Geneva Private Tour (PICK-UP), United Nations area & Old City

Embark on a complete tour of Geneva, from hotel pick-up to exploring the International and Old City. Discover hidden gems, capture unique photos, and fall in love with this beautiful city.

Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Palais des Nations - Headquarters of the League of Nations until 1946. Today it is the European headquarters of the UN, and the second most important office of the organization after the New York headquarters.
  • Quartier Generale Unhcr - The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is the United Nations agency responsible for protecting refugees and persons displaced by persecution or conflict and promoting durable solutions to their situation.
  • Broken Chair Sculpture - Situated in the Place des Nations is the symbol of Geneva’s dedication to peace and freedom. Made entirely of wood (12 meters high) is a tribute to the victims of anti-personnel mines.
  • International Labour Office - It is in charge of labor issues. Founded in 1919, by virtue of the Treaty of Versailles with the aim of achieving the worldwide expansion of workers’ rights.
  • Av. Appia 20 - A UN agency specialized in managing global health prevention, promotion and intervention policies. It was initially organized by the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, which promoted the drafting of the first statutes of the WHO. The first meeting of this organization took place in Geneva in 1948.
  • International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent - We will pass in front of one of the unique museums in the world. The work of the Red Cross, founded in Geneva, earned it 3 Nobel Peace Prizes in the 20th century.
  • Chambesy - We will enjoy the view from a beautiful high point in the commune of Pregny-Chambesy. It will allow us to appreciate the Alps including the majestic Mont Blanc as well as Lake Geneva from its western shore. Perfect spot for beautiful photos.
  • Musée Ariana - The Ceramic and Glass Museum contains nearly 20,000 objects from the last 1,200 years.
  • Palais Wilson - Named in honor of American president Woodrow Wilson who played a leading role in the founding of the League of Nations. It is the current headquarters of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. It was also the headquarters of the League of Nations from 1920 until it moved to the Palais des Nations in 1936.
  • Manor Geneve - We will stop at the Biggest Flagship Store in Geneva for a short refreshment break. And of course we will visit their complete “Swiss Chocolate Corner”. From here we will resume the tour, this time on foot.
  • Victorinox Flagship Store Geneve - We will have the opportunity to purchase a CUSTOMIZED original Swiss Army Knife or a beautiful Swiss watch. What better souvenir of your trip to Switzerland?

On the beautiful Rue de Marché, we will visit one of the few Victorinox flagship stores in the world. The iconic Swiss brand is 138 years old and its history is unique.

  • Place de Neuve - We will admire from Place de Neuve the Opera House - Grand Théâtre, the Geneva Conservatory of Music, the Bust of Henry Dunant (founder of the Red Cross), the old city wall and the beautiful entrance to the Parc des Bastions; our next stop.
  • Reformation Wall - Paul Landowski - Inside the Parc des Bastions is the International Monument of the Reformation, generally known as REFORMATION WALL. Its large dimensions of approximately 99 meters long and 9 meters high, is attached to a part of the ancient walls built in the XVI century and surrounded the city until the XIX century.
    Pays tribute to the movement’s most relevant figures: Jean Calvin, Guillaume Farel, Théodore de Bèze and John Knox.
  • Banc de la Treille - A curious corner in Geneva is this huge green bench of 120 meters long, built in 1767 - Guinness record as the largest bench in the world. Its location is privileged, above the Parc des Bastions and precisely at the entrance of the old city. It is an elevated point with excellent views. Another ideal place to take nice pictures.
  • Maison Tavel - We will pass by this beautiful historic building. The Maison Tavel is just a few meters from our previous stop, in the heart of the old town, the oldest private residence in Geneva still standing!
    Unique testimony of medieval architecture in Switzerland. Destroyed by fire in 1334, the Tavels, a family of Geneva nobles, rebuilt it, giving the house its character of an urban palace. After passing through the hands of several influential families over the centuries, the City of Geneva acquired the house in 1963 and undertook an incredible restoration.
    This small museum, on its 6 floors, illustrates the urban development of the city, as well as various aspects of the daily life of the former inhabitants of Geneva.
    Inside there is the largest model of Switzerland (approx. 30 m2): LE RELIEF MAGNIN. A spectacular reconstruction of Geneva before the demolition of its fortifications in 1850.
  • Place du Molard - The Molard Tower (1591) with the Halles building (1690) are a must during your visit to Geneva. Today it is a square surrounded by the world’s largest retail brands, and gathers locals and tourists every day. Close to the Rue de Rhone, a luxurious street where you will find the stores of the most important watch and design brands in the world.
  • Cathedrale de Saint-Pierre - The protestant cathedral of Saint-Pierre de Genève has been the main protestant church of Geneva since 1535. Before that, it was the cathedral church of the bishop of Geneva for a thousand years (from the end of the fourth century). It was last rebuilt between the 11th and 15th centuries, with a portal dating from the 18th century. This cathedral is placed under the invocation of St. Peter the Apostle and was originally named “Saint-Pierre-ès-liens” (in reference to the Roman basilica).

In July 2009, Saint-Pierre Cathedral of Geneva was included in the list of honor “of European heritage” because of its important historical-cultural value for European history.

  • The Flower Clock - One of the most typical places to take a souvenir photo in Geneva. On the shore of Lac Leman in the English Garden is this incredible clock, surrounded by a beautiful flower garden that changes design periodically. It is the only clock that changes colors throughout the year.
  • Monument National - Monumento de conmemoración de la Unión de Ginebra a la Confederación Suiza tras la restauración de la República en 1814. Las estatuas de Ginebra y Helvetia representadas como dos mujeres guerreras que se juntan en un abrazo. Ambas portan hermosos uniformes de guerra, coronas, espadas y escudos con los símbolos propios.
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Guided walk - caminata guiada
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Bottled water
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Umbrella/ paraguas
Additional Information

This experience is truly unique, offering a level of personalization that is unparalleled. We have taken care of every detail to ensure that your day in Geneva is nothing short of unforgettable. As one of the world’s most beautiful cities (ranked as the 6th best city to live in), we want to give you an experience that lives up to this distinction. Not a single minute of your time will be wasted. Our expert guide will lead you through International Geneva by car, followed by a walking visit to the secrets of the Old City (VIELLE VILLE), before concluding at the stunning waterfront. By the end of our journey together, you will feel like a true local. We’ll share fascinating facts, including records achieved here, and historical data about each point. We’ll visit unique spots that are not on typical mass tours, giving you the opportunity to capture truly one-of-a-kind photos. Our goal is for you to fall in love with the city and return time and time again. That’s our promise to you!

  • Wear comfortable shoes to walk approximately 2 hours
Location
Place des Nations
The specific meeting point in the square will be under the BROKEN CHAIR. The Broken Chair is a monumental red wooden sculpture, 12 metres high.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(56 Ratings)
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Geraldine_d
Aug 22, 2024
Augusto is the best! - Augusto was the best tour guide we ever had. He was very knowledgeable, passionate about history, friendly, approachable and so accommodating. I travelled with my husband, two young children and mother-in-law. My three-year old was cranky at times and wanted to eat, rest or drink milk (which we didn't have). Augosto was super patient and understanding, he tried to engage my toddler and even told us where we could buy milk along the way. Nothing was too much for Augusto and we cannot thank him enough. We learnt so much about the history of Geneva, both from its religious and political sides. The facts he provided were truly fascinating and he made the tour a lot of fun for my whole family. Thank you so much, Augusto!
Review provided by Viator
Travelswithliv
Aug 22, 2024
Amazing and comprehensive tour - We booked with Mr. Augusto for private tour of Geneva and am so glad we did. It was excellent and comprehensive tour especially given we had only half day for Geneva. Augusto was very flexible and attentive to our needs. He was able to pick and drop us at train station and modified itinerary based on few places we wanted to see. He throughout tour was very cheerful, provided detailed history and interesting anecdotes of places in Geneva which we otherwise would not have known, and provided information about best places to shop and eat. He also was prompt in his responses when I contacted him few days before the tour and on the day of the tour. Overall it was amazing experience and worth the money. 100 % recommend the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
James_w
Aug 11, 2024
A wonderful introduction to Geneva - Our guide Augusto was very knowledgeable about Geneva’s history and the historic sites he shared with us. He was a gracious and entertaining guide and taught us much about this lovely city. We highly recommend him to future visitors.
Review provided by Viator
Kay_r
Jul 24, 2024
Wonderful Guide - Alberto was our guide and he was fantastic. So knowledgeable and accommodating. I would use him again and again ! Perfect!
Review provided by Viator
Mretzlaff
Jul 23, 2024
Perfect Geneva Tour - Absolutely recommend Augusto! He was extremely accommodating and very knowledgeable. We will definitely recommend him to family and friends.
Review provided by Viator
Susan_g
Jul 17, 2024
A tour guide extraordinaire - This tour was fantastic from beginning to end. Augusto is full of energy and knowledge that he eagerly shares with you at your own pace. He did a great job making sure we saw everything Geneva is known for and the things we didn’t know. He also made sure we were comfortable and safe. We learned so much and had a great time. We wish he was in every city we visit.
Review provided by Viator
Davetd1075os
Jun 16, 2024
Great time in Geneva - Augusto was so great! He was accommodating, informative, polite, gracious, and most importantly KIND! Had a wonderful private tour going to all parts of the city! Thankyou Agusto, Kate and Dave Thompson
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Familygalchicagoil
Jun 10, 2024
Exactly the type of tour my family needed, highly recommend! - Augusto was the perfect host and guide on this private tour for my family. He’s bright, knowledgeable, gracious and patient. He was able to ascertain the different personalities and interests of each person and relate with grace and class. It was a very good length of time to maintain interest and he had a great path orchestrated starting with a drive and ending on foot near a variety of lunch options. We also made a nice snack/drink/chocolate stop near a local ‘Whole Foods’ style place where I was able to purchase locally made chocolate bars as souvenirs for friends back home. (Never easy to figure out what to bring all the neighbors caring for dog, mail and plants!) If a full day might be too long for you and/or your group, I highly recommend this tour with Augusto. In addition his SUV was clean and very comfortable. Should I find myself back in Geneva someday, I wouldn’t hesitate to bring others along for this tour! Many thanks!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
607jayb
May 28, 2024
Geneva’s Best - This tour was one of the best ever. Augusto is extremely knowledgeable and professional who also is a great teacher. His passion for Geneva and its rich culture and history is showcased throughout the tour. This is a wonderful way to see and learn about this great city. Bravo Augusto!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F8454yjdavidp
May 25, 2024
Augusto is a champion - What a way to get to know Geneva. Augusto was an incredibly knowledgeable guide. The sights and history of this tour was amazing. Recommend to all!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 4 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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