Say Cheese: 12 of the Best Cheese Tours and Tastings Around the World

If you thought Scotland was all about hearty meats and grains, think again (after all, those adorable Highland cows have to be up to something). This quirky walking tour takes you off the beaten path to Edinburgh’s best cheesemongers, complete with generous tastings and prosecco at every stop (though nonalcoholic drinks are available, too).

You'll explore local neighborhoods and meet the local cheese experts, all while learning about the city’s eclectic food scene, which goes way, way beyond whisky and haggis.

What one reviewer said: “Absolute cheese joy. Xander was amazing, friendly, and hospitable! The history and the personalities of the cheesemongers was spectacular. A must-do in Edinburgh.” johnthule, July 2025

What makes Parmigiano-Reggiano and Parma ham so legendary? This tour answers that question deliciously. Across one sensory-rich half day, you'll witness the careful craft of Parmigiano-Reggiano production (that’s the highest-quality parmesan, by the way—the real stuff) firsthand at one of Parma's respected artisan cheese producers, then move on to discover why Parma ham has earned its protected designation.

The city was named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2015, and on this tour, it’s easy to see (and taste) why.

What one reviewer said: “Truly an immersive experience into how Parmigiano and Prosciutto are made and the unique characteristics [which mean that only] the products made in this region can have an authentic label. Sergio, our guide, was excellent. As a farmer himself, he gave amazing insights.” Matthew_M, November 2025

There’s nowhere better than Paris to learn all about haute fromage. French cheesemakers have perfected their pungent art over centuries, and you’ll get shown the ropes in this fun, interactive workshop that dives deep into France's cheesy heritage.

Meet the expert cheesemakers, learn their time-honored techniques, and discover what makes French cheese so exceptional. (Of course, the experience also includes cheese-and-wine pairings.) Afterward, if time allows, stop by the Museum of Cheese—that’s how seriously France takes the good stuff.

What one reviewer said: “What a fun way to spend a morning in Paris! Thomas taught us all about the cheese- and butter-making processes, and we got to try our hands at making both. I learned a lot and had a great time.” Laura_E, December 2025

Imagine staring at a cheese counter that's been serving London’s posh Mayfair customers for more than 300 years and getting recommendations from one of the city’s best cheesemongers.

On this guided tour, that fantasy becomes reality—you’ll sample famous British cheeses (such as Stilton) before heading to Soho and Little Italy, where you'll try even more pungent varieties, wrapping up in Covent Garden with London's best baked Camembert. With so much to taste and try, this has got to be one of the most comprehensive European cheese tours available.

What one reviewer said: “Loved this tour [...]! The wonderful guide Pearla introduced us to some delicious cheeses and the delightful histories thereof [...]. There was even some time to peruse the stores, which was a nice bonus.” sarah_c, November 2025

What happens when you combine Swiss cheese, chocolate, and a medieval castle? This private day trip from Geneva happens, that’s what. The castle of La Gruyère (yes, that Gruyère) adds a cultural dimension to this indulgent culinary travel experience that showcases one of Switzerland’s top cheese destinations.

Beyond the adventure for your palate, you’ll get a relaxing day exploring the Swiss countryside, with door-to-door transportation and lunch at the House of Gruyere provided. And with chocolate thrown in, it’ll be extra sweet.

What one reviewer said: “This was a well-organized, fantastic tour that showed us the beautiful Swiss countryside and [...] factories for making Gruyere cheese and Swiss chocolate. We loved seeing the castle and having the chance to enjoy some Swiss foods for lunch along with looking through the medieval town.” Carol_W, October 2025

Milwaukee’s Germanic heritage runs broad and deep—this was once the most immigrant-rich city in the nation, and Milwaukee’s German community had schools, newspapers, churches, taverns, and more. Today, though, that diverse history is best explored through the city’s two most famous exports: beer and cheese.

On this foodie tour, you’ll sample regional beers and local snacks (including the essential hot and crispy cheese curds, a Wisconsin must-try) while learning how 19th-century immigrants shaped Milwaukee's food culture to this day. Fish fry, anyone?

What one reviewer said: “We have gone on many walking food tours across the country. This was definitely in the top five of them all. Taylor was very knowledgeable, extremely personable, [and] really made our tour special. Oh, by the way, the food was outstanding [...].” Russell_N, September 2025

Move over, Napa Valley. Visitors who head farther south will find another type of wine country—the kind that comes with cheese. Travel to Baja California’s Ojos Negros Valley, where local artisan cheese producers pair their goodies with quality wines—without the crowds or Napa Valley price tags.

Tour a wine cellar to learn about Ramonetti cheesemaking, stop at La Casa Marcelo for a gourmet lunch, then finish at Ensenada's only wine bar to wrap up a day celebrating the finer things in life.

What one reviewer said: “Fantastic wine tasting at Santo Tomas. The cheese route tour and the lavender farm dinner was excellent!” Anna, June 2024

What do windmills, wooden clogs, and cheese have in common? They're all quintessential parts of Dutch heritage, and this half-day tour from Amsterdam showcases them all together in one go, with transfers and all entrance fees included.

With a small group of fellow cheeseheads, you’ll explore the picturesque village of Zaanse Schans, visit local cheese farms and a clog-making workshop, and learn about the windmills' crucial role during the Dutch Golden Age. It’s a history lesson that tastes so good.

What one reviewer said: “This was a 5-star experience! Our guide, David, shared lots of interesting details and kept us on time without ever making us feel rushed. The windmills, clogs, cheese-tasting, and snack stops gave us a nice overview of some quintessentially Dutch heritage. Well worth it!” Susannah_W, December 2025

If a cheese tasting could tell you the story of an entire country, this carefully curated experience would be the one. During this quick gourmet tasting in Madrid, you’ll try cheeses from many different regions across Spain, from creamy Manchego to smoky San Simón da Costa.

Meanwhile, an expert guide explains each cheese's origin and artisanal production process, and a wine specialist demonstrates the perfect Spanish cheese and wine pairings. It essentially doubles as drinks and appetizers before your night out on the town.

What one reviewer said: “Very educational about all the wine and cheese regions of Spain. The wines and cheeses were very, very good. Excellent pours! Lots of food.” Paula_C, July 2025

Once you’ve had your fill of Melbourne and its city buzz, know that there’s a bounty of deliciousness to explore less than an hour away. The nearby Yarra Valley is famous for fabulous scenery and cool-climate wines, but don’t stress about driving through it.

This full-day tour handles all the logistics, taking you to 5–6 local wine producers, as well as stopping for cheese, chocolate, and fresh fruit. It's a comprehensive culinary travel experience that showcases Australia's best cheese tastings and wine offerings.

What one reviewer said: “This was such an amazing day. Our guide, Shaun, was so friendly and funny, genuinely had all of us laughing so much and interacted with everyone. I was [traveling] alone, so it was nice to feel so welcome.” Jazmin_K, December 2025

The Dutch take their cheese seriously, and this small-group tasting does, too. Led by a local cheesemonger and expert, you’ll be introduced to traditional goudas and other Dutch varieties in one of the city’s most popular cheese shops, learning how local cheese farms operate and what makes Dutch cheese so distinctive—and delicious.

(Though you may not think of Amsterdam as synonymous with cheese, that’s only because it’s famous for so many other things. The line had to be drawn somewhere.)

What one reviewer said: “Great value experience in Amsterdam. Generous portions of delicious cheese and [two] glasses of wine. The talk was both informative and entertaining. Highly recommended.” Judith_L, December 2024

Let's be honest: You didn't come to Florence just for the museums. Italian food is some of the best in the world, and for a meal to remember, there’s little like making it yourself.

This hands-on mozzarella-making class lets you create your own fresh cheese while enjoying wine and local dishes in a small-group setting. Come hungry and leave happy ... smelling slightly like mozzarella—and with absolutely no regrets. Bonus: “Skillcations” have never been hotter, and you’ll go home with one heck of a tasty souvenir.

What one reviewer said: “Such an amazing experience! The host was so knowledgeable and you could tell she really loved her craft. That, plus the unbelievable food, made this experience well worth it. Cannot recommend more.” Katie_G, August 2025