Swiss Cheese, Chocolates and Mountains Small-Group Tour from Zurich
Overview
Available languages
11 hours
Mobile ticket
Venture to the Heidi-like region of eastern Switzerland on this full day guided coach tour from Zurich. Discover the secrets behind Switzerland's famous cheese and chocolate! Trace the path of raw milk from grazing cows on lush meadows to the production at the Appenzeller show dairy and a boutique chocolate manufacture. Take in fascinating mountain views on an aerial cable car ride to the top of Hoher Kasten and learn about local customs on a guided stroll through the charming village of Appenzell, where old traditions are still alive. Even better, you'll travel in a personalized small group with a maximum of 16 people!
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not suitable for infants under 6 years, exceptions only on request.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Full guided tour by professional multilingual guide
Small group of max. 16 guests
Visit to Appenzeller diary including museum and cheese tasting
Aerial cable car ride up to Mt. Hoher Kasten with its revolving restaurant and breath-taking views
Transportation in comfortable Mercedes minibus with AC and free WIFI
Guided walk through the charming and traditional village of Appenzell
Goodie bag with typical Swiss products from each visited attraction (worth CHF 40.-)
Visit of a typical Swiss dairy farm
Visit of a boutique Chocolate Manufacture, chocolate tasting included
Carbon-balanced operations certified by myclimate
Gratuities
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Personal expenses
What To Expect
Zurich
Depart from central Zurich (Sihlquai Bus Station) in an air-conditioned minivan and set out on a scenic drive along beautiful Lake Zürich via the City of Rapperswil with its medieval castle to the gently rolling hills of the Appenzellerland with photo stops en route.
Stein
Discover a typically Swiss farm and taste a glass of fresh cow milk.
Options
German
English
Reviews
146 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
It was great. Had a good...
Dee H,
Jul 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was great. Had a good variety of stops. Loved the dairy farm. Small group which made it more fun. Guide was very good.
Highly recommend!
Christine S,
May 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00An excellent full day of exploring! Started w/a visit to a beautiful hillside farm and hearing from the farmer his day w the cows, complete w seeing them walk back up the hill and past us for the milking line! Cheese samples and seeing how it’s made, pastry samples, chocolatier explanation of how his company makes their very own delicious chocolates using local ingredients and samples! A ride up to the top of Appenzell in Hoher Kasten, tram ride. Enjoyed a delicious lunch while rotating 360 for views, although it did become cloudy at the top. Then toured a beautiful town, complete w shopping time. We did it all! Thank you Monika! You were the best!!
Awesome
Peter T,
Oct 25, 2024
- Viator
5.00Awesome tour. Martin was excellent as driver and guide. Loved every aspect of the tour. Particularly enjoyed the Dsiry farm and hearing the passion of the farmer. Views from the mountain and meal at the revolving restaurant (extra optional of own) was fantastic.
A MUST DO!!
SinaraRegina M,
Aug 8, 2024
- Viator
5.00Our guide Martin was such a lovely and knowledgeable man. We absolutely loved the tour through the farm and the city of Appenzell not to mention all the delicious goodies we left with! The museum and the chocolate boutique were amazing as well.
Rather disjointed
Brittany K,
Jul 4, 2024
- Viator
3.00This tour felt very disjointed and a bit too long if I’m being honest. I was mostly interested in the dairy farm and cheese factory visit but was excited for the other stops. I did very much enjoy the dairy farm visit and found it informative. I also enjoyed the information provided from your guide Thomas! He was knowledgeable and forthcoming with information. He welcomed all my questions. After the cheese factory visit, I found the day to drag out a bit. First things, the lunch stop was late in the day falling close to 2pm. We had one option only and it was the restaurant at the mountain top stop. It was expensive and mediocre. After this, we were taken to multiple store fronts in the village of appenzell. I think it’s nice that samples were provided from the stops but honestly it felt awkward having 15 people hovering in small shops while the guide picked up the samples to pass around. I think the backend of the tour could be shortened to just a free time experience in Appenzell. Best to let people browse the lovely shops at their leisure instead of being led around like sheep for an hour. Major room for improvement on this tour but I do like the concept of it.
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Operated by Best of Switzerland Tours