Chocolate and cheese, with a city backdrop.

This is one of those full-day Switzerland combos that works: you get Zurich from an open-top bus, then trade skyscrapers for rolling hills on the way to Appenzell. I like that the day includes both Maestrani’s Chocolarium (sweet stops and tastings) and the Appenzeller Schaukäserei (a very Swiss cheese experience you can actually understand and enjoy). The big drawback to keep in mind is that parts of the day are more on-your-own than a nonstop guided narrative, so you’ll want to track time and meeting points.

Also, the tour’s flow means you’ll ride a coach between sights, and the city portion plus attraction time can blur together if you’re not paying attention. If you want things to run smoothly, show up early at Zurich Central Bus Station Sihlquai and look for the swisstours bus as instructed, because there’s very little slack built into the schedule.

Key points to know before you go

• Open-top Zurich sightseeing: See major sights from the bus with skyline-and-lake views.
• Maestrani’s Chocolarium stop: Chocolate making and samples are the heart of the day’s sweet moment.
• Appenzeller Schaukäserei visit: A cheese factory experience focused on Appenzeller cheese varieties.
• Cobbled Appenzell village time: A short, scenic walk with photo opportunities.
• Air-conditioned coach between stops: Practical comfort during the longer countryside transfers.
• Sunday planning note: Shops in Appenzell close on Sundays, though you can still take great photos.

Zurich on the open-top bus: what you really get

Zurich is the kind of city that rewards a slow first look. This tour starts you at Zurich Central Bus Station Sihlquai, then moves into a classic city loop on an open-top sightseeing bus. You’ll pass by parks, museums, and historic squares, with frequent chances to orient yourself fast. If you’ve never been here, this is a smart way to learn where things are without spending your whole day indoors.

Two things I like about the open-top format: you get better skyline angles, and the light quality across Lake Zurich tends to be excellent. It’s also simply more fun than staring out a window from a regular coach—especially when the weather cooperates.

That said, open-top rides can feel longer than they are if you don’t dress for cool air and wind. Bring a layer even in warmer months, because Zurich’s lake area can shift quickly. And since the rest of the day is paced in blocks, use the bus time to take notes in your head: which buildings and neighborhoods you’d return to later.

The coach ride to Appenzell: comfort vs. time pressure

Once you leave the core of Zurich sightseeing behind, the schedule leans into the “get out into the hills” part of Switzerland. You’ll spend time on the bus/coach heading toward Appenzell canton’s countryside.

This is one of those days where you should treat the coach ride as part of the experience, not downtime. The countryside views are part of why the tour exists. But the flip side is simple: you’re on a 9-hour clock. That’s why punctuality matters—your day only works if you’re back on the bus when it’s time to move on.

A practical approach: keep a small bag ready with what you’ll actually use during the attractions—water, a light snack if you want one, and your phone charger. Lunch is not included, so you may be relying on your own timing and purchases during free time.

Maestrani’s Chocolarium: the sweet stop that’s built for enjoyment

The tour’s first major “hands-on” moment is Maestrani’s Chocolarium. You get a photo stop, then visit, shopping, and sightseeing time. You’re not just being dropped off near chocolate—you’re given a structured window (75 minutes) to see how Swiss chocolate culture is presented and, importantly, to try what they offer.

What makes this stop valuable isn’t only the taste. It’s the way chocolate is framed like a craft you can understand: you’ll get to learn the secrets of chocolate making and then sample different chocolate delights. That combo is ideal for mixed groups—people who want a quick hit of fun, and people who like knowing what they’re eating.

The one thing to watch: 75 minutes goes fast once you factor in entry, walking, and choosing what to buy. If you want souvenirs, I’d decide early whether you’re going for a few standout items or a bigger haul. If you wait until the end, you can end up with fewer choices and less time to enjoy the visit part.

Also, the tour includes skip-the-ticket-line, which is a real quality-of-life perk on a busy day. It doesn’t turn the visit into a free-for-all, but it helps you stay on schedule.

Appenzeller Schaukäserei: factory energy, cheese education

After chocolate, the day pivots to something very Swiss: the Appenzeller Schaukäserei. You’ll have a photo stop and then visit time (45 minutes). The description here matters: it’s not about producing cheese right there. It’s a cheese factory experience focused on traditional Appenzeller cheese, including different varieties for tasting.

This stop works for two reasons. First, it gives you a clear “what am I tasting?” framework. Second, tasting makes the education stick. Cheese can be abstract when you’re reading about it—inside a Schaukäserei style visit, it becomes practical and sensory.

If you’re the type who likes food stops but hates overly long sessions, this is the right kind of timing. 45 minutes is enough to take in what’s happening and try varieties without turning your day into a classroom.

One consideration: since lunch isn’t included, plan how you’ll handle hunger between stops. A chocolate-only morning can be fun—until it isn’t. If you’re sensitive to sugar, bring a small savory snack for later in the day.

Appenzell village: cobblestones, frescoes, and short free time

Next comes the best “postcards” part: Appenzell itself. You get one hour of free time, plus photo opportunities. This is where the tour delivers that classic northeastern Switzerland feel—cobbled streets, colorful buildings with frescoes, and cozy cafes where you’ll likely want to stop (if they’re open).

A highlight you’ll want to look for is Landsgemeindeplatz, the site connected with the annual open-air assembly. Even if you’re just passing through, the square helps anchor the town’s identity.

The tour also flags an important detail: shops close on Sunday in the city of Appenzell. If your visit lands on a Sunday, you can still enjoy photos and the walk, but don’t build your plan around shopping. In that case, keep room for pre-planned snacks or decide to treat nearby cafes as your main option.

Because free time is only an hour, don’t over-plan. Your best move is to walk a loop, take photos early, then enjoy the last 20 minutes without rushing. You’ll get more value from actually looking at the streets than from trying to hit every corner.

Why this tour’s value makes sense (and where it may not)

At $123 per person for about 9 hours, you’re paying for three things bundled together: guided orientation in Zurich via an open-top bus, transportation in an air-conditioned coach, and paid admissions/visits at Chocolarium and Appenzeller Schaukäserei. On paper, food attractions can be expensive when you do them separately. Here, they’re grouped into one day with transportation.

So where does the value show up in real life?

• You don’t have to coordinate multiple day-trip pieces from Zurich.
• You get skip-the-ticket-line, which can save meaningful time at popular stops.
• You see both sides of Switzerland in one shot: city sights and the Appenzell region.

Where value may feel weaker is if you’re craving a tightly guided, fully narrated experience every minute. This isn’t that. The day has defined visit windows and free time, and you’ll be responsible for keeping track of your place and return timing.

If you want a day that’s more “guided structure + self-paced enjoyment,” this fits well. If you want a deep, continuously explained tour experience at every stop, you might find parts of the day move at your own pace.

Who should book this and who should skip it

I’d send this tour to travelers who like a mix of sightseeing and food stops, especially when it’s paired with countryside scenery. It’s also a good option if you’re visiting Zurich for the first time and want a fast orientation plus one strong day excursion.

It’s not ideal if you need full accessibility support, because it’s not suitable for wheelchair users. It’s also less suitable if you dislike open-top logistics and time windows—open-top sightseeing + short attraction visits means you’ll need to stay alert.

If you’re traveling with teens or a food-loving group, this one often lands well because chocolate and cheese are universally understood as priorities. And if you’re coming from Zurich and want Appenzell without complicated planning, the day’s structure does most of the work.

Practical tips so the day feels smooth

A good day is mostly preparation. Here’s how to set yourself up for success based on how the tour operates.

First, arrive early at Zurich Central Bus Station Sihlquai and follow the instruction to look for the swisstours bus. Don’t assume you can figure it out at the last minute. Open-top tours depend on timing, and the day doesn’t slow down to help you catch up.

Second, dress for changeable conditions. Even when Zurich looks warm, lake air and wind can make open-top time feel cooler. Bring a layer and keep it easy to access.

Third, handle food planning like a grown-up. Lunch isn’t included, and your main free time in Appenzell is limited. If you like having options, pack a small snack and treat any cafe stop in town as a bonus.

Finally, remember the Sunday shop note. If you’re in Appenzell on a Sunday, shopping may be limited. That’s not a deal-breaker for photos and strolling, but it can affect what you expect to do with your free hour.

Should you book the Zurich Open-top Tour with Chocolate and Cheese Countryside?

If you want a one-day hit of Zurich plus the Appenzell region, I think this is a solid choice. The combination is practical: Zurich sightseeing with an open-top bus, then two very recognizable food attractions—Maestrani’s Chocolarium and Appenzeller Schaukäserei—followed by a short, scenic walk in Appenzell.

I’d especially recommend it if you like food experiences but also want countryside scenery without planning transfers and tickets yourself. Just book it with clear expectations: you’re getting a structured tour day, not a nonstop guided commentary from start to finish.

If you’re the kind of traveler who hates ambiguity, double-check you know where to meet (at the station, look for the swisstours bus) so you don’t lose time.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Zurich Central Bus Station Sihlquai, and you should look for the swisstours bus.

How long is the tour?

The total duration is 9 hours (starting times vary, so check availability for exact departure times).

What language is the driver guide?

The driver guide provides English.

Do you ride an open-top bus in Zurich?

Yes. The tour includes Zurich sightseeing on an open-top sightseeing bus.

What are the main stops during the day?

The day includes Zurich sightseeing, Maestrani’s Chocolarium, Appenzeller Cheese Factory (Appenzeller Schaukäserei), and free time in Appenzell.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Are ticket lines skipped?

Yes, the tour includes skip-the-ticket-line.

What happens during free time in Appenzell?

You have free time in Appenzell for photos and wandering (1 hour).

Are shops open in Appenzell on Sundays?

The city of Appenzell has shop closures on Sundays, but you can still take beautiful pictures.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.