Zurich: Rhine Falls, Chocolate & Cheese Factory Day Trip

Zurich’s Rhine Falls, Chocolarium, and Appenzell make for a captivating day trip. Witness the thundering power of Europe’s largest waterfalls, learn the art of Swiss chocolate-making, and explore the charming village nestled in the Alps. With a self-guided tour and free time to wander, this excursion promises a well-rounded adventure. While the cheese factory remains closed, the opportunity to take in the region’s natural and cultural delights is simply too tempting to pass up.

Good To Know

• A 12-hour day trip from Zurich to explore Rhine Falls, Maestranis Chocolarium, and Appenzell, with a cost starting from $131.70 per person.
• Self-guided tours at Rhine Falls and Chocolarium, followed by free time in the charming village of Appenzell.
• Opportunity to witness the majestic Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfalls, and engage in interactive chocolate-making experiences.
• Cancellation policy allows for a full refund if the tour is canceled up to 24 hours in advance.
• Tour starts and ends at Ausstellungsstrasse 5, with transportation provided by bus or coach.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour from Zurich takes visitors to three distinct Swiss attractions: the renowned Rhine Falls, the Maestranis Chocolarium, and the Appenzeller Schaukäserei.

It’s a 12-hour journey, costing from $131.70 per person. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without paying upfront.

The tour begins and ends at Ausstellungsstrasse 5. Visitors will have self-guided tours at Rhine Falls and the chocolarium, as well as free time in Appenzell.

Note that the itinerary is subject to change.

Itinerary

The tour begins at Ausstellungsstrasse 5, where participants board a bus or coach for the day’s excursions.

The tour begins at Ausstellungsstrasse 5, where participants board a bus or coach for the day’s excursions.

The first stop is the Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfalls, where travelers have 2.5 hours for a self-guided tour.

Next, the group visits the Maestranis Chocolarium for a 1.5-hour self-guided chocolate experience.

The final destination is the charming village of Appenzell, where guests have 1 hour of free time to explore the cobblestone streets and frescoed buildings.

The tour then returns to the starting point at Ausstellungsstrasse 5.

1. 2.5 hours at Rhine Falls for self-guided tour

2. 1.5 hours at Maestranis Chocolarium for self-guided chocolate experience

3. 1 hour of free time in Appenzell village

Rhine Falls

Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfalls, await visitors with their awe-inspiring views and powerful cascades. Travelers embark on a 2.5-hour self-guided tour, taking in the stunning natural wonder.

| Highlights | Details |

| — | — |

| Scale | Stands 75 feet tall and 492 feet wide |

| Flow | Thundering waterflow of up to 600,000 liters per second |

| Viewing | Platforms and walkways offer unparalleled vantage points |

Visitors can marvel at the falls’ sheer size and strength, capturing breathtaking photos. The Rhine Falls experience provides an unforgettable introduction to Switzerland’s natural beauty.

Maestranis Chocolarium

After exploring the majestic Rhine Falls, the tour continues to the Maestranis Chocolarium, where visitors can enjoy the captivating world of Swiss chocolate.

At the chocolarium, guests can:

1. Take a self-guided tour to learn about the chocolate-making process, from bean to bar.

2. Participate in interactive exhibits that allow them to create their own personalized chocolate.

3. Indulge in a chocolate tasting, sampling the rich, creamy confections that have made Swiss chocolate renowned worldwide.

With its engaging displays and hands-on experiences, the Maestranis Chocolarium offers a delightful and informative stop on the day trip.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Appenzell

From Maestranis Chocolarium, the tour continues to the charming village of Appenzell, where visitors are granted an hour of free time to explore its picturesque streets and traditional Swiss culture.

Appenzell is known for its cobblestone lanes, frescoed buildings, and scenic views of the Appenzell Alps. While the Appenzeller Schaukäserei cheese factory is closed during the visit, guests can wander the quaint town, take photos, and enjoy the local atmosphere.

The tour then returns to the starting point at Ausstellungsstrasse 5, completing the day’s excursion to Rhine Falls, chocolate, and Appenzell.

Highlights

One of the tour’s key highlights is the visit to the iconic Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour of the falls, taking in the stunning natural beauty and powerful cascading waters.

The tour also includes:

1. A stop at the Maestrani’s Chocolarium, where guests can enjoy the world of Swiss chocolate and learn about the art of chocolate-making.

2. A visit to the Appenzeller Schaukäserei, a cheese factory where travelers can sample the region’s famous Appenzeller cheese.

3. Free time to explore the charming village of Appenzell, with its cobblestone streets and traditional Swiss architecture.

Customer Reviews

Travelers who took the Zurich day trip seem to have been quite satisfied with their experience. Based on 198 reviews, the tour earned an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. The guide and transportation were both highly rated at 4.7 out of 5, while the value for money scored 4.4 out of 5. Positive feedback highlighted the guide’s knowledge and helpfulness, though some suggested more time at the chocolarium. The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the customer ratings:

| Category | Rating (out of 5) |

|———-|——————-|

| Overall | 4.5 |

| Guide | 4.7 |

| Transport| 4.7 |

| Value | 4.4 |

Important Information

While on the Zurich day trip, guests are advised to bring comfortable shoes and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.

The tour is divided into two parts, with the morning spent at the Rhine Falls and the afternoon focused on exploring the chocolarium and Appenzeller Schaukäserei.

The tour is divided into two parts, with the morning spent at the Rhine Falls and the afternoon focused on exploring the chocolarium and Appenzeller Schaukäserei.

It’s important to note that:

1. The shops in Appenzell are closed on Sundays, but visitors can still enjoy the charming village and take photographs.

2. No cheese production takes place during the scheduled visit to the Appenzeller Schaukäserei.

3. Itineraries are subject to change, so participants should be prepared for potential adjustments to the day’s activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need a Passport for This Tour?

For this tour, a passport is not required as it’s within Switzerland. However, it’s always best to check any updated travel requirements before embarking on the trip to ensure a smooth journey.

What Time Does the Tour Start and End?

The tour starts at 9:00 AM and ends around 9:00 PM, with a duration of approximately 12 hours. The exact start and end times may vary slightly depending on the day’s itinerary and traffic conditions.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Children?

The tour doesn’t mention any discounts for seniors or children. However, it does offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve a spot and pay later, which could provide some flexibility.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs on the Tour?

Yes, there are opportunities to purchase souvenirs throughout the tour. The chocolarium and Appenzell village offer a variety of Swiss-made chocolate, cheese, and other local products that can be bought as souvenirs.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no specific dress code for the tour. Comfortable, casual clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended to fully enjoy the activities. Dressing in layers is also advised as the weather may vary throughout the day.

The Sum Up

This day trip from Zurich offers a well-rounded experience, allowing you to witness the awe-inspiring Rhine Falls, indulge in Swiss chocolate, and explore the charming village of Appenzell. Though the cheese factory won’t be open, the overall itinerary provides a delightful mix of natural beauty, culinary delights, and culture, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to make the most of their time in the region.

You can check if your dates are available here: