Zurich: St. Gallen & Appenzell Private Tour with Photos

Discovering the Swiss Charm: A Private Tour from Zurich to St. Gallen & Appenzell

This 5-hour private tour from Zurich offers an engaging journey into Eastern Switzerland’s cultural and scenic highlights. Priced with the flexibility to reserve now and pay later, this experience is ideal for those seeking a personalized, stress-free day with a local guide. The tour includes transportation, professional photos, and a light snack, making it a well-rounded way to explore without the hassle of group tours.

While it covers two iconic destinations—the Abbey Library of St. Gallen and the colourful village of Appenzell—the tour’s true strength lies in its customizable itinerary and personalized experience. The guide leads you through UNESCO World Heritage sites, charming streets, and local cheese tastings. However, since this is a private tour, it caters best to those who want a flexible, intimate way to appreciate these Swiss treasures.

Key Points

• Private experience with a flexible itinerary tailored to your preferences
• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Abbey Library of St. Gallen
• Enjoy photo stops and professional photography, including drone footage
• Explore the picturesque streets and painted houses of Appenzell
• Includes a light snack and cheese tasting at the Appenzeller Cheese Factory
• Transport from Zurich to the destinations is included, with hotel pickup

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting in Zurich: Convenient Pickup and Flexibility

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Zurich, ensuring a smooth start to the day. The local guide meets your group right at your hotel lobby and coordinates transport, making this a hassle-free way to leave the city behind. Since the tour is private, the pace and stops can be adjusted to your interests, whether you want to spend more time at the Abbey Library or wandering through Appenzell’s streets.

Pickup is included, and the guide is available to provide insights in English or German, making communication straightforward. The entire experience runs for about 5 hours, and booking allows for full flexibility with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Exploring the Abbey Library of St. Gallen: A UNESCO Heritage Site

The first main stop is the Abbey Library of St. Gallen, known as one of the world’s richest monastic libraries. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a must-see for culture enthusiasts. Inside, visitors find beautifully preserved manuscripts, ornate wooden interiors, and centuries of monastic knowledge.

The guided visit reveals the history and architecture of this historic library, offering plenty of opportunities for photos. The library’s longstanding role in Swiss intellectual life adds a meaningful layer to the visit, and the guide helps you appreciate its significance while capturing spontaneous moments with professional photos.

Strolling Through the Charm of Appenzell

After the library visit, the tour continues to Appenzell, a village famous for its colorful houses and traditional Swiss architecture. The village streets are lively, with local crafts and a vibrant atmosphere. The guide leads your group through walking tours, pointing out notable houses, local customs, and key sights.

One optional stop is to sample the famous Appenzeller cheese, a highlight for many visitors. The cheese tasting at the Appenzeller Cheese Factory allows guests to learn about the cheese-making process and enjoy fresh samples. The walk through charming streets showcases painted facades and local shops, perfect for photos and souvenir shopping.

Personalized Photo Opportunities and Drone Video

Throughout the day, unlimited professional photos capture spontaneous moments and scenic views. The guide is equipped to take quality photos and also offers drone video footage to document the experience from unique angles. This feature is particularly valued for creating lasting memories without needing to rely on guest smartphones.

The photo stops are strategically placed at scenic spots and iconic locales, ensuring that every shot reflects the vivid colours and picturesque scenery of the region.

More Great Tours Nearby

Lunch Break and Local Snacks

A light snack is included during the tour, providing a moment of relaxation amidst sightseeing. The lunch component lasts about an hour, giving time to enjoy local flavors without feeling rushed. Since the tour is private, the timing and location of the snack can be adapted to suit your preferences, adding to the casual, personal nature of the experience.

Comfortable Transportation and Accessibility

The private transportation ensures seamless travel between Zurich, St. Gallen, and Appenzell. The vehicle is accessible for wheelchair users and suitable for strollers, making the tour inclusive for various mobility needs.

The group size is limited to your private booking, which enhances comfort and allows the guide to focus on your interests. The timing is flexible, and the pace can be adjusted to ensure a relaxed exploration of each site.

Additional Highlights: Local Culture and Crafts

Appenzell’s local culture and crafts are also part of the experience. The guide may highlight local traditions, and visitors can observe or purchase crafts in the village. The vibrant atmosphere and colourful architecture contribute to a lively, authentic Swiss experience.

Logistics and Booking Flexibility

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind. Booking is flexible—reserve now and pay later—which makes planning easier. The tour runs in English and German, accommodating different language preferences, and is available with live guides for a personalized touch.

The pickup is scheduled for your convenience, and the duration of 5 hours strikes a balance between seeing highlights and avoiding fatigue, especially with the private, customized approach.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience suits those seeking a relaxed, personalized exploration of St. Gallen and Appenzell. It is ideal for culture enthusiasts, photographers, and cheese lovers. The private nature makes it perfect for families, couples, or small groups wanting an intimate day with a local guide.

Those who appreciate flexible pacing and unlimited photos will find this tour especially appealing. Since the tour is wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly, it accommodates various mobility needs.

Final Thoughts on the Swiss Private Tour

This 5-hour private adventure provides a well-balanced glimpse into Swiss cultural heritage and scenic beauty. The UNESCO site, charming village, and cheese tasting form a compelling itinerary. The personalized approach and professional photography set this tour apart from more generic options.

While it offers a comprehensive view of the region, some may wish for additional stops or longer museum visits. However, the flexibility and quality of experience make it a strong choice for visitors who want a tailored, stress-free day in Eastern Switzerland.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes private transportation, professional photos, a light snack, and a cheese tasting at the Appenzeller Cheese Factory.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours from pickup to return to Zurich.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users or strollers?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since this is a private tour, the local guide can adapt the pacing and stops to your interests and preferences.

What languages are available for the guide?
The live guide speaks English and German.

Do I need to pay upfront?
You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup at your hotel in Zurich.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended for walking and outdoor stops.

Can I extend the tour or add extra stops?
The private nature allows for some flexibility, but any extensions or additions should be discussed with the guide during booking.

Are there any dietary restrictions accommodated?
The tour includes light snacks and cheese tasting, but specific dietary requirements should be clarified in advance with the provider.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the tour’s stroller and wheelchair accessibility makes it suitable for families with children or mobility needs.

Where does the tour end?
The tour concludes back in Zurich, where guests are dropped off at their hotel or designated location.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby