Zurich Open Top Bus, Chocolate and Cheese Factory Tour Appenzell

A Full Day of Zurich, Chocolate, and Cheese: An Honest Look at the Tour

This Zurich Open Top Bus, Chocolate and Cheese Factory Tour in Appenzell offers a combination of city sightseeing, sweet indulgence, and Swiss cheese experiences. Priced at $125.66 per person, the tour lasts about 8 to 9 hours and is operated by Keytours (Switzerland). It begins with a one-hour open-top bus city tour around Zurich, allowing you to see many key landmarks from a classic red bus. The day then shifts to tasting and learning about Swiss chocolate at the Chocolarium and cheese at the Appenzeller Schaukäserei.

A notable feature is the visit to St. Gallen, a city with a UNESCO-listed cathedral, offering a brief 30 to 45-minute stop for photos and sightseeing. The tour suits those interested in Swiss culture, food, and scenic views, though it does involve some busy timings and a fair amount of bus travel. One thing to keep in mind is that some attractions, especially in Appenzell, operate seasonally, impacting the full experience at certain times of year.

Key Points

• Price: $125.66 per person, with a mobile ticket for convenience
• Duration: Around 8 to 9 hours, ideal for a full-day experience
• Highlights: Zurich city tour, Chocolarium, Appenzeller cheese factory, and St. Gallen
• Transport: Air-conditioned vehicle with driver-guide service
• Uniqueness: Combines city sightseeing, Swiss chocolate, and cheese tasting in one day
• Limitations: Some attractions may be seasonal or have limited production views

Starting in Zurich: The Classic Open Top Bus Tour

The tour kicks off at Zurich Bus Station, positioned conveniently near public transportation and the largest railway station in Switzerland. The one-hour open-top bus ride covers Zurich’s top landmarks with audio-guided commentary. Highlights include passing Lake Zurich, the Urania Observatory, and notable buildings such as the Rietberg Museum and Fifa headquarters.

Although this part of the tour is primarily a scenic overview, it provides an excellent introduction to Zurich’s layout and historic sites. One review mentions that the guide, Thanasis, makes the experience engaging and well-organized, balancing travel with sightseeing. The bus ride sets a lively tone for the rest of the day, especially given the open-air format that offers fresh air and panoramic views.

Exploring Zurich’s Historic Sites and Modern Landmarks

During the city tour, travelers see the largest railway station, which has a bustling shopping center, ShopVille, and an historic Urania Observatory from 1907. The route also passes lake Zurich, providing fantastic views of the water and surrounding scenery.

Additional stops include the Wesendonck villas, linked to composer Richard Wagner, and the Neoclassical mansion with one of the city’s largest gardens, now a restaurant. These landmarks showcase Zurich’s blend of historic architecture and modern cultural sites, making the city tour both informative and visually appealing.

From Zurich to the Chocolarium in Flawil

After completing the city tour, the bus guides you through the scenic Swiss countryside for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach the Chocolarium, a factory dubbed the “Factory of Happiness” by Munz and Minor.

This visit is especially appealing for chocolate lovers. The Chocolarium allows guests to see interactive exhibits and guided tours, revealing the secrets of Swiss chocolate production, from bean to bar. The factory also offers chocolate tastings, giving you the chance to savor some of Switzerland’s finest confections. The experience is free of charge and lasts about one hour.

Indulging in Swiss Cheese at Appenzeller Schaukäserei

Next, after a short 30-minute drive, the tour visits the Appenzeller Schaukäserei, a cheese dairy in the heart of Appenzell. Here, the focus is on the cheese-making process, showcasing traditional techniques and natural ingredients that define Appenzeller cheese’s distinctive flavor.

Visitors observe artisans at work and enjoy sampling the cheese at various stages of aging. The 1.5-hour stop offers insight into Switzerland’s cheese craftsmanship, although the actual cheese production is not visible, as it takes days for cheese to be made. It’s more of a museum and tasting experience than a production tour.

The Charm of Appenzell Village

Following the cheese experience, the tour provides free time in Appenzell, a village famous for its colorful frescoed buildings and cozy cafes. The streets are cobblestone, and the village exudes authentic Swiss charm.

Nearby, the Landsgemeindeplatz hosts traditional open-air assemblies, and the surrounding Appenzell Alps invite hikers and nature lovers. Visitors can stroll through the village, take photographs, and soak in the local atmosphere before heading back to Zurich.

Scenic Drive to St. Gallen and Its UNESCO Heritage Site

On the return journey, the group makes a 30 to 45-minute stop in St. Gallen, a city known for its imposing cathedral listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the city, take photos of the historic architecture, and admire the St. Gallen Abbey.

This city adds a dash of cultural depth to the day, with its beautiful old town and vibrant atmosphere. The stop is brief but offers enough time to enjoy the city’s highlights and capture memorable images before the drive back to Zurich.

Returning to Zurich: The Final Stretch

The last leg involves a 1 hour and 30-minute bus ride back to Zurich, passing through the Swiss countryside. The relaxed return allows for reflection on the day’s sights and experiences, completing the full 8-to-9-hour tour.

The tour ends conveniently at the original meeting point, with no extra charges for the return trip, and includes hotel pickup or drop-off if arranged.

Practicalities and What’s Included

This tour features entrance to the Appenzeller cheese factory and Chocolarium, along with a driver-guide and air-conditioned vehicle. It also offers free time in Appenzell for exploration and shopping.

Not included are lunch and personal expenses, so travelers should plan accordingly. The tour operates with a maximum group size of 27, ensuring a comfortable experience. It is suitable for most travelers, though note that baby seats are not provided, so bring your own if needed.

Honest Review Highlights: Strengths and Limitations

The city tour gets praise for being well-organized and led by an engaging guide, making the scenic drive enjoyable. The Chocolarium is appreciated for its interactive displays and tastings, perfect for chocolate fans.

However, some reviews express disappointment with the cheese factory, noting that the production process is not visible, only an exhibition and tastings. Timing can be tight, especially if attractions are closed due to seasonality, which can limit the experience.

While the overall value is decent for those interested in a mix of sightseeing and food experiences, the tour’s pace may feel rushed for some, and attractions like the cheese factory may not fully meet expectations if full production views are desired.

Zurich, Chocolate, and Cheese: Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This full-day tour appeals most to foodies, culture lovers, and those wanting a broad taste of Swiss traditions in one trip. The combination of Zurich city highlights, Swiss chocolate, and cheese tasting offers a well-rounded experience.

It suits travelers who appreciate organized group tours with detailed commentary and comfortable transport. However, those seeking in-depth factory tours or longer exploration time might find the schedule too packed or the attractions somewhat limited.

Zurich Open Top Bus, Chocolate and Cheese: Final Thoughts

This 8 to 9-hour tour provides a balanced mix of urban sightseeing, gastronomic delights, and scenic drives through Switzerland’s picturesque landscape. The open top bus in Zurich offers a fun, flexible way to get an overview of the city, while the visits to Chocolarium and Appenzeller cheese factory deliver authentic Swiss food experiences.

With positive reviews for the guide and the scenic stops, it remains a solid choice for those wanting a comprehensive day trip. Nonetheless, potential visitors should be aware of seasonal limitations and the fact that some attractions may not be as comprehensive as expected. Overall, it offers good value for a full day of Swiss cultural and culinary discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, baby seats are not provided, so bring your own if traveling with young children.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included, so plan to bring your own snacks or purchase food during free time in Appenzell.

Are attractions in Appenzell operational year-round?
Some shops and attractions operate seasonally, which may affect what is available during certain times of the year; full cheese production is not visible during visits.

How long is the city tour in Zurich?
The open-top bus city tour lasts approximately one hour and covers key landmarks with audio commentary.

What is the duration at each stop?
Expect around one hour at the Chocolarium, one hour 30 minutes at the cheese factory, and 30 to 45 minutes in St. Gallen.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, for a full refund.