• St. Gallen - Embark on a picturesque train journey from Zurich to St. Gallen, traversing Switzerland’s delightful apple-growing region. The route reveals gentle hills adorned with orchards and quaint villages, epitomizing rural life in northeastern Switzerland. In spring, the landscape is transformed by a sea of white apple blossoms, while late summer and autumn bring branches laden with ripe fruit.
• St. Gallen - ⛪ Explore the Cathedral, a baroque architectural masterpiece featuring soaring ceilings, ornate stucco, and awe-inspiring frescoes.
  ️ Delve into history at the former Benedictine monastery, established over 1,200 years ago, once a pivotal European learning center. Visitors will discover how monks copied manuscripts, preserved knowledge, and influenced regional culture.
  Enjoy tranquil courtyards and alleys, where cobblestone paths and historic buildings create a serene and timeless atmosphere.
• Abbey Library of St Gall - Enter the “Philosophers’ Hall,” a stunning baroque library with carved wood, frescoed ceilings, and shelves of leather-bound books, evoking a fairytale ambiance.
  Discover priceless manuscripts, including medieval illuminated texts, early musical notations, and documents from the 8th century, when the monastery was a European knowledge hub.
  Learn about UNESCO heritage, understanding how the Abbey of St. Gall became a scholarly center that preserved and disseminated knowledge, earning its UNESCO World Heritage status.
  ✨ Marvel at the famous mummy, part of the library’s cabinet of curiosities, which also includes rare globes and medieval artworks.
  ️ Experience history firsthand, as visitors walk on creaking wooden floors beneath painted ceilings, just as monks and scholars did centuries ago.
• Mühleggbahn - Ride a historic funicular, a short yet steep railway linking the lower city near the train station with the Mühlegg district above. It’s a fun and unique way to explore St. Gallen’s landscape.
  Enjoy panoramic views as the car ascends, offering sights of rooftops, cathedral spires, and hillsides dotted with charming houses.
  ️ Immerse in local life, as the funicular is a daily mode of transport for locals, providing a glimpse into everyday St. Gallen life, from students commuting to residents running errands.
  Reach walking trails and scenic spots at the top, where travelers can explore quiet streets, parks, and trails with views over the city and the Swiss countryside beyond.
  ✨ A brief yet picturesque experience, the ride offers a taste of Swiss engineering and a perfect photo opportunity.
• Appenzeller Schaukaserei - Witness live cheese-making, from fresh Alpine milk to the renowned spicy Appenzeller cheese. Guests can observe the cheesemaker as huge copper vats are stirred, curds are pressed, and cheese wheels are salted and matured.
  Discover the secret herb brine mixture that gives Appenzeller cheese its distinctive flavor, a centuries-old recipe still closely guarded.
  ️ Sample various cheese types, from mild to extra-spicy, with a tasting plate or a hearty fondue, all amidst authentic Appenzell hospitality.
  Step into tradition with interactive exhibits, films, and old tools explaining the region’s 700-year cheese-making history. The rustic wooden buildings and fresh cheese aroma create a truly authentic Alpine atmosphere.
  Enjoy the village and landscape, as Stein is nestled in the rolling green hills of Appenzell, with views of farms, pastures, and the distant Säntis mountain.
• Appenzell - ️Wander through the colorful old town, where narrow streets lined with vividly painted houses and intricate frescoes narrate Appenzell’s rich history and unique culture.
  ️ Explore local crafts and specialties, from handmade cheese and wooden toys to traditional textiles, in shops and markets celebrating regional traditions.
  ️ Savor Appenzeller cheese and delicacies, as the town is the heart of the famous Appenzeller cheese region, offering tastings, cheese shops, and cozy cafes for enjoying local flavors.
  Immerse in local traditions, where travelers might experience folk music, traditional costumes, or local festivals that bring the town’s heritage to life, depending on the season.
  Explore the surrounding landscapes, with Appenzell encircled by rolling hills, lush meadows, and scenic walking trails, offering breathtaking views of the Alpstein mountains.
• Brauerei Locher AG - Visit Brauerei Locher in Appenzell, home to the renowned Appenzeller beer. This independent brewery is celebrated for its creativity, brewing not only traditional lagers but also beers infused with alpine herbs, whiskies, and soft drinks made with mountain spring water. On-site, discover how age-old brewing traditions meet modern innovation, and learn why this brewery is a source of pride for the Appenzell region.

Participants can partake in a tasting to sample different flavors, while others can enjoy cultural insights and the welcoming atmosphere. Surrounded by rolling hills and alpine charm, Brauerei Locher offers a glimpse into the flavors and traditions of eastern Switzerland.

• Appenzell Railways - Ride a classic cogwheel railway, a charming mountain train that descends steadily through rolling hills, showcasing traditional Swiss engineering in action.
  Enjoy panoramic countryside views, as the train winds past green meadows, forests, and small villages, offering a unique perspective of the Appenzell region’s peaceful beauty.
  ️ Pass through quaint villages, with stops along the route providing glimpses of timbered houses, local farms, and the everyday life of the region’s residents.
  Capture memorable moments, as the combination of steep inclines, scenic curves, and Alpine vistas offers perfect photo opportunities throughout the ride.
• Bahnhof - Optional: Conclude the day Swiss-style with a delightful meal aboard a train restaurant, blending local flavors with the magic of rail travel. This tour combines culture, tradition, and breathtaking landscapes, all accessible by public transport.

• Admission fees
• Personal guide Dave: Swiss local, qualified geographer & teacher
• Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)
• Cheese tasting
• Entrance fees

• Meals
• Lunch
• Dinner

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Eastern Switzerland using public transport. The adventure kicks off in St. Gallen, where visitors can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Stiftsbezirk and the renowned Abbey Library, a true gem of history and culture.

The journey continues with a delightful ride on a funicular up the hillside, followed by a train trip through the lush green hills of Appenzell. Along the route, there’s a stop at a traditional cheese factory to witness the crafting of the region’s famous cheese and, of course, to sample it!

In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely walk through Appenzell’s charming old town, adorned with its vibrant painted houses. The highlights persist with a ride on a mountain railway and cogwheel train, offering breathtaking views of the Alps and valleys.

To conclude the day in true Swiss fashion, savor a delicious meal aboard a train restaurant, blending local flavors with the enchanting experience of rail travel. This tour seamlessly combines culture, tradition, and stunning landscapes, all conveniently accessible by public transport.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.