GENEVA
Switzerland’s second largest city is better-known for banking and the diplomatic HQ of the United Nations than as a tourism destination, but in addition to having the best-positioned airport for a trip to the Alps, Geneva has a wide offer of history, culture, and hospitality to add on to either end of a trip to Switzerland. Situated on the southwest shore of Lac Leman and both banks of the outlet of the Rhône, the city is a global melting pot, due to the high concentration of international organizations and financial institutions. Naturally, this creates a need for high-end hospitality, and the hotels in Geneva are among the best in Europe.
The high-street boutiques of Rue de Rhône offer Switzerland’s premiere luxury shopping opportunities, while up the hill in the old town, eclectic boutiques and galleries mix with the bistros and outdoor cafés of Place Bourg de Four. And in the Italian-influenced neighborhood of Carouge, some of Geneva’s premiere artisans and restaurateurs make up the hippest district.
Cultural opportunities include the Musée d’Art et Histoire, the Patek Philippe Museum, a historic look at the art of “haute horlogerie”, and the annual Geneva Auto Show. In the beginning of August, the Fête National coincides with the 2-week Fête de Genève, where the entire waterfront celebrates with concerts, carnival rides and attractions, fireworks, and more.
But the most appealing aspect of Geneva is the proximity to the mountains and countryside – on a clear day, you can see Mont Blanc from town, and farms and vineyards back right up to the city limits. In the summer, a cruise on a belle époque paddle steamship or even a classic sailboat gives even better views of this city on the Rhône, and you can even be delivered to the UNESCO wine-growing region of Lavaux for a hike through the vines.
- Best-positioned airport for a trip to the Alps and great first stop or last stop destination
- High-end hospitality and Europe best 5* hotels
- Excursion to the Salève. Geneva’s local mountain is a paradise for ramblers.
- Carouge and its bohemian atmosphere: craftsmens, artists and its personalities who contribute much to Carouge’s charm. Stop at the boutique of chocolatier Philippe Pascoët.
- Great shopping opportunities
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Experience options: Geneva
WHAT WE DO
Epic Europe is a luxury experiential adventure travel operator based in the Swiss Alps.
Epic Europe specializes in private bespoke itineraries for small groups. Experiencing the best of each region, from interacting with the local people and enjoying authentic regional food and wine, as well as time-honored traditions and festivals, to recreating in the alpine landscape, and truly understanding why the Alps are the birthplace of adventure travel. From custom ski, hiking, or cycling trips to building in city tours, cultural itineraries, or gastronomic discovery, these award-winning, multi-dimensional trips are tailored to our clients' wishes every time, and are not packaged tours. From Switzerland, Italy, and France's Alps, to world-class cultural cities and larger towns, Epic Europe can design a tailored adventure that fulfills your every need.
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"I have done trips in the Alps and surrounding regions with Epic Europe for the past 4 years, and every one has been unique and surpassed the last. The experiences that they deliver due to their personal relationships are a window into the real life in these incredible locations, and they share these friendships with us." - K.B., CT USA
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"Epic Europe has coordinated several corporate events for us over the past 5 years, and I cannot imagine a more professional operation to handle all of the details. From a team-building event for 50 people in a 17th-century castle atop a mountain pass, to marketing conferences and catalog shoots, their knowledge of the best locations in the Alps is second-to-none, and they are as good as it gets at being creative." - E.P., Lugano CH
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“The team at Epic Europe created the most incredible trip for us, where everything came together seamlessly, and we never had to think about what came next - it just magically happened as if it was meant to be. That takes real talent, and they make it look easy." - B.N., WY USA
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"Epic Europe's custom road biking trip that they put together for my buddy's bachelor party was great - the right combination of killer rides, great hotels, and outstanding restaurants. Great guides, and overall a perfect trip." - A.S., London UK
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"I would have to say that Verbier and Zermatt might be the best places I have ever ridden a mountain bike, and I couldn't imagine going without the help of Epic Europe's guides. It was a dream trip for sure." - B.S., PA USA
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"Our family spent last Christmas in Zermatt on a bespoke Epic Europe ski trip. The special thought and care that they put into our holiday made it our best yet." - L.M.; CA USA
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"Hiking in the Alps has always been on my bucket list, but I wasn't sure that a typical trip was my style. Epic Europe designed a custom route for our group, staying in the best little inns and hotels, and we felt like we had the trails to ourselves. I will come back again and again to explore new trails with their guides every year that I can!" - R.B., NY USA
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"A day of heliskiing in Italy culminated with a sunset run off the Breuil saddle of the Matterhorn - one of the most thrilling runs of my life - and we left our tracks in a place where they remained for a week afterward, reminding us of the best day of skiing in our life!" - WG, CT USA
PROCESS
Would you like more information, or to have us create a tailored trip for you? We would be glad to begin the design process for your ultimate experience in the Alps.
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