People are passionate about chocolate. It’s scrumptious. It’s romantic. It makes us feel good. In fact, people love it so much July 7 is designated World Chocolate Day. So in honor of that delectable treat, let’s take a look at some unique ways to travel for chocolate.

History of Chocolate

The divine properties of chocolate have been known to mankind for thousands of years. Archeologists in Central and South America found proof of cacao cultivation dating back to at least 1250 BC. The ancient Aztecs and Mayans used the beans as currency and to brew ceremonial drinks. Early Explorers Columbus and Cortes were said to have brought cacao beans back to Spain in the early 1500s, then the Spanish friars carried the beans with them as they visited monasteries throughout Europe.

In 1660, French royalty at King Louis XIV’s Palace of Versailles enjoyed the drink as an aphrodisiac and English society believed it to be a medicinal cure-all. By the 1800’s, British confectioners Fry and Sons, created a solid “eating chocolate” that was embraced by sweet-tooths and spread worldwide.

10 Top Places to Travel for Chocolate

Eurochocolate, Perugia, Italy – Europe’s biggest chocolate festival draws about 900,000 people each year. Enjoy free samples from street stalls, chocolate sculptures, and live music. Oct 13 – 22, 2017.

Salon du Chocolate – Created in 1995 in Paris, this event has taken place in 32 cities on four continents. A unique highlight is the presentation of couture dresses inspired by chocolate in a Chocolate Fashion Show. October 28 – November 1, 2017, in Port de Versailles, France.

Belgium – With over 172,000 tons of chocolate produced each year, Belgium is a must-see if you travel for chocolate. Chocolate is a way of life in Belgium with chocolate festivals, museums, tasting tours and 2,000 chocolate shops that will satisfy any cravings.

The Chocolate Train, Switzerland – This full day excursion travels in a vintage rail car roundtrip from Montreux to Gruyere to visit a cheese factory, lunch in the old town and visit a chocolate factory. The stunning mountain scenery is second only to the rich chocolate pastries served onboard.

Museu de la Xocolate, Barcelona, Spain – This private museum explains the entire process from seed to chocolate and examines how cacao and chocolate bridged cultures over time. Visitors can see chocolate artworks, taste pastries, and confections, and participate in hands-on activities.

Canada’s Chocolate Town, St. Stephen, New Brunswick – The town hosts an annual family-friendly Chocolate Fest where visitors enjoy chocolate-themed meals, delicious “choctails,” and make your own hand-crafted chocolates. You can even meet the mascot, Chocolate Mousse. August 5 – 12, 2017.

Chocolatetown, USA, Hershey, Pennsylvania – “The Sweetest Place on Earth” is sure to create chocolate-filled memories for your family. Start with a free chocolate making tour and tasting at Hershey’s Chocolate World, ride roller coasters at Hersheypark theme park, then finish with a Chocolate Lab Class, more tastings and the 23-acre botanical garden at the Hershey Story museum.

Chocolate for Your Body, Chicago – This full-service salon and spa in the Chicago Arts District offers a decadent collection of services that use a blend of raw cacao, fruits, and spices to relax and rejuvenate your body.

Saturday Chocolate Bar, The Langham, Boston – Indulge at this luxury hotel’s famous all-you-can-enjoy chocolate buffet of more than 100 chocolate dessert combinations. September through June.

Dandelion Chocolate, San Francisco – Take a personalized chocolate class from the passionate chocolate makers at this Mission District shop and they might just hire you. But if you’d rather taste than make, try a brownie flight and discern the flavors of cacao from different countries.

If your taste buds are begging you to travel for chocolate, get in touch with a travel advisor at Covington Travel to arrange your trip to one of these chocolaty experiences.