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.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Château de Gruyères visit
✔ Chocolate Factory Visit
✔ Gruyères Cheese Factory Visit
✔ Private local guide
✔ Standard rail ticket (1st class ticket provided upon request)
✔ Private transfers in Gruyères's region
✖ Raclette or fondue lunch in Gruyères
Pickup Locations
1. Apparthotel Colmarerhof
2. Der Teufelhof Basel
3. Basel Marriott Hotel
4. Basilisk Hotel
5. Pullman Basel Europe Hotel
6. Radisson Blu Hotel, Basel
7. Motel One Basel
8. hotel brasserie au violon
9. White Horse Basel
10. Hotel Restaurant Resslirytti
11. Hotel Schweizerhof Basel
12. Hotel Spalentor Basel
13. Hotel Euler
14. Hotel City Inn
15. Nomad Design & Lifestyle Hotel
16. Hotel Metropol Basel
17. Hotel Stadthof
18. Hotel Rochat
19. The Passage
20. Steinenschanze Stadthotel
Itinerary
1
Basel
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.
Duration: 3 hours
2
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.
Duration: 60 minutes
3
Gruyeres
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!
Duration: 2 hours
4
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. 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!
Duration: 60 minutes
5
Basel
After a full day of food and adventure, it's time to head back to your hotel. Your guide will ensure you have a comfortable journey back to your hotel or residence in Basel.
Duration: 3 hours
Additional info
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
