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 practising their art.
We’ll head to “La Maison du Gruyères”, a traditional dairy where master cheesemakers will reveal the process behind authentic Gruyères AOP cheese. Watch as fresh milk is transformed into delicious Gruyères, 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 Gruyères 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 recognise and appreciate the full bodied, nutty flavour of authentic Gruyères as you sample the cheese straight from the wheel.
Next, a short scenic hike will bring us to the delightful town of Gruyères, 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 flavour, achieved by using condensed milk rather than the standard milk powder used in most other brands.