Zurich Open-top Tour and Chocolate and Cheese Countryside

If you’re considering a day trip that combines city sights with a taste of Swiss culinary tradition, the Zurich Open-top Tour and Chocolate and Cheese Countryside might catch your eye. This tour, offered by Keytours SA, promises a balanced mix of sightseeing and gastronomic delights—something that could appeal to those who love a bit of everything during their travels.

We like that the experience offers stunning urban views from an open-top bus—a classic way to see Zurich without the hassle of navigating yourself. Plus, the visit to the Chocolarium sounds like a sweet highlight, especially for chocolate lovers, and the chance to explore the charming, traditional village of Appenzell adds a scenic and cultural touch.

One potential snag is that the tour has received mixed reviews regarding organization. Some travelers mention confusion about where to get off and a lack of guided commentary, which might make the day feel a bit disjointed. It’s worth considering whether you’re comfortable with a mostly self-guided experience, especially if you prefer more structure.

This tour could work well if you’re after a relaxed day that mixes sightseeing with local food experiences. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of city views, scenic countryside, and gourmet tastings, but perhaps less so if you’re seeking a fully guided, information-rich adventure.

Key Points

• A mix of city tour and countryside exploration suitable for those wanting variety.
• Includes visits to the Chocolarium and Appenzeller cheese factory, ideal for foodies.
• Open-top bus offers a classic sightseeing experience with scenic views and photo opportunities.
• Reviews suggest some organizational hiccups, so keep expectations flexible.
• Duration is around 9 hours, making it a full but manageable day trip.
• Price point of $123 offers good value considering the included sights and tastings.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

If you’ve ever wanted to combine urban sightseeing with a taste of Switzerland’s iconic foods, this tour could just fit the bill. It’s designed to give you a broad view of Zurich’s main attractions from the comfort of an open-top bus, making it a fun, breezy way to get oriented with the city. Think parks, museums, historic squares—all passing by in a relaxed, open-air ride.

The City Bus Tour: What to Expect

Starting at Zurich’s Central Bus Station Sihlquai, the journey takes you past landmarks like the Swiss National Museum and Rietberg Museum, plus a scenic drive along Lake Zurich. The open-top bus makes it easy to snap photos and enjoy the fresh air, which many travelers find to be a highlight. However, keep in mind that this is a largely self-guided experience—there’s no formal guide providing commentary, which some might find a bit lacking if they prefer more context about the places passing by.

One traveler shared that they felt confused about where to get off and missed parts of the trip because of poor information. If you’re not familiar with the city or rely heavily on guides, you might want to stay attentive or consider bringing a map or app for reference. Still, the views are quite lovely, and the relaxed pace means you can enjoy the scenery without rushing.

The Scenic Break and Food Experiences

The real treats start once the bus stops at the Chocolarium in Maestrani’s complex. Here, you’ll get a chance to see how Swiss chocolates are made, walk through the factory, and sample a variety of chocolates. Many travelers love this part—who doesn’t like tasting different kinds of confections? It’s a dedicated stop where you can indulge without feeling rushed, and the shopping area offers plenty of souvenirs.

Next, the tour visits the Appenzeller Schaukäserei—the cheese factory—where you’ll explore the traditional process of making Appenzeller cheese. While the actual cheese production isn’t part of the visit, you’ll have the chance to taste different varieties of this famed cheese. For cheese fans, this is a real highlight, and it’s an authentic experience, even if somewhat brief.

Exploring Appenzell: Swiss Charm in Every Corner

The final major stop is the picturesque village of Appenzell. With its cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and frescoed facades, it’s a picture-perfect Swiss town. You’ll get some free time here—an hour to wander, take photos, or relax in a cozy café. Keep in mind that on Sundays, the shops are closed, so if you’re visiting then, your sightseeing will be limited to photos and enjoying the streets.

Travel reviews mention that the scenery in Appenzell is genuinely beautiful, and the traditional ambiance makes it a worthwhile stop. Just be aware that the free time is relatively short, so plan your exploration accordingly.

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The Logistics: How the Day Unfolds

The scheduled stops are well-organized in terms of timing, with the entire day lasting about nine hours. The transportation is via air-conditioned bus, and the group is led by a driver-guide who speaks English. While the guide doesn’t provide detailed commentary throughout, they do coordinate the stops, making sure everyone knows when to reboard.

You’ll start at Zurich’s central station and pass through notable landmarks, then have about 80 minutes for the chocolate stop, 45 minutes at the cheese factory, and an hour in Appenzell. The duration at each stop gives enough time for photos and a quick look around but isn’t enough for in-depth exploration. It’s a schedule that’s best suited for those wanting a taste of everything rather than a deep dive.

Price and Value

At around $123 per person, the tour offers good value if you’re interested in both city sights and Swiss culinary traditions. The cost covers transportation, the visits to the Chocolarium and cheese factory, and the free time in Appenzell. Not included are meals—so if you want a proper lunch, you’ll need to plan ahead.

Considering the multiple stops and the scenic variety, this price is reasonable for a full-day experience. Still, some reviews suggest that the organization could be improved, particularly regarding clarity about the stops and the guidance provided.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a balanced day out—combining scenic views of Zurich, a taste of Swiss chocolates and cheeses, and a charming village experience. It’s better suited for those who are comfortable with somewhat autonomous sightseeing and don’t mind a less guided tour.

If you enjoy a relaxed pace, scenic drives, and food tastings, you’ll likely find this worthwhile. However, if you prefer highly guided, detailed commentary or have limited mobility (not suitable for wheelchair users), other tours might suit you better.

Final Thoughts

The Zurich Open-top Tour and Chocolate and Cheese Countryside offers a genuine chance to enjoy a slice of Swiss life—urban and rural—within a single day. The combination of stunning city views, delicious tastings, and the picturesque village of Appenzell makes it a well-rounded experience.

While organizational hiccups and limited guidance might be drawbacks for some, the scenic drives and food stops are generally appreciated by those who enjoy a casual, sensory-filled day. If your goal is a flexible, scenic, and tasty overview of this part of Switzerland, this tour could be just right.

This experience works best for curious travelers eager to combine sightseeing with Swiss culinary traditions without spending all day in one place. Keep your expectations realistic about the guided portion and be ready to explore at your own pace during the free time in Appenzell.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, you’ll travel via an air-conditioned bus throughout the day, with pickup at Zurich’s Central Bus Station Sihlquai.

Are the sights guided or self-guided?
The bus is guided by a driver-guide who speaks English, but there’s no detailed commentary during the city tour, and the stops are mostly self-guided.

How long is the free time in Appenzell?
You get about an hour to explore the village, take photos, or relax. Shops are closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly.

What food is included?
Food isn’t included in the tour price. You’ll enjoy tastings at the Chocolarium and cheese factory, but lunch is on you.

Is this tour suitable for families?
It’s not specifically marketed as family-friendly, but older children and teens may enjoy the scenic drives and tastings. Be aware of the walking involved and the limited duration in each stop.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is it accessible for wheelchair users?
No, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, as per the provided info.

Are guided tours available?
No, this is mainly a self-guided experience with a driver-guide. For more detailed info, look at other options.

If you’re after a fun, scenic day with good food and Swiss charm, this tour offers plenty of what you’re looking for. Just keep some expectations in check regarding guidance and organization, and you’ll likely enjoy the journey.

You can check availability for your dates here: