Nestled in the heart of Switzerland, the capital city of Bern beckons travelers with its UNESCO-protected Old Town and surrounding picturesque countryside. This comprehensive day trip from Zurich or Lucerne promises a delightful exploration of the city’s historic charm and the renowned Emmental cheese region. Guests will wander through the cobblestone streets, indulge in a guided tour, and enjoy the traditions of Swiss cheesemaking. But the true delight lies in the unexpected surprises that await, promising an unforgettable journey into the heart of Switzerland’s cultural and culinary heritage.
Key Points
- Explore the scenic Swiss countryside around Bern, Switzerland’s capital, including the UNESCO-protected Old Town.
- Discover the renowned Emmental cheese region, with a cheese-making experience and tasting.
- Enjoy a guided walking tour of Bern’s historic center and learn about its architectural and cultural heritage.
- Indulge in a tasting and demonstration at the renowned Kambly biscuit factory.
- Receive a goodie bag filled with Swiss specialty items as a memento of the day’s experiences.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Scenic Drive Through Valleys
- Guided Tour of Bern
- Kambly Experience Tasting
- Emmental Dairy Farm Visit
- Cheese Tasting
- Goodie Bag of Delicacies
- Inclusions and Limitations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
- Can the Tour Be Customized to Suit Individual Preferences?
- Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
- What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?
- Can I Purchase Additional Items at the Emmental Dairy Farm?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Zurich
- More Tour Reviews in Zurich
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Zurich we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
This small-group day trip offers a chance to explore the scenic countryside around Bern, Switzerland’s capital city.
Travelers will drive through the picturesque Entlebuch and Emmental valleys, visit the UNESCO-protected Old Town of Bern, and discover the renowned Emmental cheese region.
Along the way, they’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of Bern’s historic center, indulge in a tasting at the Kambly biscuit factory, and learn about traditional cheese-making at an Emmental dairy farm.
The tour includes a carbon-balanced transportation option and a goodie bag filled with Swiss delicacies to take home.
With a maximum group size of 16, this day trip provides a personalized and immersive experience in the Swiss countryside.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Zurich.
Scenic Drive Through Valleys
The tour commences with a scenic drive through the picturesque Entlebuch and Emmental valleys, offering travelers a glimpse into the stunning Swiss countryside.
Along the way, the guide provides commentary on the region’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The drive takes passengers through rolling hills, lush meadows, and charming villages, highlighting the diversity of Switzerland’s landscape.
Some highlights of the scenic journey include:
- Passing by the Entlebuch Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-protected region known for its diverse ecology and stunning vistas.
- Admiring the traditional timber-framed houses and quaint town squares that dot the Emmental Valley.
- Stopping at viewpoints to take in panoramic views of the surrounding Alps.
- Learning about the agricultural heritage and dairy farming traditions that have shaped the region for centuries.
Guided Tour of Bern
After the scenic drive, the tour transitions to a guided walking exploration of Bern’s UNESCO-protected Old Town.
An expert multilingual driver-guide leads the small group through the charming medieval streets, sharing insights into the city’s rich history and architectural highlights.
Travelers stroll past the iconic Zytglogge clock tower, admire the ornate facades of the sandstone buildings, and learn about the impact of the Reformation on Bern’s development.
The guided tour offers an in-depth look at one of Switzerland’s most well-preserved historic city centers. Visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s timeless charm and the preservation efforts that have maintained its unique character over the centuries.
Kambly Experience Tasting
Next, the tour takes visitors to the Kambly Experience, a renowned biscuit manufacturer located in the Emmental region. Here, participants enjoy a tasting of Kambly’s signature biscuits, which are made using traditional Swiss recipes and high-quality ingredients. Accompanied by a refreshing beverage, the tasting allows travelers to savor the delicate flavors and crisp textures that have made Kambly a beloved Swiss delicacy.
The Kambly Experience offers:
- An interactive biscuit-making demonstration showcasing the company’s time-honored artisanal techniques.
- A guided tour of the production facilities, providing insights into the meticulous craftsmanship behind each biscuit.
- A selection of Kambly’s finest biscuits, including classic butter cookies and unique seasonal varieties.
- The opportunity to purchase Kambly products and other Swiss souvenirs in the on-site boutique.
Emmental Dairy Farm Visit
Following the Kambly Experience tasting, the tour heads to an Emmental dairy farm, where participants enjoy the rich heritage of Swiss cheesemaking.
At the Emmental Show dairy farm, guests learn about the time-honored traditions and techniques that have been passed down for generations. They’ll witness skilled cheesemakers expertly crafting the renowned Emmentaler cheese, sampling the tantalizing results of their labor.
The tour also includes a visit to the on-site cheese cellar, where visitors can observe the aging process that gives this iconic Swiss cheese its distinctive flavor and texture.
Throughout the experience, guests gain a deeper appreciation for the dedication and artistry that goes into producing the country’s beloved dairy products.
Cheese Tasting
At the Emmental Show dairy farm, visitors savor a delightful cheese tasting, sampling the renowned Emmentaler cheese crafted using time-honored traditions.
The tasting offers a chance to explore the unique flavors and textures of this iconic Swiss cheese. Visitors can:
- Observe skilled cheesemakers demonstrating the artisanal production process.
- Learn about the aging and maturation techniques that contribute to the cheese’s distinctive character.
- Indulge in a variety of Emmentaler cheese samples, ranging from young and mild to mature and robust.
- Appreciate the dedication and expertise required to create this beloved Swiss delicacy.
This immersive cheese tasting experience provides a true taste of the Emmental region’s dairy heritage and culinary excellence.
Goodie Bag of Delicacies
After savoring the delectable Emmentaler cheese, participants are treated to a goodie bag filled with an array of Swiss delicacies to take home.
The bag contains a selection of the country’s finest specialty items, such as handcrafted biscuits from the renowned Kambly Experience, artisanal chocolate, and traditional Swiss candy.
These local products provide a taste of Switzerland’s rich culinary heritage.
The goodie bag serves as a delightful reminder of the day’s experiences and offers the opportunity to share these Swiss treats with family and friends.
It’s a thoughtful addition that enhances the overall tour experience, allowing participants to bring a piece of the Swiss countryside back with them.
Inclusions and Limitations
The tour includes a fully-guided experience by a professional multilingual driver-guide, transportation in a comfortable minibus with WiFi, a guided walk of the UNESCO-protected Old Town of Berne, a tasting at the Kambly Experience with samples and a complimentary beverage, a visit to the Emmental Show dairy farm with a cheese tasting, and a goodie bag filled with local Swiss products.
However, certain limitations apply – the tour isn’t suitable for children under 6 years or for wheelchair users.
Guests are responsible for their own:
- Lunch
- Beverages
- Personal expenses
- Transportation to/from the tour starting point
This comprehensive day-trip allows travelers to enjoy the rich culture and natural beauty of the Berne region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
The tour has a small group size. According to the details, travelers will "Join a small group tour," indicating the maximum group size is not specified but is limited to ensure a personalized experience.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Suit Individual Preferences?
The tour cannot be customized to suit individual preferences. It is a small group tour with a set itinerary and activities. Travelers must follow the predetermined schedule and cannot make changes to the tour.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
The tour operator does not offer any specific discounts for seniors or students. However, they may be able to provide a discounted rate if requested, depending on the group size and availability.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?
The tour has a flexible cancellation policy – travelers can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour date for a full refund. There are no specific discounts for seniors or students.
Can I Purchase Additional Items at the Emmental Dairy Farm?
Yes, visitors can purchase additional items at the Emmental dairy farm beyond the included cheese tasting. The farm likely offers a variety of cheese products, souvenirs, and other local goods for purchase during the tour.
From Zurich/Lucerne: Berne Capital and Countryside Day-Trip
“It was a rainy day and ended up with only 3 of us on the trip. However, our tour guide, Franz, was very accommodating and made sure we were informe…”
Recap
This day trip from Zurich or Lucerne offers an enchanting exploration of Switzerland’s historic capital, Bern, and the picturesque Emmental countryside.
Guests will discover the UNESCO-protected Old Town, visit a renowned biscuit factory, and experience an immersive cheesemaking demonstration, culminating in a delectable cheese tasting and a goodie bag of Swiss delicacies to savor.
It’s a comprehensive and engaging experience that showcases the unique cultural and culinary heritage of this stunning region.
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