YUM! Top 10 ultimate chocolate experiences

Whether it’s sucked, sipped or savoured, chocolate tastes good on anyone’s lips. If you’ve got chocolate on your mind – and you’d rather get some in your mouth – these decadent chocolate experiences from around the globe will get you drooling. So go on… indulge your cacao craving.

1. Decadent delights in the Yarra Valley

Give your tastebuds the ultimate treat with free chocolate tastings at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. There’s a chocolate production area – where you can watch the talented team of chocolatiers at work – with a café and showroom featuring more than 250 chocolate products. And if the chocolate isn’t enough to satiate your senses, the gorgeous setting in 40 acres of orchards, landscaped gardens, sweeping lawns and reclaimed wetlands should do it.

2. Chocky and cheese in Montreux, Switzerland

For the ultimate sweet ride, a trip aboard the chocolate train (yes, it’s actually called that – *drool*) is just the ticket. Combining the traditions of cheese and chocolate, the chocolate train showcases some of the best of Swiss culinary expertise. The first-class trip stops at Maison du Gruyère, where you’ll learn all about the secrets of Swiss cheese production. The final destination is Maison Cailler, where you’ll be tempted by titillating creations from legendary Swiss chocolatiers. Buh-bye, diet.

Swiss chocolate… 🤤

3. A luscious festival in La Trobe, Tasmania

In winter, what could be better than getting cosy with a good friend and some chocky decadence? The Chocolate Winterfest in August has you covered for both, with wickedly delicious events that are guaranteed to put a chocolatey smile on your face.

4. Sinfully good treats in Sicily, Italy

For a chocolate experience with a difference, head to Modica, Italy. Modica chocolate is made using an ancient Aztec recipe and the cocoa doesn’t go through ‘conching’ (a long, slow heating process that makes chocolate softer and less bitter). Instead, it’s processed at a lower temperature with added granulated sugar, making it more grainy and crumbly. Modica chocolate is traditionally flavoured with cinnamon or vanilla, but you’ll also find chilli, carob, coffee and citrus varieties. It tastes AMAZING and you’ll probably over-indulge, but that’s okay. Just go atone for your gluttony in Modica’s beautiful cathedral.

Unique (and delicious!) Modica chocolate

5. Mouth-watering chocolate massage all over Australia

Close your eyes and imagine talented hands rubbing rich, warm chocolate oil into your back and shoulders. If this sounds like a fabulous fantasy, then we have fantastic news for you. Ripple Massage is here to make your chocky massage dreams come true. With locations all over the country (including Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, and more), a luscious spa treatment is closer than you think 😉

6. Delectable delights in Dunedin, New Zealand

Cadbury is well-known to chocky fans and you can learn all about the company (although probably not their secret recipe – damn!) with the Cadbury World Experience at their Dunedin factory. You’ll learn about the history of chocolate and get to check out a Sensory Lab where you can sample elements of the chocolate-making process. But they save the best ‘til last – the tour ends with an incredible Cadbury chocolate waterfall 😲

7. Sweet romance in Roanne, France

If frolicking with fellow Francophiles in an immersive cultural experience is your idea of heaven, the Ecole des Trois Ponts will have you in raptures. Here you can learn French AND how to perfect your fave chocolate desserts – like religieuses, eclairs, opéra cakes and tarts. Can you imagine a more romantic (or delicious) getaway?

8. Tastebud temptation in Paris, France

While you’re in France, take a trip to Paris for a titillating treat to tempt even the choosiest of chocky connoisseurs. The Salon du Chocolat is THE must-do event for chocolate lovers. Over five delicious days and 24,000 square metres, it brings together the world’s biggest names in chocolate and the largest representation of chocolate-producing countries. This is the place to be if you want to become an expert on the latest chocky trends and best cocoa vintages (um, who wouldn’t?).

Nothing better than chocolate in Paris!

9. Sweet times in Sydney, Australia

What better way for chocoholics to explore Sydney than with a walking tour of the CBD’s best chocolatiers? Get the low-down on industry lingo from expert chocky-makers as you sample delicious treats at every stop, all while learning a few of the secrets behind everyone’s fave food. Plus all that walking is a great excuse for eating even more chocolate 😉

10. Delicious days in the Scottish Highlands

You might not think ‘chocolate’ when you think Scotland, but Cocoa Mountain is about to change your mind. It’s a high-end chocky boutique with stores in Balnakeil and Dornoch, and their luxe hand-made collections include treats like chilli and lemongrass truffles and dark and milk chocolate hazelnut gianduja. They also sell bars and shards, with flavours like 74% dark chocolate with ginger, cranberry and cashew nibs, and delectable hot chocolates made from liquid white and dark chocolate.

Plan your indulgent getaway