Calling All Chocolate Lovers

 

Calling all chocolate lovers – would you believe that chocolate has been around for 4,000 years and was discovered by the Aztecs? Although we weren’t around to taste it all those years ago, we’re pretty sure the flavour is better now than it was back then. So, if you’re a chocolate connoisseur let’s take a look at the destinations which would not only be a great place to visit, but where you can also grab yourself some amazing chocolate.

 

London

No visit to London is complete without a visit to Harrods. So, if you happen to pop in around Easter or Christmas you’ll be shocked by how much chocolate they manage to pack under one roof. As you take in the city’s many sites from the London Eye to the Natural History Museum, one thing is for sure, you’ll feel like a real life Willy Wonka as you stumble across the high-end chocolate boutiques available here.

Chocolatey things to do

Take in a chocolate tour of London as you learn about its history and sample a piece or two along the way.

 

Paris

Not only is Paris the city of love, but its also been the heart of chocolate since the 1600s. And with around 300 shops from high-end chocolatiers and small boutiques, it’s easy to see why. With so many chocolate shops there’s no surprise that this city is celebrated for its chocolate drinks. Don’t forget to pop into the famous Angelina’s for a cup of their signature old-fashioned hot chocolate ‘l’Africain’.

Chocolatey things to do

The Choco-Story museum is a great way to discover the story of chocolate – and it’s not just for children. In fact, adults love visiting the museum. Do you want the full chocolate experience? Then how about taking part in a workshop?

 

Italy

Not only is Italy home to some of the richest dark chocolate in the world, but it’s also well-known for its chocolate maker, Michele Rocher, creator of the delicious Ferrero Rocher, Kinder Egg and Nutella spread. These all helped build his global empire. Chocolate Valley is located in Tuscany and is home to some of the best chocolatiers in the world. With tons of Italian sightseeing opportunities or as they say ‘when in Rome’, we recommend planning your trip carefully around tourist attractions such as the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum.

Chocolatey things to do

Eurochocolate festival is held in Perugia every October and is a chocolate lover’s paradise. This Italian town has a maze of cobbled streets packed with all things chocolaty. You can even sample a chocolate Kebab – we would leave the chilli sauce off though!

 

Spain

We all know Spain is famous for its tapas, but coming in close is its chocolate. Valor chocolate is a family business that has been producing chocolate since 1818. No visit to this country is complete without a Spanish hot chocolate and some tasty churros (a long stick of fried dough which is quite similar to a doughnut). The best way to sample these delights is to dip them in a cup of warm hot chocolate, sounds like bliss to us. Whether you’re wandering down Barcelona’s famous pedestrian mall, Las Ramblas or soaking up the sun in Costa Blanca, you certainly won’t be short of exciting things to do.

Chocolaty things to do

Head out to Villajoysea, a coastal town just a short drive from Benidorm. Here you can visit the famous Valor chocolate factory and museum. This museum will have visitor’s stomachs rumbling on arrival with its distinct chocolatey scent.

Switzerland

The Swiss do chocolate like no other country, and surprisingly consume more chocolate than any other nation around the globe, maybe this has something to do with their delicious cocoa. The most famous brand to come out of Switzerland of course is, Lindt. This premium chocolate dates back to 1879 and has been adored by chocoholics ever since.

Chocolatey things to do

Switzerland is known for its chocolate, cheese and mountainous scenery. Now, put all this together and what do you get? Jump aboard the Swiss chocolate train. Enjoy panoramic views as you travel in style on this 1915 Pullman inside ‘Belle Epouque’ carriages. But this train isn’t like any other as riders stop off to sample cheese and chocolate along the way. Heaven on earth, right?

Are you heading anywhere chocolatey soon?