Chocolate is a universally loved treat with a long history. Whether you're a passionate chocolate lover or simply enjoy indulging in sweets, a chocolate tour is a great way to discover more about this delicious delicacy. By visiting some of the world's best cocoa plantations, you can witness the chocolate making process up close, and even sample some of the most delectable creations.
Consider embarking on a chocolate tour in these 5 countries for an unforgettable journey into the world of chocolate.
When it comes to chocolate, Switzerland is synonymous with excellence. A visit to this chocolate haven is a must for any chocolate lover. Tour renowned chocolate factory like Lindt Home of Chocolate in Zürich, partake in company Local Flavours Tours' chocolate tasting walk in Geneva, and check out Lucerne's Chocowelt by Aeschbach experience. Don't forget to indulge in heavenly Swiss chocolate bars, truffles and pralines while admiring the breathtaking Swiss Alps.
Belgium is renowned for its exquisite chocolate craftsmanship and offers a variety of chocolate tours. Explore the historic city of Brussels and discover its famous chocolatiers by attending the Legends of Brussels' historical walking tour with chocolate and waffle tasting, and Ghent's group chocolate tour run by Charlie Tours. From indulging in melt-in-your-mouth truffles to savouring authentic Belgian hot chocolate, you will leave craving for more.
Embark on a journey to one of the epicenters of ancient chocolate production, where ancient civilizations revered cacao as a sacred gift. Explore Mexico's tropical cacao plantations and witness the traditional methods of cocoa bean harvesting and fermentation. Notable tours include the Mayan Cacao Company in Cozumel, the Chocolate and Cobblestones tour in San Miguel de Allende, and the Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Workshop in Puerto Vallarta.
If you find yourself in the United States, a visit to Hershey, Pennsylvania is a must for chocolate enthusiasts. Known as 'The Sweetest Place on Earth', the town is home to the eponymous chocolate company. Take a guided tour through Hershey's Chocolate World and learn about the chocolate making process, and unleash your creativity at the Hershey Chocolate Lab of the Hershey Museum, where you can create personalised chocolate bars.
You should also consider visiting San Francisco's Ghirardelli Chocolate Marketplace, Orlando's World of Chocolate Museum and Cafe, and Honolulu's Madre Chocolate.
Peru's biodiversity is inscribed in its chocolate. Discover the origins of Peruvian cacao by attending the Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Workshop run by ChocoMuseo in Cusco, visit El Cacaotal in Barranco to sample single-origin chocolates with distinct flavours derived from the region's diverse ecosystem, and travel to the Cacao Center in Puerto Maldonado, a restaurant and cafe for organic farmers to share their products.