Gruyères Castle, Cheese & Chocolate Small Group | From Bern
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your guide and driver will meet you at the Bern meeting point and will then whisk you away to our first discovery.
Next we head to "La Maison du Gruyère”, a traditional dairy where master cheesemakers will reveal the process behind authentic Gruyère AOP cheese. Watch as fresh milk is transformed into delicious Gruyere, using huge copper cauldrons and giant curd presses. Learn how the region produces around 48 wheels a day, all of which undergo rigorous inspection by Gruyere 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 Gruyere as you sample the cheese straight from the wheel.
A short scenic drive will bring us to the delightful town of Gruyere, the 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!
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. Master chocolatiers will show you how to craft your own unique box of truffles, using foolproof ganache techniques. Take your chocolates home, or eat them on the coach!
After a full day of food and adventure, it's time to head back to Bern. Your guide and driver will ensure you have a comfortable journey back to Bern.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(3)
They canceled on me and I hope I get my money back. Frustrating as this was my second canceled excursion with this company
Great trip! Ray was very knowledgeable and accommodating! Wish we had more time at the castle. Really enjoyed this trip—recommend it to others.
My tour was canceled the day before due to low attendance. It was already past the 24 hour cancellation period, so I asked the tour operator to cancel it on their end so I could get a refund. They ignored my messages and I was forced to call Viator (who they also ignored). I’m very disappointed, the tour sounded like it was going to be great.
