Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva is a city in Switzerland that lies at the southern tip of expansive Lac Léman (Lake Geneva). Surrounded by the Alps and Jura mountains, the city has views of dramatic Mont Blanc. French influence is widespread, from the language to gastronomy and bohemian districts like Carouge. Embedded between nearby Alpine peaks and the hilly terrain of the Jura, the French-speaking city of Geneva lies in the bay where the Rhone leaves Lake Geneva. With its humanitarian tradition and cosmopolitan flair, the European seat of the UNO and headquarters of the Red Cross is known as the "capital of peace".

 

 

Experiences:

 

•Take advantage of Old Town shopping excursions, lounging at Pâquis Baths, the Conservatory and Botanical Garden Geneva.
•Get some great photos of Geneva’s breathtaking river, lake and mountain views.
•If it's nightlife you're after, head over to nearby Lausanne. 
•Swiss chocolate anyone?  Who could forget that Geneva is home to some of the most famous boutique chocolate producers, including Teuscher, La Maison du Cacao, Zogg and Chocolaterie des Bergues.
•Cruise Lake Geneva – from the cruise boats, you can marvel at the unique scenery of castles and magnificent residences set against wonderful landscape and mountain panoramas.
•Mont-Salève – close to the city, the Salève offers delightful walks for hikers and affords breathtaking landscapes.
 

Average temperatures in Geneva range from high of 69F to  low 43F during the September/October months.

Lake Como, Italy (bonus trip)

Lake Como, in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region, is an upscale resort area known for its dramatic scenery, set against the foothills of the Alps. The lake is shaped like an upside-down Y, with three slender branches that meet at the resort town of Bellagio. At the bottom of the southwest branch lies the city of Como, home to Renaissance architecture and a funicular that travels up to the mountain town of Brunate.

 

Lake Como is also known for its fabulous Michelin starred restaurants, rustic Italian eateries and sleek bars and bistros. 

 

Experiences:

 

•Experience Lake Como & Bellagio with a full-day tour of the breathtakingly beautiful Lake District region, with its alpine scenery and pristine bodies of water.
•Discover the highlights of Como with a private walking food tour. You’ll see the historic city center with the Gothic facade of the Duomo, and stroll along the pedestrian path that runs along the shore of the lake. You’ll also have the opportunity to try some of the local foods.
•Explore Lake Como by boat onboard your private Riva wooden speed-boat, a wooden-hulled speedboat that became the epitome of the jet-set era of the 1950s and 1960s.
•Combine a classic walking tour with a cruise that allows you to admire the skyline of the city and the area of the lower Lario basin while viewing impressive private villas and hotels.
•Focus on Como's artistic and culinary history on a food-focused tour. With a guide in the lead, stops include the Basilica di San Fedele, the Cathedral of Como, the Teatro  Sociale, and others. Finish up with a wine and olive oil tasting accompanying a typical Italian lunch.
 

In Lake Como, temperatures average from high of 66F to low 41F during the September/October months.