Buses from Geneva to Venice

On the banks of Lake Geneva at the foot of the Alps, discover the polished and cosmopolitan city of Geneva. As the headquarters of many of the world's biggest organizations, including the World Health Organization and World Trade Organization, Geneva can look a little businesslike on the exterior. Still, once you scratch the surface, you'll find there's a lot more to this city than it seems.

Start in the Old Town, often regarded as the most scenic part of the city. The Old Town encompasses the area around the Cathedrale Saint-Pierre, and it's filled with many local boutiques and cafes. Then, to see just how old Geneva is, visit the archaeological remains of a 4th-century basilica beneath the cathedral. Next, walk along the Rue du Rhone or the Rue du Marche to see the expensive side of Geneva, home to many high-end shops and watchmakers; just remember, the price tags are not for the faint of heart!

As Lake Geneva is one of the largest bodies of water in Western Europe, it has naturally attracted the attention of watersports enthusiasts. Water skiing and sailing are some of the more popular activities, but you can also swim in the crystal clear waters of the lake. If traditional skiing is more your style, take a bus across the French border to Chamonix, where you can take a cable car up Mont-Blanc.

Bus service connects Geneva to more than the Alps, though. Carriers like FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus offer routes to Geneva from cities like Paris and Milan. Plus, Geneva is well-connected by its large international airport and train station, so you really have no reason to skip a visit to this gem.

A city like no other, Venice is one of the most beautiful places in the world. With historical significance during both the Middle Ages and the Italian Renaissance, Venice's culture is as deep and complex as the system of islands it is built upon.

It would be impossible to visit Venice without taking a boat trip along one of its 177 canals, lined with ornate palaces. The city of Venice has no streets, and traffic comes instead in the form of gondolas and other boats navigating through the scenic canals. The largest of these is the Grand Canal, which bisects the city.

To experience the heart of Venice, visit St. Mark's square, dominated by the sublime Byzantine architecture of St. Mark's Basilica. Tours of the famous building take place daily. Then, spend the day wandering through Venice's romantic streets and discovering the many gelaterias, souvenir shops, local boutiques, and authentic cafes, the most famous of which is Caffe Florian. This legendary cafe has hosted many celebrities over the centuries, and the original 18th-century decor remains as inviting as ever.

Venice's southern-central location in Europe makes it easily accessible from far and wide. The city's primary airport is Venice Marco Polo Airport. Venice also has two main train stations, and direct trains are available from many European cities, even all the way to Munich. In addition, bus services connect Venice to various international destinations, with the added benefit of an eye-level view of the Northern Italian landscapes.