By rail · CHEESE
Every trip has one free day too few. These 9 cheese tastings justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
Travel from Krakow in a comfortable van with an English-speaking guide such as Dawid, Lucas, or Marcin. Visit Chochołów, taste smoked oscypek and local alcohol, see a wooden chapel and ski jump, then ride the Gubałówka funicular for wide Tatras views before exploring Zakopane.
“Trip was great from start to finish. Our guide was great. very informative.”
Spend about 11 hours traveling from Krakow to Chocholow and Zakopane, with a funicular ride up Gubalowka, smoked sheep cheese tasting, free time on Krupowki Street, and 2.5 hours at Chocholowskie thermal pools. English-speaking guides such as Mike, Daniel, and Tomek help keep the day moving.
“The whole trip was fantastic. The only obstacle was the almost never ending queue for the line train. It would have been much better if it was booked for certain time so the group wouldn't have to wait in the line. We even didn' go there, because of the amount of people waiting there. The queue was 200-300 metres long. The wooden village is really beautiful especially in the winter - covered in snow. The thermal pools are perfect for relax after the whole trip”
Spend 10 hours exploring Swiss food and scenery on a coach tour from Geneva. Visit Maison Cailler in Broc, taste Gruyère cheese and fondue, enjoy free time in the medieval village, then ride the GoldenPass train toward Montreux. Guides may include Roger, David, Babis, or Aristotle.
“Our tour guide Roger made the whole experience all the more fun. We had two kids 11 and 8 yrs old and he made the drive in the coach so fun. The entire experience is well worth it.”
Spend 10 hours traveling from Geneva to Maison Cailler, Maison du Gruyère and the medieval village of Gruyères. Your English-speaking guide handles the day, with chocolate tasting, cheese-making, fondue, coach transport and a GoldenPass panoramic train ride to Montreux.
“Our tour guide, Antoinette, was friendly and knowledgeable. She pointed out the significance of the beautiful sights and made sure that our tours of both the Cheese and Chocolate factories were first rate. Part way in, we indulged in an "all you can eat" chocolates extravaganza and ended with a terrific sit-down, Fondue feast that truly made this a "must do" tour. We will not soon forget our royal treatment by our wonderful tour guide as we shop for slightly larger belts...”
Travel from Krakow in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide. Visit Chochołów’s wooden houses, Jaszczurówka chapel, Zakopane’s Krupówki Street, and Wielka Krokiew, then ride the included funicular up Gubałówka Hill for broad Tatra Mountain views.
“The journey to Zakopane was incredible and left a lasting impression of how this wonderful placehas stood the test of time. Along the way, we visitedthe Chocholow wooden village, which has stood for over 100 yrs. Using only natural resources, the mountain highlanders built their houses with stunning beauty and craftsmanship. Zakopane which lieas at the base ofnthe Tatra Mountains, feels truly magical especially during the winter season when it is blanketed with snow. To enjoy the stunning view of this resort town, climbing the Gubalowka using the funicular is a must. Snow-capped mountains in the backdrop make the day deeply relaxing while enjoying the magnificient beauty of nature.”
You’ll ride the underground funicular to road-free Bulnes, view Picu Urriellu, and visit a Cabrales cheese cave in Arenas. An English or Spanish guide leads the day. Santiago has earned praise for clear communication, though the cheese visit may use Spanish with an iPad translation.
“It was well planned and the communication was excellent”
Travel from Lausanne by coach to Maison Cailler and Maison du Gruyère, then explore medieval Gruyères before a GoldenPass Panoramic train ride toward Montreux. An English-speaking driver-guide handles the day, with chocolate, cheese, fondue, and free time included.
“The trip was nice and informative exposure, however didnot have enough time at Gruyère village”
Spend nine hours exploring southern Poland with an English or Polish-speaking guide. Visit wooden Chochołów, taste smoked oscypek cheese, enjoy free time in Zakopane, ride the Gubałówka funicular, and stop at Wielka Krokiew and Jaszczurówka Chapel. Guides Mido and Mito are praised for friendly, helpful service.
“It was a very nice experience. Mido, our guide, was precious, making sure that we were comfortable at all times and giving us all the insider tips! He was very kind and gave us tips also for the rest of our trip. Would recommend him wholeheartedly!”
Travel from Gijón into the Picos de Europa with local guide Santiago or another Buendía guide. Visit Bulnes, ride the return funicular, view Naranjo de Bulnes, pass through the Cares Gorge, and tour a Cabrales cheese cave with cider tasting.
“The trip was very well organized and executed. From the pick up, to the destinations, and the return- it was all very well done. Santiago, the tour guide, made sure everyone was accounted for and was very responsible and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this for solo travelers who want to get to the Picos and don’t want to drive or figure out transport. The cheese tour was good too- a good way to unwind from the excitement of the Picos de Europa.”
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