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- 13 Chocolate Factory Tours Totally Worth the Ticket Price (financebuzz.com)
Sweet Escape: 13 Chocolate Factory Tours Worth Every Bite
Chocolate lovers, rejoice! From the U.S. to Europe, chocolate factories are opening their doors, offering a glimpse into the magic behind our favorite treat. Whether you’re a budget traveler or looking for a unique experience, these 13 tours offer a delicious blend of education, entertainment, and, of course, plenty of chocolate tasting.
For the Craft Chocolate Connoisseur:
- Askinosie Chocolate (Springfield, MO): This 45-minute tour offers an inside look at the bean-to-bar process at one of the U.S.’s most respected craft chocolate makers. For just $8, you’ll learn about ethical sourcing, enjoy generous tastings, and maybe even discover your new favorite chocolate bar.
- Creo Chocolate (Portland, OR): Get hands-on at Creo Chocolate, where you’ll not only witness the chocolate-making process but also create your own custom bar to take home. The 90-minute tour ($40) is led by the passionate Straub family, who share their knowledge of heirloom cacao and ethical sourcing.
- Dandelion Chocolate (San Francisco, CA): Explore the bean-to-bar journey at Dandelion’s San Francisco factory. Led by a chocolate educator, the 45-60 minute tour ($20) includes tastings from cacao pulp to single-origin bars, plus a hot chocolate gift card for the on-site cafe.
For the Family Fun Seeker:
- Cadbury World (Birmingham, England): Immerse yourself in the world of Cadbury with a self-guided, multimedia tour. Explore interactive zones, learn about the Cadbury family legacy, enjoy the “Chocolate Quest” laser ride, and indulge in multiple tastings. Tickets start at $24.13.
- Ethel M Chocolates (Las Vegas, NV): Enjoy a free self-paced tour of the Ethel M factory and botanical cactus garden in Henderson, Nevada. Sample complimentary chocolates or opt for a tasting event featuring chocolate paired with wine, mimosas, or spirits.
- Hershey’s Chocolate World (Hershey, PA): Enjoy a free animatronic ride through the world of Hershey’s chocolate, complete with samples. Additional paid experiences, like a trolley tour and a create-your-own-candy-bar activity, are also available.
For the European Explorer:
- Blanxart Chocolate (Barcelona, Spain): Witness traditional European chocolate making at Blanxart’s historical factory. Guided tours cover everything from bean selection to conching, and workshops offer the chance to taste single-origin bars and create your own filled bonbon. Tickets range from $10.60 to $16.05.
- Callebaut Chocolate (Wieze, Belgium): Learn about couverture chocolate at the Callebaut factory. Watch expert demonstrations and participate in optional masterclasses on molding and truffle making, complete with a decadent tasting of premium Belgian chocolate. Tours start at $23.22.
- Szamos Chocolate Museum (Budapest, Hungary): Combine history and art at the Szamos Chocolate Museum. Explore vintage equipment, admire marzipan sculptures, and learn about the craft of chocolate making. Tickets are just $2.89, with discounts for seniors.
- York’s Chocolate Story (York, England): Embark on a guided tour through 4,000 years of chocolate history. Learn about the origins of cacao and the legacy of York’s famous chocolate brands, enjoy a live chocolate demonstration, and create your own chocolate lolly. Tours start at $21.80.
For the Unique Experience Seeker:
- ChocoVivo Chocolate (Culver City, CA): Enjoy a private, intimate tour and tasting experience at ChocoVivo. Learn about Mayan and European chocolate-making traditions, sample seven single-origin chocolates, and indulge in a full-size hot chocolate drink. The experience costs $125.
- Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Experience (San Francisco, CA): Explore Ghirardelli’s history with a free self-guided tour. See restored equipment, learn about the company’s evolution, enjoy free samples, and indulge in their famous hot fudge sundaes (for an additional cost).
- Vosges Haut-Chocolat (Chicago, IL): Enter the “Chocolate Temple” for a refined tasting experience. Learn about rare ingredients and fair-trade sourcing from expert chocolatiers in a beautifully decorated Moroccan-inspired setting. Tasting events range from $35 to $50.
No matter your travel style or budget, a chocolate factory tour offers a sweet and enriching experience. So, indulge your inner chocoholic and embark on a delicious adventure!
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