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Vaud Culture & history

Our most recommended Vaud Culture & history

Chaplin's World Entrance Ticket

1. Chaplin's World Entrance Ticket

The Manoir: Charlie Chaplin behind closed doors The 500 m² staging of the Manoir is dedicated entirely to Charlie Chaplin the man, and to his daily life – some rooms have been recreated with furniture and personal items. Learn about Charlie's family life and gain insight into the reasons that led him to Switzerland, how he was welcomed, and how he spent the final 25 years of his life. In the dining room, learn about the family’s culinary traditions and the parties and many celebrity guests invited into the home. The Studio: Welcome to Hollywood! The Studio is a 1350 m² structure built on the estate to present the cinematographic world of the artist, actor and filmmaker. The tour starts with a montage of images tracing Chaplin’s life and work. It continues on against a backdrop of 20th century history, moving on to a street right out of an Easy Street decor, one of the most emblematic settings of his movies. The Park: A 10-acre park surrounds the Manoir and the Studio, offering visitors a breathtaking view overlooking Lake Leman and the Alps. It is evocative of the special relationship that Chaplin cultivated with nature, in particular the mountainous landscapes, the lake and the vineyards that surrounded his estate. The Shop: Come into Chaplin’s old Bentley garage and browse through a range of exclusive souvenirs. Here you will find quality products reflecting the life and work of Charlie Chaplin, including every one of his DVDs and box sets, and his celebrated movie posters. A wide selection of books, stationery and cards, tableware, and children’s toys are also offered. You can even buy your very own version of Chaplin’s iconic hat and cane!

From Geneva: Gruyères Gold Tour with Train Ride & Tastings

2. From Geneva: Gruyères Gold Tour with Train Ride & Tastings

Admire breathtaking landscapes of Gruyères. At the top of the hill, breathe pure mountain air and hear cowbells in the pasture. Enjoy authentic Alpine cheese making and suddenly become expert in (Swiss) cheese fondue by preparing it yourself. The chocolat factory visit starts around 10:45 AM and ends at 12:00 PM. After the visit you will go to a traditional restaurant from about 12:20 to 2pm where you will taste different kinds of local cheeses, dried meat and sausage, and enjoy the fondue dish and a small local dessert. Then you will have free time in Gruyères village from about 2:15 PM to 3:00 PM and then we will take you to the Golden Pass train in Montbovon at 3:28 PM. Relax in a comfortable ride aboard the famous Golden Express train overlooking magnificent views over Lake Leman.

Lausanne: The Olympic Museum Entry Ticket

3. Lausanne: The Olympic Museum Entry Ticket

Pre-book your entry ticket to Switzerland’s The Olympic Museum in Lausanne and feed your passion for sports and the Olympic Games. Explore thousands of exhibits in the museum, then visit the Olympic Park or the TOM Café. Enrich your trip with a complimentary audio guide. On the day of your visit, step into the museum’s 3000 square meters of exhibition space, featuring over 1500 exhibits and 150 screens to create the ultimate visitor experience. From the permanent exhibition to the Olympic Park and the TOM Café, you’ll leave with memorable stories to tell. The Olympic Museum in Lausanne is the essential storyteller for the Olympic idea. The Museum is not about a collection, it is about the idea of Olympism. The museum’s vocation is to let people discover the Olympic Movement, help them witness its essential contribution to society, and to transmit the Olympic values beyond the celebration of the games and competitions. History, culture, design, technology, and sociology are some of the themes addressed beyond sport, in turn reflecting the richness and diversity of Olympism.

Montreux: Chateau Chillon Entrance Ticket

4. 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: Swiss Riviera Tour

5. 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.

From Geneva: Yvoire Castle & Lake Geneva Cruise

6. 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

7. 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.

Private Trip From Geneva to Annecy in France

8. Private Trip From Geneva to Annecy in France

If you are looking for a romantic adventure, then this excursion is the perfect match for you! This trip can be organised according to your preferences, offering a personal approach. Start the journey from any convenient location for you in Geneva. Hop into a comfortable car or minivan for a short but pleasant ride to the charming town of Annecy, situated 35 km away from Geneva and right at the base of the snow-covered Alps. Annecy is also known as the “Venice of the Alps” due to the Thiou River flowing through the town creating canals reminiscent of Venice. Located beside the clear waters of Lake Annecy, the town offers a large green park with walkways, tiny bridges, fountains, swans and options for boating activities. Wander around and explore the delightful Old town, which was built in the Middle Ages. Take a look at the central landmark of Annecy – Palais de I’lsle, a medieval castle and prison built in the 12th century that is now an art and history museum. Discover the Chateau d’Annecy – a renovated castle, dominating the town. Afterward, you will take a boat trip and sail around the lake to see the tiny villages dotted at the shores of the lake, the Menthon Saint Bernard – a castle built in the 13th century and enjoy the beautiful view.  You can have a meal by trying local dishes at one of the canal-side cafes or restaurants. Do not forget to bring your camera, as it is going to be a very picturesque journey!

Geneva: Lausanne, Montreux & Chateau Chillon Tour

9. 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. 

Geneva: United Nations Walking Tour & Ariana Museum

10. Geneva: United Nations Walking Tour & Ariana Museum

Discover the beautiful city of Geneva during a fascinating walking tour with a charismatic local guide. Not only the cradle of watchmaking and home to the greatest Swiss chocolate makers, but Geneva also promises you an original and enriching experience. Meet your guide in downtown Geneva and set off together on your guided tour. As you stroll through the historic streets, admire the medieval look and marvelous architecture, which mixes both French and German influences.  See the headquarters for notable international organizations including the WTO and the United Nations. Also, discover the headquarters of the World Intellectual Property Organisation, Telecommunication Organization, and UNHCR, and the Red Cross Institution. Finally, pay a visit to the magnificent Ariana Museum for the opportunity to marvel at the incredible glass and ceramic collections.

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What people are saying about Vaud

Overall rating

4.0 / 5

based on 2 reviews

Super fun tour, only thing I think can be improved is the last stop at Montreux could be longer. The guide Norman was super funny too. Recommend for people who are travelling solo.

Our group of 8, ages 40 to 70, was enthralled by the comprehensive documentation and vivid illustration of Chaplin's life. We will come again with our grandchildren.

Great way to explore Lausanne and laugh along the way. We did it on a Saturday and the course took us through the markets which another great experience.

it was a wonderful tour but not enough time to go around the gruyeres village. i would love to go back.

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