This if for those folks who are not sure who to book with because all the tours sound similar. I can only relay our experience which was not pleasant. Keep in mind, my complaint is with the Tour of Switzerland Operator (TOSO) not Viator. On August 17, 2026, we were supposed to take a tour listed by Viator as Chocolate, Cheese and Market tour in Basel, Switzerland. The day before the tour I received an email from the TOSO that the Chocolate and Cheese portion of the tour is cancelled. This was the bulk of the tour with no reason was given for the cancellation. The TOSO offer a 15% refund of our payment in excess of $400. Please note that the late cancellation email date and time prevented any cancellation of the entire tour based on their 24 our refund policy. The morning of August 17 at 10:00 am we were to meet the tour guide who was late but did show up at the designated meeting place. That morning There was heavy rain in the area with lightning and thunder. The tour guide told us that the market would be closed due to the inclement weather. Effectively, the entire tour is not available. The guide agreed with us that it would not make sense to just walk around the area given the conditions, cancellation and closure. When I contacted the TOSO we were told that the cancellation and weather was out of their control and that they will not approve a refund due to their 24-hour policy. Subsequently, Viator was able to secure a partial refund of approx. $167 from the TOSO. In short, we lost $250 for a tour we never got. There are several other reviews of this company where the guide never showed up yet the refund request was denied. I would caution you to deal with this company very carefully as their policy for no refund within 24 hours applies no matter the circumstances. I guess we were lucky, thanks to Viator, to receive any portion of our payment.
Basel Old Town, Cheese & Chocolate Experience | From Zurich
+5 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Price from
- $158 / person
- Location
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Rating
- 1.0 / 5 · 2 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Small group, up to 15
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Tours of Switzerland
- Meeting point
- Meet your tour guide inside the main hall underneath the clock tower of the central train station of Zurich HB.
Description
This guided excursion to Basel combines cultural discovery with Switzerland’s most famous culinary traditions. After arriving from Zurich, the experience begins with a guided walking tour through Basel’s historic Old Town. Visitors explore medieval streets, the colorful Spalenberg district, the historic Marktplatz with its red Town Hall, and the Basel Minster overlooking the Rhine. From the Pfalz terrace and the historic Mittlere Brücke, panoramic views reveal the city’s unique setting along the river. The tour continues with a tasting experience featuring selected Swiss cheeses and artisan chocolates. Guests learn about traditional Alpine dairy production, chocolate craftsmanship, and the regional influences that shape flavor. Combining history, scenic viewpoints, and local specialties, this tour offers a well-balanced introduction to Basel’s cultural and culinary heritage.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 8:15 AM
- Next available
- Mon, Nov 16
- Adult (ages 16+)
- $158
- Child (ages 6–15)
- $80
- Infant (ages 0–5)
- Free
In demand: 30 of the next 30 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Zurich
Your guide will meet you at Zürich HB and accompany you on a seamless journey to Basel.
Basel's Old Town
Basel’s Old Town reflects more than two thousand years of history shaped by its location along the Rhine. Our walk begins at Marktplatz, where the red Rathaus has served as the city’s political center for over 500 years. From there, we explore the medieval streets of Spalenberg, lined with colorful historic buildings and small shops. The route continues to the Basel Minster, built of red sandstone and overlooking the river. From the nearby Pfalz terrace, panoramic views reveal the Old Town and surrounding districts. The tour concludes at the historic Mittlere Brücke, one of Basel’s most iconic viewpoints.
This tasting experience introduces two of Switzerland’s most famous culinary traditions. Swiss cheese is produced using high-quality milk from cows grazing on Alpine pastures, creating a wide range of flavors from mild to mature. Chocolate is another national specialty, with Switzerland known for its innovation and craftsmanship since the development of milk chocolate in the 19th century. During the tasting, you will sample selected regional cheeses and artisan chocolates while learning how ingredients, origin, and production methods influence flavor. Together, these specialties reflect Switzerland’s strong tradition of quality, craftsmanship, and connection to its landscape.
Zurich
After a full day of adventure, your guide will return you safely to the start point in Zurich HB.
What's included
Included
Meet and Greet at Zurich HB
Local Guide
Cheese and Chocolate Tasting
Not included
Lunch
Gratuities
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
1.0
2 reviews
How it compares in Zurich
- Starting price $158 is 65% below the typical $449 for tours of similar length in Zurich
Excurgo comparison of 1,180 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Basel Old Town, Cheese & Chocolate Experience | From Zurich take?
Basel Old Town, Cheese & Chocolate Experience | From Zurich lasts about 4 hours. The itinerary has 4 stops.
How much does Basel Old Town, Cheese & Chocolate Experience | From Zurich cost?
Prices start at $158 per person for this Zurich experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Basel Old Town, Cheese & Chocolate Experience | From Zurich run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 8:15 AM.
How much does Basel Old Town, Cheese & Chocolate Experience | From Zurich cost for children?
Children aged 6–15 pay from $80, adults from $158. Infants go free.
Does Basel Old Town, Cheese & Chocolate Experience | From Zurich sell out?
It can: 30 of the next 30 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Basel Old Town, Cheese & Chocolate Experience | From Zurich for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Meet your tour guide inside the main hall underneath the clock tower of the central train station of Zurich HB. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Basel Old Town, Cheese & Chocolate Experience | From Zurich offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 15 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Reviews(2)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
2
Book at your own risk
B
The trip duration was...
The trip duration was mentioned as 4 hours, but then we found out that it will be at least 6-7 hours. This has ruined our plans for the day and trips as we booked another trip from Zurich that was 5:30 hours after this trip according to the info provided. Secondly we had to leave early from Basel on our own to catch the next trip and the tour guide gave us the train tickets for our return which the train controller found out that it’s booked for tomorrow not today. This was very embarrassing for me and my family & kids. I contacted the tour guide who couldn’t reach his office fast to resolve the matter, and I had to buy another 4 train tickets as the controller insisted. This was CHF 108/- I need a full refund and proper apology for all this inconveniences. I sent an email for this issue and waiting for a quick action.
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from$158
1.0(2) Free cancellation