Ahhhhh, Mmmmm, hot chocolate – oh yes, we’re calling all chocolate lovers as we at Luxury Gold love it as much as you! It’s one of life’s simple pleasures that is also the ultimate indulgence, with a velvety smooth taste and decadent aroma that conjures up feelings of warmth, comfort and a sense of belonging (with just a dash of naughtiness on the side).

Whether you daydream of sipping a thick, creamy hot chocolate at breakfast in a cafe in Florence, Italy, as you watch this enchanting, artistic city come to life, or picture yourself clutching a mug of deep dark velvet as you watch the sun set in Bordeaux, France……take a moment now to picture yourself discovering some of the world’s best recipes as you enjoy an exclusive travel experience with us.

As specialists in luxury guided travel, we at Luxury Gold believe that everyone deserves a treat. So here is a short guide to where you can savor the world’s best hot chocolate, and which fabulous journeys from our collection can take you there. Read on and let your imagination and your senses run wild…

A Short History

Picture by Aidan Cooks

Originating in Mexico, hot chocolate has been a popular drink for thousands of years. First created by the Maya around 1500 BC, it was known as xocoatl and consisted of cacao beans, water and a little spice. Introduced into Europe in the 1500s by Spanish conquistadors, following their expedition to present-day Mexico and the Aztec civilization, hot chocolate soon became a favored exotic beverage around the continent, with its forms and recipes undergoing multiple changes. Hot chocolate was first introduced to North America as early as the 17th century by the Dutch, with its popularity increasing as it began to be sold by colonists around 1755.

Something for every palate

Be it light and frothy and aromatic with lashings of milk or deeply dark and so thick you can stand a spoon in it, there is a hot chocolate recipe to match every palate and moment so let yourself be led by the traditions of your dream travel destination. Choose to add mountains of whipped cream, a dash of spice, jazz it up with a shot of expresso or try the delicate touch of rosemary with wine…and that’s just the start. Of course, nowadays amongst all the indulgence, there are also many healthy ways to enjoy hot chocolate including vegan, unsweetened, and recipes using spices that have health benefits such as cinnamon, cardamon, ginger and turmeric. Whatever your preference, sampling hot chocolate on your travels is always a new delight and will leave you with intense, and happy memories.

Photo by Fallon Michael

Every moment with Luxury Gold is designed to delight and our luxury guided tours take in amazing locations and offer off-the-beaten-track experiences where a hot chocolate is just the ticket. Here are some of the best:

New Mexico – back to hot chocolate’s roots

Given its origins, it is no surprise that New Mexico USA boasts some of the best hot chocolate in the world so it’s our first place to start.  You can visit on our Resorts and Ranches of Colorado & New Mexico luxury guided tour, a stunning journey that explores the very best of the West,  starting in Denver and travelling down through Colorado Springs and onto Santa Fe in New Mexico. Here you can find the Kakawa Chocolate House, founded in 2005, with the name Kakawa deriving from an Olmec word meaning chocolate or cacao. Here you can enjoy a journey through history that delights the palate as they specialize in hot chocolate recipes created from traditional sources, ranging from pre-Columbian to colonial American to contemporary sources. For the brave there is a Chili Elixir, made with spicy chilies, or history lovers can sip the Jefferson Elixir, inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s own recipe.

Poland‘s change of heart

When first introduced to Poland in the 18th Century, chocolate was somewhat controversial. Many did not like its bitter taste and felt it was better used for animals. However, opinions began to change when it was served hot, with added cane sugar, cinnamon and anise – simply delicious! Curious travelers can learn all about the country’s hot chocolate history at the E. Wendel Hot Chocolate Lounge in Krakow, one of the grand cities on our Harmony of Central Europe luxury guided tour, a voyage of Europe’s grandeur that also takes in Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and Warsaw. Dating back to 1851, E. Wedel is the oldest Polish brand of chocolate and has created a refined brand of drinking chocolates served in “chocolate lounges” across Poland. You can sit back and sample from selections such as bitter, slightly bitter, milk, double milk, white, and choose from a range of intriguing flavors including raspberries in wine, and caramel with sea salt.

Chocolat Chaud

For the French, traditional hot chocolate is deep, dark and unreservedly glorious and is the perfect travel companion when on our Ultimate Southern France luxury guided tour. Sip a decadent cup at breakfast as you watch the streets spring to life in Marseille, savor hot chocolate on a lazy brunch with fresh croissants as you relax in the countryside of Provence or enjoy an afternoon’s treat after exploring the sights of Bordeaux. In the early 1600s when Anne of Austria came to marry King Louis XIII of France, she brought hot chocolate in her suitcases. Bordeaux, where she got married, embraced this exotic new ingredient and it became embedded in the traditions of the region. One particular Bordeaux favorite is The Moremont Tea House – discover its unique and intoxicating recipe and get the VIP treatment as your chosen beverage is prepared with the same luxury ritual as if you were the royal princess herself.

Italian flair

Think Italy, think thick, creamy and delicious! You’ll be pleased to hear that the Italians consider hot chocolate an important part of their gastronomic history so you are in for a treat at every turn. One of the best and most historical places to relish a cup and get the full VIP experience is Caffé Rivoire in Florence. Founded in 1872 when Enrico Rivoire, chocolatier of the Savoy royal family, opened up shop, they still use the same traditional secret recipe today and serve hot chocolate almost as rich and dense as chocolate pudding. You can savor mouth-watering recipes at every stop on our Ultimate Italy luxury guided tour, which takes you on an exclusive voyage through some of the most intoxicating and beautiful Italian cities including Florence, Naples, Capri and Rome.

And of course…..Switzerland

To speak of anything chocolate and not mention Switzerland is like talking about Butch Cassidy without the Sundance Kid, they just go together, making it a must-see destination for chocolate lovers. So not surprisingly there are many great places to indulge in hot chocolate in this sublime Alpine nation. The Swiss often take their hot chocolate with cinnamon and, of course, Swiss chocolate, with some of the most delectable establishments being found in the northern city of Zurich. The first destination on our Majestic Switzerland luxury guided tour, when exploring Zurich take a moment to visit the centuries-old Café Schober, located in the picturesque Old Town. Famed for its rich, creamy recipes, they melt chocolate into whole milk for a sublime and decadent treat. Savor yours with a mountain of fresh whipped cream, or with a shot of espresso as you explore this captivating city.

So if your mouth is now watering and you’re inspired to follow your passion for hot chocolate, why not make yourself a cup and sit down to browse through our fantastic collection of luxury guided tours now available for 2022 and beyond. With every tour featuring exclusive hotels and unforgettable VIP experiences, where will your chocolate passion take you next?

For more information on the following luxury guided tours please follow these links. :

• Resorts and Ranches of Colorado & New Mexico
• Harmony of Central Europe
• Ultimate Southern France
• Ultimate Italy
• Majestic Switzerland

And you can view the full collection here at luxurygold.com

We don’t know about you but for the team at Luxury Gold breakfast is our favorite meal of the day. We’d even go one step further than that and say that nothing beats a luxury hotel breakfast. Imagine you wake up in your extraordinary room ready for a full day of sightseeing with your traveling concierge, you need a meal that will set you up for a day of touring. With Luxury Gold you can enjoy complimentary room service or go down to the hotel restaurant where your senses will be awakened with fresh juices and fruits. Follow that up with any number of local delicacies. Are you ready to go on a journey to find your golden breakfast?

English Breakfast on British Royale

Rubens at the Palace in London

Receive the full royal treatment at the Rubens At The Palace Hotel, located opposite London’s famous Buckingham Palace. Celebrate the very best of British culture in five-star luxury, from the red tail-coated doormen to themed bedrooms and a traditional English Breakfast.

At the Rubens At The Palace Hotel your English Breakfast is a sight to behold and a delicacy to savor. This substantial cooked breakfast comes with your choice of bacon, sausages, eggs, black pudding and the quintessential tomatoes and mushrooms. There is some discussion within the team if baked beans should come as standard to dip the rest into but that is a blog post onto itself. Don’t forget to add a side of toast!

If you’re a vegetarian the Rubens caters for you too with a vegetarian option of the English Breakfast. Although we would recommend their avocado toast with a poached egg. Simply put, delicious!

American Breakfast on The Sumptuous Soul of America

American Breakfast. Photo by Chad Montano

You’ll need a good and filling breakfast before you explore Chicago with a 90-minute architectural river cruise to discover how the Great Fire of 1871 paved the way for the birth of the skyscraper. In the United States breakfast often consists or either a cereal or an egg-based dish. However, a stack of pancakes with copious amounts of butter and maple syrup are also a firm favorite. If pancakes don’t tickle your taste buds perhaps waffles with fruit? Cranberry juice is also an American staple at breakfast.

Biscuits and Gravy

When traveling in the South you’ll see biscuits and gravy on the menu in many restaurants. The biscuits are a type of small baked roll with a crumbly interior. The white gravy is often made using pork sausage crumbles and dairy-containing ingredients, such as butter and heavy cream. This creates a rich and hearty savory breakfast that has become a classic.

Japanese Breakfast Majestic Japan

Japanese Breakfast

With over 100 years of hospitality experience, the five-star Imperial Hotel Osaka places you along the Okawa River in the heart of vibrant Osaka. Stay in the midst of one of Japan’s best cherry-blossom-viewing locations and enjoy a traditional Japanese Breakfast.

Unlike many other kinds of breakfast you’ll experience, a traditional Japanese breakfast consists of foods that make up a complete meal. Usually savory, the breakfast could conceivably be enjoyed at lunch or dinner. Typically made up of steamed rice, miso soup and a protein such as grilled fish with side dishes that vary. Some favorites being tsukemono (Japanese pickles), nori (dried seasoned seaweed), natto (fermented soybeans), kobachi (small side dishes which usually consist of vegetables).

Although the above might seem like a lot of food, portion sizes are small and the meal is not intended to be heavy or overly filling.

Iberian Breakfast on Spain & Portugal in Style

Photo by Mateusz Feliksik

Both in Spain and Portugal breakfast tends to be small, though not of course for our guests in hotels as there’s a smorgasbord of choice. For locals however, a croissant or other sweet bread with cafe con leche (milk coffee Spain) or meia-de-leite (milk coffee Portugal). There could also be bread, cheese and cold-cut slices of meat. In Spain that meat would be cured ham otherwise known as jamon.

In Spain a popular ‘breakfast’ is actually elevenses or a midmorning snack. In Spain this may involve tostada con tomate: toasted bread with crushed fresh tomato and olive oil added to it. Some people even rub garlic on the bread. Simple but very tasty. And of course, with another coffee. Another favorite for this time is a big slice of tortilla, the Spanish omelet with potato and onion inside.

Another drink that’s often consumed at breakfast in both countries is fresh orange juice, as Spain and Portugal grow lots of oranges. In cafes, oranges are put through a juicing machine and the juice is served in a glass often with a sachet of sugar at the side so that it can be sweetened to taste.

South African Breakfast on Spectacular South Africa 

Photo by Melissa Walker Horn

In Kruger National Park, adventure out on a private open-air safari in search of the Big Five. Led by professional trackers, this once in a lifetime experience unfolds the largest game reserve in South Africa. You’ll definitely want to have had a good breakfast so you can be alert when seeking out the wildlife!

Situated in the Sabi Sands, which boasts one of the planet’s highest concentrations of animal species, the Lion Sands Lodges offer exquisite treehouse-style rooms, luxury suites with private decks and plunge pools, and an open-air lounge and dining area, overlooking the Sabie River.

Here you will be able to enjoy the South African twist on an English Breakfast with boerewors, a local sausage, replacing the traditional pork sausage in England. Or a more simple but just as satisfying bowl of porridge. South Africans use a malted sorghum grain which brings a rich flavor and high amount of energy to start your day.

Although Europe is an attractive destination any time of year, there are parts of it that truly come alive in summer. From ideal temperatures to dine outdoors amid the vines to enjoying the gentle ocean breeze as you watch a local shuck oysters by the Adriatic, the allure of these destinations is magnified by the season.

The time is ripe to get out and explore again. If you’re keen to enjoy more sustainable travel, then a guided luxury tour that takes in a combination of the best loved sights with lesser-known gems may be ideal. Luxury Gold is currently offering fantastic savings on last minute getaways for Summer 2021 so why not plan your next adventure?

France

Paris, France

The leafy boulevards of Paris and olive groves of Provence both benefit from the balmy summer sun. Join Luxury Gold for the French Vogue Tour and appreciate the fine wines, food and historic chateaux throughout this romantic land.

A VIP visit to Château De Vaux-Le-Vicomte, the largest privately owned château in the country, occurs on day two of your French journey. 40 hectares of elegantly-designed gardens are a pleasure to explore on a summer’s day. Patterned flowerbeds, sculpted statues and well-placed fountains provide fantastic photo opportunities, while those with an eye for design can admire the baroque architecture of the grand house.

One of the most enjoyable summer excursions in Paris is a foodie tour. Your Local Expert leads you to a variety of patisseries, boulangeries, chocolatiers, cafés and tiny cheese shops that are only known to Parisiens, so you can revel in the culinary delights of the city. Meet passionate bakers and chefs who share their enthusiasm for the gourmet and understand why Paris is famous for its food.

France is full of local and farmers markets, particularly in the smaller towns, such as St Remy de Provence. Stroll through the colorful stalls, soaking up the enticing aromas and perhaps picking up a freshly baked snack or a handmade souvenir?

Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh in Arles, where the artist painted over 200 masterpieces. See his inspiration in the sunbaked houses and pretty plant-lined streets. Van Gogh spent over 14 months in this Provencal city, seeking the warmth and color away from Paris. Your Local Expert will take you along the Rhône River and to the well-preserved Arles amphitheatre, once the site of great chariot spectacles.

When touring France in summer, one of the great highlights is catching a glimpse of the true blue hues of the Mediterranean. With Luxury Gold, you travel along the Moyenne Corniche road, where you can admire the sea from your seat.

Italy

Capri, Italy

Thoughts of Italy call to mind the rolling hills of Tuscany and sun-dappled piazzas with children enjoying gelato. On the Ultimate Italy tour with Luxury Gold, you can see both, as well as visiting some of the world’s most treasured landmarks.

Every corner in Rome unveils a piece of history, so it’s a wonderful city to wander in summer. After your visit to the Sistine Chapel before it opens to the public, take a walk through the peaceful Roman Forum, which offers incredible vistas across the city.

Pompeii is another historic site on your luxury travel adventure. Your Local Expert will conjure up images of life as it was in the ill-fated town, where you’ll see the remnants of bath houses and grand villas. Marvel at the extraordinary mosaics and architectural features that still remain almost 2,000 years on.

Arrive to the isle of Capri in style, with an open-top taxi taking you to your luxury hotel. Sip the local specialty, a lemon granita, as you admire a breathtaking sunset over the turquoise waters. Stroll to the landscaped gardens of Caesar Augustus where you can view the Faraglioni Rocks, jutting proudly from the sea.

Another fabulous summer activity to indulge in is foraging for truffles in Florence. An expert truffle dog guides you as you seek out this aromatic delicacy typical to the region. This fun activity is followed by dinner, where you’ll have the option of sampling another local treasure, Fiorentina, the mouthwatering grilled beefsteak dish.

Italy is famous for its cuisine. Uncover the secrets of its flavorful food in a Tuscan cooking class with a professional chef. Set in the former hunting lodge of the fabled Medici family, this class culminates in a splendid lunch with wine, dining on the creations cooked up during the morning.

Portugal

Douro Valley – Photo by Evan Verni on Unsplash

Famed for its golden sands and lively culture, Portugal offers a dazzling array of activities for travelers. Experience the history and charm of the country on Luxury Gold’s Spain & Portugal in Style, a 13-day luxury guided tour that brings you right to the heart of it.

On Day Eight of your tour, you cross the Alentejo Plateau, a region with undulating plains that is known for cork trees and olive groves. After reaching the capital city, Lisbon, you’ll be treated to a typical Portuguese dinner at a local Fado house, where the UNESCO-recognized singing is performed.

Spend a morning in the historic Belém Quarter, with its ancient fortress that sits on the riverbank. Visit the 500-year-old Jerónimos Monastery and cloisters to see its Manueline architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A drive along the coast takes you to the Atlantic coastal village of Cascais. This pretty cove is famous for its sandy beaches, so you can find a spot for sunbathing or take a dip in the sea. A number of good restaurants line the marina, so you can order some fresh seafood straight from the ocean, accompanied by Vinho Verde, the refreshing local wine.

You’ll also explore a local winery near Evora, a stunning city full of architectural splendor. Hear more about the wine making process and taste a selection of their finest tipple, surrounded by acres of vines.

If you’re staying on in Portugal, it’s definitely worth visiting Praia da Adraga in Sintra, just 12 kilometers from Lisbon. Here you’ll see one of the most spectacular sunsets from Azenhas do Mar, a restaurant that’s built right into the cliffs. It’s also a great place to catch some waves, if you’re an experienced surfer.

Switzerland

Lucerne, Switzerland

Although people think of alpine villages and snow sports in relation to Switzerland, it’s a delightful place to visit in summer. It offers an alternative to the hotspots along the Mediterranean, but it has plenty to offer the summer traveler.

The glamorous resort of St. Moritz gets the most days of sunshine per year in Switzerland. This makes it a wonderful place to take a swim in one of the pristine lakes nearby. Hiking is a popular pastime here, and when you take in the awe-inspiring panoramas of glaciers, mountains and meadows, you’ll understand why. There are plenty of easy hikes for visitors, including Fuorcla Surlej to Pontresina.

On the Luxury Gold tour, Majestic Switzerland, you can discover the local flora, fauna and wildlife with an experienced nature guide. Keep your eyes peeled for marmots, red deer and the golden eagle. The lush foliage and forestry of the country provides an idyll for many species.

After a vigorous day of hiking, you can unwind in the outdoor pool of the Mont Cervin Palace hotel, your home for two nights on the Luxury Gold tour. The beautiful lawn and pool have incredible views of the surrounding Zermatt mountains, while the spa also offers steam baths, a bio sauna and signature therapies to sooth your weary body.

Switzerland has some sublime lakes, two of which are visited on your Majestic Switzerland tour. On day six, you’ll check into the Hotel d’Angleterre, located right on the banks of Lake Geneva, the inspiration for the Early European Romantic movement. Two days later, after chocolate in Broc and cheese in Gruyères, you’ll reach lovely Lucerne. There, you’ll enjoy a romantic cruise on the lake, where you can admire the fairy tale buildings and abundant greenery beyond.

Croatia

Split, Croatia

Croatia is another European destination that has really raised its profile over the past decade. Its romantic port towns, towering fortresses and stunning national parks provide visitors with plenty to explore. It also basks in glorious sunshine, making it perfect for a summer vacation.

Embark on the Captivating Croatia and Montenegro tour with Luxury Gold to discover the sparkling seas and dramatic history of this stretch of land. On day two, you can enjoy a cruise to take in the Bay of Dubrovnik from a different perspective, admiring the city ramparts that are among the grandest in Europe.

Luxury Gold guests also enjoy exclusive tours on day six, with a boat ride to the floating oyster beds of Ston and a tour of Winery Frankovic. Savour a freshly shucked oyster straight from the sea with a chilled glass of wine. Then, on shore, see a traditional olive mill and walk amid the groves before a relaxing lunch.

The dazzling waters of Petrcane on the Dalmation coast are a great place to have an afternoon swim. Alternatively, guests can relax on the soft sands of the fishing village or stroll along the seafront as the sun splits the sky in pinks and orange.

The Sea Organ in Zadar is a fascinating architectural sound installation that looks like steps leading into the water, but creates music from the ocean as it laps the chambers beneath. No song is ever the same as the water moves around.

The country is just as stunning when you venture inland. Plitvice National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where 16 interconnected lakes create a mesmerising prospect for visitors. Luxury Gold guests enjoy a guided tour by boat and on foot with a Local Expert to explore the natural beauty of the area.

Book a European Summer Vacation with Luxury Gold

Luxury Gold includes VIP Experiences on its tours that engage you more deeply with the destination. These are made possible by the wealth of experience behind us and the connections fostered over 100 years of travel. From meeting master jewellers in Croatia to a private tour of Doge’s Palace in Venice, your summer vacation will be enhanced by these once-in-a-lifetime events.

Travelers can currently take advantage of 15% off many of Luxury Gold’s tours for summer 2021, so now’s the time to see more of Europe.