Gruyères Castle, Cheese, and Chocolate Small Group from Bern

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.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Bern Mittelland District, Bern Mittelland District, Canton of Bern

Your guide and driver will meet you at the Bern meeting point and will then whisk you away to our first discovery.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: La Gruyere, La Gruyere, La Gruyere, Canton of Fribourg

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.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Gruyeres, Gruyeres, La Gruyere, Canton of Fribourg

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!

Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Broc, Broc, La Gruyere, Canton of Fribourg

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!

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Bern Mittelland District, Bern Mittelland District, Canton of Bern

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.

Duration: 1 hour



Informacion Adicional
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Near public transportation"
"Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level"
"This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund"
"This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund"
"This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers"
"Confirmation will be received at time of booking"



Start Time: 10:00 AM
Duration: 8 Hours
Start location: Bern Bahnhof, Bahnhofpl. 10 A, 3011 Bern, Switzerland

Cancellations and refunds: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.

Included

• Local expert guide
• Railway Pass
• La Maison Gruyères cheesemaking visit
• La Maison Gruyères cheese cellars view
• Château de Gruyères visit
• Cailler factory visit and chocolate tasting

Not Included

• Raclette or fondue lunch in Gruyères

Facilities