On National Cheese Lover’s Day, Azamara introduced a new land program that gives travelers the chance to take part in a hands-on cheese-making workshop on Mount Rigi in the Swiss Alps.
This Switzerland Glacier Express Train experience can be added to any Azamara voyage that embarks from or disembarks in Amsterdam, Copenhagen, or Bordeaux, offered as a five-night pre-cruise option or a four-night post-cruise extension. Aboard the Glacier Express, guests travel through the high alpine landscapes, crossing dramatic passes and valleys on the route from Zermatt to the elegant resort town of St. Moritz. From St. Moritz, the itinerary includes a full-day excursion to Mount Rigi where participants join a local farmer and cheese expert for an authentic, hands-on workshop. Attendees learn traditional techniques, sample several varieties of Swiss cheese, and enjoy sweeping views of lakes and mountain peaks while tasting the region’s culinary heritage.
© Azamara
Azamara’s new offering complements other cheese-focused shore excursions the cruise line features. For example, on the 14-night Norway Intensive Voyage guests can visit family-run Tingvoll Farm to learn about small-scale cheese production and sampling. On the 7-night Italy Intensive Voyage, travelers can taste fresh mozzarella di bufala at the Barlotti Cheese Factory and discover the craft behind that iconic cheese. And in Bordeaux, the 14-night Wine and Culture Voyage pairs regional wines with local cheeses, providing a fitting setting to enjoy classic wine-and-cheese tastings.
These immersive shore programs are designed for travelers who want more than sightseeing: they offer hands-on learning, direct interaction with local producers, and tastings that highlight regional specialties. Whether added as a cruise extension or included as a shore excursion, the Glacier Express and Mount Rigi cheese workshop expand Azamara’s lineup of culinary experiences aimed at food lovers seeking authentic, memorable moments while exploring Europe.