Sweet & Bitter: The Art of Chocolate and Coffee (9 days)

Overview: A 9-day journey through Italy’s chocolate capitals and coffee traditions, blending history, craftsmanship, and tastings.

a person pours a cup of coffee into a dessert

A humorous sign about espresso and depression.

From Turin to Perugia: A journey through Italian taste

Turin - The Capital of Piedmontese Chocolate

The journey begins in the heart of Piedmont, where Turin preserves the secrets of Italian chocolate-making tradition born in the 18th century from the encounter between American cocoa and Piedmontese hazelnuts. Historic chocolate shops like La Perla di Torino and Ziccat maintain the artisanal techniques passed down through generations, creating delicacies like the famous gianduiotto and innovative contemporary creations.

Bologna - Emilian Coffee Traditions

The route continues in Emilia Romagna, where coffee culture intertwines with local traditions. The Caffè Ritrovato at the Bolognese Cinematheque offers tastings of sustainable blends from Guatemala, representing the contemporary evolution of Italian coffee culture.

Perugia - The Kingdom of Baci

Perugia emerges as the world capital of chocolate thanks to the historic Perugina, with its complete ecosystem that includes the Chocolate School, the Historical Museum, and the Eurochocolate event, the largest European festival dedicated to chocolate.

Florence - Renaissance Mastery

The tour culminates in Florence, where the chocolate-making tradition dates back to 1606 and where historic workshops like Vestri and Carapina continue to maintain Renaissance techniques alive.

Key Experiences:

Turin: Visit Choco-Story Torino (Museum of Chocolate and Gianduja) with its 16th-century artifacts and working vintage machinery. Participate in workshops at La Perla di Torino and Ziccat, crafting gianduiotto and modern truffles.
Bologna: Sip sustainably sourced Guatemalan coffee at Caffè Ritrovato, paired with traditional Emilian pastries.
Perugia: Explore the Perugina Chocolate Museum and attend masterclasses during Eurochocolate, Europe’s largest chocolate festival.
Florence: Discover Renaissance-era chocolate techniques at Vestri and Carapina, where cocoa is still ground on stone mills.

Practical Info: Year-round | Luxury accommodations | Private transfers included.