Black gold, that’s what we call chocolate. Add our love of travel to our love of chocolate and, abracadabra, you have a perfect getaway.
Here are Cheapflights’ favourite chocolate tours.
Fort Wayne, Indiana USA
Not the first destination that might come to a chocolate lover’s mind perhaps but DeBrand Fine Chocolates is gaining a reputation as one of the world’s elite chocolatiers. Founded in 1987 by Cathy Brand-Beere, tours focus on the history and the workings of the DeBrand kitchens. There will be plenty of samples for all too. The entry fee is $5 and, at the end of the tour, participants will receive a coupon giving $5 off a purchase of $10 or more. www.debrand.com
Biarritz, France
A visit to Planete Musee du Chocolat will take you through the secrets of the chocolate tree and the noble history of this delicacy. Amazing chocolate sculptures and surprises await you. Entry to Planete Musee du Chocolat costs €6 for adults, €5 for students and €4 for children. There are special entry fees for groups. www.planetemuseeduchocolat.com
Cologne, Germany
The Imhoff Schokoladenmuseum has attracted more than ten million chocolate-lovers since it opened in 1993. It is among the ten most visited museums in Germany. A guided tour is a must-do. On it, you’ll discover everything about the journey from cocoa bean to yummy chocolate. A documentary on farming and cocoa harvesting will give way to raw cocoa tasting and finally a sample of the finished product. Entry costs €7.50 (about £6). www.chocolatemuseum-cologne.com
Brussels, Belgium
The home of Belgian chocolate, and, for many, the last word in luxury. Brussels is also a place of innovation. One of the newest innovators is Zaabar in Chaussée de Charleroi. Zaabar is a factory shop that fuses Belgian craftsmanship and the most fragrant spices in the world. Zaabar is only in business since 2009 and organises visits and chocolate classes to make truffles and spiced chocolates. A one-hour chocolate workshop costs about €20 (approximately £17). www.zaabar.be
London, UK
The local option. A personal Chocoholic guide will take you through the hidden streets and arcades of Mayfair and Chelsea feeding little slivers of chocolate truffles along with nuggets of history. There will also be VIP discounts on chocolates to bring home, if you can resist that long. Tours cost from £35. www.chocolateecstasytours.com
(Images: morbuto)
