On the chocolate track

The Swiss are known for two things: gnomes and chocolate. The best way to see Switzerland and eat some of the world’s best chocolate, say seasoned travellers of the tiny country, is to take th

The Swiss are known for two things: gnomes and chocolate. The best way to see Switzerland and eat some of the world’s best chocolate, say seasoned travellers of the tiny country, is to take the Swiss Chocolate Train.

The train is part of the picturesque GoldenPass Line that links the Vaud Riviera to Lake Lucerne. It  has direct connections to both Geneva and Zurich airports. Board the train at Montreaux on the Swiss Riviera to chug back into the past; it passes through  breathtaking vistas of vineyards of Montreaux and the medieval, lush Gruyeres district, home to the famous eponymous cheese. Gruyeres itself is situated in the upper valley of the Saane river, in the lap of the snowy Alps. Sightseeing in this medieval town is relaxing for pedestrians: no cars are allowed and a trackless train is the only vehicle plying lazily along its streets. Alighting at Gruyeres, you visit a cheese-making factory and Gruyeres Castle. The castle, constructed between 1270 and 1282 was modernised in 1476 by Count Louis of Savoy, who changed it into a stately home. The chapel in the esplanade, the spiral staircase in the courtyard and the baroque interiors are romantically quaint, as are the landscapes that adorn the walls, painted in the mid 19th century by famous romantic artists like Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot and Barthélemy Menn. The next stop is Broc where the Cailler-Nestle chocolate factory is, and where you will see  how chocolate is made. The Swiss Chocolate Express, as most GoldenPass trains offers both old-fashioned elegance and modern speed: choose between 1915 vintage Pullman “Belle Epoque” 1st class carriages or the ultramodern, sleek panoramic cars with over-sized windows through which Switzerland  passes by as an intimate experience.

Rail Center GoldenPass Services CP 1426 1820 Montreux. Tel. 0900 245 245  Tel. +41 840 245 245 Passholder fare:

Valid for all Swiss Railpass, Eurailpass, Eurail Select (incl. Switzerland) Passholder fare: will be counted one day pass.

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