Zurich Open-top Tour and Chocolate and Cheese Countryside

Travelers looking for a balance between city sights, scenic nature, and tasty Swiss specialties might find this Zurich Open-top Tour combined with Chocolate and Cheese experiences offers a compelling package. While it doesn’t claim to be a guided tour in the traditional sense, it packs in some of Zurich’s key attractions along with delightful gastronomic stops.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the open-top sightseeing bus offers a relaxed way to see Zurich’s main points of interest without the hassle of navigating on your own. Second, the visit to the Chocolarium promises a sweet peek into Swiss chocolate making, with tastings that satisfy any sweet tooth. Third, the opportunity to walk through the charming village of Appenzell—with its colorful frescoed buildings and scenic surroundings—is a uniquely Swiss experience.

However, a notable consideration is the mixed reviews about organization. Some guests report confusion about logistics and a lack of guided commentary, which could impact those expecting a fully guided experience. Also, shop closures in Appenzell on Sundays mean some might miss shopping opportunities, though the picturesque streets still shine.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, culinary delights, and scenic villages. If you prefer a guided narrative or a more structured experience, you might want to explore other options. But for those craving a flexible, authentic taste of Zurich and its countryside, this could be a memorable day out.

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Key Points

Convenient transportation: An air-conditioned bus makes travel comfortable, covering Zurich’s main sights and scenic stops with ease.
Gastronomic highlights: The visits to Chocolarium and Appenzeller cheese factory deliver authentic Swiss flavors and fun tastings.
Scenic village exploration: Free time in Appenzell allows for wandering its colorful streets and soaking up local charm.
Flexible schedule: With multiple stops and free time, you can tailor some aspects of the day to your interest.
Potential organizational hiccups: Some reviews mention confusion and lack of guidance, so travelers should stay alert to details.
Cost value: At around $123, the tour offers a good mix of sights and tastes, especially for those wanting more than just city sightseeing.

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A Detailed Look at What to Expect

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Starting and Ending Points

The tour begins at the Zurich Central Bus Station Sihlquai—a central, easy-to-find location, perfect for those already in Zurich. The journey wraps up back at the same spot, allowing for a convenient return or continuation of your day.

Zurich City Sightseeing

The bus tour takes you past the Swiss National Museum and the Rietberg Museum, giving a glimpse of Zurich’s cultural wealth. You’ll also pass by Lake Zurich, where the views are particularly charming, especially if the weather is clear. While the tour doesn’t emphasize guided commentary, the open-top bus allows you to enjoy the city’s sights at a relaxed pace, with plenty of photo opportunities.

Scenic Drive to Appenzell

After the city highlights, the bus makes an 80-minute drive into the canton of St. Gallen, setting the stage for the countryside adventures ahead. This stretch offers a chance to see Switzerland’s lush landscapes rolling by from the comfort of your seat.

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Chocolarium: Sweet Swiss Secrets

The first gastronomic stop is Maestrani’s Chocolarium, a dedicated chocolate factory that’s more than just a shop—it’s a chance to learn about Swiss chocolate craftsmanship. Guests have mentioned enjoying the delicious tastings and the opportunity to buy souvenirs. One reviewer said, “Loved the chocolate tour,” highlighting how engaging and tasty this part of the day can be.

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Cheese Tasting at Appenzeller Schaukäserei

Next, you’ll visit the Appenzeller Schaukäserei, where you won’t see cheese being made but will get an authentic introduction to the renowned Appenzeller cheese. Tasting different varieties is part of the fun, and you might find the experience more about savoring tradition than production. Reviewers appreciated the chance to try different cheeses, though some noted the visit is relatively short for cheese tasting (about 45 minutes).

Free Time in Appenzell

The highlight for many is the one-hour free time in the charming village of Appenzell. Expect narrow cobbled streets, brightly painted houses, and frescoed facades—perfect for photos or a quick coffee in a cozy cafe. Keep in mind, shops are closed on Sundays, so plan your pictures accordingly. One reviewer mentioned, “The streets are beautiful, even without shopping,” which captures the quiet charm of this village.

Scenic Return and Wrap-up

The return journey offers another 75-minute drive back to Zurich, giving you time to relax and reflect on the day’s sights, flavors, and scenery.

Practical Details and Tips

Duration and Timing: The entire day lasts about 9 hours, with departure times varying depending on availability. Be sure to check the schedule in advance.

Cost and Value: At $123, the price covers transportation, the chocolate and cheese visits, and free time in Appenzell. While not a guided tour, it offers a good balance of activities for the price.

Transport: The coach is air-conditioned, making longer drives comfortable. The open-top bus in Zurich provides unobstructed views, ideal for photography.

What’s Included: The package includes a driver-guide, the open-top city tour, visit to the Chocolarium, cheese tasting, and free time.

What’s Not: Lunch isn’t included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase food at the stops. Also, there’s no dedicated guide for the entire day, so some travelers might find the experience less informative than guided alternatives.

Accessibility and Comfort: The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, so consider mobility needs when booking.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

One reviewer mentioned confusion about how to get off the bus, saying, “We were not told where to get off and missed half the trip,” highlighting the importance of paying attention to instructions. Another shared, “Loved our tour guide,” indicating that a knowledgeable guide can make a difference, even if not officially included in the package.

Conversely, negative experiences stemmed from logistical issues, like arriving at the meeting point to find the bus missing or feeling left without guidance. This suggests that being proactive about clarifying details with the operator or driver can help ensure a smoother experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Casual sightseeing fans will enjoy the relaxed city tour coupled with scenic drives.
Food lovers will appreciate the chocolate and cheese stops, especially if sampling Swiss specialties is a priority.
Photography enthusiasts will love the picturesque streets of Appenzell and Zurich’s lakeside views.
Travelers on a budget can find good value given the mix of sights and tastings packed into one day.

However, if you prefer a fully guided, narrated experience or have mobility challenges, you might find this tour a little light on guidance.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Zurich’s urban charm, Swiss culinary delights, and rustic countryside. It’s a flexible option that combines sightseeing with authentic food experiences, providing a taste of the local culture, scenery, and flavors.

The open-top bus makes city exploration easy and scenic, while the visits to the Chocolarium and Appenzeller cheese factory give you a delicious insight into Swiss traditions. The free time in Appenzell offers a peaceful stroll through one of Switzerland’s most adorable villages, perfect for capturing photos and soaking in local ambiance.

While organization and guidance could be better—based on reviews—it remains a solid choice for those who want a relaxed, food-focused day outside Zurich. The price reflects the multiple stops and experiences, making it a worthwhile pick for curious travelers eager to enjoy Swiss culture in a fun, informal way.

FAQs

Is food included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included, but tastings at the Chocolarium and cheese factory are part of the experience.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at Zurich Central Bus Station Sihlquai, a central, convenient location.

Is this tour guided throughout?
It includes a driver-guide, but reviews suggest there’s little narration during the city tour, so some guests have found it less guided than expected.

How long is the free time in Appenzell?
You get about 1 hour to explore the village at your leisure.

Can I visit shops in Appenzell on Sundays?
No, shops are closed on Sundays, but the streets and scenery are still worth exploring.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not wheelchair accessible, so consider mobility needs when booking.

This tour balances scenic drives, cultural exploration, and Swiss treats, making it a well-rounded day trip for those eager to combine sightseeing with delicious bites. Just be prepared for some logistical surprises, and you’ll likely leave with a full camera roll and a full stomach.