With an overwhelming amount of green spaces, stunning architecture, museums, shopping complexes and trendy bars to be explored in the vibrant heart of the city (just North of Port Du Mont Blanc Bridge), as well as its more desolate and remote regions, we at Gifting Owl know it can be challenging to choose the perfect experience. So, we like to keep things fun and simple and select only the most exclusive experiences to ensure you can treat your loved one to a trip away that is totally unique, and one they’ll never forget. From the moment they arrive, we can assure they’ll be absolutely captivated by every hidden treasure that this picturesque cosmopolitan haven has to offer, which resembles a photoshopped postcard you can practically reach out and touch!
Late philosopher powerhouse and Genevan native Jean Jaques-Rousseau (born at number 40, Grand'Rue if you fancy a visit) fairly observed that “Nature never deceives us”. Yet, he might have been taking his dream-like surroundings slightly for granted. From the cobbled pedestrian streets that line the original Roman-era buildings, each one bursting a different array of colour, to the glistening waves of the south-western shores of Lake Geneva (known as Lac Léman) that wrap around the banks of the most glorious snowy mountain peaks, it’s easy to think you’re walking through a fairytale. And just wait until you indulge on some mouthwatering local delicacies; Geneva’s world-famous chocolate and cheese. That’s when you’ll really have to pinch yourself to make sure it’s not a cruel dream. So why not spoil your giftee on their special day, by giving the triple threat gift of chocolate, cheese and adventure all at one go. Gaze in awe as you ascend up the mountains on a Golden Express panoramic train, admiring the unbelievable landscape of Lemanic arc where you’ll arrive in the Medieval town of Gruyères. Before hopping on the bus back to Geneva for some evening adventures, you’ll spend a day in the life of an experienced Swiss-cheese maker. Learning all of the traditions of fondue making at the La Maison du Gruyère Cheese Factory, as well as becoming the certified chocolate connoisseur you’ve always professed yourself to be after a tasting session at the Maison Cailler Swiss Chocolate Factory.
We highly recommend taking a day trip to the practically undiscovered Swiss-French region also known as the Swiss Riviera. The stretch of the shoreline of Lac Leman that flows from Lausanne through Vevey is magnificent and leads to the ever-glamorous Montreux. Throughout your trip you’ll be guaranteed to get the full Meditteranean experience, absorbing the blissful history and wondrous geographical attractions - and more importantly - tasting the fine local wines! The mild microclimate is what makes this district so special, and the perfect place to relax and enjoy Switzerland for all its natural glory.
As we said, Geneva really is like a fairytale land. And what could be more fantastical than a gigantic castle complemented by the backdrop of some of the most beautiful surrounding Alps you could possibly imagine? As you head for the hills, you’ll stop to take in firsthand an experience of Switzerland’s most visited historical building, the breathtaking medieval island castle of Château de Chillon, a Romanesque style masterpiece perched on the eastern end of Lake Geneva. If that person you’re gifting geeks out on legendary writers, then they’ll be familiar with this spot. The romantic poet pioneer Lord Byron who loved the castle that had captured the heart of Europe was inspired to write his famous poem ‘the Prisoner of Chillon’ after viewing Chillon’s dungeons that are magnificently etched into its rocky underbelly. Byron not only made his mark in the history books with this one but also on one of the castle’s gothic pillars themselves where you can still see his name set in stone to this day! Mary Shelley was also inspired by the mysteries and beauty of Lake Geneva, and after initially expecting a peaceful vacation, instead returned with a skeletal framework for one of the world’s most haled gothic tales, Frankenstein! So whether you’re an aspiring writer, poet or just a dreamer, be sure to bring your pens and journals for this trip as it is bound to get your creative juices flowing.
We bet you’re sick of hearing dad playing “smoke on the water” on repeat by those ancient English fellas, Deep Purple was it? Well, why not let him live the rocker lifestyle and take a trip to Montreux, just an hour’s train ride or boat journey from Geneva. Legend has it that this song is written about Lake Geneva. The band reportedly witnessed a fire that burned down the casino they were supposed to have used to record their greatest album in back in 1972, which resulted in an unprecedented jammin’ session that produced the mother of all progressive rock riffs! But what was then a very sleepy and idyllic town, is now one of the most glamorous and star-studded musical hotspots in Switzerland, where the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival takes place every summer and has seen the likes of some of the greatest artists of all time, from Freddie Mercury to Aretha Franklin.
Geneva truly is an enchanting all year round holiday location. From cosy winters, where you can hit the slopes of the surrounding alps, to the scorching summers where there is no more perfect time than to take a dip in the glistening waters at the mouth of the City, Gifting Owl can assure you’ll feel nothing but satisfied, if not a bit exhausted. So book your Geneva adventures and experiences with Gifting Owl now, as there’s no messing with Swiss clockwork when it comes to time, right?
