Geneva

At the junction of the Rhone River and Lake Geneva lies French-speaking Switzerland's largest city. A powerful city-state in the days when Calvin was a leader of the Reformation, today she is a center of international diplomacy, the European headquarters of the United Nations and the home of the Red Cross. Geneva has one of the loveliest natural settings of any city in the world, with her river and lake surrounded by vineyards and framed by mountains. On a clear day, you can see Mont Blanc, Europe's highest peak. Take a stroll through the promenades and parks that line the lakeshore and you'll see a vast variety of people from every region ...

At the junction of the Rhone River and Lake Geneva lies French-speaking Switzerland's largest city. A powerful city-state in the days when Calvin was a leader of the Reformation, today she is a center of international diplomacy, the European headquarters of the United Nations and the home of the Red Cross. Geneva has one of the loveliest natural settings of any city in the world, with her river and lake surrounded by vineyards and framed by mountains. On a clear day, you can see Mont Blanc, Europe's highest peak. Take a stroll through the promenades and parks that line the lakeshore and you'll see a vast variety of people from every region of the world. The narrow streets of the old town wind up to the Cathedral of St. Pierre and a panoramic view. There are more than 40 museums, including the Natural History Museum, the Baur Collection of Asian art and the History of Science Museum. Shop on the glamorous Rue de Rhône or hop on the tram to visit the colorful French-flavored neighborhood of Carouge. There are several luxury hotels, most aimed at business travelers. The selection of international restaurants is one of the widest of any city in the world. A boat ride on the lake, perhaps a dinner cruise, is a must.

About the Expert

Charlie Morris is the author of the Open Road guidebooks Best of Honduras, Best of Costa Rica, Best of Belize, and Switzerland Guide.