Geneva to Lausanne Group Itinerary with Geneva Airport, Prague, and LAX Return

Arrival and Hotel Check-In

From Geneva Airport, collect the complimentary local-transport ticket from the airport information desk if it is being issued on your arrival date, then take the train from Genève-Aéroport to Genève-Cornavin—the ride is about 7 minutes, with frequent departures. For 16 travelers with luggage, allow roughly 30–45 minutes from landing to reaching Novotel Genève Centre. From Cornavin, the hotel is an easy walk of about 10 minutes; a taxi is worthwhile if the group has heavy bags. Check in, leave luggage, and keep the first afternoon relaxed after the flight.

Late Afternoon by the Lake

Walk toward Quai Wilson and follow the lakeside promenade for about 15 minutes from the hotel. Spend an hour around Lake Geneva and the Jet d’Eau, Geneva’s famous fountain; winter light is especially attractive here, though spray and wind can make the waterfront cold. The fountain’s operating schedule varies in winter and it may be paused in rough weather, so treat it as a scenic stop rather than a guaranteed show. Warm layers and shoes with good grip will make the lakeside walk much more comfortable.

Old Town and Dinner

From the waterfront, walk 15–20 minutes uphill into Vieille Ville for St. Pierre Cathedral. The cathedral itself is generally open into the early evening, while the tower visit has a separate closing time and ticket—typically around CHF 7 for adults—so arrive with enough daylight if the group wants the panoramic climb. Continue through the lanes to Place du Bourg-de-Four, Geneva’s oldest square, allowing time to pause in the small side streets rather than trying to cover every corner. Reserve a group table well ahead for your traditional fondue dinner in the Old Town; expect approximately CHF 35–60 per person, with fondue usually ordered for the table and bread, potatoes, salad, and drinks added separately. After dinner, return to Novotel Genève Centre on foot in about 15 minutes or use a short taxi ride; keep the evening unhurried so everyone can recover from travel.

Morning

Start at CERN Science Gateway in Meyrin, reaching it from central Geneva by tram 18 toward CERN—allow roughly 25–30 minutes from Genève-Cornavin. For 16 guests, reserve timed admission well ahead; the interactive exhibitions are generally open Tuesday–Sunday, so verify the 2027 calendar carefully because January 16 falls on a Saturday. Plan about 2½ hours, and arrive 15 minutes early so the group can enter together. Admission to the exhibitions is typically free, while special workshops or guided programs may carry a charge. Afterward, continue by taxi or tram back toward Petit-Saconnex; a taxi is simplest for a large group and takes about 15 minutes.

Your midday visit is the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, whose exhibitions focus on humanitarian action, war, displacement, and human dignity. Allow around 1½ hours and keep the tone unhurried—the material is moving rather than a quick photo stop. Check the opening schedule and group-booking requirements before going, as museum hours can vary seasonally. After the museum, take taxis or public transport toward Plainpalais for lunch on your own or a quick café stop; keeping this meal flexible will make the afternoon easier.

Afternoon and Evening

Spend about 45 minutes at Parc des Bastions, wandering beside the Reformation Wall and pausing at the oversized chessboards. In January, the park can be damp and cold, so waterproof shoes and gloves are worthwhile. Then use the seasonal Patinoire des Bastions for about 1½ hours; confirm the 2027 rink schedule, session times, skate sizes, and group pricing in advance, since outdoor skating availability depends on weather and operating dates. From Parc des Bastions, the most practical transfer to the Favarger Chocolate Factory in Versoix is by pre-booked minibus or taxis—allow roughly 20–30 minutes in winter traffic. Book the chocolate-making or tasting session ahead for all 16 people and leave a little time to browse the shop before returning to central Geneva. Finish with an easy Swiss dinner near Genève-Cornavin or the hotel, budgeting about CHF 30–55 per person; reserve a brasserie table for the group and keep the evening relaxed after a full day.

Morning

Take an SBB train from Genève-Cornavin around 8:30–9:00 a.m.; the ride to Lausanne takes roughly 45–50 minutes. With 16 people, meet on the platform early and board together, but avoid trying to hold seats—trains are frequent and group reservations are generally unnecessary. From Lausanne station, walk uphill through the Cité district to Lausanne Cathedral. Allow about an hour to admire the Gothic interior and the views from the surrounding streets; check the church’s service schedule before visiting, as access can be limited during worship.

Late Morning and Lunch

Walk downhill toward the Esplanade de Montbenon, about 15–20 minutes from the cathedral, for a spacious overlook toward Lake Geneva and the Alps. This is a good place for group photos and a short breather rather than a rushed sightseeing stop. Continue toward Lausanne-Flon for lunch—Café de Grancy is a useful casual choice for a large group, with Swiss dishes, sandwiches, and vegetarian options; reserve ahead and expect roughly CHF 20–35 per person. After lunch, take the M2 metro from Flon to Ouchy-Olympique—only a few minutes, and much easier than walking the steep slope with the whole group.

Afternoon

Spend about two hours at the Olympic Museum, where the galleries cover the history of the Games through medals, uniforms, films, and interactive displays. In January, typical hours are around 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., but confirm the 2027 schedule and reserve timed entry for 16 guests. Afterwards, stroll along the Ouchy waterfront toward Château d’Ouchy. The lakeside gardens are especially pleasant in winter light; the château is primarily a hotel, so treat it as an exterior landmark rather than planning an interior visit. Leave enough flexibility here for coffee or a warm drink before dinner.

Evening

For dinner, stay in Ouchy for a relaxed lakeside setting or return by metro to Lausanne-Flon for more restaurant choice. Brasserie de Montbenon is a practical group option near the day’s route, while Café Romand offers a traditional atmosphere in central Lausanne; reserve a fixed menu in advance and budget approximately CHF 35–65 per person. Aim to finish by about 7:00 p.m., then take the M2 back toward Lausanne station and catch an evening train to Geneva. Check the return departure on the SBB Mobile app before dinner, and keep the group together for the short walk through the station.

Morning

After returning from Lausanne, keep the morning focused and allow your group to arrive back at Genève-Cornavin with enough time to collect luggage from Novotel Genève Centre. The Palais des Nations is about 10–15 minutes by taxi or roughly 20 minutes by tram and bus from the station; aim for a late-morning guided tour if your train arrival permits. Tours usually last around 1½ hours, must be reserved in advance, and require every visitor to bring valid government-issued identification. For 16 guests, allow extra time for security and keep the group together through the entrance procedures.

Continue to the nearby Ariana Museum in Pregny-Chambésy, around a 10-minute taxi ride from the UN complex. Its elegant historic building houses an excellent collection of international ceramics and glass, and 1–1½ hours is enough for a thoughtful visit. Check the museum’s January opening schedule before finalizing the booking—Swiss museums often close one weekday. If the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum was not visited on Day 2, use the late-morning slot for that museum instead; otherwise, take a relaxed coffee break in Petit-Saconnex rather than repeating the venue.

Early Dinner and Departure

Return to Genève-Centre and have an early French dinner near the hotel, ideally from about 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Café de la Limite, on Rue des Charmilles, is a practical local-style brasserie option for hearty French and Geneva dishes, while Le Comptoir Canaille, near the station, is convenient for a quicker group meal. Expect roughly CHF 35–65 per person, and reserve a long table in advance. Ask the restaurant to pace the meal efficiently; with 16 people, service can easily take longer than expected.

Collect luggage from Novotel Genève Centre and leave for Geneva Airport around 6:00–6:30 p.m., adjusted to the actual flight time. The airport train from Genève-Cornavin takes about 7 minutes, but a prebooked minibus or two taxis may be easier with 16 travelers and luggage; allow 30–45 minutes door to terminal once gathering time is included. At Geneva Airport, plan to arrive about two hours before the flight to Prague, and arrange the Prague hotel transfer before departure—especially if the group lands late or is carrying conference materials.

Morning

Settle into the scheduled morning sessions at your Prague conference venue, allowing roughly three to four hours for presentations and networking. Keep lunch flexible rather than leaving the venue for a long meal—January days are cold, and the compact center is easiest to enjoy on foot once the formal program pauses. For a group of 16, confirm the afternoon finish and any room or coat-check arrangements with the organizers before stepping out.

Midday

Walk toward Café Louvre in Nové Město, a grand, old-fashioned coffeehouse on Národní. It is a good place for a one-hour reset: order coffee, hot chocolate, or tea with a pastry, and expect approximately CZK 200–400 per person. The café is usually open from morning into the evening, but a group this size should contact the restaurant ahead or split across nearby tables; service can be slower during the lunch rush. Allow about 10–15 minutes on foot from the central conference area, depending on the venue.

Afternoon and Evening

Return to the Prague conference venue for another three to four hours of scheduled programming. Afterward, use the Národní třída evening walk as an unhurried decompression hour: follow the boulevard through Nové Město, pause around the Národní tram stop and the nearby riverside, and take in the illuminated historic façades before heading back to the hotel or meeting for dinner. In January, sunset is early and temperatures are often near freezing, so warm layers and comfortable shoes matter; the area is well served by trams and the metro if anyone wants to shorten the walk.

Morning

Begin with the scheduled morning sessions at the conference venue, allowing three to four hours for presentations and networking. Keep a warm layer and comfortable shoes handy: January in Prague is often cold and gray, and you may be walking between tram stops and the historic center. During a short break, use the venue café rather than sending a large group out for coffee.

Midday

After the morning program, walk or take a short tram ride toward Municipal House in Staré Město. The guided visit usually takes about an hour and is the best way to appreciate the grand Art Nouveau interiors, especially the decorated salons and concert-hall details. Tours run at set times and availability can be limited for 16 people, so confirm the group reservation in advance; admission is typically around CZK 300–500 per adult. Leave a little time afterward to admire Náměstí Republiky and warm up with a quick lunch or coffee nearby before returning to the conference venue for another three to four hours of afternoon programming.

Evening

For dinner, walk to Lokál Dlouhá, a lively Czech beer hall on Dlouhá in Staré Město. Expect roughly 15–20 minutes on foot from Municipal House, or use a short tram ride if the sidewalks are icy. Order classic dishes such as svíčková, schnitzel, fried cheese, or roast pork with dumplings, alongside freshly poured tank beer; budget about CZK 400–800 per person before extras. The restaurant is popular and noisy in a fun, local way, so reserve a long table for the group and arrive promptly—large parties are much easier to seat when booked ahead.

Morning

Attend the scheduled sessions at the conference venue for roughly three to four hours. Keep lunch close to the venue so the group does not lose time—Kantýna near Národní třída is a good Prague option for hearty Czech food, while Café Louvre works better for a seated meal and coffee. Allow approximately CZK 250–450 per person for lunch. For a group of 16, ask the conference organizer to arrange a table or preorder if the venue is nearby.

Afternoon

After the morning program, take the tram toward Újezd and walk up through Petrin Gardens on Malá Strana. The hillside paths are especially pleasant in winter when the crowds thin out, and there are broad views toward Prague Castle and the Old Town rooftops. Allow about 1½ hours, including pauses; wear shoes with good grip, as paths can be icy. The Petrin funicular may be closed for maintenance, so do not rely on it—use tram 9, 12, 15, or 20 to Újezd, then walk uphill. There is no charge to enter the gardens, though the observation tower has a separate admission fee if open.

Evening

Return to the conference venue for the afternoon sessions, allowing another three to four hours. Afterward, walk downhill to Kampa Park, one of the most atmospheric places in Prague at dusk. Follow the river paths past the Lennon Wall and the small Čertovka canal, then pause near the park’s waterfront for views of the bridges and illuminated Charles Bridge. Give the stroll about an hour and keep the group together on the darker riverside paths; if the weather turns unpleasant, finish at Café Savoy on the edge of Malá Strana for hot drinks or an early dinner. Expect roughly CZK 100–180 for coffee and dessert, or CZK 500–800 for a full meal.

Morning

Attend the scheduled morning sessions at the conference venue for roughly three to four hours. Keep the lunch break efficient, since the National Museum is easiest to enjoy with a clear two-hour window afterward. Prague’s January weather can be damp and icy, so wear shoes with good grip and bring a warm layer; use the metro or tram rather than relying on a large group taxi transfer.

Midday and Afternoon

After the morning sessions, make your way to the National Museum in Nové Město. The historic main building on Václavské náměstí is an impressive stop even before you reach the galleries, and its collections cover natural history, Czech culture, and national history. Allow about two hours, including the entrance hall and a little time for the grand interior. Tickets are generally around CZK 300–350 for adults, with concessions and combination tickets sometimes available; check the museum’s official schedule because opening hours and special exhibitions change. For 16 people, split into smaller groups at the entrance and agree on a meeting point inside or outside the building.

Return to the conference venue for the afternoon sessions, allowing about 15–25 minutes depending on its location. Keep the group together only for the main transfer—Prague’s public transport is reliable, but a group of 16 can easily divide across tram carriages. Validate or activate tickets before boarding, and allow extra time if sessions finish during the evening rush.

Evening

Finish the day with dinner at Eska in Karlín, a relaxed choice for modern Czech cooking in a former industrial-style setting. From the conference venue, take the metro or tram toward Křižíkova; the restaurant is a short walk from the station. Expect about CZK 500–900 per person before drinks, and plan for roughly 90 minutes. The menu changes, but sharing several plates is the best way to try the restaurant’s bread, vegetables, fermented flavors, and contemporary Czech dishes. Reserve well in advance for 16 guests and confirm whether the restaurant can seat the full group together; otherwise, request adjacent tables.

Morning

Attend the morning program at the conference venue for roughly three to four hours. Keep the break simple and close by—January weather in Prague is usually cold, and a quick coffee is more useful than crossing town for lunch. Before leaving, confirm the afternoon session times and whether the venue can store coats; you will want warm layers and shoes with good grip for the climb through Hradčany.

Afternoon

Return to the conference venue for the remaining sessions, then head toward Prague Castle by tram or taxi. From central Prague, tram 22 toward Pražský hrad is usually the easiest option; allow 20–30 minutes, and expect a short uphill walk from the stop. Spend about two and a half hours exploring the castle courtyards and historic buildings. Check the official calendar before going, since winter opening hours are shorter and some interiors may close around 4 p.m.; castle grounds are generally free, while the main visitor circuits cost approximately CZK 250–450. Security screening can create a queue, so avoid bringing large bags.

Evening

Walk downhill from Prague Castle to Strahov Monastery, allowing 10–15 minutes along the quieter lanes of Hradčany. The historic library halls are a highlight, but access can be limited or view-only depending on restoration and closing time; verify same-day hours, as winter visits often finish by late afternoon. Allow about an hour for the monastery and its hillside views toward Malá Strana and the city lights. If the group wants a drink afterward, the monastery brewery is convenient, though a party of 16 should call ahead. Use a pre-booked minibus or taxis back to the hotel rather than relying on a large group to board a crowded evening tram together.

Morning

Begin with the scheduled morning sessions at the conference venue, allowing three to four hours for presentations and networking. Keep lunch nearby so the group can move efficiently; for 16 people, ask the venue to arrange boxed lunches or reserve a table in advance rather than relying on walk-in service. Prague’s January weather is often cold and slick, so bring a warm layer and shoes with good grip for the afternoon walk.

Afternoon

After the morning program, travel to Vyšehrad by tram or metro—allow roughly 20–30 minutes depending on the conference location. Spend about 90 minutes exploring the hilltop fortress grounds, the exterior of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Vyšehrad Cemetery, and the overlooks toward the Vltava. The grounds are generally accessible during daylight, while indoor sites may have shorter winter hours and separate admission, so treat the basilica interior as optional. Return to the conference venue with a little buffer for the afternoon sessions; a taxi or ride-hailing car is worthwhile for the group if the weather turns icy.

Evening

Once the conference day ends, head to Náplavka Riverbank in Nové Město for an informal evening by the water. The riverside cafés and food stalls vary by season and day, and January offerings can be limited, so expect to supplement available snacks with drinks or a light meal nearby. Budget approximately CZK 250–500 per person. The river is atmospheric after dark, but it can feel considerably colder than the city streets—keep the visit to around 90 minutes, stay together on the walkways, and use trams or pre-booked taxis back to the hotel rather than lingering if the wind picks up.

Morning

Attend the final conference venue sessions in the morning, allowing roughly three to four hours for presentations, closing remarks, and farewells. Keep lunch simple and nearby so the group can leave together efficiently; ask the venue about boxed lunches or reserve a table for 16 rather than splitting up. Before departing, confirm that everyone has warm clothing and comfortable shoes—Holešovice is easy to explore but the January streets can be cold, wet, or icy.

Afternoon

Take a tram or taxi to the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art in Holešovice; from central Prague, allow approximately 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Spend about two hours with the contemporary exhibitions, including the distinctive airship installation, and check the current program and opening hours before going—DOX is commonly closed on Mondays and admission is generally around CZK 280–350 for adults. Afterward, walk roughly 15 minutes to Letná Park, where the open overlook above the Vltava gives one of the city’s best broad views toward the bridges and Old Town. Allow an hour for photographs and a relaxed stroll, but avoid lingering too long after sunset in January; the park is exposed and becomes dark quickly.

Evening

Finish with a reserved celebratory dinner in Staré Město, arranging taxis or a tram connection from Letná Park rather than trying to walk the entire group across town in the cold. Choose a well-reviewed Czech restaurant near the Old Town lanes and book a fixed or limited menu for 16 guests, with a budget of approximately CZK 600–1,000 per person before drinks. Ask about vegetarian requirements and whether service is included, and expect dinner to last 1½–2 hours. Keep the evening unhurried: this is a good night for a final toast to the conference and a last wander through the illuminated streets around Old Town Square before returning to the hotel.

Morning

If your flight leaves after midday, make one last central walk through Old Town Square and pause beneath the Astronomical Clock for the hourly procession. Go early—around 8:00–9:00 a.m.—before the square fills with tour groups, and allow about an hour. From your hotel, walk or take the nearest tram/metro toward Staroměstská; keep the group together on cobbled streets and check the clock’s official schedule rather than relying on the hourly display alone.

Continue across the river to Café Savoy in Malá Strana for a proper breakfast or early lunch. The café is known for its ornate Neo-Renaissance ceiling, excellent coffee, eggs, and pastries; budget roughly CZK 300–600 per person. Reserve ahead for 16 people, especially if this is a weekday departure, and allow about an hour. From the square, a taxi or prearranged minibus is simplest for a large group, taking roughly 10–20 minutes depending on traffic.

Departure

Return to the hotel to collect luggage, allowing at least 30 minutes for room checkout, storage retrieval, and a final restroom stop. For an international flight from Václav Havel Airport, arrange a prebooked group shuttle or several large taxis to leave approximately three hours before departure; traffic on the route through Břevnov can be unpredictable. At the airport, confirm the correct terminal, complete check-in and baggage drop, then allow ample time for security and passport control before your long-haul Prague–Los Angeles flight to LAX.