Zurich Open-top Tour and Chocolate and Cheese Countryside

Discover Zurich and the Swiss Countryside on a Full-Day Tour of Chocolate, Cheese, and Scenic Views

This 9-hour tour combines city sights with delicious Swiss treats, making it an appealing choice for travelers eager to experience both urban charm and rural tradition. For $123 per person, you’ll hop on an open-top bus in Zurich’s central station, get sweeping views of the city’s parks, museums, and historic squares, then venture into the peaceful countryside of St. Gallen canton. The tour highlights include visiting the Chocolarium—a paradise for chocolate lovers—and exploring the Appenzeller cheese factory before wandering through the colorful streets of Appenzell.

What we really love about this experience is how smoothly it blends sightseeing with tasting. Seeing Zurich from the open-top bus offers a quick yet rundown, especially the views of Lake Zurich and the city’s historic landmarks. The chance to taste authentic Swiss chocolate at the Chocolarium, and then experience traditional cheese-making at the Appenzeller Schaukäserei, makes this a true sensory delight. Plus, walking through the charming, frescoed streets of Appenzell is like stepping into a Swiss postcard.

A possible consideration is the timing and logistics—the tour involves several bus transfers and timed stops, which can be a bit rushed if you’re hoping for a leisurely exploration. Also, the shops in Appenzell are closed on Sundays, so if you’re visiting then, your experience might be more visual than retail-focused.

This tour suits travelers who want a balanced mix of city exploration and countryside adventure, especially those with a sweet tooth or an interest in Swiss culinary traditions. It’s ideal for those who enjoy guided trips but don’t mind a fair amount of time on a bus, as well as for anyone looking for a day filled with authentic flavors and scenic vistas.

Key Points

• City and countryside combo: See Zurich from the open-top bus and explore scenic villages.
• Culinary stops: Indulge in Swiss chocolate and cheese, learning about their production.
• Cultural charm: Walk through Appenzell’s colorful streets and see traditional architecture.
• Comfortable transportation: Modern, air-conditioned bus with a driver-guide.
• Flexible in timing: Includes free time in Appenzell, but shops close on Sundays.
• Value for money: Combines multiple highlights for a reasonable price, considering the included tastings and transportation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Zurich Open-top Tour and Countryside Experience

Starting in Zurich: The city’s highlights from a different perspective

The tour begins at Zurich’s Central Bus Station Sihlquai, a hub that’s easy to reach and well-connected. Climbing aboard the open-top bus, you’ll immediately appreciate how this format offers a breezy way to get your bearings. Expect to pass by landmarks like the Swiss National Museum and Rietberg Museum, both of which are prominent cultural sites that you might want to revisit later on your own.

The Lake Zurich stops provide some of the best cityscape views, perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the serene waters and lush surroundings. The bus route is designed to give a comprehensive yet quick overview—ideal if you’re short on time but want a taste of Zurich’s essence.

The Chocolate Experience at the Chocolarium

One of the highlight moments is the stop at Maestrani’s Chocolarium. Here, you’ll spend about 75 minutes exploring the world of Swiss chocolate. The Chocolarium is more than just a shop; it’s an interactive experience where you learn the secrets of chocolate making and get to taste a variety of chocolate delights. The tour emphasizes the craftsmanship behind Swiss chocolate, making it a fascinating visit for all ages.

From the reviews, we see that this part of the tour is well-loved—one traveler mentioned loving the delicious chocolates and the opportunity to see how chocolates are made. The dedicated visit allows you to buy souvenirs and enjoy some sweet treats, making it a perfect stop for chocolate enthusiasts.

The Cheese Stop at Appenzeller Schaukäserei

After a scenic drive, you’ll arrive at the Appenzeller cheese factory. The visit here lasts about 45 minutes, during which you’ll see the traditional cheese-making process (though note that this isn’t actual production, just a demonstration). You’ll have the chance to taste several varieties of Appenzeller cheese, renowned worldwide for its distinctive flavor.

The reviews highlight the authenticity of this experience, with visitors appreciating the chance to sample genuine Swiss cheese. This stop is a real treat for cheese lovers and offers a taste of local Swiss dairy craftsmanship.

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Wandering Through Appenzell

The final stop is the picturesque village of Appenzell, with about an hour of free time. The village’s cobbled streets and colorful buildings decorated with frescoes evoke a fairy-tale setting. It’s worth noting that shops are closed on Sundays, so if your visit falls on that day, you’ll be limited to viewing and photographing the scenery.

During your time here, you might want to stroll around the Landsgemeindeplatz, the traditional gathering square, and soak in the peaceful rural atmosphere. The surrounding Alps are visible from various vantage points, offering excellent photo opportunities. Walking through Appenzell’s charming streets leaves many visitors with a lasting impression of Swiss village life.

The Return Journey and Final Thoughts

After exploring Appenzell, the bus will take you back to Zurich, completing your day with a comfortable 75-minute ride. The whole experience, including transport, tastings, and sightseeing, provides good value for the price, especially considering the delicious experiences included.

What Travelers Say: Real Perspectives

While many praise the tour for its scenic views and tasty stops, some reviews reveal a few frustrations. One traveler noted, “We were confused was not told how or where to get off… missed half the trip,” highlighting how important it is to pay close attention to instructions. Another mentioned, “Loved our tour guide,” which underscores the value of engaging guides. Conversely, a negative review pointed out, “My experience was horrible… the bus was not there,” reminding us that logistical hiccups can occur.

These reviews show that while most find the tour enjoyable and worthwhile—especially for the chance to sample Swiss chocolates and cheeses—there can be issues with organization or communication that travelers should be aware of.

Logistics and Practical Information

The tour starts at Zurich Central Bus Station Sihlquai and ends back there, making it convenient for those staying in or near the city. The air-conditioned bus is a comfortable way to travel between stops, and the driver-guide provides commentary (in English), which adds context to the sights.

The duration of 9 hours makes it a full but manageable day trip. It’s important to note that lunch isn’t included, so plan to bring snacks or buy something in Appenzell. Also, because shops close on Sundays in Appenzell, if you’re visiting on that day, your time will be limited to photos and sightseeing.

Booking allows you to reserve and pay later, providing flexibility. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, so travelers requiring accessible options will need to consider other arrangements.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Zurich Open-top and Countryside Tour is best suited for travelers who want a well-rounded introduction to Zurich and the charming rural regions of Switzerland. It’s particularly appealing if you’re a food enthusiast, eager to taste authentic Swiss chocolate and cheese, and enjoy beautiful landscapes. The combination of a city tour with culinary stops offers good value for those wanting to experience the country’s culinary traditions without extensive planning.

If you’re short on time but want a taste of everything, this tour packs in city views, scenic drives, and delicious tastings. It’s also a good option if you prefer guided experiences and don’t want to worry about navigation or logistics. However, if you prefer a more leisurely pace or a deeply immersive experience, you might find the timetable a bit rushed.

This tour provides a lively, taste-filled day that captures the essence of Swiss culture—perfect for travelers looking to get a small but memorable slice of Switzerland, with plenty of photo opportunities and flavorful moments.

FAQ

Is the bus open-top during the entire tour?
Yes, the bus is open-top for the city sightseeing portion, offering great views of Zurich and the countryside.

How long do we stay at each stop?
You’ll have approximately 75 minutes at the Chocolarium, 45 minutes at the cheese factory, and about an hour to explore Appenzell.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included. You might want to bring snacks or plan to eat in Appenzell if time allows.

Can I buy Swiss chocolate and cheese during the stops?
Absolutely. The Chocolarium and cheese factory have shops where you can purchase local products.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most likely, yes, especially those who enjoy sweet and savory treats and scenic villages. Just keep in mind the amount of bus travel.

Are there any restrictions?
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and shops in Appenzell are closed on Sundays, limiting shopping options on that day.

What language is the tour guide speaking?
The driver-guide speaks English, providing commentary throughout the trip.

What is the price for this experience?
The tour costs $123 per person, offering a good balance of guided sightseeing and tasting experiences.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking in Appenzell, a camera, and perhaps some cash for souvenirs or snacks not included.

In essence, this tour offers a lively blend of Zurich’s urban sights and the tranquil beauty of Swiss rural life, with tasty stops along the way. It’s a perfect choice for those wanting a taste of Swiss culture, scenery, and culinary delights—all in one memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: