with great chocolate! In our private chocolate tour, you’ll learn and taste about this special treat. We will show you some of the city’s best artisanal chocolateries – from traditional to modern. You’ll experience chocolate in all shapes and forms: from chocolate pralines, to truffles, ganaches, drinking chocolate and pastry.

During the tour you will learn the secrets of the origins and manufacturing of chocolate. Also, you will learn the history of Swiss chocolate.

We will also visit the old town, share with you anecdotes and stories about Geneva. To conclude, you will experience Geneva’s most important tradition – breaking the chocolate “marmite” (cauldron).

The best way to discover a city is through its flavors, its local artisans and its stories, so this is the perfect sweet and exhilarating sensorial experience.

Tour: Lucerne walking tour

Some call Lucerne Little Switzerland as this city combines it all. The medieval old town, the lake and the surrounding mountains. Today you will experience them all during a walking tour, a lake cruise and a mountain excursion.

First you learn important, humorous and interesting facts about Lucerne’s history. You will see churches, bridges, narrow streets, towers, squares and, of course, Lucerne’s trademark – the Chapel Bridge with Water Tower. Afterwards you coard a cruise boat to enjoy a leisurely ride on crystal-clear Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad. Here, you ascend by the steepest rack railway in the world to Pilatus Kulm, 7000ft high. On top, you have time to walk up to the vista point and to admire the breath taking panorama over the Swiss Alps and Lucerne. Then descend by aerial cable car to Fraenkmuentegg. After, change to smaller cable cars and sweep over pine forests and mountain meadows to the village of Kriens. Return to Lucerne by public bus.

Tour: Full day Geneva exploration and countryside dinner

Join your guide todau for a walking tour of Geneva with stops at the Floral Clock and the Reformation Monument. You can choose to relax on a boat cruise as you glide on the pristine waters of Lake Geneva. Alternatively, visit the inspiring Red Cross Museum, dedicated to the globally recognised organisation that was founded by Geneva’s own Henri Dunant.

This evening you are invited for a special dinner at La Chaumière. Nestled in the Geneva countryside this establishment celebrates cuisine in all its forms. In its bright interior, savour fine cuisine prepared using the very best ingredients, featuring traditional dishes as well as more contemporary creations.

Geneva and Lucerne, combo trip

We hope you enjoyed these suggestions for a combo trip to Switzerland. These are great cities to pair together on a trip to this part of Europe.

Contact us to start planning your tailor made vacation today!