From Zurich - Gruyères Castle, Cheese, and Chocolate Tasting Private Tour


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From $826.64

5 reviews   (5.00)

Price varies by group size

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Pricing Info: Per Person

Duration: 11 hours

Departs: Zurich, Zurich

Ticket Type: Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Free cancellation

Up to 24 hours in advance.

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Overview

A true treat for the senses, this cheese and chocolate escapade lifts the curtain on the backstage world of cheese and chocolate production in Switzerland. Our adventure begins in the medieval village of Gruyères, famed for the nutty, semi-hard cheese which shares its name. Discover ramshackle 15th-century homes, meandering cobblestone alleys, and one of Switzerland’s crowning glory: the magnificent Castle of Gruyères. Treat your tastebuds to a local dairy, where highly-skilled cheesemakers will teach us how to make Gruyères. Sample the iconic cheese fresh from the wheel, and discover the rich history behind the recipe. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to the legendary Cailler Factory, the birthplace of Swiss chocolate. Discover why Cailler chocolate is considered the creamiest in Europe, and watch chocolatiers practicing their art.


What's Included

Cailler factory visit and chocolate tasting

Château de Gruyères visit

La Maison Gruyères cheese cellars view

La Maison Gruyères cheesemaking visit

Private local expert guide

Private transfers in Gruyères's region

Standard rail ticket (1st class ticket provided upon request)

What's Not Included

Raclette or fondue lunch in Gruyères


Traveler Information

  • INFANT: Age: 0 - 5
  • CHILD: Age: 6 - 15
  • ADULT: Age: 16 - 99

Additional Info

  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Face masks provided for travellers
  • Face masks required for travellers in public areas
  • Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitised

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

What To Expect

Zurich
Your guide will meet you at your hotel, and take you to the train station via some of their favorite local sights. From here you will ride first class to our first discovery.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

La Gruyere
We’ll head to “La Maison du Gruyères,” a traditional dairy where master cheesemakers will reveal the process behind authentic Gruyères AOP cheese. Watch as fresh milk is transformed into delicious Gruyères, using huge copper cauldrons and giant curd presses. Learn how the region produces around 48 wheels a day, all of which undergo a rigorous inspection by Gruyères AOP before they are allowed to be sold with the official label. After the demonstration, it’s time to indulge your taste buds. Learn to recognize and appreciate the full-bodied, nutty flavor of authentic Gruyères as you sample the cheese straight from the wheel.

60 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Gruyeres
Next, a short scenic hike will bring us to the delightful town of Gruyere, birthplace of the iconic sweet and salty cheese which shares its name. Nestled within the picturesque Fribourg canton, this medieval town is bursting with rustic charm. Explore the maze of cobblestone pathways, glimpsing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside as you make your way to the hilltop Castle of Gruyères.
This stunning fortress dates back to the 13th century, and was once home to the notorious Counts of Gruyères. Now visitors can explore the castle's sordid history, and wander through treasure lined museum rooms and ancient ruins.
After the tour we will enjoy a quick lunch stop - but don’t fill up too much!

3 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Broc
Stomachs full of cheese, we will make our way to our final stop: the Cailler Chocolate Factory.
This legendary cocoa wonderland was created by the grandfather of Swiss chocolate, François-Louis Cailler, whose secret ingredients remain in use today.
His iconic chocolate is famous for its rich, creamy flavor, achieved by using condensed milk rather than the standard milk powder used in most other brands.
Master chocolatiers will show you how to craft your own unique box of truffles, using foolproof ganache techniques. Take your chocolates home, or eat them on the train!

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free






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