6 chocolate tours to make your sweet tooth happy

Why limit your passion for chocolate to Valentine’s Day? For those of us with a sweet tooth, chocolate tours are the golden ticket year-round. Try one of these delicious experiences for a mouthwatering combination of chocolate, history, chocolate, trivia and more chocolate. You might even burn a few calories along the way.

Paris – The Chocolate Walk

Perhaps French women don’t get fat because they walk everywhere and savor their food. You’ll do both during this tour, which offers a lesson in how to “select, taste and appreciate quality chocolates,” according to their website. Your English-speaking guide will also throw in doses of history and explain why Paris is considered the dark chocolate capital of the world. Yes, really.

London – Chocolate Ecstasy Tours

Chocolate Ecstasy Tours, London

They had us at “chocolate ecstasy.” Brownies, macaroons, hot chocolate and even chocolate cocktails are among the offerings in this tour covering London’s various neighborhoods—Chelsea, Notting Hill and York, to namea few. Dairy-free, gluten-free and alcohol-free tastings are also available.

Chicago – Chicago Chocolate Tours

Chicago Chocolate Tours

The Windy City’s Magnificent Mile earns its name during this two-hour dessert extravaganza. Learn about the global history of chocolate, the intricacies of gourmet chocolates and even the city’s architecture as you sample baked goods, gelato, hot chocolate and more. Other neighborhood tour options include the Gold Coast, Loop, Lakeview and Geneva.

Punta Gorda, Belize – Chocolate Tours

If a bag of M&Ms isn’t enough of an escape, consider a getaway to Cotton Tree Lodge. This self-proclaimed jungle retreat is located in the heart of Central America’s cacao industry. The resort can help arrange a number of chocolate-themed activities, including cacao farm tours and chocolate-making workshops. Now this isthe kind of farm-to-table eating we get excited about.

Beverly Hills – Beverly Hills Walking Chocolate Tours

Beverly Hills Chocolate Tours

This tour proves that not everyone in Los Angeles is on a diet. Experience the synergy ofchocolate and bacon at Vosges Haut-Chocolat, sip the Choco-Laté blend at American Tea Room and lick frosting from your fingers at Sprinkles Cupcakes. A couples’ date special is also available.

Hershey, Penn. – Great American Chocolate Tour

Talk about a fantastic voyage: It’s the Chocolate Tour Ride at Hershey’s Chocolate World. Credit: The Hershey Company.

Why walk when you can ride? Explore the legendary Hershey facilities from the comfort of a theme park-style tram. This 30-minute tour is offered for free; it’s also part of more indulgent packages, including the Chocolate Enthusiast Experience Package, Chocolate Expert Experience Package, Chocolate Celebration Experience Package and the Happiness Experience Package. Nothing about that sounds bad.