Has anyone taken this train with visiting Gruyere and the chocolate tasting factory? Is it
worth doing or better to just go on your own?
Any comments would be much appreciated.

Thanks
S

I'm not a tour person, but we missed going to Gruyeres for a couple of trips because it just seemed too complicated with public transporation, and we didn't have a car in Switzerland. We did the chocolate train and had a wonderful day. The train itself is very nice, and when you arrive at the cheese factory you have time on your own or you can take the "tour" there. Then you have a couple hours on your own in the town to see the castle if you want and to have a nice lunch wherever you like. Afterwards they take you to the chocolate factory which was very nice -- a mini tour and then a LOT of tasting. I suppose you could probably do it all on your own for less, but it's mainly a very convenient form of transporting you between the various spots.

Hi natureblond,

I've never done the marketed "Chocolate Train" but have been to Gruyeres twice on my own by train. It's very easy -- you only change once, in Montbovon, then in Gruyeres you walk up to the village and walk around. It's lovely!

I think the only advantages to the marketed tour are the breakfast on board the train and the bus transportation on to Broc for the Cailler factory. You'll have to decide if those conveniences are worth the extra cost.

All the train schedules are available at www.rail.ch.

Good luck!

s

Thanks so much you two. I guess if I do the chocolate factory on my own and then the cheese factory it would be ok too. Do you need appts for both these tours, or just walk on in?

S

Just walk in.

Chocolate Train, in ornate old Belle Epoque Pullman cars and first class only (2nd class Swiss passes must pay a hefty upgrade, 1st class a reservation fee) is the best way to combine both though each are easy to reach by frequent local trains but require some changes, etc. Take the train for the experience as well as NewPatrick so aptly describes. Not sure how easy it is to book in Switzerland but it goes but once a day and i think only has a few cars. www.swisstravelsystem.com for info. In the U.S. i'd call BETS (800-441-2387) as they are Swiss rail experts. But i think i you're in Switzerland for a time before you may not have a problem and can always go by local transport. Gruyeres is one of Europe's finest old walled towns.

NewPat: Do they provide commentary on this train a la Glacier Express or is it just the train ride in fancy cars - any food served gratis on board or drinks? thanks.

I know we had a sort of continental breakfast on the way up -- Lee loved the hot chocolate, while I had tea and there were some pastries, I think. Coming back, I think there was more coffee, tea, and perhaps a snack. Maybe somebody with a better memory than mine will comment.
No, I don't recall any commentary.

Swiss Chocolate Train: Swisstravelsystem, Swiss Travel System ...The Swiss Chocolate Train is a joint venture of GoldenPass Services and Cailler-Nestlé. Ride in first-class comfort in a “Belle Epoque” Pullman car, ...
http://www.swisstravelsystem.ch/Swis....html?&L=2