Chocolate is often associated with love. But why? This chocolate factory tour of chocolatey destinations worldwide reveals all!
During Valentine’s week, we buy millions of pounds of chocolate candy in preparation for the romantic holiday. But what’s Valentine’s Day and love got to do with chocolate?
Chocolate has been associated with romance, passion and divine love for centuries, according to Jen Warr of Chocolatree Organic Eatery in Sedona, Arizona.
“Raw chocolate contains two main chemical compounds. The first, anandamide, is similar to THC [the chemical found in marijuana.] The chemical’s name is derived from the ancient Sanskrit word ananda, which means bliss. The second compound, theobromine, is similar to caffeine,” she explained.
Chocolate, The Perfect Love Potion
“The two compounds together is the perfect potion for love: heart-opening, relaxing and allowing,” lauded the chocolatier. A third compound found in chocolate, phenethylamine, a psychoactive drug, causes pulse rates to quicken, comparable to the feeling of falling in love.
For those looking for a chocolate rush during Valentine’s Week, here is a list of the best chocolaty destinations, complete with
- a chocolate-themed train ride,
- chocolate-beer pairing and
- chocolate factory tour.
Come on along for a chocolate tour around the world!
Sedona Chocolate Factory Tour
Travelers to Sedona, Arizona, can visit Chocolatree Organic Eatery and the adjacent chocolate factory to view over 100 different organic heirloom chocolates on display.
This artisan chocolate confectionery is one of the chocolate factory tours that will get hearts racing for the Valentine’s holiday.
Create Your Own Candy Bar on This Sweet Orlando Adventure
Chocolate Kingdom’s Factory Adventure Tour in Orlando is a captivating 45-minute journey that brings chocolate lovers—and curious minds—behind the scenes of bean-to-bar magic. Guided by a charming “Personal Chocolate Tour Guide,” this interactive experience blends storytelling and hands-on exploration, from a lush cacao greenhouse to an immersive chocolate museum and a whimsical “Mystical River of Chocolate”.
Guests will watch old‑world machinery grind cacao and have multiple chances to sample premium chocolate as each stage unfolds. Located in Orlando and available hourly between 12 PM and 4 PM (with vouchers good for six months).
The real showstopper? A custom chocolate bar creation—for a small additional fee—where guests select their chocolate base and choose up to three of 17 fun ingredients to craft a roughly 7‑oz bar that’s molded on-site.
This unique twist transforms spectators into chocolatiers, offering a sweet souvenir that’s part flavor, part memory. Ideal for family day trips, date nights, or anytime one craves a chocolate-infused adventure, the tour promises both education and indulgence. Hungry for more? Follow the link to plan your visit—and unlock a world where chocolate dreams come true.
Did you know you can use your Sam’s Club membership to get discounts on tours? 👉 Save 16% on this Chocolate tour!
Hershey's Chocolate Tours
Hershey, Pennsylvania, “The Sweetest Place on Earth” is a mecca for chocoholics. Visiting the historic town is not a simple chocolate factory tour but an immersive chocolate experience.
The rich scent of chocolate is in the air, and giant Hershey’s Kisses hang from light posts.
Immerse yourself in chocolate at The Spa at The Hotel Hershey, which offers chocolate-infused body treatments and spa packages. Try the Cocoa Facial Experience, Cocoa Massage or Chocolate Fondue Wrap for a true Valentine’s treat worth the splurge.
These chocolate tours are fun all year round, of course! 👉 Use your Sam’s Club membership to get this Hershey Park special price!
Flagstaff Chocolate Tour
Indulge in sweet treats and support local shops in Historic Downtown Flagstaff for the annual Chocolate Walk.
Explore delightful chocolates and perhaps find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift during the yearly chocolate tours. Register at the Flagstaff Visitor Center, 1 East US-66, Flagstaff, AZ.
This year’s proceeds benefit The Flagstaff Family Food Center, which, guided by its mission of “neighbors feeding neighbors every day,” distributed 6.8 million pounds of food through 13 community touchpoint programs last year.
See you on Saturday, February 10, 2024, between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. $7 for ages 6-12, $10 for 13+.
Planning a chocolate tour? Check out these useful services:
- Booking.com
1.) Find the dream spot
Enhance your visit with Booking.com. Find the perfect accommodations that fit your lifestyle and budget.
- Viator
2.) Plan your fun
Explore the best chocolate tours with Viator. Discover chocolate factory tours and activities to make your trip memorable.
- Discover Cars
3.) Rent a car
Discover the beauty of your destination at your own pace with Discover Cars. Rent a car and enjoy the freedom to explore the city and its surrounding areas.
Chocolate Pairing for Arizona Beer Week
The annual Arizona Beer Week happens in February, and to celebrate, Lumberyard Brewery and Beaver Street Brewery are collaborating on a Beer & Chocolate Pairing for the Lumberyard Ladies Beer Club.
They’ll pair their beers with three different house-made chocolates. Get details.
Explore ‘Canada’s Chocolate Town’ with Museum Chocolate Tours
St. Stephen, New Brunswick, “Canada’s Chocolate Town,” is home to Canada’s oldest candy company.
Visit the Chocolate Museum housed in a historic Ganong Bros. chocolate factory building. Take part in chocolate-making demonstrations, hands-on exhibits and chocolate factory tours while learning about Ganong Chocolates, founded in 1873.
If you can’t make it for free samples on St. Valentine’s Day, plan to attend the town’s annual Chocolate Fest in August.
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UK’s ‘Cadbury World’ Chocolate Tours
Bournville, Birmingham, UK, home of Cadbury World, a family-fun attraction run by the Cadbury chocolate company, makes a sweet destination for Valentine’s weekend.
A live painted cherub will appear to spread the love and make hearts soar. Hearts and chocolate will melt at “The Place Where Chocolate Comes Alive.”
If the cherub doesn’t do the trick, take your loved ones to the World’s Biggest Cadbury Shop for blissful, hand-crafted chocolates. Check out tickets online.
Insider tip: Cadbury World also has a location in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Perugia, Italy’s ‘Chocolate City’
In Perugia, Italian chocolatiers have created the legendary Bacio Perugina® for over a hundred years.
The chocolate factory tour begins at the chocolate museum, Perugina Chocolate House. Or book a walking tour of Perugia that includes lunch and a chocolate factory tour at Perugina Chocolate House.
Beyond all that, the Scuola del Cioccolato® (chocolate school) offers workshops to hone your chocolate-making techniques.
Chocolate aficionados come from around the world for the chocolate factory tours and workshops, so reservations are necessary.
Verde Canyon Railroad: Chocolate Lover’s Special
Verde Canyon Railroad’s annual “Chocolate Lovers’ Special” couples the excitement of a scenic train journey through Arizona’s red rock canyons with an array of fine chocolates and romantic-themed cocktails.
With Arizona’s statehood anniversary falling on February 14, 1912, Valentine’s Day is an ideal occasion to celebrate the romance of the rails.
Make reservations at the Verde Canyon railway website.
This article first appeared in T+E, the online magazine for Canada’s Travel TV Network.
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Hi, I’m Stacey
UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel is a travel blog focused on immersive travel that highlights food, wine and the spirituality of place. I also occasionally write about life as a Camino de Santiago pilgrim. I hope you enjoy what I post here. Feel free to leave comments! Read more…
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2 thoughts on “What’s love got to do with it? | Chocolate Factory Tour | Best Chocolate Tours”
This is the perfect Valentine’s Day post for any chocoholic! From Arizona chocolate tours to UK’s Cadbury World, it’s got something for everyone. I especially love the idea of a chocolate train ride through Arizona’s red rock canyons – sounds like a truly romantic experience! Thanks for sharing all these delicious destinations! ❤️
Thanks for your comments, Maria! Glad the chocolate factory tours story inspires you!