Zurich tour from Basel: Old Town, chocolate tasting, cruise

Walk Zurich's Old Town, taste handcrafted chocolate, then drift across the lake

A full-day tour departing from Basel SBB train station combines a guided walking tour of Zurich's historic Old Town, visits to three traditional Swiss confiseries for chocolate tasting, a scenic photo stop overlooking Lake Zurich and the Alps, and a one-hour boat cruise on the lake. A private guide in English or Spanish leads the group. Train tickets and all tastings are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Zurich tour with chocolate and cruise

• Meet at Basel SBB train station
• Train ride to Zurich
• Guided walking tour of Zurich Old Town
• Chocolate tasting at three confiseries
• Scenic photo stop at Lake Zurich viewpoint
• Boat cruise on Lake Zurich
• Return to Basel SBB train station

The experience

The day starts with a one-hour train ride from Basel SBB to Zurich, where your guide meets you for a 2.5 to 3-hour walking tour through the Old Town. You'll pass the Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches and stroll the elegant Bahnhofstrasse, hearing the stories behind each landmark. The pace is steady but built for sightseeing, not rushing.

Three stops at traditional Swiss confiseries break up the walk. At each shop, you'll sample handcrafted chocolates (silky pralines, seasonal creations, and regional specialties) without the pressure of a tasting room or a formal sit-down. The stops are woven into the route, so you taste as you go. Between the Old Town and the boat, there's a scenic viewpoint where you can photograph Lake Zurich with the Alps in the background.

The boat cruise lasts about an hour and covers the lake at an easy pace, with views of the city receding behind you, the surrounding mountains, and small villages along the shoreline. After the cruise, the train returns you to Basel SBB. The whole day runs five to seven hours door to door.

What’s included

• Train tickets in second class from Basel to Zurich and back.
• a private guide in English or Spanish.
• a 2.5 to 3-hour guided walking tour of Zurich's Old Town including the Grossmünster, Fraumünster, and Bahnhofstrasse.
• chocolate tasting at three traditional Swiss confiseries.
• a scenic photo stop overlooking Lake Zurich and the Alps.
• a one-hour boat cruise on Lake Zurich.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (6 to 15 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Switzerland Viva Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this if you prefer a guided walking tour with built-in chocolate stops rather than exploring Zurich's Old Town on your own, so you hear the stories behind landmarks like Grossmünster and Fraumünster while sampling handcrafted Swiss chocolates at three confiseries.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 15 years); Infant (under 6).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What landmarks do I see on the walking tour of Zurich's Old Town?

The Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches are the main stops, along with the Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich's famous shopping street. Your guide explains the history and significance of each as you walk through the charming streets of the Old Town.

How many chocolate tastings are included, and what kind of chocolates will I try?

You visit three traditional Swiss confiseries during the tour. Each shop offers handcrafted chocolates including silky pralines and unique seasonal creations, so you sample a variety of styles and flavors across the three stops.

Is the boat cruise on Lake Zurich included in the tour price?

Yes, a one-hour boat cruise on Lake Zurich is included. The cruise offers panoramic views of the city, surrounding mountains, and lakeside villages, and it follows the walking tour and chocolate tastings.

Do I need to arrange my own train tickets from Basel to Zurich?

No, second-class train tickets from Basel SBB to Zurich are included in the tour price. Your guide meets you at Basel SBB station, and the one-hour train ride is part of the day's itinerary.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

The walking tour of Zurich's Old Town lasts 2.5 to 3 hours. The pace is steady and covers the historic center on foot. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and wheelchair-accessible routes are available.