Day 10, Mon., 8/23 –
Departed Zermatt early by shuttle train down the valley to where the buss was parked. Boarded bus for ride through beautiful mountain passes. Drove past a major rock slike. Motored through vinyard-covered mountains and apricot groves to Montreaux on Lake Geneva, where we toured the Chillon Castle. One of the most beautiful castles in Europe. Very interesting and photogenic. Ate lunch on the castle grounds, then boarded a cruise on beautiful Lake Geneva. Along the shore past many vinyards on the slopes along the lake. The cruise was 2 hours long and was so relaxing and peaceful and it was a beautiful, sunny day. The scenery was so picturesque. We docked in Lucanne then motorcoached to Berne, where we stayed the night. Stayed at a new Allegra Hotel there. A very interesting atrium with four flights of steps. A beautiful view of the city from the 5th floor balcony by the cassino. Walked down to the old town area with Peter and Carole, across the river. Saw swimmers in the river. Walked along the arcades, taking lots of pictures of arcades and statues and many monuments. There are 6 kilometers of arcades in Berne. Took pictures of Cathedral door in Cathedralplatz. Went to adjoining courtyard overlooking the river...beautiful. Visited Kirche of St. Peter and Paul, Rathaus Square and saw many unique monuments in the middle of the streets. Overall, a very good stroll to see the old town of Bern and enjoy window shopping and sightseeing in good weather since the forcast for the next day was rain. Dinner with group in hotel consisting of veal with mushroom gravy, boilled potatoes, and whipped cream "slabs" for dessert (not sweetened). Then went to piano bar for a drink and some good discussion. Overall another very good day.