Annecy itinerary — the lake and old town day
9:00am — Depart Geneva, arrive in Annecy in about 50 minutes.
9:50am — Stroll through the old town and its canals, Palais de l'Isle, Les Halles market on Tuesdays, Fridays or Sundays.
11:30am — Walk or boat trip on Lake Annecy, one of the cleanest in Europe.
1:00pm — Lakeside lunch — tartiflette or Savoyard specialties.
3:00pm — Free time: shopping in the old town, or a walk along the ramparts.
5:00pm — Return to Geneva.
Chamonix itinerary — the mountain day
8:30am — Depart Geneva, arrive in Chamonix in about 1h15.
9:45am — Cable car up to Aiguille du Midi (3,842m) — book tickets ahead in peak season.
12:00pm — Descend, lunch in the village with Mont Blanc views.
2:00pm — Montenvers cogwheel train to the Mer de Glace.
4:00pm — Free time in the village, shops and terraces.
5:30pm — Return to Geneva.
Which to choose?
Annecy suits a relaxed mood, lake and old town, great for the whole family. Chamonix takes a bit more energy but offers unmatched mountain panoramas — both work easily as a private DRIVETOME excursion, with a driver who stays available all day.