PLEASE CALL
Incredible views and historic towns are both hallmarks of the Swiss Riviera. On this fantastic First Class rail tour we board the Swiss Chocolate Train for a visit to Gruyères, and the Nestlé chocolate factory for a delicious tasting session.
- Vevey
- Château de Chillon including a guided tour
- Lake Geneva cruise
- St Gingolph
- Excursion on the Swiss Chocolate train
- Gruyères
- Cailler Nestle factory at Broc including a tour and chocolate tasting
We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar to Paris. As we travel in Standard Premier Class, a complimentary light meal and drinks are served on board. We continue by TGV into Switzerland, where our base for the next five nights is the 4-star Hotel Astra in Vevey. (E,D)
We enjoy a guided tour of the 13th century Château de Chillon this morning, which rises dramatically from the waters of Lake Geneva and is considered to be one of Europe's best-preserved medieval castles. You are free on Day 3 to explore the region at leisure. Your included Riviera card gives free bus travel and 50% discount on many trains, and lake cruises in the area. The Pleiades or Rochers de Naye mountain railways are wonderful options; the views from both are breathtaking. (Day 2-B,D; Day 3-B)
Today we take a scenic cruise on one of Lake Geneva's vintage paddle steamers, crossing to the French side of the lake. The mountain views from the lake are truly stunning, and we enjoy some free time to explore St Gingolph before we return across the lake to Vevey. On Day 5 you are again free to explore at your own pace. You could visit the nearby resort of Montreux or Lausanne, home of the Olympic museum. (Day 4-B,D; Day 5-B)
Today we board the Swiss Chocolate Train for the highlight of our holiday. Coffee and croissants are served as we travel in First Class, 'Belle Epoque' carriages to the pretty town of Gruyères. Gruyères is most famous for its cheese production, and a visit to the cheese factory is included. The town is dominated by a beautiful medieval château, a visit to which is included. Our journey continues to the Cailler Nestlé factory at Broc, where we enjoy a tour and chocolate tasting before returning to Vevey for our final dinner together. (B,D)
Today we travel back to London, via Paris, by TGV and Eurostar, enjoying a complimentary light meal and drinks served before our arrival in St Pancras. (B,E)
E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D =
Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your
holiday
01904 521 936
As the final train on our outbound journey makes it way through the vineyards there's usually no debate about how worthwhile it was setting off early as we're rewarded by views of the Lake Geneva and the alpine scenery beyond. It's not long after the hospitable welcome from the team at the Astra Hotel that we're all chatting over dinner and looking forward to the days ahead. During the tour personal opinions are often divided. Which was the best Châteaux - Chillon emerging from the lake or Gruyères sited on a hill top? Was the optional train trip up to Les Pleiades more scenic than the one to Rochers de Naye? Were the milk chocolate samples better than the plain? Was it better to dive into the local shops to avoid a shower on our free day or have a relaxing jacuzzi in the hotel? Well, nobody came away to debate more serious matters! Two things that seemed not to cause descent or debate was that a good time was had by all and the affirmative reply to the question - have you snuck a few chocolates into your bag to give a taste of the good-times to those back at home?
Ivan Stinton
Tour Manager