No, it’s not a competition, but it could be. The “chocolate tour” is a tourist idea for those with a sweet tooth, for lovers of fine pastries, and for those who love travel that leads to the discovery of fascinating places. If you have the opportunity, we propose this “sweet journey” that takes you from Italy to Austria, Switzerland, and back to Italy again. Discover the chocolate capitals, with their attractions and events.
From Italy to Switzerland: delicious tradition
Ever since cocoa beans were brought to Europe from America, chocolate has become the jewel in every pastry shop’s crown. But there are places that have fully embraced it and become true capitals of this product’s tradition. Italy led the way, along with Switzerland. But Austria has also earned the distinction of being among the best destinations for “sweetness”. We want to take you on a discovery of four small “capitals of taste”. Ready to go? Pack your clothes, spoons, and… digestives!
The Chocolate Festival in Perugia
Eurochocolate is the name of the chocolate festival the city of Perugia, Umbria, is dedicating to one of the pride and joys of its confectionery industry. And although the festival is now itinerant and visits various locations, Perugia remains the heart and driving force behind it all. In this beautiful city, easily accessible (Perugia Umbria Airport – PEG), the sweets created with this unique food are savored against a backdrop of breathtaking medieval architecture (bridges, convents, fortresses, fountains). If strolling along the ancient walls of the Old City isn’t enough, treat yourself to guided tours of the archaeological sites and beautiful churches. You’ll never forget them.
Discover the sweetness of Vienna
From Perugia, by car or airplane (Vienna Airport – VIE), you can easily reach Vienna, the capital of Austria. The capital of royal palaces, Gothic churches, parks, and fascinating museums… including the Chocolate Museum! …it’s a must if you want to enjoy a relaxing break in one of the charming cafés. Here, excellent coffee and herbal teas pair beautifully with exquisite chocolate desserts. Inside the Chocolate Museum, in addition to discovering the history of cocoa processing, the emperors’ favorite sweets, and the strangest recipes, you can literally taste the “works of art” of local pastry chefs.
Zurich: the first “chocolate factory”
Zurich, Switzerland, also has a Chocolate Museum. It couldn’t be otherwise, given that this city was home to Europe’s first true chocolate factory! When you land at Zurich Airport (ZRH), let one of our private chauffeured transfers take you directly to your sweet destination, and take your time to enjoy the history of the famous Swiss chocolate.
But Zurich isn’t just chocolate. The city is very ancient, overlooks a beautiful lake, and is home to several Gothic churches – true examples of splendid architecture. Churches and convents mingle with shops, museums, theaters, and of course, inns, cafes and pastry shops that demand nothing more than to be fully experienced by tourists.
Turin: Not Just Gianduiotti
Thousands of people land at Turin Airport (TRN) every year, mostly headed for the ski slopes of the nearby Alps or the elegant palaces and royal mansions that adorn the center of this Piedmontese capital. But if you find yourself in Turin, first look for traces of Italy’s oldest chocolate industry. Here, the first person to enjoy a delicious hot chocolate was the Prince of Savoy in 1506! In the early 19th century, pastry chef Michele Prochet had the brilliant idea of incorporating Piedmontese hazelnuts into chocolate… creating the Gianduiotto, Turin’s pride and joy.
Turin celebrates “its” chocolate with an annual festival called CioccolaTò. It’s usually held in February.
Something you probably didn’t know…
Among the gems of Italian chocolate, even though we didn’t include it on our itinerary this time, you also find Modica, in Sicily. Here, cocoa is still processed according to ancient recipes brought by Spanish explorers directly from the Indian world of South America. Far from everything (about a two-hour drive from Catania), but definitely worth it… Modica and its chocolate factory with the spectacular baroque architecture all around, are a must. We’ll have better chances to talk about it.
