Zurich Open Top Bus, Chocolate and Cheese Factory Tour Appenzell

Traveling through Switzerland often involves a mix of stunning landscapes, charming villages, and delicious treats. If you’re short on time but want a taste of Zurich’s highlights, Swiss Tours offers a full-day package that combines sightseeing, gastronomy, and cultural experiences. This tour promises an engaging way to explore Zurich in an open-top bus, then indulge in Swiss chocolate and cheese, topped off with a visit to the delightful village of Appenzell and historic St. Gallen.

What we like about this experience? First, the easy combination of city sights and countryside charm makes it ideal for those wanting a balanced day. Second, the interactive visits to the Chocolarium and Appenzeller Schaukäserei give you a genuine taste of Switzerland’s iconic flavors. But, it’s worth mentioning that some travelers have found the overall value a bit uneven, especially if certain attractions aren’t operating as expected.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a compact, guided taste of Zurich’s highlights, along with a sweet and savory culinary twist. If you’re someone who enjoys a mix of sightseeing and food experiences, and don’t mind some early mornings or bus travel, this could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary combines city sightseeing with culinary experiences and scenic village visits.
• Interactive factory tours in both chocolate and cheese make the experience more engaging.
• Approximately 8-9 hours long, with a mix of guided bus rides and free time.
• Value for money is generally good, especially considering the entrance fees and guided commentary.
• Some reviews highlight variability in guide engagement and attraction operations.
• Ideal for food lovers and those wanting a taste of Swiss culture within a day.

Exploring Zurich in an Open-Top Bus

We loved the way this tour begins, with an hour-long open-top bus ride around Zurich. It’s a charming way to get oriented, especially for first-time visitors. The audio guide hits the key landmarks, like Zurich’s main railway station, the historic Urania Observatory, and the scenic Lake Zurich. You’ll also pass by the Schwizerische Kreditanstalt, known today as Credit Suisse, and the beautiful Wensendonck and Rieter villas, which add a touch of elegance to the cityscape.

The bus stops are conveniently located, including Zurich’s Hauptbahnhof—the largest train station in Switzerland—home to the bustling ShopVille shopping center, open every day and ideal for a quick browse or snack. The guide’s commentary is generally informative, and the open-air experience offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially if you’re lucky with the weather.

However, some reviews suggest the guide’s engagement varies, with one guest noting that the guide spent more time talking to the bus driver than explaining sites. Still, most travelers agree the views and ease of city exploration make this a worthwhile start.

Scenic Drive to the Chocolarium

After the city tour, you’ll hop back on the bus for a 1 hour 20-minute drive through Swiss countryside. This part of the journey sets the tone for the rest of the day, offering glimpses of lush hills and traditional villages. Travel time might seem long, but it’s a good chance to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Many appreciate the smooth ride and the chance to see Switzerland’s peaceful rural side. The drive concludes at the Chocolarium, where the real fun begins.

The Chocolarium: Switzerland’s Factory of Happiness

The highlight for many is the visit to the Chocolarium, a factory turned interactive chocolate museum. It’s a perfect stop for anyone with a sweet tooth. You’ll discover the secrets behind Swiss chocolate making through engaging exhibits, guided tours, and hands-on activities.

Visitors can learn about the journey from cocoa bean to bar, see how chocolates are crafted, and taste a variety of premium Swiss chocolates. One traveler raved, “They have a lot of tastings, and the explanations are interesting.” The factory is self-guided, giving you flexibility to explore at your own pace, which is ideal if you prefer to linger over your favorite flavors.

Despite the fun, some reviews note that the tour is somewhat commercialized, with gift shops that attempt to sell souvenirs. Still, the overall experience of tasting and learning about Swiss chocolates makes this a highlight.

Cheese Tasting at Appenzeller Schaukäserei

Next, a 30-minute drive takes you to the Appenzeller Schaukäserei, where cheese-making is showcased. The highlight is witnessing artisans craft the famous Appenzeller cheese, and sampling it at various stages of maturity. This hands-on experience brings Swiss cheese culture to life.

Guests can see the cheese vats, smell the aromas, and hear the sounds of cheese being cut and aged. Many reviews mention that the cheese tasting is generous and that the complex, flavorful profile of the cheese is appreciated. You’ll also learn about the traditional techniques and natural ingredients that give this cheese its distinctive taste.

A common theme among reviews is that the cheese factory is more of a museum and exhibition than a production site, as real cheese-making takes days. But the interactive display and tastings make it worthwhile for cheese fans.

Exploring Appenzell Village

The visit to Appenzell itself is brief but charming. You’ll stroll cobblestone streets, admire colorful frescoed buildings, and soak in Swiss village life. The Landsgemeindeplatz, where the traditional open-air assembly takes place, offers a glimpse of local democracy in action, or at least in structure.

Many appreciate the scenery—rolling hills and alpine views—and the chance to browse local shops or cafes. It’s a good spot for photos and to get a sense of Swiss village traditions. If you’re a fan of authentic, less-touristy spots, Appenzell provides a delightful snapshot.

Return Journey and Final City Stop

After exploring, you’ll drive back to Zurich for about 1 hour, passing through more scenic Swiss countryside. The last stop in Zurich is a quick 30 to 45-minute visit to St. Gallen, including time to see the UNESCO-listed cathedral and take photos. This adds a cultural touch to the day and rounds out your Swiss experience nicely.

Most reviews agree the drive back is relaxing and offers more mountain and rural vistas. The entire day wraps up around late afternoon or early evening, depending on your pace.

Evaluating Value and Practicalities

The $125.66 price tag covers bus transportation, entry fees to the chocolate and cheese attractions, and the guided city tour. For travelers interested in a rundown of Zurich and Swiss regional specialties, this is a reasonable investment. The guided aspects, especially the city tour, help maximize your short time in Zurich, while the food experiences add flavor to the day.

That said, some reviews mention that attractions like the cheese factory are more museum-like, with limited actual production viewing. Others felt the timing was tight, especially if attractions aren’t fully operational or if weather reduces sightseeing opportunities. The group size is capped at 27, which generally keeps things intimate enough to ask questions, but some may find the guide’s engagement inconsistent.

The tour does not include lunch, so plan accordingly—whether packing snacks or grabbing something in Zurich beforehand. The mobile ticketing makes it easy to join, and the meeting point at Zurich’s main station is convenient.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for foodies, families, or first-time visitors eager to get a broad taste of Zurich and Swiss culture in a single day. It’s perfect if you enjoy guided tours, scenic drives, and interactive museum-like visits. However, if you’re after deep cultural insights, active hiking, or a more personal connection to local artisans, you might find this tour a bit surface-level.

Travelers who appreciate stunning views, delicious treats, and efficient itineraries will find plenty to enjoy here, provided they’re aware that some attractions may be more geared toward travelers than authentic production sites.

Final Thoughts

This tour packs a lot into a single day: city sights, scenic countryside, chocolate indulgence, cheese tasting, and Swiss village charm. It’s a solid choice for those wanting a guided, hassle-free experience that touches on several highlights. The open-top bus provides a fun start, and the interactive visits add memorable flavor.

However, the variability in guide enthusiasm and attraction operation means it’s not perfect. If you’re flexible, curious about Swiss food, and want a balanced overview, this tour offers good value. For those seeking a more immersive or personalized experience, you might want to explore other options, perhaps with more focus on specific interests.

Ultimately, this tour offers a tasty and scenic snapshot of Zurich and Swiss tradition—great for a day when you’re looking to maximize your time and indulge in some of Switzerland’s best-known flavors.

FAQ

Is lunch included in this tour?
No, lunch is not included. You should plan to bring snacks or eat beforehand.

How long is the entire tour?
It lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours, including travel, site visits, and free time.

What’s included in the price?
Entrance to the Chocolarium and Appenzeller cheese factory, transportation by air-conditioned bus, guided city tour, and some free time in Appenzell.

Are the attractions operational during the tour?
Some reviews suggest that certain attractions, like the cheese factory, may be more museum-like if actual production is not running, especially outside peak seasons.

How big are the groups?
The tour caps at 27 travelers, which helps keep the experience manageable and guides attentive.

Is the bus ride comfortable?
Yes, the bus is air-conditioned, and the drive through Swiss countryside is generally smooth and scenic.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 53 days ahead, as this tour tends to fill up early.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

What is the meeting point?
The tour begins at Zurich Bus Station, Ausstellungsstrasse 5, close to public transportation.

Is this suitable for families with children?
Most travelers can participate, but keep in mind there are no baby seats provided, so bring your own if needed.

In summary, this tour offers a lively, tasty, and scenic way to explore Zurich’s cityscape, Swiss culinary delights, and charming village life—all in a single day. It’s best for curious travelers who enjoy guided experiences, food, and stunning views, with the caveat to manage expectations around guide engagement and attraction operations.