Zurich Open Top Bus, Chocolate and Cheese Factory Tour Appenzell
Traveler rating
3.0/5
Based on 20 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Zurich Open Top Bus, Chocolate and Cheese Factory Tour Appenzell worth booking?
Zurich Open Top Bus, Chocolate and Cheese Factory Tour Appenzell is a 8-hour experience in Zurich, Switzerland, from $125 per person. It scores 46 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3/5 rating across 20 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 46 / 100
- Rating
- 3/5 (20)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $125 per person
Start by visiting Zurich in a unique way: open red open top bus for one hour! See the main landmarks of the city. Get ready for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure afternoon in Switzerland by visiting the Chocolatorium and the Appenzeller Schaukäserei! Immerse yourself in the delicious world of Swiss chocolate at the Chocolatorium. Then, head to the Appenzeller Schaukäserei for an authentic cheese experience. Due to the seasonal closure of many shops in Appenzell and the earlier sunsets at this time of year, we have made adjustments to enhance your experience. Following the visit to the cheese factory in Appenzell, we will take you to St. Gallen, a charming and authentic Swiss city. There, you will have a stop lasting 30 to 45 minutes. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to take photos and visit notable sites, including the stunning cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.This vibrant and historic city offers a rich cultural experience that beautifully complements the tour.
What you get
About this experience
Start by visiting Zurich in a unique way: open red open top bus for one hour! See the main landmarks of the city. Get ready for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure afternoon in Switzerland by visiting the Chocolatorium and the Appenzeller Schaukäserei! Immerse yourself in the delicious world of Swiss chocolate at the Chocolatorium. Then, head to the Appenzeller Schaukäserei for an authentic cheese experience. Due to the seasonal closure of many shops in Appenzell and the earlier sunsets at this time of year, we have made adjustments to enhance your experience. Following the visit to the cheese factory in Appenzell, we will take you to St. Gallen, a charming and authentic Swiss city. There, you will have a stop lasting 30 to 45 minutes. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to take photos and visit notable sites, including the stunning cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.This vibrant and historic city offers a rich cultural experience that beautifully complements the tour.
What's included
Included
- zurich city tour by open top bus
- Driver-guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Free time in Appenzell
- Visit of Appenzeller schaukaserei - cheese factory
- Visit and entrance chocolarium
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Meet our red open top bus, start with 1 hours city tour audio guided
90 minutes here · Admission included
Railway main station Zurich & ShopVille
Zurich station is the largest railway station in Switzerland. It is an important railway junction for Switzerland, but also for Italy, France, Austria and Germany. It is located in the heart of the city. It is one of the oldest stations in Switzerland. In the station is its ShopVille shopping center with its 190 shops and restaurants open 365 days a year, from early morning to late evening. Even on Sundays when the shops in town are closed. The Zürich Tourist Office is also located in the station.
Pass by without stopping
Urania Observatory
The Urania Observatory, named after the Greek goddess of astronomy, was opened in 1907. It was the first concrete construction in the city of Zürich. In 1989 it was classified as a historical monument. A unique experience allowing you to admire the stars and their surroundings. From the Jules Vernes restaurant, of the Lipp brewery, a breathtaking panorama awaits you
Pass by without stopping
Lake Zurich
Pass lake Zurich and admire the lake side
Pass by without stopping
Credit Suisse Global Headquarters
The Schwizerische Kreditanstalt, the first major Swiss bank was created in 1856, by Aflred Escher. She specializes in credit. It is she who will finance an important part of the railway. It then became Credit Suisse. Today, Crédit le Crédit Suisse is a world leader.
Pass by without stopping
Museum Rietberg
The property belonged to Otto Wesendonck, a wealthy self-trader. The Rietberg Museum with its three villas and its park is rich in history. Richard Wagner, a great composer, lived for several months in the town of Schönberg. Where he finished writing the original version of "Tristan de Iseut", inspired by his love for Mathilde de Wesendonck, It was inaugurated in 1952, later it was enlarged. Its “Smaragd” building gives a modern look to the museum. The Wensendonck and Rieter villas contain the collections of Baron von der Heydt: works from China, Japanese, African, oceanic, Near Eastern and Tibetan prints.
Pass by without stopping
FIFA Museum
Located opposite the Headquarters of Fifa, it opened its doors on February 28, 2016. With its 3000 m2 of exhibition space, it offers all facets of football. The first stone of the building was laid by Sepp Blatter in 2013 and its construction was estimated at 130 million euros.
Pass by without stopping
Belvoirpark
Neoclassical mansion was built in 1819 by Heinrich Escher, a Zurich politician and railway pioneer. Its park is one of the largest and oldest landscaped gardens in Zürich Today it houses a restaurant.
Pass by without stopping
Zurich
After exploring Zurich’s main highlights, enjoy some free time to have lunch before departing for a true Swiss taste experience. At 12:20, meet your driver-guide and travel through the beautiful Swiss countryside for approximately 1h20 to discover two Swiss icons: cheese and chocolate.
80 minutes here
Embark on a delightful excursion to the Chocolarium – the "Factory of Happiness" by Munz and Minor, located on Toggenburgerstrasse in Flawil, Switzerland. Immerse yourself in a world of chocolate bliss as you step into this enchanting factory. Discover the secrets behind the creation of Switzerland's finest chocolates through interactive exhibits, guided tours, and hands-on experiences. Learn about the history of chocolate making, from bean to bar, and witness the craftsmanship that goes into each delectable treat. Indulge your senses with chocolate tastings, where you can savor the rich flavors and textures of premium Swiss chocolate. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the Chocolarium and uncover the magic behind one of Switzerland's most beloved culinary treasures. Join us for an unforgettable journey of chocolate discovery and sweet sensations at the Chocolarium in Flawil.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Appenzeller Schaukaserei
After a 30 minutes drive, Embark on a flavorful adventure to the Appenzeller Schaukäserei, a cheese dairy in the heart of Appenzell, Switzerland. Immerse yourself in the centuries-old tradition of cheese-making as you witness skilled artisans crafting the renowned Appenzeller cheese. Experience the sights, sounds, and aromas of the cheese-making process up close, from the milk vats to the aging cellars. Learn about the unique techniques and natural ingredients that give Appenzeller cheese its distinctive taste and character. Indulge in samplings of this flavorful cheese at various stages of maturity, and discover the nuances of its complex flavor profile. With picturesque views of the Swiss countryside as your backdrop, the Appenzeller Schaukäserei offers a truly immersive and delicious experience for cheese lovers of all ages. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this iconic cheese dairy and taste the essence of Appenzell's culinary heritage firsthand.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Discover with us the charming village of Appenzell, nestled amid the rolling hills of northeastern Switzerland. Explore cobblestone streets, colorful buildings adorned with frescoes, and cozy cafes serving Swiss fare. Immerse yourself in tradition at the Landsgemeindeplatz, where the annual open-air assembly takes place. Surrounding the village, the stunning Appenzell Alps offer hiking trails and scenic vistas. Experience Swiss charm and hospitality in Appenzell. Drive back to Zurich for 1 hour
60 minutes here
Zurich
Return to Zurich by bus, the drive will take around 1h30
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Zurich
Please check SWISSTOURS BUS, we don't have an office but you can show directly your reservation to the driver. It's written swiss sightseeing on the bus
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please check SWISSTOURS BUS, we don't have an office but you can show directly your reservation to the driver. It's written swiss sightseeing on the bus
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 27 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Keytours (Switzerland)
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We don't provide baby seat but you can take your own.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 20 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
20 verified traveler reviews for Zurich Open Top Bus, Chocolate and Cheese Factory Tour Appenzell. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
We enjoyed Appenzell and the factory tours.
It was a two-part experience. The bus excursion around Zurich was very casual and we got a good overview of the city. The small bus trip to Appenzell was wonderful. We enjoyed the chocolate and cheese factory tours. Would recommend the later for those who want a nice Swiss experience.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re pleased that you enjoyed both parts of the day and had the opportunity to discover different sides of Switzerland. It’s especially nice to hear that the visit to Appenzell and the chocolate and cheese experiences were a highlight of your trip. Thank you for recommending the experience, and we hope to welcome you again on another Keytours adventure! Warm regards, The Keytours Team
via Tripadvisor
DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY
BUYER BEWARE - Do not recommend. Bus was not present at agreed upon time. Customer service was not helpful and quite rude. The tour did not happen and they refused to refund my money. DO NOT BOOK!
Response from the operator: Dear Madam, Thank you for your feedback. We would be happy to better understand what happened and look into this situation. Could you please contact us directly and provide us with more details about your booking and the circumstances? This will allow us to investigate the matter properly. Thank you, and we look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards
via Tripadvisor
Avoid this tour
The open top bus was a bus with a fold back roof not what was expected. The city tour was average at best. Due to conflicting information about arrival times back to Zurich did not do the cheese factory. But given there was an 1.5 gap between the city tour and the cheese factory which was not advised I gave up
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are sorry to hear that some parts of the experience did not fully meet your expectations. Regarding the bus, the vehicle used for the city tour is an open-top bus with a retractable roof, which is opened, we are not sure what you expected. Regarding the cheese factory visit, the schedule, including the break between the city tour and the second part of the excursion, is mentioned in the tour itinerary. We understand that waiting times may not suit everyone’s plans, and we regret any inconvenience this may have caused. We appreciate your comments, as they help us improve both our communication and overall guest experience. Thank you for joining the tour.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour with a smaller group size
This was the first tour my wife and I booked while traveling to Switzerland for the first time. We really enjoyed the smaller size of this tour group and our guide, Gabriel. He was friendly and explained everything very well. We also had plenty of free time to explore the area. Unfortunately, the city tour was canceled but the chocolate and cheese tour was definitely worth it and we’d highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re delighted to hear that your first tour in Switzerland was an enjoyable one and that you appreciated the small group setting and Gabriel’s friendly, clear guidance. It’s great that you also had time to explore at your own pace and enjoyed the chocolate and cheese experience. We’re sorry the city tour had to be canceled, but we’re glad the alternative still made your day worthwhile. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again with Keytours for another memorable experience in Switzerland!
via Viator
Disappointed and Cheated!
The actual tour started at 12:30 even though the tour stated it started at 10:00am. At 10:00 am, we got on a bus that took us around Zurich for an hour and then dropped us off at 11:00am and told us to wait for the next bus for our tour! First of all, we did not want a tour of Zürich. We wanted what we paid for and should have started at 10 as it was advertised. The 12:30 tour bus arrived, we travelled to Appenzell and were on a tight schedule. The drive through the countryside was fast and furious and taking the mountain curves could have been more enjoyable if not having to rush instead of taking curves at a high speed. If we had left at 10:00, gone to the very enjoyable places we were promised, we would have gotten back before 7:00pm and enjoyed the scenery instead of being rushed. We did have time at the cheese and chocolate places but the drive was miserable. Felt cheated of the experience to enjoy the countryside! Both bus drivers were nice and congenial and good drivers! But, the experience was not worth it for us! A day lost!
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you for your feedback. The tour you booked — Zurich Open Top Bus, Chocolate & Cheese — begins at 10:00 a.m. with the Zurich city tour by open-top bus, followed by free time before continuing to Appenzell in the afternoon for the chocolate and cheese visits. This schedule is exactly as described in the tour information. Guests who prefer to skip the Zurich portion are welcome to do so, but it remains part of the full-day experience included in the price. Please note that the journey through the countryside follows normal driving conditions; our drivers always ensure safety and comfort on mountain roads. We’re glad you enjoyed the visits themselves and appreciate your understanding. Warm regards, The Keytours Team
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Keytours (Switzerland), who run 70 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.1.
See everything Keytours (Switzerland) runsWhy this scores 46
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Zurich Open Top Bus, Chocolate and Cheese Factory Tour Appenzell: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Zurich.
How much does Zurich Open Top Bus, Chocolate and Cheese Factory Tour Appenzell cost?
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Prices start at $125 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Zurich usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Zurich Open Top Bus, Chocolate and Cheese Factory Tour Appenzell take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Zurich is not rushed.
Is Zurich Open Top Bus, Chocolate and Cheese Factory Tour Appenzell worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 46 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3/5 across 20 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Zurich, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Zurich Open Top Bus, Chocolate and Cheese Factory Tour Appenzell?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Zurich Open Top Bus, Chocolate and Cheese Factory Tour Appenzell suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Zurich Open Top Bus, Chocolate and Cheese Factory Tour Appenzell?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Zurich can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Zurich and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Zurich Open Top Bus, Chocolate and Cheese Factory Tour Appenzell start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Zurich within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Zurich?
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On Outty we rank every Zurich experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Zurich Food Tour with 10 Local Delicacies, Cheeses & Chocolates, Private, excellent guided tour of Zurich (from CHF 21/pers.), Zurich Historic District Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Zurich?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Zurich?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Zurich Open Top Bus, Chocolate and Cheese Factory Tour Appenzell?
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Included: zurich city tour by open top bus; Driver-guide; In-vehicle air conditioning; Free time in Appenzell; and Visit of Appenzeller schaukaserei - cheese factory. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Zurich Open Top Bus, Chocolate and Cheese Factory Tour Appenzell?
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Please check SWISSTOURS BUS, we don't have an office but you can show directly your reservation to the driver. It's written swiss sightseeing on the bus Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Zurich Open Top Bus, Chocolate and Cheese Factory Tour Appenzell offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Zurich Open Top Bus, Chocolate and Cheese Factory Tour Appenzell?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Zurich Open Top Bus, Chocolate and Cheese Factory Tour Appenzell wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Zurich Open Top Bus, Chocolate and Cheese Factory Tour Appenzell if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Zurich. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Zurich Open Top Bus, Chocolate and Cheese Factory Tour Appenzell?
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Across 20 reviews averaging 3.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
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