Geneva to Gruyères: Chocolate, Cheese & Golden Pass Train

Summary

Gruyères day trip with chocolate tasting, fondue lunch and scenic train ride

You’ll step inside a real Swiss chocolate factory near Geneva, taste fresh Gruyères cheese straight from the source, try your luck with fondue in a medieval village, and ride the panoramic Golden Pass train past lakes and mountains—all with a local guide handling every detail. It’s not just about tasting; it’s about feeling Switzerland slow down around you.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the smell—warm, sweet, almost like toasted hazelnuts—right as we stepped into Maison Cailler. Our guide, Marianne, grinned when she saw my face (I guess I looked pretty eager). She told us the Swiss are serious about their chocolate rituals. We tried samples that melted so fast on my tongue I barely had time to think. I probably ate too many, but no one judged. The drive from Geneva passed by Lake Geneva’s glassy water and these little wooden chalets tucked between green hills—I kept losing track of what side of the bus to look out from.

Gruyères itself felt like a postcard somebody forgot to Photoshop. Cobblestones underfoot, a castle perched above us. At La Maison du Gruyère, they handed out cubes of cheese still warm from the vat (I didn’t expect that part). The fondue lunch was...honestly? Not as easy as it looks. Marianne laughed when I lost my bread in the pot for the third time—apparently there’s a penalty for that but she let me off easy. The air smelled grassy and faintly sweet from all the cows nearby. It’s weird how quiet it gets in those little lanes even with tourists around.

Later in Montreux, we hopped onto the Golden Pass train—the windows are huge, almost like you’re floating above everything. The landscape changed so quickly: vineyards tumbling down toward Lake Geneva and then suddenly pine forests and sharp mountain peaks. There was this moment where sunlight flashed on the lake and everyone just went silent for a second. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck on my commute back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Geneva to Montreux via Gruyères

• Meet guide at Keytours Office
• Pass by Lake Geneva
• Visit Maison Cailler chocolate factory
• Enjoy Swiss countryside en route to Gruyères
• Visit La Maison du Gruyère cheese factory
• Board Golden Pass Train in Montreux
• Travel through diverse landscapes to alpine villages

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Geneva to Gruyères?

The full day trip lasts approximately 10 hours including travel time and all stops.

Is chocolate tasting included at Maison Cailler?

Yes, entry and unlimited chocolate tasting at Maison Cailler are included.

Do we get to try Gruyères cheese during the tour?

Yes, there is a cheese tasting at La Maison du Gruyère plus a traditional fondue lunch.

Is transport by coach provided from Geneva?

Yes, round-trip coach transport from Geneva is included in your booking.

Does this tour include a ride on the Golden Pass train?

Yes, you will board the panoramic Golden Pass train in Montreux as part of your itinerary.

Are there guides on this day trip?

A local driver-guide accompanies you throughout the tour.

Is this suitable for families or small children?

The tour is suitable for all ages; infants can ride in prams or strollers.

Are public transportation options available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near departure points.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip coach transport from Geneva, entry to Maison Cailler with unlimited chocolate tasting, a guided visit and cheese sampling at La Maison du Gruyère (plus fondue lunch), time to wander medieval Gruyères village, a panoramic Golden Pass train ride from Montreux through alpine scenery—all led by an experienced local guide before returning in the evening.