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Geneva, Switzerland
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Experience the beauty, history, and culture in the international city of
Geneva. Though it is the second largest city in Switzerland, it is
considered the world's smallest metropolis. The city is home to nearly 180
different nationalities and is considered a forerunner in the |
fight for world peace. The area is believed to have been inhabited since 1000 B.C. and has been a part of and conquered by several different kingdoms and empires throughout history. It joined the Swiss Confederation in 1815 and, after a revolution in 1846, Geneva adopted the constitution that it still uses today. The city is headquarters for two major international organizations: the International Red Cross (since 1864) and the League of Nations as part of the United Nations Organization (since the end of WWI).
Today, Geneva has developed into one of Europe's most thriving cultural, historical and economical cities. There is much to see, do and experience in the city and surrounding area. Adventurers will love its proximity to prominent ski areas and resorts in the Alpine Mountains. In warmer months, take one of the many mountain trails for a hiking or biking adventure and experience the breath-taking views the area has to offer. Explore the beautiful and historic architecture in the city for a taste of its rich history and culture. Shoppers will love the city's tax-free and duty-free shopping. Situated on the coast of Lake Geneva, water sports and attractions are plentiful any time of year in Geneva. Whatever your desire, this international city offers groups an unforgettable experience in the heart of Europe.
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Attractions: |
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Visit one of the United Nations headquarters, the Palace of the United Nations, to tour the building where over 25,000 delegates meet each year to negotiate world peace. During the one-hour tour, groups will get a chance to see the conference rooms, the Assembly Hall, the Council Chamber, the gifts presented to the UN and watch a film about the workings and history of the organization.
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Next, tour the International Museum of the Red Cross which commemorates the birthplace of the organization and is the only museum dedicated to the history and work of the Red Cross. Groups can tour the permanent and
temporary exhibits featured in
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the museum and
learn about the historic and present-day happenings at the organization.
Make sure to set aside some time to take a stroll through the Jardin Anglais, or
"English Garden." This beautifully landscaped garden in downtown Geneva offers a quiet and peaceful escape from the city streets. The garden was designed in 1854 and is nestled along the left bank of Lake Geneva. Contained in the garden is the famous Flower Clock, built to symbolize the Swiss watch industry. The face of the clock is made entirely of flowers and the hands of the clock were later designed to move and tell the time.
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Perhaps one of Geneva's most exciting and varying attractions is the lake. Lake Geneva, also called Lac Léman, is the largest lake in the country and offers a variety of activities enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. In the warmer summer months, visitors can enjoy the beaches, pools, restaurants and water activities located at the Bain des Paquis. Also located on the lake is the famous 460-foot Jet d'Eau (water jet) which is considered the
"landmark of Geneva."
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| City Facts: |
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Population:
Geneva (city): 184,758
Geneva canton (region): 434,473
Weather (average highs in F):
Spring: 49o-71o
Summer: 71o-76o
Fall: 40o-69o
Winter: 38o-49o
Distance (in miles):
Lausanne: 41
Bern: 99
ZÜrich: 174
Lyon, France: 94
Milan, Italy: 197
Time Zone:
*GMT + 1:00 (also called CET, Central European Time)
*Switzerland does observe European daylight/summer time
Land Area and Elevation:
*107 square miles (Geneva canton)
*1,227 feet above sea level
Major Industries:
*Watch/clock making
*Swiss chocolate
*Cheese
Accommodations:
*117 hotels in total and 13 cottage/apartment style accommodations
*16 five-star and 25 four-star hotels in the city
*The area also has a number of country-style, youth hostel, bed & breakfast or camping locations
Transportation:
*To get around the city: car (rental or taxi), train, tram, bus, boat/ferry
*Airport: Geneva International Airport
*Free Geneva Transport Card: free to anyone staying in a Geneva hotel, hostel, or campground; gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to the city's public transportation system (buses, boats, and trains)
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| Adventure: |
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The canton is close to several famous and prominent ski areas/resorts in the Alpine Mountains for the skiing enthusiast to enjoy. In warmer weather, hikers, bikers and climbers can take advantage of the many mountain trails for some fresh air and unbelievable scenery.
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Arts and Culture:
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The city is home to several art galleries, museums and theaters to suit any taste. For a convenient way to see a variety of Geneva's arts, go to the Place Neuve which contains the Grand-Théâtre
(opera house), the Conservatory of
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Music and the Rath
Museum (fine art). To see some of Geneva's architecture, take the Castles and Famous Residences boat tour. From April to October, groups can take this two-hour tour to see the famous castles and homes located on Lake Geneva's shore.
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Culinary: |
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While the area is well known for cheese and chocolate, other traditional Swiss treats are also available to be tasted and explored. The area boasts an abundance of vineyards and wineries that can give groups a taste of local Swiss wines. Because of Geneva's international culture, several different nationalities of cuisine are represented in the city. There are also some traditional Geneva favorites as well, including Filet de Perche (fish), Longeole (raw sausage, made with course-grained meat and an assortment of spices), and Cardons (a thistle-type, stalk vegetable similar to artichoke, usually served au gratin).
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Shopping: |
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Geneva has plenty of shopping opportunities throughout the city. It boasts a variety of high-quality Swiss items such as Swiss Army knives, Swiss chocolate, Swiss artisan cheeses, wines and (of course) watches. The city is considered the watch capitol of the world as home to several famous watch and clock makers. To see the
"créme de la crème" of Swiss watches, take a trip down Rue du Rhône. This street is like the
"Magnificent Mile" of Geneva featuring all the best designer names, especially in watches. It is definitely considered the
"richest" street in the city. For a more traditional shopping experience, go to Balexert shopping mall. This is the largest mall in the city featuring over 110 stores of all kinds.
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| Festivals: |
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Geneva celebrates a number of holidays and festivals throughout the year. The Escalade Celebration and Run is celebrated to commemorate the Genevan victory over invading Savoyan troops in 1602. Entertainment and flair are a part of this December celebration as well as the popular foot race featuring a humorous category for runners dressed up in costumes. Another popular event in Geneva is the Bol d'Or which is Europe's largest boat sailing race. The event takes place on Lake Geneva annually in June.
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| Extra Information: |
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*Currency: the Swiss Franc (CHF)
*Language: officially French, but German and English also spoken
*Global Refund: a tax refund on Swiss purchases for international travelers; the refund is for the 7.6% Swiss Value Added Tax (VAT) and can be obtained a number of different ways (www.globalrefund.com).
*Tipping in hotels, restaurants, taxis, etc. is not necessary because a service/gratuity charge is already added in the cost; however tipping for exceptional service is justified.
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| Don't leave without: |
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Taking the scenic, one-hour train ride over to Montreux. While there, take a tour of the famous Castle of Chillon, a 12th century fortress and now museum containing a variety of antiques. Be sure to take the one-day
"Chocolate Train" trip from Montreux to nearby Gruyères and Broc. The stop in Gruyère will take groups to the cheese factory for a tour and samples, and then to tour the 13th century Castle of Gruyères. Next the train stops in Broc for the Cailler-Nestlè chocolate factory tour and tasting. On the way back to Montreux, enjoy the scenery of the vineyards, valleys, mountains and shoreline along Lake Geneva.
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