Recently updated on July 24th, 2023 at 01:35 pm
People have many different reasons for choosing where to travel, but what better reason is there than chocolate. From the rainforest of Central America to Europe’s historical chocolateries, we’ve picked our favourite locations for an extraordinary cocoa-infused experience that will turn any traveller into a full-blown chocaholic.
Brussels, Belgium
When you think of chocolate, you often think of Belgium. Maybe that’s because the country is home to some of the most famous chocolatiers in the world? Belgium’s acclaimed ‘master of chocolate’ title is all thanks to one man, a Swiss (ironic) apocathery called Jean Neuhaus. Jean used to cover his medicine in chocolate in order to mask its unpleasant flavour, genius. In 1912, Jean Neuhaus Jr. went on to replace medicine with cream, and, from there, the Belgian praline was born. It’s still one of the most popular types of chocolate around today! Be sure to visit a Neuhaus store for a taste of Belgian’s most luxurious chocolates.
Explore Brussels and visit a Neuhaus store on Best of Holland, Belgium and Luxemborg.
Hershey’s Chocolate World, United States
Head to the home of Hershey’s in Pennsylvania, for a fun, experiential tour through the world of chocolate. From the cacao farms of West Africa to the dairy farms of Pennsylvania, Hershey’s Chocolate World offers its guests a delicious experience. Learn about the Hershey chocolate making process while trying plenty of mouth-watering samples along the way, and with more time to explore, you can also create your own chocolate bar and even design its unique wrapper.
Visit Hershey’s Chocolate World on the Pilgrims and Patriots.
San Isidro de Heredia, Costa Rica
Within Costa Rica’s lush countryside lies San Isidro de Heredia, where the nation’s chocolate heritage is embraced by master chocolatiers Julio and George of Sibu Chocolate. Having trained at L’Ecole Chocolat in Canada and L’Ecole du Gran Chocolate in France, the two chocolatiers are experts in their craft, and they’re willing to share their expertise through chocolate tastings and tours. Learn about the history of this beautiful country on a tour that takes you from Pre-Columbian Costa Rica to present day, all the while sipping on indigenous hot chocolate.
Visit San Isidro de Heredia on the Costa Rica Eco Adventure.
Bariloche, Argentina
It seems apt that Bariloche in Patagonia is known as the Switzerland of South America. While referring to the mountains and its resemblance to a Swiss mountain town, this is one region of Argentina that also has a notable connection to chocolate. During your time in Bariloche, take a tour of the Chocolate Museum to find out about its Mayan and Aztec roots, as well as this region’s connection to confectionary, by seeing the production process and sampling a few treats for yourself.
Visit Bariloche on Icons of South AmericaÂ
Madrid, Spain
Churros. Spain’s favourite sweet, street food: a sugary, sometimes spicy, finger-shaped stick of fried dough typically served with hot chocolate. What’s not to love? But forget French style hot chocolate as you know it, these crispy delights are dipped in a rich, delicious chocolate sauce as thick as custard. Head to Madrid’s oldest chocolateria for an indulgent churro tasting session, you’re on holiday remember!
Visit the churro capital of Spain on Spanish Wonder.
Hunter Valley Chocolate Company, Australia
Within this postcard-worthy wine region outside Sydney, Hunter Valley Chocolate Company specialises in handmade artisanal chocolate and fudge. There are three locations to visit within the valley, but the most immersive experience can be found at the Twenty-3-Twenty Chocolate and Fudge Factory – the other locations are at Hunter Valley Gardens and Peterson’s Champagne House – where Belgian couverture is combined with Australian fruit and nuts, as well as fruit oil infusions.
Visit Hunter Valley on the Sydney’s Food and Wine Discovery.
Where would you go for the ultimate chocolate experience? Tell us in the comments below.