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

Truly, one of life’s great delights is cheese. Whether served after dinner with Ligurian olives, melted into a mornay sauce or simply between two slices of freshly baked bread, it can be either an elegant or a simple pleasure.

“Dessert without cheese is like a beauty with only one eye”– Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, author of The Physiology of Taste

Although you may be able to get Limburger or Camembert in your local deli, nothing beats tasting it in the region that it is created. The wonderful news is that many of the world’s best cheese producers have opened their borders again and the time is ripe to explore them. If you’re seeking some off the beaten track experiences, then perhaps you should choose a luxury guided tour to one of these incredible destinations. Discover the small towns where specialty cheeses originate and perhaps uncover some new cheeses in surprising places. It’s the perfect excuse to feast your way through your vacation.

From the Oldest to the Bubbliest

Fondue in Switzerland. Photo by angela pham on Unsplash

A land of snow-capped peaks and bucolic meadows, Switzerland is not just famous for its chocolate, but also its cheeses. Many people will associate Emmentaler with the country, instantly recognizable from its signature eyes. However, cheese lovers will find there are many more varieties to enjoy on the Majestic Switzerland tour with Luxury Gold.

Visit La Gruyères, the mecca of cheese in Switzerland, on the eighth day of your luxury tour. There you will experience the ultimate treat, a bubbling fondue made with the local delicacy. Don’t miss the chance to try Sbrinz, one of the oldest cheeses, that was first mentioned in official records in 70 A.D. It pairs well with a glass of Barolo.

The Cheese Regions of France

Camembert Cheese. Photo by Margaret Jaszowska on Unsplash

Visitors to France are spoiled for choice with the variety of cheeses on offer. In Bordeaux where it’s customary to have cheese with your wine, try a velvety Merlot with a flavorful Tome de Brebis with Piment d’Espelette. The famous cheese cave at Baud et Millet houses over 100 varieties and is an excellent place for cheese tasting tours.

In Normandy, you can explore the Cheese Museum and President Farm, where Camembert originates. If you’re venturing to the French Alps, try Reblochon, Tomme de Savoie and Beaufort cheeses. Travel on Luxury Gold’s French Vogue tour and enjoy a gourmet food walk, which will take you to tiny cheese shops of Paris.

Scotland and England

Stilton Blue Cheese. Photo by Coombe Castle

Although Scotland isn’t the first place one would think of when it comes to cheese, travelers will find an excellent selection of farmhouse cheeses in the small country. From the marbled Cambus O’May that melts in your mouth, to the salty and tangy Lanark Blue that is created from raw sheep’s milk. England is famous for its Stilton, as the town of the same name can be found in Cambridgeshire, though the cheese is no longer made there. The crusted, blue veined cheese is often served in celery or broccoli soup and sometimes blended into a mouth watering sauce for steak.

In the rolling valleys of the Cotswolds, you’ll see where the semi-hard Gloucester cheese is made and an annual cheese rolling competition takes place. Guests traveling on the British Royale tour can discover more about cheesemaking in the United Kingdom and sample some of the delightful offerings, including Stilton, found on many restaurant menus.

A Feast for All the Senses

Mozzarella cheese. Photo by Sebastian Coman Photography from Pexels

In a country where cheese is central to their national dishes, it’s no surprise that Italy has some well-known cheesemakers. Mozzarella, gorgonzola, pecorino, ricotta, Parmigano-Reggiano – Italy has such a diverse range of cheese tastes that you could spend your whole vacation trying a new one each day. Join the Ultimate Italy tour and make sure you sample a few on your 12-day adventure.

If you’re journeying to Sardinia, you may come across the controversial  casu marzu containing live insect larvae that is exclusively made on the island. It is a traditional delicacy on the island, but it is actually illegal in the EU and the United States.

The Region of Don Quixote and Manchego

Manchego Cheese. Photo by the Cheese Connoisseur

Those familiar with Spain will most likely have tried Manchego, the sheep’s milk cheese that comes from the herds of Albacete, Toledo and Ciudad Real. It’s buttery flavor goes well with a glass of Tempranillo and it can almost be spicy when matured for a lengthy period. Join the Spain & Portugal in Style tour and you’ll certainly see Manchego on sale at the markets of Andalusia on Day 7 of your journey. If you venture further north, you’ll find Basque specialties such as Ossau-Iraty and the smoky Idiazabal.

A Well-Kept Secret

Gamalost Cheese. Photo by cheesemaking.com

Travelers on the Timeless Scandinavia tour may be surprised to discover that Norway is home to two world champion cheeses, Kraftkar, a blue cheese and Fanaost, a semi hard cheese that comes from a tiny dairy farm south of Bergen. The moist, coarse Gamalost is a unique cheese that is celebrated in a four day festival every year in the town of Vik, set amid the western fjords of Norway. It has a distinctive smell and is enjoyed with buttered bread and cranberry jelly.

The World’s Largest Cheese Producer

Rogue Creamery Rogue River Blue. Photo by the Cheese Connoisseur

The United States produces the most cheese every year and it also exports the most cheese around the world. However, does that mean that it has best cheese, or is it simply quantity over quality? That’s no longer up for debate, as Rogue Creamery’s Rogue River Blue no.1 took first place at the World Cheese Awards in 2019.

On the Vibrant Quebec and New England tour, you’ll venture into Vermont, which is home to some of the most incredible artisanal cheeses in the country. Try Cabot Clothbound Cheddar with some crisp apple slices or Vermont Shepherd Verano, an earthy cheese made from sheep’s milk.

Canadian Cheese Culture

Allegretto Cheese. photo by scoutmagazine.ca

Samuel de Champlain brought cows from Normandy to Canada in the early 1600s, and thus began the tradition of cheesemaking in the country. Cheddar cheese became one of the main exportable products of dairy farmers for over 50 years, but that declined over the course of the 20th century.

Discover the cheeses of Quebec on the Indulgence in Eastern Canada tour. The area is home to over 100 cheesemakers and you’ll enjoy a tasting picnic on day 6 of your vacation. Look out for the creamy Cantonnier, with notes of hazelnut and the sweeter Allegretto.

Pair with a Fruity Red

Gippsland Blue. photo by Two Providores

In a country that has established itself on the international wine scene, it’s perhaps predictable that it has a robust cheese market too. Gippsland Blue is aged in underground cellars to develop blue vein characteristics; this is a wonderful accompaniment to a sweet dessert wine. Mandolin is a supple, crumbly cheese from south Australia that develops a rusty red appearance.

If you’re looking for luxury guided travel Down Under, check out Inspiring Australia with Luxury Gold.

Cheese Tastes All Over the World

If you’re craving a cheese tasting experience this summer, then check out Luxury Gold’s last minute specials. Several of the luxury guided tours listed above have great savings right now, or you may even discover a new artisan cheesemaker somewhere unexpected. It’s time to get out and explore again.

Europe is ready to open its sun-dappled arms to overseas visitors. After a long pause, successful vaccine programs and warmer weather mean large parts of Europe are anticipating a much more open summer.  Turn your travels into gold with a luxury guided vacation to explore more of the world.

With some countries expecting to invite guests as early as June, and a Covid certificate system allowing free movement around the European bloc for those fully vaccinated, recovered from infection, or in possession of a recent negative test, the only question left to ask is “where can I travel to now?”

Spain & Portugal

Sweeping golden beaches, picturesque historic towns, and lush green hills have made the Iberian Peninsula a must-visit summer destination since travel began. Explore all the region has to offer, from the artistic and gastronomic delights of Barcelona to the castles and cathedrals of Lisbon, when you journey across Spain & Portugal in Style

Wander through UNESCO World Heritage architecture amidst the winding streets of historic towns. Sip cocktails on a rooftop perch over Seville or experience Michelin star dining in Madrid.  There is no better way to reintroduce yourself to the delights of a European summer.

Croatia and Montenegro

A long-hidden gem, Croatia and the Adriatic coast host charming ancient towns amongst breathtaking countryside, all beside the sparkling blue Adriatic Sea. Roam the pristine streets of Dubrovnik Old Town and dive into the vibrant and diverse capital of Zagreb when you explore Captivating Croatia and Montenegro.

Sample oysters fresh from their beds in Ston at the midpoint of your journey. Join your captain for an unforgettable experience on the floating oyster beds of the Adriatic. Enjoy a chilled local wine as you taste the marine delicacies straight from the sea.

France

Food, fashion, art, and elegant landscapes are the order of the day when you take the French Vogue luxury tour.

Step through the same streets as Van Gogh when you visit Arles and witness the wild beauty of Provence which inspired him to paint hundreds of masterpieces. Indulge in a boutique foodie tour of Paris and let a local expert serve up temptation in the city’s famous pâtisseries, boulangeries, and chocolatiers. Take time to explore the largest privately-owned château in France on a VIP visit to Vaux-Le-Vicomte and its magnificent floral gardens.

Italy

Italy is known for rolling sunlit vistas and hearty cuisine. Luxury Gold’s Ultimate Italy tour invites you to indulge in both as you explore the rich delights of this spectacular destination.

Visit majestic Rome where, as a Luxury Gold guest, you will be granted exclusive VIP access to the famous Sistine Chapel before its doors open for the day, then skip the line to the ancient Colosseum before being led to hidden sites by a genial local host.

Later, relax as you sip refreshing lemon granita in Capri, before wandering the landscaped gardens of Caesar Augustus to view the legendary Faraglioni Rocks. You can work up an appetite for your Michelin-star lunch as you take in the sweeping views.

Switzerland

It’s the Alps that come to mind when we think of Switzerland, but this stunning country is so much more, especially in the summer. When you journey with Luxury Gold you will discover all the sights and tastes of Majestic Switzerland.

Glamorous St. Moritz offers bright, sunny days and awe-inspiring mountain scenery. It’s also a place of nature, as you take a gentle hike through the surrounding hills you may see marmots, red deer, or even the majestic golden eagle. After experiencing the Alps up close aboard the world-famous Glacier Express, look out over Lake Geneva from the luxury Hotel d’Angleterre, that rests elegantly on the bank, where you will stay for two nights.

Ireland

The stories and natural beauty of the Emerald Isle will remain with you long after you leave its shores, and Luxury Gold’s Ultimate Ireland tour will fill you to the brim with both.

Uncover the wonders of man and nature when you follow a morning at Belfast’s Titanic Museum with a private ranger tour of the geological wonder that is Giant’s Causeway. Pull the perfect pint of Guinness in a vibrant Dublin pub and watch the city come alive as you take in a hearty Irish meal. Kiss the Blarney Stone and learn Irish dancing before taking the fresh country air into your lungs as you wander the rugged countryside of Limerick.

Travel Requirements Guide

With the landscape constantly changing, it can be easy to get lost in what the requirements are for travel from and to any part of the world. With that in mind, Luxury Gold are offering a handy Sherpa guide where you can quickly check the up-to-date requirements for each country open for travel now.

Book a Luxury European Tour this Summer

Luxury Gold have combined specially curated itineraries and carefully chosen luxury accommodations to enrich your vacation. With VIP Experiences led by knowledgeable Local Experts, we ensure that you experience more than just the highlights of every destination you visit. Summer 2021 is set to be a new era for luxury travel in Europe and you can explore this magnificent and fascinating continent on any of our exciting range of luxury guided tours.