On the third day of my journey, I head to the beautiful capital of Switzerland: Bern. Here, I’m greeted by a true local expert – someone who shows me the city in a particularly authentic way. We start at the impressive St. Vincent Cathedral, which towers over the old town with its Gothic spires. Next, we visit the Federal Palace, the political center of the country, and explore the charming flower displays that can be found throughout the city. One of the most exciting sights is the Clock Tower, where mechanical figures move in an artistic procession right on the hour. The famous Ogre Fountain, a slightly eerie but fascinating attraction, is also one of the highlights of the city tour.
From Bern, my journey takes me into the Vaud Alps. The snow-capped peaks on the horizon and the vast green valleys look like something out of a fairy tale. Our destination is Gruyères, the fortified town that gives its name to the world-famous cheese. I stroll down the picturesque main street and visit the 13th-century castle. Of course, I can’t resist trying a piece of the famous Gruyère cheese – an absolute explosion of flavor!
In the afternoon, we reach Montreux, where we visit a charming vineyard on the shores of Lake Geneva. During a tasting of local wines, I enjoy the breathtaking view over the lake. The day ends with a delicious, light farm-to-table dinner. The fresh, regional products taste fantastic, and as we savor the meal, the family who runs the vineyard shares their commitment to sustainability and how they plan to preserve the estate for future generations. A perfect ending to this action-packed day!
In the evening, I settle into the “Eden Palace Au Lac,” an elegant hotel right on Lake Geneva. Tired but content, I sink into bed and look forward to the adventures of the next day.
Day four begins with a trip to the western bay of Lake Geneva. The destination: the famous Chillon Castle. From the first glance, I can feel the history that resides within the ancient walls of this impressive structure. Once the residence of the Dukes of Savoy, the castle exudes a special charm, immortalized by Lord Byron’s poem “The Prisoner of Chillon.” During the special tour through the castle, I learn more about its history and keep an eye out for the spot where Byron is said to have left his famous inscriptions.
After the visit, I return to Montreux. The afternoon is free, and I take the time to explore the city on my own. Montreux, with its lakeside location and palm trees, almost exudes a Mediterranean charm. I stroll along the promenade, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and soak in the beauty of the landscape. Later, I decide to relax in my hotel, the “Eden Palace Au Lac.” With a view of Lake Geneva, I unwind and enjoy the tranquility before once again sinking into the soft beds of the hotel.
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