Montreux is a fantastic base for exploring Switzerland’s diverse landscapes and charming towns. Its location on Lake Geneva and proximity to the Alps makes it a hub for memorable tours. Whether you’re seeking a taste of Swiss cheese and chocolate, a scenic mountain adventure, or an authentic city walk, Montreux has options. We especially love the From Montreux: Gruyères City Cheese and Chocolate Day Tour for its combination of foodie delights and medieval scenery. It offers a full day of exploring a historic town, savoring Swiss specialties, and enjoying stunning mountain vistas. The tours listed below showcase Montreux’s versatility, from private guides to multi-day excursions, ensuring there’s something for every traveler.
Quick Overview
Our list includes a mix of full-day excursions, private walking tours, and scenic mountain trips. Highlights include culinary experiences like the Gruyères cheese and chocolate tour, wine tastings in the Lake Geneva region, and iconic mountain views from Zermatt. We also feature immersive city walks, such as Montreux’s private guided tour, perfect for those wanting to get under the skin of this lakeside town. Each offers a different way to experience Switzerland’s beauty and culture.
1. From Montreux: Gruyères City Cheese and Chocolate Day Tour
At number 1 on our list, this full-day out-in-the-country trip combines Switzerland’s culinary treasures with medieval charm. Starting from Montreux, the tour visits Gruyères, famous for its cheese, and the medieval city and castle that overlook the surrounding mountains. The highlight is the visit to La Maison du Gruyère, where you’ll learn how this beloved cheese is made and sampled fresh. Then, it’s on to Maison Cailler, Switzerland’s oldest chocolate factory, for a taste of famous Swiss chocolate.
What makes this trip stand out is the balance of hands-on experiences and scenic views. The guide is praised for being knowledgeable, and the itinerary allows plenty of time on your own to explore the cobblestone streets, enjoy lunch, or buy souvenirs. The trip offers excellent value at $341 per person, especially given the full 9-hour experience. Perfect for food lovers and history fans alike, it’s a comprehensive way to see a quintessential Swiss region without the hassle of planning.
Bottom Line: A top choice for those wanting a full day of cheese, chocolate, and medieval scenery, with a knowledgeable guide and plenty of authentic experiences.
2. Geneva: Guided Wine Tour
Number 2 on our list is the Vaud region wine tour, which takes you around Lake Geneva, exploring 3 wineries and historic Chillon Castle. This 10-hour experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts eager to taste local varieties and learn about Swiss winemaking. The tour includes visits to wineries around Lake Geneva or in the Lavaux vineyards, with tastings of carefully selected wines.
The highlight is the Chillon Castle, which looms dramatically on the lakeshore and is one of Switzerland’s most iconic sights. Guests appreciate the guide’s depth of knowledge and the relaxed pace, with enough time at each stop to savor wines and absorb scenic countryside views. The tour costs $250 per person, offering a good mix of cultural and culinary immersion. It’s ideal for those wanting to combine sightseeing with wine tasting in a scenic setting.
Bottom Line: An engaging, well-rounded tour for wine lovers and history buffs, with plenty of time to enjoy tastings and picturesque landscapes.
3. Montreux: Day Tour to Zermatt Matterhorn & Glacier Paradise
Number 3 is the 11-hour trip to Zermatt, home to the legendary Matterhorn. This tour begins in Montreux and takes you through the Swiss Alps to the car-free village of Zermatt, where you’ll get amazing views of the Matterhorn mountain. The main draw is the option to take cable cars up to Glacier Paradise, the highest cable car station in Europe, for breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Swiss, French, and Italian Alps.
What makes this tour appealing is the combination of a charming village visit and mountain adventure. Guests love the flexibility to explore Zermatt at their own pace or continue up to the summit for views at 3,900 meters. The tour is long but rewarding for those who enjoy majestic mountain scenery and alpine air. Expect about 11 hours of travel and sightseeing, with time on your own at the end.
Bottom Line: A memorable mountain experience with picture-perfect views, ideal for active travelers eager to see the iconic Alps and the Matterhorn.
4. Best of Montreux: Private Walking Tour with a Local
Number 4 features a personalized, flexible walking tour of Montreux. This private experience is perfect if you want to see the city’s highlights and hidden corners at your own pace. Your local guide will tailor the route, sharing stories about the lakeside town, its history, and cultural spots.
The tour covers iconic sites like the Chillon Castle, the lakeside promenade, and the Freddie Mercury statue, but also dives into lesser-known spots that only locals love. Since it’s private, you get insider tips on restaurants, shops, and scenic viewpoints, making it ideal for travelers who want an authentic, personalized experience. The 2-6 hour length makes it flexible for different schedules.
Guests appreciate the guide’s personable approach and the chance to explore Montreux through a local’s eyes. For a tailored introduction to the town, this is a great choice.
Bottom Line: Perfect for visitors wanting an intimate, customized tour with insider insights into Montreux’s culture and hidden gems.
5. Lucerne: Private Car Tour – Gruyères, Vevey, Montreux & Fribourg
Number 5 is a luxury full-day private car tour covering multiple Swiss highlights. Starting from Lucerne, this 11-hour journey hits Gruyères, famed for its cheese and medieval architecture, then continues through Vevey, home of Charlie Chaplin, and Montreux, with its lakeside charm. The trip also includes a stop in Freiburg, showcasing Gothic architecture and a picturesque old town.
This tour is ideal if you want to see several towns in one day without the hassle of self-driving. The itinerary includes visits to a Swiss cheese factory, historic castles, and scenic drives along Lake Geneva. The guide’s local knowledge shines through, making the experience both informative and relaxed.
Guests find it offers tremendous value at $283 per person, especially considering the personalized service and extensive sightseeing. It’s best suited for those with a day to spare and a taste for cultural richness.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, comfortable way to see Switzerland’s lakeside towns and castles in one day, with the convenience of private transport.
6. Montreux private guided city tour
Number 6 offers a shorter, private city tour of Montreux. Lasting only 2 hours, it covers key sights like Chillon Castle, Freddie Mercury’s statue, and local museums. While reviews are mixed, the tour is designed for those who want a quick, personalized overview of Montreux’s main attractions.
The guide helps you navigate the town’s highlights efficiently, making it suitable for travelers with limited time or those who prefer a tailored experience. Since it’s private, you can customize the stops based on your interests, whether that’s music, history, or lakeside scenery.
Bottom Line: An efficient way to get a personalized snapshot of Montreux’s highlights in a short time, best for travelers on a tight schedule.
7. Montreux – Private Walking Tour
Number 7 is a 2-hour private walk emphasizing Montreux’s scenic beauty and cultural sites. Guests love the flexibility of this tour, which includes sights like the lakeside promenade, the Freddie Mercury statue, and Les Jardins des Palace.
The guide’s personable approach and local insights make it a worthwhile option for those who want to stroll and soak in the atmosphere. It’s a nice way to see Montreux without rushing, especially if you enjoy walking and discovering lesser-known corners.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed, personalized introduction to Montreux’s lakeside charm and cultural highlights.
8. Montreux Sightseeing Walking Tour
Rounding out our list is a group walking tour of Montreux for up to 3 people, costing $364. It’s led by a professional guide and covers the main sights, including Chillon Castle, the lakeside promenade, and the Freddie Mercury statue.
This tour offers a more structured experience with a small-group feel. It’s perfect for visitors who want a detailed walk with a knowledgeable guide, ensuring they don’t miss key landmarks. The 2-hour duration makes it suitable for a quick but rundown.
Bottom Line: A well-organized, small-group tour for travelers wanting a guided, in-depth exploration of Montreux’s main attractions.
How to Choose the Right Tour
Deciding between these options depends on your interests, time, and budget. For a full culinary experience, the Gruyères cheese and chocolate tour is hard to beat, especially if you’re fond of cheese and sweets. If you prefer scenic mountain vistas, the Zermatt trip offers jaw-dropping views and outdoor adventure.
For those wanting a personalized introduction to Montreux, the private walking tour allows you to focus on your interests and explore hidden spots. Meanwhile, if you’re curious about local wines and historic castles, the wine tour combines tastings with cultural sights.
Budget travelers might gravitate toward shorter or private options, but larger groups or those seeking a comprehensive experience may prefer full-day excursions. Remember to book early, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and time.
Final Thoughts
Montreux offers a range of tours that capture its lakeside beauty, nearby mountains, and Swiss culture. For an epic day of food, scenery, and history, the Gruyères cheese and chocolate tour is a standout. If mountain vistas are your priority, Zermatt’s Glacier Paradise trip is unmatched. And for a personalized experience, the private city walk lets you explore at your own pace.
No matter what you choose, booking in advance ensures you’ll get the most out of your time in Montreux. These tours showcase Switzerland’s stunning scenery and rich culture — so pick what excites you most and enjoy every minute of your trip.