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Vaud Castle & palace tours

Our most recommended Vaud Castle & palace tours

From Geneva: Swiss Riviera Tour

1. From Geneva: Swiss Riviera Tour

This tour will give you the chance to enjoy the beauty of the Swiss Riviera at Lake Geneva (or Leman, as it is also known), while giving you the option to tailor the trip to your needs and interests.  Board the coach in Geneva and drive through the Vaud countryside, passing Lausanne and stopping at Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exquisite wine production. During the spring and summer months, you will also have the chance to visit a vineyard where local wine will be served.  Leaving Lavaux, the next stop will be Vevey. Take an overall tour of the city, the Nestlé headquarters, and the covered market, and have some free time for lunch.  You can discover Chapin’s World — a site dedicated to Charlie Chaplin, and go on an extraordinary adventure across time and through the magical world of cinema. Know more about one of the surprising artists of the 20th century through the sets of his greatest films at a Hollywood-style studio. After visiting Vevey, if you have the lake cruise option on your tour, embark on a journey in an old steamer boat to the Castle of Chillon. Located on the bank of Lake Geneva, the castle is one of the most visited historical places in Switzerland, dating back to the 11th century.  If you decided on the option that includes the castle, you will have a guided tour through the building, and in case you did not choose the cruise option, you will be taken to the castle directly by bus.  Afterward, your last stop will be in Montreux, a glamorous tourist resort. Feel the atmosphere of great artists that visited this place, such as Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, BB King, and Ray Charles. Wander through the streets full of fancy shops and landmarks of the famous jazz festival.

Montreux: Chateau Chillon Entrance Ticket

2. Montreux: Chateau Chillon Entrance Ticket

Visit one of Switzerland’s most magnificent and historic locations, the Chateau Chillon, located on the shores of Lake Geneva. See for yourself the impacts that the Savoy Period, the Bernese Period and the Vaudois Period have had on this 11th-century castle. Explore the Castle’s courtyards and its underground area where Gothic-style vaults and numerous legends await you. Wander the Great Halls, where the Savoy family held their sumptuous banquets, or visit the rooms in which the Duke of Savoy and his family spent their everyday life. Don't forget to pay a visit to the Castle’s chapel. Here you will discover 14th-century paintings that have survived since the time of Reformation. You will also be able to visit an array of permanent and temporary exhibitions located in the castle, with themes ranging from local history to contemporary art, all connected to the castle or its surrounding area. Admire panoramic views of the lake from the castle and let yourself be amazed by the beauty and history that come to life here.

From Geneva: Yvoire Castle & Lake Geneva Cruise

3. From Geneva: Yvoire Castle & Lake Geneva Cruise

Board a comfortable vehicle, drive along Geneva lake to reach the fortified village of Yvoire. It is authentic, with its ramparts and gates that were used to defend the town. Built in 1036, Yvoire’s castle is the target of all photography-lovers of Yvoire. When under construction in the 14th century, the military dungeon was used to watch the navigation and control the road that linked Geneva to the high valley of the Rhône and to Italy. Today, the majestic shape of the castle is still standing as a sentinel on Lake Geneva. Spend some free time and enjoy the atmosphere of this unique place. Enjoy the restaurants with its typical fish dish called “filet de perche” in front of the magnificent Lake. Classified among the most beautiful villages of France, the medieval city of Yvoire, fishermen's authentic village, is situated right by the Leman Lake. It is outstandingly flowery and livened up by artists and craftsmen, is one of the inescapable sites of Chablais. You will be enchanted with the Garden “des Cinq Sens” and its labyrinth of greenery. 700-years-old, the village has miraculously preserved invaluable testimonies of past: castle, ramparts, doors and ditch. It is a member of a prestigious Association of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”. You will have a map and you can wonder yourself in this beautiful village. To come back to Geneva, board an old steamer boat “Belle Epoque” cruise, an original journey to enjoy the banks of the lake from the water.

From Geneva: Swiss Riviera Private Tour

4. From Geneva: Swiss Riviera Private Tour

Embark on a guided tour along Lake Geneva, with stops at several beautiful locations. Start with pickup from Geneva and travel along the shores of the lake through the Vaud countryside. Enjoy a photo stop at the Olympic Museum of Lausanne, which is the symbol of the city.  Continue towards the town of Corsier sur-Vevey. Enjoy some free time to explore this charming village where Charlie Chaplin lived for several years. You have the option of visiting Chaplin's World Museum to learn more about his life and see a collection of memorabilia. Then, enjoy a ride through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lavaux, known for its beautiful terraced vineyards.  In the afternoon, visit the town of Montreaux, a glamorous resort popular with international travelers. You can also visit Chillon Castle, a medieval fortress is located on a beautiful small island near the town. After exploring Montreaux, be returned to Geneva in the evening.

Geneva: Lausanne, Montreux & Chateau Chillon Tour

5. Geneva: Lausanne, Montreux & Chateau Chillon Tour

The Olympic Museum (Musée Olympique)  The Olympic Museum in Lausanne-Ouchy celebrates the Olympic movement including the history of the games, its organization and of course athletes. The museum is modern with many interactive displays complimenting the wide range of items directly related to the games, its organizers, and the athletes.  Montreux  Montreux town is nestled in a sheltered Lake Geneva bay, surrounded by vineyards and against the breathtaking backdrop of snow-covered Alps. Known to many as the city of music and famed for its international Jazz festival, Montreux is a wonderful city to visit. Its lakeside promenade is bursting with flowers & scents that create the perfect photo opportunity.  Château de Chillon  Chillon Castle is located on the banks of Lake Geneva on a very small island. The water castle is the most visited historic building in Switzerland. For nearly four centuries Chillon was the residence and profitable toll station of the Counts of Savoy. By touring this Castle you can view incredible wall paintings from the 14th century, subterranean vaults and parade halls dating to the time of Bernese rule.  Boat cruise (all inclusive package only) Take a special boat tour of the lake between the two cities of Veytaux to Lausanne. See the lake at its very best and learn more about its history with stunning views of the Mont Blanc mountain range on the way back to shore. Lavaux wine terrace  Lavaux is internationally famous as a terraced wine- growing region on the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) in western Switzerland. It covers the territory roughly from Lausanne to Montreux, extending to an altitude of roughly 500 meters above lake level and including 6 lake-shore villages and the city of Vevey. Part of the Lavaux (bas-Lavaux) has been recognised since 2007 as a world heritage site by UNESCO. 

From Geneva: Tour of Swiss Riviera with Chillon Castle

6. From Geneva: Tour of Swiss Riviera with Chillon Castle

Fall in love with the Swiss riviera sceneries around the Leman Lake. Drive through the Vaud countryside, Stop in Lausanne for a photo stop at the Olympic museum, symbol of the city. 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: vineyard terraces with stunning views over Lake Geneva and the Alps. In the afternoon, board an old steamer boat “Belle Epoque”, a cruise that will surprise you with the splendor of the landscape. The Lake of Geneva is the home of the world's most important, most elegant and most homogeneous fleet of side-wheel paddle boats. You will arrive to the Castle of Chillon, this medieval fortress is located on a beautiful small island. You enter the Middle Ages as you cross the little castle’s covered bridge into its walled courtyards. 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.

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What people are saying about Vaud

Overall rating

4.1 / 5

based on 25 reviews

I did this as a solo trip and loved it. We started off at the Chaplin House which was entertaining and informative. Followed by a short picnic with our tour guide in Vevey. After (if your purchase the boat ticket) we went on the boat to the castle. Lastly we ended the day off with some time in Montreux. Your guide will take you everywhere, explain everything thoroughly and make sure you have meeting points/times. My guide was fantastic! It’s a long day with lots of walking but I didn’t even notice because of the fun I was having! Despite it being overcast/rainy the views were still breathtaking and we made the most of the day. Highly recommend this tour.

It was amazing experience and special mention to our guide Baibis…he made tour very live and memorable and special part in that is wine which is really awesome taste..I strongly recommend this trip and our guide.

Our guide Bopis did an amazing job! He is knowledgeable, punctual and has great taste in music! Everything was perfectly organized, and in time. I would highly recommend this trip to my friends.

A well-organized trip with a bunch of breathtaking views. They are definitely worth visiting! Thank you for a great weekend.

Amazing , happy , nice ambiance , the tour is totally worth it