Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is a charming city with a rich culinary heritage. Tucked away in its historic Old Town, there’s a delightful blend of chocolate, liqueurs, and schnapps that beckons the curious palate. Join a guided tour and embark on a journey through the city’s iconic landmarks, savoring the flavors that have made Bern a renowned destination for connoisseurs of fine confections and spirits. From the Kaefigturm to the Matte Brennerei, this 2.5-hour experience promises to tantalize your senses and leave you craving more of Bern’s irresistible indulgences.
Key Points
- Indulge in tastings of Bernese chocolates, liqueurs, and schnapps during a 2.5-hour tour showcasing the city’s renowned confectionery and spirits culture.
- Explore Bern’s charming Old Town on a guided walking tour, discovering the city’s architectural and historical highlights.
- Hike to the picturesque Matte district and savor traditional Bernese delicacies like Rösti and Emmentaler cheese.
- Visit a local distillery, Matte Brennerei / Events, for a behind-the-scenes look at the production of Bern’s spirits.
- Experience a well-balanced tour that combines food tastings, sightseeing, and insights into Bern’s vibrant culinary and beverage landscape.
Tour Overview
The Chocolate and Liquor in Bern tour lasts 2.5 hours and starts at the Kaefigturm (Prison Tower) on Baerenplatz (Bear’s Square), showcasing the highlights of Bernese chocolate, liqueur, and schnapps.
Guests will begin with a food tasting and safety briefing, then embark on a guided tour of Bern’s Old Town.
After exploring the city’s historic streets, they’ll hike to the Mattequartier district for more food tasting.
The tour culminates with a visit to the Matte Brennerei / Events, where participants can enjoy cocktails, spirits, and a final food sampling.
Throughout the experience, attendees will learn about the rich chocolate history of Bern and gain insight into the region’s culinary traditions.
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Meeting Point and Highlights
The tour commences at the Kaefigturm (Prison Tower) on Baerenplatz (Bear’s Square), where participants gather for the Chocolate and Liquor in Bern experience. Key highlights of the 2.5-hour adventure include tastings of Bernese chocolates, liqueurs, and schnapps, as well as a guided tour through the city’s historic Old Town and Matte district.
The tour highlights are summarized in the table below:
Component | Duration |
---|---|
Chocolate, liqueur, and schnapps tasting | 20 minutes |
Guided tour of Bern’s Old Town | 30 minutes |
Hiking and food tasting in Mattequartier | 20 minutes |
Visit, cocktail, spirits, and food tasting at Matte Brennerei / Events | 1 hour |
Participants can look forward to savoring the rich flavors of Bernese confections, including Toblerone, Ovaltine/Ovomaltine, and Lindt, while also discovering the city’s captivating chocolate history and other fascinating facts about Bern.
Itinerary Breakdown
At the beginning of the tour, participants gather for a 20-minute food tasting and safety briefing, where they can sample the rich flavors of classic Bernese chocolates and learn about the importance of responsible consumption.
After this introduction, the group embarks on a 30-minute guided tour of Bern’s Old Town, exploring the charming cobblestone streets and historical landmarks.
Next, the tour heads to the Matte district, where hikers spend 20 minutes tasting seasonal local foods.
The finale takes place at the Matte Brennerei / Events, where guests indulge in a 1-hour cocktail, spirits, and food tasting experience, seeing the local liqueur and schnapps culture.
Food Tasting and Safety
Participants begin the tour with a 20-minute food tasting and safety briefing, where they sample the rich flavors of classic Bernese chocolates and learn about the importance of responsible consumption.
The guide introduces the group to the iconic Toblerone, Ovaltine, and Lindt chocolate brands, explaining their unique histories and production methods.
Guests are also treated to a tasting of local liqueurs and schnapps, accompanied by a discussion on the distilling process and appropriate serving sizes.
Throughout the session, the guide emphasizes the need for moderation and caution, ensuring everyone’s enjoyment remains safe and responsible.
This initial segment sets the tone for the rest of the tour, whetting the appetite for the delicious adventures to come.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyGuided Tour of Old Town
After the initial food tasting, the guide leads the group on a captivating 30-minute walking tour through Bern’s picturesque Old Town, imparting fascinating historical insights along the way.
The guide points out the iconic Zytglogge tower, a medieval clock tower that has been a prominent landmark since the 13th century. Attendees learn about the city’s unique sandstone architecture and UNESCO World Heritage status.
The tour also covers the story behind the city’s famous Bären-Brunnen (Bear Fountain), where bears have been a symbol of Bern for centuries.
Throughout the stroll, the guide provides context on Bern’s rich past and how it has shaped the charming character of the Old Town.
Hiking and Food Tasting
With the historical insights of Bern’s Old Town fresh in their minds, the group follows the guide on a 20-minute hike to the Mattequartier, a charming riverside district. Along the way, they sample seasonal local food surprises that provide a delightful taste of Bernese culinary traditions. Upon arrival, the guide leads the group through the picturesque Matte area, sharing fascinating stories about its history and unique character. The tasting continues with a selection of specialty local foods, each one offering a glimpse into the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.
Food Item | Description |
---|---|
Bernese Rösti | Crispy shredded potatoes, often served with bacon and cheese |
Emmentaler Cheese | Renowned Swiss cheese with distinctive holes |
Berner Platte | A traditional platter of cured meats, sausages, and pickled vegetables |
Visit, Cocktail, and Spirits
The group arrives at the Matte Brennerei / Events, a local distillery renowned for its artisanal cocktails and spirits.
They’re greeted by a knowledgeable guide who takes them on a captivating tour, sharing the history and craftsmanship behind the distillery’s signature offerings.
The guests sample a variety of liqueurs and schnapps, each with its own unique flavor profile and story.
They learn about the production process, from sourcing the finest ingredients to the meticulous distillation techniques.
As they sip and savor, the guide regales them with tales of Bern’s vibrant spirits culture.
It’s an immersive experience that connects the group to the city’s rich culinary heritage in a delightfully indulgent way.
Recommendations and Exclusions
Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and outdoor clothing for the tour, as it involves some hiking and walking through the historic Matte district.
Children under 18 years old aren’t permitted on the tour. This is to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants, as the tour includes tastings of chocolates, liqueurs, and schnapps.
Comfortable attire will allow participants to fully enjoy the experience without worrying about their footwear or clothing.
After the tour, it’s recommended that participants return home by public transportation or taxi, as the tastings may affect their ability to drive safely.
Following these simple recommendations will help make the Chocolate and Liquor in Bern tour a truly memorable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Discounts for Group Bookings?
Yes, the tour operator offers discounts for group bookings. Groups of 8 or more people can receive a 10% discount on the tour price. Additional discounts may be available for larger groups or for booking in advance.
Can I Request a Private Tour or Customized Itinerary?
Yes, private tours and customized itineraries are available. Guests can contact the tour operator to discuss their specific requirements and preferences. Additional fees may apply for private or customized experiences.
What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?
The cancellation and refund policy typically allows for full refunds if cancelled at least 24 hours in advance. Partial refunds or tour credit may be offered for later cancellations, depending on the provider’s policy.
Are There Any Dietary or Allergy Accommodations Available?
The tour accommodates dietary restrictions and food allergies. Guests should notify the organizers ahead of time so they can adjust the tasting menu accordingly. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available upon request.
Can I Purchase Additional Items or Souvenirs During the Tour?
Yes, participants can purchase additional items or souvenirs during the tour. The tour includes tastings and visits to local chocolate and liquor shops, providing opportunities to buy products beyond the included samples.
Recap
This captivating 2.5-hour tour in Bern offers a delightful immersion into the city’s renowned chocolate, liqueur, and schnapps culture.
Guests will embark on a journey through the charming Old Town, indulge in tastings of local delicacies, and visit a distillery for a guided tour and further sampling.
It’s an engaging experience that showcases the rich culinary heritage of Bern.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Dessert Tours in Bern
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