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Call us on 138 747 (AU), 0800 447 913 (NZ), contact your local Viking travel agent or visit viking.com | 13 THE SWISS ALPS Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the Swiss Alps, where natural beauty meets rich cultural heritage. Begin your journey in the charming village of Brienz, where you can watch skilled wood carvers bring traditional crafts to life. In Grindelwald, board a cogwheel train to Kleine Scheidegg. This mountain pass, situated between the Eiger and Lauberhorn peaks, offers awe-inspiring mountain views. Interlaken, beautifully situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and surrounded by towering peaks, was once hailed as a spa town to cure the ailments of 19th-century Europeans. No trip to Switzerland is complete without indulging in its world-renowned chocolate. Celebrated for its smooth texture and rich flavour, Swiss chocolate is crafted from high-quality cocoa beans and fresh Alpine milk, a product that is now synonymous with luxury and excellence. Participate in a hands-on workshop at the Lindt headquarters in Kilchberg to become a Maître Chocolatier, or discover the art of making artisanal Swiss chocolate at Kürzi Kakao, a boutique chocolatier known for its premium creations. THE GARDENS OF SCHLOSS SCHWETZINGEN Visit the stunning gardens of Schloss Schwetzingen in Germany, where baroque architecture meets splendid flora. Stroll through the exquisitely ornate gardens and learn about the palace's rich history as the summer residence of Electors Palatine Charles III Philip and Charles IV Theodore of the House of Wittelsbach. Marvel at the decorative water fountains and sculptures depicting scenes from Greek mythology. The gardens boast a diverse collection of plants, trees and flowers that bloom throughout the seasons, creating a vibrant tapestry of colours year-round. Do not miss the baroque-style theatre, the Temple of Apollo and the 18th-century bathhouse, a favourite retreat of the princes. SC HLOSS SC HWE T Z ING EN , G ER M A N Y G R INDELWA LD, SWIT Z ER L A ND