Travel with Rick Steves

819 Swiss Riviera; How to Plan a Safari; Take a Hike in Europe

Jan 24, 2026
Tony Lewis, Montreux tour guide sharing Lake Geneva’s culture and wine. Sophie Roberts, travel journalist focused on ethical East African safaris. Neil Lapping, founder of Max Adventure who runs self-guided walking and biking tours. They explore the Swiss Riviera’s sights and flavors. They discuss planning authentic, ethical safaris. They cover self-guided long-distance hikes, gear, and popular European trails.
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INSIGHT

Swiss Riviera's Cultural Blend

  • Lake Geneva blends Swiss orderliness with French Mediterranean ease and a high quality of life.
  • Tony Lewis says locals prioritize social time, apéros, and family over constant work stress.
ADVICE

Take A Short Lake Cruise

  • Sample local wine aboard the historic paddle-wheelers for a true Swiss Riviera moment.
  • Take short two-hour lake cruises from Montreux to visit villages and enjoy regional Chasselot wine.
ADVICE

Plan Chocolate And Cheese Side Trips

  • Visit the Cailler chocolate factory in Broc for both the production tour and museum tastings.
  • Pair that with a quick trip to Gruyère to see cheese-making demonstrations and sample local Gruyère.
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