Its summers benefit from this geography making them long and warm. As a result it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Switzerland. For all these reasons the rich and famous flock there garnering it the nickname the “Monte Carlo of Switzerland.”

1. Lake Lugano

The centerpiece of the city’s life is the fact that it is located on the edge of the romantic Lake Lugano. The lake is around 50 square kilometers in size so there is plenty of fun to be had doing whatever a water baby’s heart desires. There are many water taxis and boat rental possibilities as well as a great deal of hotels and restaurants to simply pull in and dock at for a long and lazy shore side meal.

2. Monte Brè

If you haven’t guessed, Lugano’s strong appeal is that it’s all about nature and outdoor activities. If the lake’s scenic views weren’t enough Lugano is surrounded by plush mountains. These mountains afford the largest network of mountain bike trails in the country as well as incredible scenic views and amazing hiking opportunities. One of these mountains is actually Switzerland’s sunniest spot. Monte Brè is tiny traditional village with only 300 inhabitants and well worth a visit. While here if artistically inclined you can visit Wilhem Schmidt Museum and see many examples of the famous Swiss Painter’s work.

3. The Alprose Chocolate Museum

If you have a sweet tooth then you’ve come to the right place. The Alprose Chocolate Museum follows the historical development of chocolate from its creation to present day. Of course, the highlight is the Swiss tradition of chocolate making and don’t worry there are plenty of chances to sample as you study!

4. Hermann Hesse Museum

After all the sun, music and chocolate you can handle why not have a bit of culture for dessert. The Hermann Hesse Museum is located just south off Lugano in Montagnola. The Noble Prize winning author lived half his life here, how could he not be inspired.

5. Summer Festivals

There are music festivals running all through the summer. The Lugano Festival is mainly dedicated to classical music and runs during April and May. It features over a dozen concerts with world renowned orchestras and soloist performing. The second part of the Festival focuses on the Argentinian pianist “Progetto Martha Argerich” in June. This where young and old guest musicians of the international music scene come together to play. Estival Jazz arrives in July and is the premiere Jazz event of Southern Switzerland. Everyone from Miles Davis to Dizzy Gillespie have played at this wonderful event. And if Jazz or Classical music isn’t your style, no worries, because the Blues-to-Bop Festival rolls into town in late August and early September turning the city into a bustling frenzy as thousands crowd the streets and piazzas for more free open-air concerts.

All in all Lugano is the ideal balance between northern Europe and the Mediterranean. It’s the perfect Swiss city with a dash of Mediterranean flair.

Top 5 Popular Hotels in Lugano

• Lugano Dante Swiss Quality Hotel – 4-Star Hotel – Room Price: CHF 300
• Hotel Walter au Lac – 3-Star Hotel – Room Price: CHF 225
• Hotel Delfino – 3-Star Hotel – Room Price: CHF 225
• Parco Paradiso Suitenhotel – 4-Star Hotel – Room Price: CHF 280
• Hotel Federale – 3-Star Hotel – Room Price: CHF 230

Panoramic view of Lugano, Switzerland, by Valser

and is wealthy and cultured, and is considered to be an extremely family friendly place.

The temperate climate during the summer months is very well suited for children. Keep in mind though that Vancouver is a fairly expensive place to stay and visit, so it’s worth planning an itinerary in advance so that possibly costly last minute decisions are avoided. So with that in mind, here are some of the best things to do with kids:

• Splashdown Park

Splashdown Park is a Water Park located between Tsawwassen and Vancouver, a reasonably short distance by ferry. The Park is only open during the summer months, (June to September) but if you’re in Vancouver at this time it’s highly recommended. Admission for a family of four stands at $72.95 Canadian Dollars, but you really get your money’s worth with a large variety of slides for all ages of children and an area for picnics and sports as well as an arcade with all kinds of video games. Fun for all the family and you can easily spend the whole day there as there really is something for everyone.

• Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain is a skiing area overlooking the entire city of Vancouver, which is great for families with slightly older children. During the winter there’s every kind of activity imaginable, such as Helicopter tours, Zip lines, a Cable car, Sleigh Rides, and Ice Skating, and during summer a whole new range of activities including Hiking, Paragliding, and even Lumberjack and Bird Shows. There is also a wildlife conservation centre for parents who want their kids to actually learn something on holiday!

• Stanley Park

Seldom will you find a guide of Vancouver which doesn’t talk about Stanley Park at some length. It’s situated on a little peninsula north of Downtown, and has all sorts of activities for all ages, as well as just being a relative abode of peace to the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan Vancouver. Things that the kids will definitely love are Horse-drawn carriage tours, a beach pool, an aquarium, a little water park with water cannons and very shallow water that also boasts free admission, and even a driving school for kids featuring pedal cars, traffic signs, and stop lights. As a kid, I personally couldn’t have found anything more exciting than the thought of driving a small pedal car around a tarmac circuit –I had to make do with my sister’s tricycle!

• Thomas Haas Fine Chocolates and Patisserie

The Thomas Haas Fine Chocolates and Patisserie, is a Chocolate and Bakery shop located in North Vancouver and is a great place for parents who like to indulge their little ones (at least on holiday) with things that kids of all ages just can’t seem to get enough of. Whoever had a child that didn’t like chocolate, after all? Everything is handmade here, from sweets to wedding cakes. Children will probably want to spend a lot more time that you might have originally envisaged, so you had better be prepared to get your wallet out if you don’t want a riot on your hands. There is a Cafe and Patisserie where you and the kids can sample many of the delights and watch chocolate works of art being made before their eyes.

Family-friendly Hotels in Vancouver:

• Holiday Inn North Vancouver – Double room from CAD $170.
• Hotel The Pan Pacific Vancouver – Double room from CAD $269.
• Hotel Accent Inns Vancouver Airport – Double room from CAD $100.

Photo of Stanley Park, Vancouver, by Chang’r

Paris Food Culture

BootsnAll Travel takes you to a foodie tour of Paris with stops at the Rungis fresh food market, the 200-year-old Au Grand Richelieu bakery, and the Hidden Kitchen underground restaurant.

Hotel Room of the Future

The Sydney Morning Herald presents room number 1014 at the Pullman Paris Bercy Hotel.  Designed by Natasha Froger, this concept hotel room features special key card, mobile phone entry, floating TV set, 3D fabric, see-through shower and more ultra modern amenities.

Paris Hotel for Chocolate Lovers

Hoosta Magazine reviews the Hotel du Cadran. Located in the very heart of Paris, a few steps from the Eiffel Tower, this design hotel boasts a zen-like ambiance and offers a chocolate bar where guests can sample yummy chocolates and desserts.

Eco Shopping Tour

The green friendly Hotel Gavarni recommends taking a Paris eco-chic shopping tour that will make you discover trendy clothing stores, accessories and green cosmetics.

Design Metro Station

On Eye Prefer Paris, see  pictures of the brand new Evry underground station by Richard Nahem, who discovered this design and very colorful Paris RER train station during a visit to the Cathedral of the Resurrection.

Photo of French baguettes in Paris by ….antonio….

Though draft ales and beers clearly hold a huge allure for visitors, the coffee and pastries found throughout Dublin hold mouth-watering faire for every palate. Listed below are our recommendations for the best coffee bars and bakeries for you to visit while exploring the city.

1. Brown’s Bar

A very popular bar with the ladies, but more and more exec’s from the corporate sector are finding what a great place this is for a cup of coffee to wash down their favorite dessert with. The classic ambience is second to none and you will delight to the flavorful cappuccinos and espressos, while savoring rich cakes, ice cream desserts, pastries, and pies to satiate every taste bud imaginable.

2. Butler’s Chocolate Café

Undoubtedly the ultimate destination – a chocolate lover’s fantasy and a coffee lover’s dream all rolled into one. If you enjoy both of these then you won’t want to omit this café from your exploration agenda. Lined with tantalizing treats such as creamy caramels, marzipan, petit fours, and truffles, you’ll have a challenge deciding on what to bring home as gifts. And don’t forget to enjoy a cappuccino, an espresso, or a latte while you’re there.

3. Fitzer’s Café

Despite having several locations scattered throughout Dublin, you will want to visit the one located at Merrion Square inside Dublin’s National Gallery. Prolific greenery surrounding white seating creates a great atmosphere as you relax next door to some of the most fantastic artwork of the world, some of which can be seen from your table, depending upon where you sit.

Photo of cups of Irish Coffee by Mohan S

The Soho Grand Hotel New York invites you to sample the Grand’s Signature Mac & Cheese recipe, the “perfect addition to Easter Sunday dinner”.

AK_Mom recommends cooking Apple Cinnamon Rolls for Easter brunch.

The May Fair Hotel London tries to tempt you with a delicious chocolate steam bath.

Living in Greece gives useful information to non-EU travelers who want to spend Easter holiday in Greece.

“Easter Egg Cocktail” photo by feastoffools

Easter Peeps Photo Contest

Visit Intelligent Travel and enter the “Peeps in Places” Photo Challenge by sending a picture of one or more Easter peeps in your own neighborhood or your favorite travel destination. You have until Monday, April 13th to submit your sweetest, funniest photo of Easter peep.

Top 10 Candy Shops for Easter Enthusiasts

USA Today reviews 10 great candy shops where you can buy Easter sweets, chocolate bunnies and sugar eggs. The list includes M&M’s World in Las Vegas, Sugar Heaven in Boston, E.A.T. Gifts in New York, Big Top in Austin and more places where to fill your Easter basket.

Barcelona Chocolate Museum

Planning a family holiday in Barcelona, Spain? Travel Savvy Mom recommends a visit to the children-friendly “Museu de la Xocolata” Chocolate Museum.

Easter Holidaymakers Interview

On Travel Weekly, watch a video of Easter holidaymakers at Gatwick London Airport answering questions about their travel plans and holiday budget.

Top 5 Toulouse Hotels

Planning a trip to southwest France? About.com reviews five great hotels in Toulouse, including  the centrally located Hotel Athénée and the luxury Hotel Palladia situated close to the city airport.

Photo of Easter bunnies by Lin Pernille

Several cities and resorts in Provence, like Monaco, Cap Ferrat and St Tropez are choice destinations of the international jet set and are often written up in the tabloids and travel magazines but there are many other cities of Provence which have successfully retained their quaint old world charm that should be explored on any visit to the region.

1. Aix-en-Provence

Aix en Provence was the capital of Provence in the 15th century. The Romans founded Aix in 123BC and fashioned it after the city of Florence. Aix is an important center for art and culture and the city has hosted several creative souls like Guigou, Stendhal, Mistral, Zola, and Cézanne through the ages. Aix is known for its old ornate mansions, flower filled squares and flamboyant fountains all of which have been preserved and restored carefully. Every summer, the International Festival of Lyric Art fills Aix’s narrow shaded streets with the wondrous sounds.

2. Avignon

The fortified city of Avignon with its famed bridge which has been immortalized forever in the song ‘Sur le pont d’Avignon’ was once the favorite stomping ground of the Popes. The city even has a magnificent palace called the Palace of the Popes which overlooks its lively main square. Avignon today is well known for its Theater Festival that is held here during the month of July.

3. Arles

The city of Arles is located on the banks of the River Rhône and is a UNESCO designated World Heritage site that dates back to the 7th Century BC when it was a prominent Gallo-Roman town. In fact various Roman ruins like the Arena, the amphitheater, the Roman baths of Constantin and the Alyscamps burial grounds are scattered all over the city. The Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh spent nearly a year in Arles in the company of his fellow artist and friend Paul Gaugain in 1888. His stay in Arles was most productive as he was greatly inspired by the immense beauty of this medieval city to create nearly two hundred works.

4. Saint-Rémy de Provence

This beautiful Gallo-Roman village is located in heart of the Alpilles and is encircled by a 14th century protective wall. Saint Rémy is built on one of the oldest archeological sites in Europe and should be considered a ‘must-visit’ on any Provence itinerary. Vincent Van Gogh, spent time in a sanitarium located here in 1889. He was so inspired by the village’s scenic beauty that he produced one of his most famous works called the ‘Starry Night’ during his confinement. Apart from its historical significance, Saint Rémy is also well known for its many charming restaurants and shops and it is also the home of world-famous artisan chocolatier, Joel Durand who uses several native ingredients like lavender, Provence almonds and olives to create his mouth-watering treats.

5. Menton

The port city of Menton is located on the southern eastern tip of France. Its location on the Mediterranean has blessed Menton with a year round agreeable climate which is conducive to growing flowers and citrus fruits. Orange trees, lemon trees, palm trees and mimosa are found in abundance in Menton which is known for its luxuriant gardens. Menton pays homage to its delicious citrus fruits with its colorful, parade-filled Lemon Festival which is held all over the city for three weeks every February.

Photo of fountain in Aix-en-Provence, France by mac ki

An obvious one to start with but well worth a mention never the less. This book could be thanked but also accused of changing the face of the beautiful southern French region of Provence. Mayle left his job in advertising and took himself off to live in a little cottage with his wife Jenny near the Lubéron Mountains where he immersed himself in the calm and delicious Provencal life. But unlike many travel books, this captured so many different people’s hearts because it’s not really about what a place is like but more what it feels like. The markets, the tourists, the locals, the insects and the Mistral all make you want to get on the first flight out there.

2. Labyrinth by Kate Mosse

Quite unlike the calm and tranquil feel of Mayle’s book, here Mosse presents the French city of Carcassonne and the areas of south western France as being exciting and mysterious sites full of hidden archaeological treasures. It merges present day France with 13th Century France. It’s full of Counts being ruthless, torture, quests for Holy Grails of certain kinds and it feels very much in the same ballpark as The Da Vinci Code. It’s not a bad way of seeing how France has changed over the years and it’s certainly a good way of delving into it’s past too.

3. Chocolat by Joanne Harris

Chocolate and love go hand in hand and where better for such a marriage of romance and cuisine than in France. Harris’ delicate and charming 2000 novel sees Vianne and her little daughter try and make it in the business world of aphrodisiacal chocolate when all of the prim and pious village folk seem to be under the watchful eye of the local priest. Set in a fictional little village between Toulouse and Bordeaux everything that is sacred about village life in France is on display here and you’ll want to eat the innocent characters as much as the warm chocolate Vianne makes.

4. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

If you want to get stuck into some more meaty historic parts of France then look no further than this classic from the writer of The Three Musketeers. It’s the ultimate book in many ways. There’s romance, adventure, swords, dancing, laughter and revenge. In fact it’s probably one of the best books ever written about revenge. When Dantes is wrongly imprisoned, he manages to escape and then carry out revenge by posing as a Count and blending in with his enemy’s way of life. Set during the early years of the 19th Century, it shows what life was like in France for the poor and for the wealthy with the backdrop to the story being the Hundred Days of Napoleon’s reign and the reign of King Louis Philipe.

Photo of lavender fields, Provence, France by nicephore

Now we’re still in the depths of winter, it seems fitting to cover a few of the drinks that the rest of Europe’s slurping down between chapped lips.

Hot Chocolate -Europe

Every nation in Europe has its own version. The beverage that was supposedly invented by South American Tribes who found cocoa beans precious and even used them as currency, when they weren’t mixing them with Chili. It was discovered by the Spaniards in the 1500’s, and then over the years taken up by all over Western Europe, who ditched the chili and added milk and sugar and vanilla to counteract the bitterness. One unforgettable variant that I’ve experienced was Lithuanian Hot Chocolate, which was literally Black and Milk Chocolate melted in a small espresso mug eaten with a teaspoon.

Bicerin – Italy

Bicerin is an Italian Drink that originates from Turin. It consists of a tasty combination of Espresso, Hot Chocolate, and Whole Milk poured in 3 separate layers – essentially a unique version of a Mocha Cappuccino. Only the Italians could be so inventive with their drinks. Three Musketeer’s Author Alexander Dumas wrote that his morning habit of starting the day with one was something unforgettable.

Tea – England

Summer, winter, springtime, harvest – there’s always a time for a cup of English Tea. It’s one of the only drinks that manage to be both relaxing and stimulating. Some of the most well known favourites are “Earl Grey” and “English Breakfast”, the former being one of the strongest. Traditionally, Tea was accompanied by a scone, toast, or sometimes crumpets (small, pancake-type flour and yeast bread product). Tea in Britain was for centuries treated like Coffee and served with Milk and Sugar, although this practice is becoming less common with the increasing popularity of Green and Herbal teas, which are incidentally disgusting with milk and sugar (I trust the reader can detect the tone of regretful experience from the author’s early morning forays).

Glühwein – Germany

Glühwein is a mixture of red wine, vanilla pods, cinnamon sticks, cloves, sugar, and lemon – all heated up. A popular Scandinavian variant of Glühwein is Glögg, (or Glögi), which is similar except served with almonds and raisins.

It’s traditionally served at the world-famous Weihnachtsmarkt (German Christmas Markets) to warm the spirits (and blood supply) of frozen seasonal shoppers up – the best markets are said to be at held at Nuremberg, Münster, Aachen, Leipzig, and Dresden. Sounds Interesting? More information on German Christmas Markets can be found elsewhere on this blog.

Thanks for reading and enjoy your travels!

Photo of hot chocolate by paPics

Turin Chocopass

Turin has been producing chocolates for over three centuries and the origins of Turin’s chocolate -making art can be traced back to the year 1678, when Madame Reale, who was then the Queen of the Savoy state, granted the first ever “license” to Turinese chocolate maker Giò Antonio Ari to make chocolates. Thus began the city’s love affair which chocolate which continues until this day. So much so that the Turin Tourist board has even created a special ‘Chocopass’ which you can buy on your visit to Turin, in order to sample the many mouth-watering wares of the Turinese chocolatiers. This Chocopass is currently priced at 12 Euros and entitles you to 22 delicious tastings at various historic cafes of Turin like Al Bicerin and Café Platti. Moreover you can stagger your tastings over three days so that you don’t get fed up of eating all that delicious chocolate in one day.

The chocolates created by these Turinese chocolatiers are truly special and include several specialties like the Gianduiotto which is a shaped like an upturned boat and crafted out of sugar, cocoa and hazelnut paste, the Baci di Cherasco (Cherasco Kisses) which are made with dark chocolate and hazelnuts , the Alpino which contain a heavenly liquor cream and are named after the hats worn by an Italian military regiment and the Bicerin, which is a truly decadent layered hot chocolate drink which also contains coffee.

Seduction and Chocolate

Apart from the Chocopass, Turin also celebrates this heavenly food of the gods at an annual celebration known as Cioccolatò which is held all over the city with an epicenter at Piazza Vittorio Veneto. This year this chocolate extravaganza will be held from Friday, the 6th March 2009 to Sunday the 15th of March and will include a wide array of chocolate flavored events which will celebrate the festival’s central theme,‘seduction by chocolate’ with a special emphasis on the feminine side.

The festival like in the previous years will feature famous chocolatiers from all over Italy and the world who will exhibit their scrumptious products at stalls which will be erected on Piazza Vittorio Veneto. You will then be able to sample a vast variety of heavenly delicacies as you stroll among the various stalls. It is estimated that the approximately 700,000 thousand guests that visit Cioccolatò every year consume nearly 30,000 kilos of the sweet, dark endorphin-releasing delight at the festival itself.

Apart from the tastings the festival will feature several special events which examine the marriage of chocolate with various foods and drinks, like chocolate and coffee, tea and chocolate, herbs and chocolate, almonds and chocolate, fruits and chocolate and the bizarre combination of cheese, olive oil, pepper and chocolate among others. These events will be held on various days of the ten day festival.

Women and Chocolate

Cioccolatò 2009, whose theme emphasizes the female connection with chocolate, will also feature a ‘Dinner for Chocolate’ which will showcase the talents of female chefs and women wine sommeliers. Yet another female centric event on the festival program will be a seminar called Women and Chocolate, Infinite Passion which will feature famous women of the Italian chocolate industry like Mariella Maione, chief executive of the Peyrano Company and Mary Zulli, the President of the Coperative Social Cocoa Break. So if you adore chocolate and consider yourself a chocoholic why not head to Turin for this year’s Cioccolatò?

Photo of chocolate heart by Rev Dan Catt

It’s been so much fun reading and writing for the Venere Travel Blog that it was difficult to agree on the five articles to pick, but here is our list:

1. Best Aperitif Bars in Rome

Since me and my Venere colleagues often meet up in a cocktail bar for a few relaxing after-work drinks, we really enjoyed reading this blog post on the best aperitif places in Rome. This aperitif bar review by Nicole Arriaga and the comments left by readers made us discover some of the coolest wine bars in Rome.

2.  Hotels for Chocolate Lovers

As Susan wrote yesterday, we have come to know that many of you are chocolate addicts and, since we here at Venere are chocoholics too, this hotel review is definitely one of our favorites. The hotels for chocolate lovers  reviewed in this yummy article are the Etruscan Chocohotel (Perugia), the Chocolate Boutique Hotel (Bournemouth), the Langham Hotel (Boston),  La Banisterie (Avignon) and the NH Koln City Hotel (Cologne).

3. Top 5 Movie Set Hotels

If, like us, you have always dreamt of being a Hollywood movie star for one day, you will enjoy this blog post on film tourism too. In this article, Mascha reviews five hotels featured in movies including Apartment R/134 Margutta (Roman Holiday), Hotel Des Bains (Death in Venice), Hotel Fontanebleau Resorts (Goldfinger), San Domenico Palace (The Adventure) and Hotel York (Vertigo).

4. Monkey Thieves in Thailand

This amusing post about monkey pickpockets in Thailand is certainly one of the funniest travel stories on the Venere Travel Blog. Sarah Edge tells us her adventure at Monkey Temple in Prachuap Khiri Khan – a  monastery enjoying fantastic views of the Burmese mountains and the Thai Bay – when a big monkey stole her bag and ran up a tree to get away from her.

 5. How to get over your summer love

Getting back from a dreamy beach holiday in Santorini, Ibiza or Sicily,  and going through a lost love crisis? Do not miss Susan’s summer love heartbreak tips: indulge in self-pity,  eat chocolate, replace your lover quickly, and become a rock star. Any more tips on how to get over a holiday romance? Leave a comment and let us know.

Photo of heart drawn in the sand by Gisela Giardino

• Vino-Chocotherapy at Aspara Spa

If you’re a sucker for red wine and chocolates, this pampering therapy package is definitely for you. It starts with a 40-minute Cleansing Grape Seed and Walnut Body Polish to exfoliate your tired skin. The 60-minute Luxurious Red Wine – Cocoa Body Wrap follows, with the red wine enhancing your blood circulation as the cocoa body wrap moisturizes your skin and cleanses it against cellulites and other skin problems. Expect to feel happier and more lovable too as the cocoa body wrap also increases your endorphins. The whole treatment ends with the one-hour signature Royal Apsara Massage Experience to soothe your tired muscles.

• Evian Spa

If you like everything H20, the Evian Spa in Shanghai is your paradise. Expect the most heavenly water massages, hydrotherapies, plus more in this world class spa center. As soon as you enter their elegant edifice, you’ll immediately be transported into a world of intoxicating relaxation like no other. They also offer other services like facials and firming wraps, making it a great one stop center if you want a full body makeover.

• Jade Journey at Chi

If genuine Chinese pampering is what you’re looking for, you can’t go wrong with Chi’s new 100-minute signature treatment called Jade Journey. It follows on Chinese philosophy of healing and relaxation by bringing harmony and balance with the energetic properties of the jade stone. Treatment includes a special jade foot bath and tea bath as well as a traditional Chinese massage using jade.

Photo of relaxation candles originally posted by ldcross

Italy has olive oil, France has wine, Germany has sausages. These are all countries around Belgium that for years have taken vast amounts of time and effort making their favorite things. They nurture the ingredients and then the production process and they all have special shops and stalls where they can sell the very best of the best to people who can tell the best from the rest. Belgium is so good at making chocolate because it treats it exactly the same way.

In nearly every other country in the world, chocolate is made in much the same way as cars: on the factory line. Although they still taste good to you and I, a Mars or a Snickers is nothing like the chocolate the chocolatiers in Belgium know. There is the same attention to detail and admiration for the art of the profession in Belgium as with wine-makers or even artists.

The Old World methods of making chocolates in Belgium date back to the 18th Century but in 1912 a man came along and changed all of what we now know as the world of luxury chocs today. His name was Jean Neuhaus and he was Belgian. He came up with a new technique that would eventually result in his country being head and shoulders above the rest of the chocolate eating world. He discovered the praline. His idea was to have a hard chocolate mold called a couverteur for a little sweet, but inside he would fill it with soft nougats and creams of all different flavors. These would range from toffee to coffee from coconut to hazelnut but they were different from everything else around and no one could replicate the incredible taste.

The chocolate shops in Belgium will show you more about why they are the best in the world. The lengthy and precise way in which the chocolatiers hand-make all the chocolates has set the bar for the rest of the world. The couverteur that the chocolatier receives is usually hard and then has to be reheated and molded to the desired shape. But what makes Belgium elite is the couverteur they receive is almost always kept warm so as not to lose an of the special aroma and taste before shaping.

If you want to really experience the best Belgian chocolate in the world then Neuhaus is still open for business and it has an online shop where you might need to get your credit card out if you fancy trying some.

Photo of Belgian chocolates in Brussels originally posted by c3Isius_bb

Travel photo competition: last days to enter the Times’ October travel photo contest! Send your favorite travel picture and win a trip to Marrakech, Morocco.

Salone del Gusto: held in Turin, Italy, from the 23rd to 27th October, the Salone del Gusto exhibition is one of the major international events in the food and wine sector and brings together artisan producers from all over the world. Come and taste the huge variety of foods and wines offered!

Salon du Chocolat: are you a chocoholic? The Salon du Chocolat, at Paris’ Porte de Versailles, starts October 29th and is a heaven for all chocolate lovers. With the world’s best chocolate makers, exhibitions, conferences, recipes demonstrations and chocolate fashion shows it is today one of the most popular chocolate events in the world.

France’s Best Cathedrals: This week, About.com helps its readers planning a Cathedral Tour in France. This cultural tour includes Paris, Chartres (Centre),  Strasbourg (Alsace), Nice (French Riviera), Rodez and Lourdes (Southwest France).

Eco-friendly tourist attraction: On Web in France Magazine find information about the Balloon Air de Paris, an eco-friendly tourist attraction that takes visitors over 50 feet in the air and offers fantastic panoramic views of Paris.

Chocolate Quiz:  Test your chocolate skills by taking the new National Geographic quiz. Will all cocoa lovers be able to answer those chocolate-related questions about Turkey, Ghana, Italy, Japan, South Africa, Brazil, and Mexico?

Museum Hotel Room: If you could afford a $800 hotel room in New York would you spend the night at the Guggenheim Museum? The Revolving Hotel Room by Belgian artist Carsten Höller is already fully booked, but you can still see it as part of the “Theanyspacewhatever” exhibition until January 7.

A London Chocolate Tour to fulfill even the most decadent of cocoa lovers delight is available for the chocolate aficionados. The tour is not the way to go if you are counting calories or perusing a diet of some sort. There will be no room for half chocolates measures here.

Your London Chocolate Tour has pandered to your wildest cocoa dreams. Your passions will be ignited and set free amongst the assortment of cocoa tour experiences. The guides will take you on a chocolate tour around London in search of the finest in chocolate lip smacking shops.

Chocolate lovers who share in your passion take you from one end of London to another for the ultimate chocolate tasting experience. For those who are newly discovering London you can take delicious delight in making your discovers by way of the warm and rich cocoa excursion. The most luxurious chocolate is sought after on this gastronomical wondrous tour. Be prepared to loosen your trouser button by mid afternoon as the tour runs from 10am until 2pm respectfully. The guide will take you down alleys and even tiny side streets in find for you the highest quality chocolate London has to offer.

If you have appreciation for English chocolates like Violet and Rose creams, truffles from 100 year old recipes, ganache chocolates, Belgian pralines, fiery chili chocolate then you are certainly in for a special treat. Put your feet up during the luscious hot chocolate drink break to sample with you many other chocolate morsels. Do expect to be given the very best in VIP treatment. A historical insight into the origins of each chocolate experience is detailed to enhance your pleasure. Tour guest are offered discounts, which does add up, by the end of the very luxurious chocolate tasting day.

Chocolate tours are great fun. With the holidays around the corner chocolate tours make for fantastic gifts. Book your tour well in advance to ensure your reservation spot on this chocolate indulgence London tour. Public tours tend to run once a month on a Saturday and depart near Piccadilly Circus, but private tours can be arranged flexibly upon request.

London Chocolate Ectasy Tour
Suite 404 Albany House
324/326 Regent Street
London – W1B 3HH

Photo of cherry chocolate originally posted by Jeff Belmonte 

Dear Travel Agony Aunt,
I’m travelling to Turin with my 18 year old daughter and 16 year old son and 18 year old nephew. My daughter and I love sight seeing and shopping. The boys just want to find a beach. I know rail travel is excellent. Can you recommend a day trip to the coast that will please all of us. Also my nephew who is 18 wants to find a gym to work out in. We are staying at the Hotel President and wondered if you knew of a gym nearby. Many many thanks.
Ann, age 40, from Bristol, UK

Dear Ann,

If you and your daughter like shopping and sightseeing I bet you both will have a great time in Turin.

This elegant town in Northern Italy has a rich cultural and historical heritage. Turin city sights and museums as, for example, the Museo Egizio (Museum of Egyptian Antiquities), the Museo Nazionale del Cinema (the National Museum of Film housed in the Mole Antonelliana), Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Madama (both set on the magnificent Piazza Castello) or the Duomo di San Giovanni hosting the Shroud of Turin, are really worth a visit. In addition, Via Roma, Via Po and Via Garibaldi shopping streets are packed with shoes and clothes shops, jewelries, ethnic boutiques, chocolate shops and antique cafés. Your 18-year old daughter will certainly love shopping in Turin and exploring local fashion shops such as Frav and Docks Dora Torino. And if do you like antiquities and second hand items you will also enjoy browsing the popular ‘Balon’ (Turin’s flea market).

While shopping and sightseeing in Turin I recommend taking short ‘gourmet breaks’ to grab a yummy ice cream at Caffè Fiorio – coffee, hazelnut and gianduia chocolate are my favorite flavors – or sample a bicerin (a traditional hot drink made of espresso coffee, melted chocolate and cream) at the tiny Al Bicerin café on the lovely Piazza della Consolata. And after a day of shopping and sightseeing, why not do like the locals do? Enjoy an aperitivo in one of the trendy bars  located in the lively Quadrilatero Romano area, such as the Zonk, Tre Galline or KM 5.

Well, though the city has a lot to offer, it seems you are worried about your teenage son and nephew not having fun, and need some tips on how and where to go to the beach from Turin.

The Ligurian coastline (Italian Riviera) is famous for its exclusive beach resorts such as Portofino and San Remo, as well as the colorful fishing villages of Cinque Terre. Unfortunately, those places are more than 200 kilometers from Turin and, except if you are traveling by car, they are a bit too far for a day out. Actually, the nearest seaside to Turin is the Riviera delle Palme, and its beaches are the easiest to reach by train. At Torino Porta Nuova or Lingotto railway station, take a direct train to Savona, then catch a connecting train to a nearby beach resort: Celle Ligure, Albissola Marina, Noli, Spotorno or Bergeggi.

Direct trains from Turin to Savona are frequent (departure every hour). The trouble is that the train ride between the two cities is about 2 hours and 20 minutes, so the whole journey to the beach won’t take you less than 3 hours. If you don’t want to wake up early in the morning and get back to Turin in the evening, you may opt for a day out by the lake. Located only 30 kilometers from Turin, the Natural Park of the Lakes of Avigliana has two lakes (Lago Grande and Lago Piccolo) and different hiking paths. Obviously the Lakes of Avigliana don’t offer the same kind of entertainment as the Italian Riviera do, but if the boys like sport and nature they will love that place. To reach the park, take the Turin-Modena train line and get off at Avigliana train station – the journey is about 25 minutes -, then take the bus in direction of Giaveno.

To answer your last question, the Hotel President is centrally located in Turin, so it shouldn’t be difficult for your nephew to find a gym nearby, except in August due to summer closing. The nearest sport & fitness center is Sportforma, at Corso Principe Oddone, 92/bis. If Sportforma is not open, ask the hotel staff to help you find another gym.

Have a nice stay in Turin!

Photo of Bergeggi Bagni beach, Italian Riviera originally posted by joebrent

The French pay meticulous detail to the art of dessert and opportunities abound to, ahem, “inspect” the quality of their work. Paris is chockablock with boulangeries, patisseries, chocolateries, and confisseries (sweets-seekers could get really used to this)—and in most cases, you can find a delicious treat in any of the above neighborhood hole-in-the-wall establishments.

But how to find the city’s confectionery crown royalty? Here’s my top ten, some famous and some delightfully off the beaten path.

Chocoholics Rejoice!

But beware: the following establishments have crafted chocolates so elegant and divine, you may lapse into a permanent state of Homer Simpson-esque glee (see: “Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, the land of chocolate!”)

1. Joséphine Vannier

The pleasure of visiting this traditional chocolate factory e isn’t just in sampling the merchandise, but in ogling the amazing chocol-artistry on display. African masks, safari wildlife, tennis rackets, grand pianos, artists’ palettes, and more have been fashioned out of chocolate, not to mention the pièce de resistance: life-size chocolate knee-high Victorian lace-up boots. Traditional chocolates are available in addition to the more daring creations. 4 rue du Pas de la Mule (3rd arr.).

2. Gérard Mulot

This chocolate shop offers a variety of treats, but chocolates are their signature sweet. I’m partial to the hazelnut cream-filled dark chocolates, but there are over 25 delectable varieties to choose from. 6 rue du Pas de la Mule (3rd arr.); 76 rue de Seine (6th arr.); 93 rue de la Glacière (13th arr.).

3. La Maison du Chocolat

Truffles, truffles, truffles. So rich, yet when you savor one of La Maison du Chocolat’s specialty confections, somehow you’ve found just what the doctor ordered. You’ll want a prescription for the caramel and cognac truffles, stat. 225 rue du Faubourg St-Honoré (8th arr.); 52 rue François Premier (8th arr.); 8 bd de la Madeleine (9th arr.); Printemps de la Maison, 2nd floor, 64 bd Haussman (9th arr.); 19 rue de Sèvres (6e arr.); 120 av Victor Hugo (16th arr.); Carrousel du Louvre, 99 rue de Rivoli (1st arr.).

4. Chocolat Michel Cluizel

A chocolate fountain and truffles dusted in gold powder? It may read like bells and whistles, but those are just two masterful tricks up the sleeves of this family-run chocolate paradise. The chocolate-dipped candied oranges are simple and elegant, and the ganaches sport hand-painted, colorful designs on top that are so pretty you almost don’t want to take a bite…I said “almost.” 201 rue St- Honoré (8th arr.).

Pastry Perfection

The French make fantastic chocolate, although they get a run for their money from the Belgians and, to a lesser extent, from the Swiss. But pastry? That, the French have got down. No other culture’s attempts even come close.

5. Ladurée

This Paris institution can be best described as the Tiffany’s of desserts. With their precious packaging and branded color scheme gracing the shop windows, one almost expects to happen upon a case of jewelry inside. The coffee reglieuses, ispahans, and other treats may grab your attention at first, but the true gems here are the vibrantly-colored—and toe-curlingly delicious — macarons. Get a variety of mini-macarons so you can sample several flavors. I recommend the violet-cassis, caramel, pistachio, and fruits rouges. 21 rue Bonaparte (6th arr.); 16 rue Royal (8th arr.); 75 avenue des Champs Elysées (8th arr.); inside the Printemps department store, 62 boulevard Haussmann (9th arr.).

6. Angelina Chez du Chocolat

Another Paris institution, Angelina boasts a legendary hot chocolate that’s so rich and creamy you’ll probably want to forgo any other treats. C’est dommage, as the petits fours and tartes are so good it’s painful. 226 rue de Rivoli (1st arr.).

7. La Fougasse

I have to admit, I’m a bit biased because it’s my neighborhood bakery—but it’s also so much more. On the morning of Christmas eve, I waited in a 20-minute line just to buy a couple baguettes, but the time raced by because of all the wonderful eye candy behind the glass counter: gorgeous buchette de Noël Christmas cakes decked out with all kinds of adorable accoutrements, some edible (candy tuille, chocolate shavings, cassis berries and other fruits, marzipan, mini-macarons) and some inedible but absolutely precious (miniature wrapped gifts, Xmas trees, mistletoe, and elves). La Fougasse has an equally impressive offering of tartes, éclairs, and cakes on non-holiday occasions, plus fabulous breads and fougasses. 25 rue de Bretagne (3rd arr.).

Cooling Off

These frozen delights hit the spot in summer, but are downright delicious any time of year.

8. Berthillon

This is the hands-down best ice cream in Paris. A scoop of salted caramel is the stuff legends are made of. Take your cone to go for a stroll around scenic Île St-Louis. 31 rue St Louis en l’Île (4th arr.).

9. Amorino

OK, so technically gelato is an Italian dessert, but concessions can be made while in Paris. The chocolat ecuadorien ice cream boasts 71% cacao without the bitterness, while the raspberry flavor tastes as close to real fruit as any frozen dessert ever could. Heaven on a hot (or even a cool) day. 82 rue Montorgueil (2nd arr.); 121, rue Saint Martin (4th arr.); 47 rue St Louis en l’Île (4th arr.); 31 rue Vieille du Temple (4th arr.); 16 rue de la Huchette (5th arr.); 22 rue Soufflot (5th arr.); 6 rue Guisarde (6th arr.); 4 rue Vavin (6th arr.); 4 rue de Buci (6th arr.); inside Galeries Lafayette Maison, 35 boulevard Haussmann (9th arr.); 17 rue Daguerre (14th arr.).

10. Pozzetto

Chocolate may be on the brain when you enter, but I urge you to reconsider for its red-headed cousin, hazelnut. It’s the star at this Italian family-run ice cream shop, which has shorter lines than Amorino and cheerful service. 39 rue du roi de Sicile (4th arr.); 21 rue de Lévis (17th arr.).

Photo of éclairs and chocolate originally posted by phototram

• Italian chocolate

While Italian chocolate has been historically one of the unrivaled dessert pleasures of Italy for decades, it is in stiff completion with of favorites like the Italian Cookies and Biscotti. The Spaniards may have induced chocolate to Europe according to historians, but the Italians have since made it there own. In the heart of Tuscany also known as “Chocolate Valley” and Turin, chocolatiers are pushing the chocolate envelope to new heights of chocolate edible pleasure. This is especially great news for all chocolate lovers all over the world.

Famous Italian chocolates Baci is a dark chocolate “kiss” filled with hazelnuts and hazelnut creme from Perugia. There is even the long standing chocolate drink which appeased the chocolate lover in drink form before there was ever a solid piece of chocolate as we know it today. This delightful chocolate drink of old is called the Bicerin. It consists of layers of chocolate, espresso and cream. The recipe for this mouthwatering chocolate drink has not changed since it was first introduced in the very Turin cafes in 1763. Another Italian chocolate favorite continues to be Nutella. This chocolate and hazelnut spread is famously used in breakfast foods and dessert fillings that are now available worldwide.

• Biscotti and Italian Cookies

Italian Cookies and Biscotti can be found in every Italian bakery throughout Italy in an assortment of flavours and shape. While the Italian Cookie is generally sweet the Biscotti tends to be somewhat bitter. The bitter tasting Biscotti go perfectly with a glass or bottle of red wine if you prefer. This dessert if considered in other parts of the world to be a gourmet dessert, but for the real thing stick with an Italian made biscotti for an authentic taste. As the Biscotti are so hard in consistency they are best eaten by first dunking it into a glass of local red wine before attempting to take a bit just to be on the safe side.

• Tiramisu

The Italian city of Treviso is said to be the mastermind behind this amazingly appeasing to the palette Italian dessert treasure called Tiramisu. This is a claim that not surprising is disputable according to storytelling and history. Nonetheless, the Tiramisu is one of the most popular Italian desserts today. It consists of lady finger cookies, espresso, and liquor, eggs, and cocoa and mascarpone cheese for a delicious layered creation.

• Panforte

For a more traditional Italian Holiday dessert try the sweetbread called Panforte which consists of a thick mixture of almonds candied fruit sweetened, honey and spices. This is an Italian Christmas dessert favorite. Today you can find a less thick and less heavy version of the Panforte that is just as good as the original sweetbread. This sweetbread comes in two flavours which are the sweet Panforte Margherita and the bitter Panforte Nero. Both are advisable to be better enjoyed with a glass of sweet dessert wine.

Photo of tiramisu originally posted by Kanko*

1. Chocolate con churros

The Spanish like to eat out at breakfast, and as many of them start work seriously early due to the heat, a lot of people have a mid-morning snack as well, and you will see cafes everywhere crowded. One of the early morning favorites is chocolate con churros, which are so well beloved that some cafes devote themselves to serving them and nothing else. Churros are basically long straight sticks of deep-fried batter, about 2cm thick and anywhere up to 30 cm long. The liquid chocolate which you dip them into is piping hot and thick enough to stand a spoon. A great way to start the day, but seriously rick, so be careful not to overdose.

2. Tostada Catalana

This is another staple café food. It is a small bread roll, cut open and spread with olive oil, garlic, fresh tomato and jamon serrano, Spain’s marvelous air-dried ham, then toasted. Perfect with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.

3. Tortilla de patatas

This is another staple tapa, available almost everywhere, even in the smallest café. A huge wedge of potato omelet, sometimes up to 6 or 7 cm thick, it can be served hot or cold and makes a great quick filler to give you energy if you are flagging on the sightseeing trail.

4. Sardinas a la plancha

If you are anywhere near the beach, particularly on the Costa del Sol, you will see lots of beach cafes, some of them little more than huts on the sand, some of them quite sizable building. Outside many of them you will see a small wooden boat, filled with sand, and with a fire burning on top. These serve as barbecues for the freshly caught sardines for which the area is famous. The fish are gutted and cleaned, then threaded onto the long metal skewers on which they are cooked. Delicious, especially with a bottle of ice-cold San Miguel.

5. Berenjenas fritas con miel

Spanish cuisine sometimes produces some odd but wonderful combinations, and this is one of my absolute favorites. Thin slices of eggplant, covered in batter and deep fried, then served with a jug of honey which you can dribble all over them. It sounds strange, but it tastes wonderful. It isn’t a common dish though, so it may take a bit of asking around until you find a place which serves it, but if you can track it down then it is well worth the effort.

Photo of tapas bar menu, Madrid originally posted by Ruth L