20 days in Geneva & Zurich Itinerary

Geneva brings the world to one small city with a huge expat population and the highest number of international organizations in any one city.

Visiting Lake Geneva and Reserve Naturelle des Grangettes will get you outdoors. Change things up with these side-trips from Geneva: Montreux (Montreux Lakeside & Freddie Mercury Statue), Astropleiades (in Blonay) and Chateau de Chillon (in Veytaux). And it doesn't end there: admire the landmark architecture of Cathedrale de Saint-Pierre, examine the collection at International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, get a sense of history and politics at Palais des Nations, Genève, and enjoy the sand and surf at Bains des Paquis.

To see ratings, other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, read our Geneva planning website.

Washington, USA to Geneva is an approximately 14.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time to Central European Standard Time, which is usually a 6 hour difference. When traveling from Washington in April, plan for slightly colder days and about the same nights in Geneva: temperatures range from 61°F by day to 41°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sun) so you can catch the flight to Zurich.

The financial hub of Switzerland, Zurich is most often associated with money and banks.

Visiting Lake Zurich and Lake Lucerne will get you outdoors. Change things up with these side-trips from Zurich: Freiluft- und Hallenbad Boedeli (in Unterseen), Lucerne (Glacier Garden Lucerne (Gletschergarten), Lion Monument, &more) and Mt Pilatus (in Kriens). Next up on the itinerary: take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Titlis, explore the activities along Lake Brienz, wander the streets of Old Town, and take an in-depth tour of Landesmuseum.

To find reviews, maps, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Zurich online trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Geneva to Zurich takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In April, plan for daily highs up to 58°F, and evening lows to 41°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 1st (Sat) to allow enough time to travel back home.