Zurich Open-top Tour and Chocolate and Cheese Countryside

Discover Zurich and Swiss Culinary Traditions in One Day

This 9-hour tour offers a lively way to see the highlights of Zurich aboard an open-top sightseeing bus for $123 per person. After exploring the city’s main attractions, the day transitions into a flavorful journey through the Swiss countryside, where you’ll visit the Chocolarium and the Appenzeller Schaukäserei. The tour also includes free time in the charming village of Appenzell, making it ideal for those who want a mix of sightseeing, culture, and Swiss culinary delights.

While the itinerary promises a full day of activity and sensory experiences, it’s important to note that reviews mention some organizational issues, such as confusion about the meeting point and a lack of guided commentary during the city tour. Nevertheless, the stops at the Chocolarium and cheese factory are highlights, especially for lovers of chocolate and cheese.

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Key Points

• Comprehensive 9-hour experience combining Zurich city sights and Swiss countryside adventures
• Includes visits to the Chocolarium for chocolate tasting and Appenzeller Schaukäserei for cheese sampling
• Scenic stops in Appenzell, a colorful village with cobblestone streets and traditional Swiss charm
• Open-top bus provides a breezy way to explore the main city attractions
• Limited guidance during the city tour, with some reviews indicating organizational issues
• Suitable for those interested in Swiss food, scenic villages, and city highlights

Zurich’s Main Attractions on the Open Top Bus

The tour begins at the Zurich Central Bus Station Sihlquai, where travelers gather to start their day. From there, the open-top bus takes you past key Zurich landmarks such as the Swiss National Museum and the Rietberg Museum, which provide glimpses into the city’s cultural richness. The bus also makes a scenic stop at Lake Zurich, offering lovely views and photo opportunities.

While the city tour itself is mostly a bus ride with few guided details, the main attractions are visible from the vehicle, making it ideal for those who prefer a casual overview rather than a detailed guided walk. Keep in mind, some reviews suggest the lack of detailed commentary might diminish the experience for visitors wanting more historical or cultural insights.

Exploring Zurich’s Cultural Highlights and Parks

The bus tour passes through Zurich’s parks and historic squares, giving a sense of the city’s vibrant life and well-preserved architecture. The route includes stops near notable museums like the Rietberg and the Swiss National Museum, offering opportunities to explore Zurich’s art and history if time permits.

This part of the tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy seeing city sights from a comfortable bus ride. The driver guide is available in English and helps keep the group moving, although some reviews highlight that additional guided commentary would improve the experience.

A Sweet Visit at the Chocolarium

After the city sightseeing, the tour makes a 75-minute stop at Maestrani’s Chocolarium, a highlight for chocolate lovers. Visitors can see how Swiss chocolate is made and sample a variety of chocolate treats. The Chocolarium offers a chance to shop for chocolates and take home some Swiss sweets, perfect for souvenirs.

This visit is both educational and indulgent, appealing to those who appreciate sweet flavors and want to learn about Swiss craftsmanship. The photo stop here makes for some fun pictures of the colorful interior and chocolate displays.

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Authentic Swiss Cheese Experience at the Appenzeller Schaukäserei

Next, the tour heads to the Appenzeller Schaukäserei, an authentic cheese factory where visitors explore the process of making traditional Swiss cheese, even though the factory does not produce cheese on site. The 45-minute visit includes cheese tastings of different varieties, offering a delicious sensory experience.

The cheese tasting provides a real connection to Swiss culinary heritage, and the factory setting enhances the sense of authenticity. Some visitors note that the factory does not actually produce cheese during the visit, but the tasting still makes it a worthwhile stop.

Discovering the Village of Appenzell

The highlight for many is the free time in Appenzell, a colorful Swiss village famous for its cobbled streets, frescoed buildings, and cozy cafes. The one-hour stop allows for photos and a leisurely walk through the Landsgemeindeplatz, where the traditional open-air assembly takes place.

Note that shops are closed on Sundays, so if visiting on that day, expect to enjoy the scenery and photos but not retail shopping. The village offers scenic vistas of the Appenzell Alps and opportunities for hiking or simply soaking in the local atmosphere.

Practicalities: Transportation, Timing, and Group Experience

The entire day is spent on an air-conditioned bus, with several coach stops lasting from 15 to 80 minutes to facilitate comfort and flexibility. The driver guide speaks English and provides general commentary, but the lack of a dedicated guide for the city tour might impact those expecting detailed explanations.

The meeting point is at Zurich Central Bus Station Sihlquai, where travelers should look for the Swisstours bus. The tour ends back at the same location, making logistics straightforward. Cancellation is flexible, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Limitations and Considerations for Potential Participants

A few reviews point out some organizational issues. One mentions confusion about where to get off during the city tour, leading to missing parts of the trip. Another review notes the lack of guidance and limited information, which might be disappointing for those wanting a more guided experience.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and travelers should be prepared for organized stops and potentially crowded scenes in Appenzell during weekends. The cost of $123 includes transport, entrance to attractions, and tastings, but lunch and guided commentary are not included.

Final Highlights and Suitability

This tour offers a balanced combination of city sightseeing, Swiss chocolate and cheese tasting, and a visit to the picturesque Appenzell village. It is particularly well-suited for those who want a full day of varied experiences without the need for extensive walking or guided narration in the city.

While some organizational shortcomings exist, the opportunity to taste Swiss specialties and enjoy the scenic countryside makes this experience a worthwhile addition to a Swiss itinerary, especially for foodies and scenic lovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is family-friendly, especially for those interested in chocolate and cheese tasting, but the full day and bus ride may be long for very young children.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included. Travelers should plan to bring or buy their own food during the day.

Can I join this tour if I don’t speak English?
The driver guide speaks English, and the tour is designed for English speakers, but no other language support is specified.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour involves walking in Appenzell and at stops, and it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What is the main highlight of the visit?
The Chocolarium and cheese tasting at Appenzeller Schaukäserei stand out as the most engaging experiences.

Will I have free time in Zurich?
The tour is primarily a bus-based tour, so free time in Zurich itself is limited to the stops along the route.

Is it possible to cancel the tour?
Yes, full cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How long is the scenic stop in Appenzell?
The free time in Appenzell lasts about 1 hour, offering enough time for photos and a stroll.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, camera, and possibly some cash for souvenirs or additional snacks, as lunch is not included.

This Zurich Open-top Tour with Swiss countryside offers a practical and tasty way to enjoy both urban sights and Swiss culinary traditions, with some flexibility needed to manage organizational aspects.

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