From Zurich: Chocolate and Cheese Tour in Appenzell

Zurich serves as the launching point for an indulgent journey to the heart of Switzerland’s culinary heritage. The Chocolate and Cheese Tour in Appenzell offers travelers a delightful 6.5-hour experience, blending the rich traditions of chocolate-making and artisanal cheese production. From savoring decadent chocolate tastings to exploring the centuries-old cheese-making process, this immersive tour promises to tantalize the senses and showcase the country’s remarkable gastronomic treasures. With captivating stops and the chance to discover charming Swiss villages, the allure of this tour extends far beyond the palate.

Key Points

• A 6.5-hour tour from Zurich offering a deep dive into Switzerland’s chocolate and cheese heritage, with stops at the Chocolarium and Appenzeller Schaukäserei.
• Includes a self-guided tour and tastings at the Chocolarium, where visitors can learn about the history and production of Swiss chocolate.
• Visitors can explore the Appenzeller Schaukäserei to understand the traditional Swiss cheese-making process and sample local varieties.
• The tour may include an optional photo stop at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed St. Gallen cathedral and a visit to a typical Swiss village.
• Convenient transportation and tickets are provided, allowing for a seamless and immersive culinary experience in the Appenzell region.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Chocolate and Cheese Tour in Appenzell departs from the Zurich Central Bus Station Sihlquai and lasts 6.5 hours.

Priced from Kč 2,065 per person, the tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can reserve now and pay later.

The tour includes visits to the Chocolarium for a self-guided tour and chocolate tastings, and the Appenzeller Schaukäserei to learn about Swiss cheese production and sample the local varieties.

An optional photo stop in St. Gallen and a visit to a typical Swiss village are also part of the itinerary.

Itinerary Details

The tour starts at the Zurich Central Bus Station Sihlquai, from where participants embark on their journey to explore the culinary delights of the Appenzell region.

The first stop is the Maestranis Chocolarium, where guests enjoy a self-guided tour and chocolate tastings.

Next, they visit the Appenzeller Schaukäserei to learn about Swiss cheese production and sample local varieties.

The tour then offers an optional photo stop in St. Gallen to admire the UNESCO World Heritage cathedral.

Finally, the group explores a typical Swiss village, either Appenzell or St. Gallen, depending on the season, before returning to Zurich.

Highlights of the Tour

This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich culinary heritage of Switzerland.

Indulge in the finest Swiss chocolate at the Chocolarium, where you’ll embark on a self-guided tour filled with interactive exhibits and tastings.

Then, venture to the renowned Appenzeller Schaukäserei to learn about traditional Swiss cheese production and sample a variety of flavorful cheeses.

Explore the picturesque Swiss villages of Appenzell or St. Gallen, capturing the essence of the country’s charming architecture and culture.

With seamless transportation and included tickets, this tour provides a truly immersive and delightful experience for chocolate and cheese enthusiasts.

Chocolate Indulgence at Chocolarium

Visitors to the Chocolarium are captivated by an immersive self-guided tour, where they explore the world of Swiss chocolate through interactive exhibits and indulgent tastings.

Guests learn about the history and production of chocolate, from bean to bar. They discover the art of chocolate-making, with opportunities to create their own personalized chocolate bars.

The highlight is the tasting room, where visitors savor the rich, velvety flavors of Maestrani’s renowned chocolate creations.

This truly sweet experience immerses travelers in the passion and craftsmanship that goes into every delectable bite of Swiss chocolate.

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Exploring the Appenzeller Schaukäserei

After exploring the sweet world of Swiss chocolate at the Chocolarium, guests move on to the Appenzeller Schaukäserei, where they explore the rich tradition of Appenzeller cheese.

At this interactive cheese dairy, visitors learn about the production process and sample the renowned Appenzeller variety. They discover the unique flavor and texture of this Swiss specialty, infused with herbs and spices.

Visitors enjoy the production and tasting of Appenzeller cheese, a Swiss specialty infused with herbs and spices.

The tour provides an immersive experience, allowing guests to appreciate the craftsmanship and heritage behind this local delicacy.

With a deeper understanding of Appenzeller cheese, the tour continues to uncover more of Switzerland’s culinary treasures.

Optional Stop in St. Gallen

Why not make a stop in the historic city of St. Gallen? The tour makes an optional photo stop at this UNESCO World Heritage site, allowing visitors to admire the awe-inspiring cathedral and other notable landmarks.

St. Gallen boasts a rich cultural heritage, with the abbey library housing one of the largest medieval manuscript collections in the world.

Travelers can stroll through the charming old town, taking in the well-preserved architecture and lively atmosphere.

The stop in St. Gallen provides a delightful contrast to the chocolate and cheese experiences, offering a glimpse into Switzerland’s diverse cultural treasures.

Discovering the Charming Swiss Villages

Beyond the chocolate and cheese experiences, the tour also allows participants to explore the charming Swiss villages along the way.

The itinerary includes:

• A photo stop in the UNESCO World Heritage city of St. Gallen, known for its magnificent cathedral and historical Old Town.

• A visit to a typical Swiss village, either Appenzell or St. Gallen, depending on the season, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage and picturesque architecture.

• The opportunity to stroll through the quaint streets, admire the traditional buildings, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of these enchanting Swiss villages.

Practical Information and Logistics

The tour departs from the Zurich Central Bus Station Sihlquai, providing roundtrip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Lasting 6.5 hours, the tour costs from Kč 2,065 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The itinerary features stops at the Chocolarium for a self-guided tour and tastings, the Appenzeller Schaukäserei to learn about Swiss cheese, and picturesque villages like Appenzell or St. Gallen.

Explore the Chocolarium’s self-guided tours and tastings, discover Swiss cheese at the Appenzeller Schaukäserei, and visit picturesque villages.

Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera.

Seasonal adjustments may occur, as some shops close on Sundays and operate reduced hours during winter.

Ask Away

Is There a Vegetarian or Vegan Option Available on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t appear to offer a dedicated vegetarian or vegan option. However, the chocolate tastings and cheese samples could potentially accommodate those dietary needs. Guests should contact the tour operator for more information on accommodating any specific dietary requirements.

Can I Take Photographs During the Chocolate and Cheese Tastings?

Yes, participants are generally allowed to take photographs during the chocolate and cheese tastings. However, they should be mindful not to disrupt the tasting experience and follow any instructions from the tour guides or staff.

Is There Any Opportunity to Purchase Local Souvenirs or Gifts?

Yes, the tour includes time to explore local shops and purchase Swiss souvenirs or gifts. Travelers can browse for artisanal chocolate, cheese, and other regional specialties during the stops in the picturesque Swiss villages.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but travelers are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes. Layering is recommended as some stops may be cooler. casual attire is suitable for the activities.

Can I Extend My Stay in Appenzell or St. Gallen After the Tour?

While the tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the stay in Appenzell or St. Gallen, guests are free to do so independently after the tour concludes and return to Zurich on their own schedule.

Final Words

This Chocolate and Cheese Tour in Appenzell offers a delightful journey through Switzerland’s rich culinary heritage. Visitors can indulge in the art of chocolate-making, savor distinct Appenzeller cheese varieties, and explore the charming Swiss villages. With its mix of gastronomic delights and culture, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression on anyone seeking to discover the flavors of Switzerland.

You can check availability for your dates here: