During the week of ISPCS 2018, the following tours are being offered by Keytours. These are a great opportunity to explore the local area and culture. Those interested can buy tickets on Keytours' website or in their office in Geneva (8 rue François Bonivard 1201 Genève).
Sunday 30ᵗʰ September: ANNECY
Nicknamed the "Venice of the Alps", Annecy offers a harmonious and romantic atmosphere. Surrounded by mountains, the city offers amazing views of the purest lake of Europe. Enjoy the landscape of French countryside during your drive in a comfortable bus.
Discover the picturesque and enchanting framework of the city on a walking guided tour for an hour. Take this opportunity to snap some pictures of the iconic Palais de l’Isle, a 12th-century castle that's a symbol of the town, and the dominating castle of Annecy, once the residence of the Bishop of Geneva.
Later, enjoy 2 hours of free time, walk along the lake a long side locals jogging, walking, or roller-blading in the fresh mountain air. Stroll in the lovely little streets with its endless flower-filled balconies, houses, antique markets and handcraft shops. There is one more reason why this town is known around the world. The shopping is simply marvelous. Annecy has one of the highest quality markets on Sundays offering various goods: Clothes, Chocolate, cheese, local products and much more.
Rich in cultural activities, including museums, castles and exhibitions, Annecy is labeled "Art and History" town, which is so dear to the hearts of the inhabitants.
58 CHF
NB: Passport is necessary
Tuesday 2ⁿᵈ October: Geneva City tour
Home to the European headquarters of the United Nations, Geneva is Switzerland's second-most popular city and one of the greenest cities in Europe. Visit Geneva on a bus, go for a ride on a mini-train, and walk around the cobbled streets of the Old Town.
You will be taking a step back in time with Saint Peter’s cathedral, Place Bourg-de-four, original market place, the arsenal and the town hall; lose yourself in the grandeur and beauty of this culturally and influential town.
This sightseeing tour allow you to discover Geneva’s most famous attractions, including the iconic Flower Clock, symbol of the city's watchmakers and love for nature, and the impressive fountain, Jet d’Eau. This is your opportunity to snap some pictures of the magnificent spray from the fountain.
Listen as your guide explains the importance of this city as a diplomatic and financial center, and pass through the district around the UN building.
48 CHF
Please note that the mini train is not operating in January, February, in heavy rain and during special demonstrations. In this case, the old town will be a walking tour.
Thursday 4ᵗʰ October: Chaplin’s World – Montreux – Chillon
Fall in love with the Swiss riviera sceneries around the Leman Lake.
Ride our comfortable coach from Geneva, drive through the Vaud countryside, arriving at Vevey, discover Chapin’s world: a site dedicated to Charlie Chaplin, the artist and the man.
Board on an extraordinary adventure, across time, and through the magical world of cinema. Prepare to be moved by one of the most surprising artists of the 20th century through the sets of his greatest films at our Hollywood-style Studio.
Enjoy a ride through the World heritage site of Lavaux, protected by UNESCO, a vineyard region with terraces. Have a break in the middle of the vines to try some local products such as cheese, wine or juice.
In the afternoon, board an old steamer boat “Belle Epoque”, a cruise that will surprise you with the splendor of the landscape.
You will arrive to the Castle of Chillon, this medieval fortress is located on a beautiful small island.
Then discover the Artistic and famous city of Montreux, feel the good vibes of this well known tourist resort before to ride back to Geneva.
218 CHF (Gold) or 158 CHF
Monday 1ˢᵗ October: Chamonix Mont-Blanc
Explore the stunning alpine scenery of Chamonix, in the French Alps. Chamonix is a picturesque town; from everywhere in the city if you look at the sky …you will see It – The roof of Europe – The Majestic Mont-Blanc. Enjoy the bus ride to the third natural mountain spot most visited in the world.
Take a breath of fresh air and stroll on the little streets full of charm. This busy little town is a popular place for day trippers, you will find lots of boutiques selling local produce such as cheese, meats as well as fresh Savoie honey and also famous brands of mountain clothes, equipment.
With Chamonix being renowned as the world capital of alpinism, freeride skiing, ice climbing and ultra-trail running. A good place for shopping, designer brand,fashionable mountain brand or trendy surf wear settled in Chamonix. Lots of boutiques are selling local product as cheese, meats or fresh savoie honey.
On your day trip you have the opportunity to do various activities selecting the following options:
- Cable car Aiguille du Midi or Brévent : Ride up the cable car and discover a spectacular panoramic view of the Chamonix Valley and the French, Swiss and Italian Alps at 3842m ! On a clear day, you may even see the Mattherhorn, the famous Swiss peak and icon of Switzerland – it’s even found on packages of delicious Toblerone chocolate. If it’s open, you can try the unique adventure: "Step into the Void" BREATHTAKING! A glass room built around a metal frame. Three glass walls, floor and ceiling panels, allow visitors to control their vertigo and experience 1035 meters of space under their feet!
- Lunch: Take a break and enjoy a lunch in the center of Chamonix. The entrance will be a nice choice of salads and soups as a buffet. As main course you can choose between chicken, fish or veggie. As dessert, the chef will surprise you with the dessert of the day.
- Mer de Glace (mountain train to the largest glacier of France): Board the charming red cog railway up to Montenvers, you’ll enjoy fabulous views of Mer de Glace. This magnificent glacier is 4 miles (7km) long and averages just under a mile wide, surrounded by the impressive summits.
78 - 224 CHF depending on package
NB: Passport is necessary; Child under 3 years cannot go on the cable car.
Our tour will take place every day, under any weather conditions, but Keytours cannot guarantee the functionality of the cable car and the train.
Wednesday 3ʳᵈ October: Glacier 3000
When you think about Switzerland don’t you have in mind the image of a Swiss Chalet village slap in the lap of the Mountains?
This is Les Diablerets: ’’little devils’’, located in the heart of the Alps Vaudoises. This village entirely made up of chalets, has great cachet and a penny to develop while preserving its heritage.
Just looking up you cannot miss the majestic Glacier, the top is at 3000 meters above sea level. In winter it is a snowy wonderland for outdoor and adventure enthusiasts, with a wide variety of activities available. Head to the top on a 15-minute cable car ride and enjoy the views.
During the summer season, the glacier offers the Alpine Coaster, Europe's highest tracked toboggan run. The glacier also houses the Peak Walk, the world's first suspension bridge connecting two peaks. The walkway, which is 108 meters long, is accessible free all year round and allows visitors to discover more than 24 peaks over 4,000 meters.
Those who explore the Glacier 3000 glacier area will experience nature close up and will not forget the spectacular scenery for a long time.
Friday 5ᵗʰ October: Gruyères – Lavaux
Succumb to the swiss flavors. The perfect excursion for the greedy!
Start your excursion with chocolate softness visiting a famous factory. Discover the secrets of making Swiss Chocolate and enjoy tasting as much as you like and can.
Then on your way to Gruyères, enjoy Swiss countryside taking a great big breath of fresh air. Be charmed by the real Switzerland, its green fields, its cows and Mountains.
At noon, you will reach the Moléson Mountain and have a tasting in a typical Swiss chalet, a friendly hand making cheese factory and enjoy our typical dish: the Fondue.
In the afternoon, spend some free time in Gruyères strolling the middle age village.
Afterwards, take a sit in the famous Golden Pass train overlooking the magnificent of the Mountains and enjoy the views over Leman Lake.
By the end of the day, your last stop will be in the world heritage site of Lavaux, appreciate a glass of Swiss wine or juice in this vineyard’s region classified by UNESCO.
A day full of taste and an unforgettable experience.
218 (Gold) or 158 CHF
