Gruyères Castle, Cheese, and Chocolate Tour | From Zurich

5.0 (17 reviews) 11 hours Free cancellation

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17 reviews

5.0

Gruyères Castle, Cheese, and Chocolate Tour | From Zurich — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Gruyères Castle, Cheese, and Chocolate Tour | From Zurich, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Day Trips Full-day Tours Private and Luxury Historical Tours Rail Tours Walking Tours Chocolate Tours Excellent Quality

At a glance

Duration: 11 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–6
Guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: TripsSource

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–14 years) · Adults (15–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Local guide
Included: Standard Rail Pass
Included: Chocolate Factory Visit
Included: Gruyères Cheese Factory Visit
Included: Château de Gruyères Entrance Ticket

Not included

Not included: Raclette or fondue lunch in Gruyères
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Zurich

2 hours

Your guide will greet you inside the main hall underneath the clock tower of the central train station of Zurich HB before starting the tour
La Gruyere

one hour

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.
Gruyeres

3 hours

Next, a short scenic hike will bring us to the delightful town of Gruyères, 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!
Broc

2 hours

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. On some days see master chocolatiers at work to demonstrate how to craft their delights using different types of foolproof techniques, at the end you will be able to sample those creation and take your chocolates home, or eat them on your journey back!
Zurich

3 hours

After a full day of food and adventure, it's time to head back to Zurich. Your guide will ensure you have a comfortable journey back to the Zurich train station.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet your tour guide inside the main hall underneath the clock tower of the central train station of Zurich HB. Your guide will always come 10 minutes prior to the meeting time; in case you are late or have an emergency, please contact us

End point

Meet your tour guide inside the main hall underneath the clock tower of the central train station of Zurich HB. Your guide will always come 10 minutes prior to the meeting time; in case you are late or have an emergency, please contact us