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Top Five Chocolatiers Around The World

What’s better than getting your loved one chocolate for Valentines Day? Taking them directly to the source! Check out our favorite chocolatiers from around the world, then WOW your significant other with a trip to taste chocolate at its finest.

Lake Champlain Chocolates on Trek Travel's Vermont Cycling VacationVermont: Lake Champlain Chocolates
It all started in a restaurant kitchen in Burlington, Vermont. During the holidays, Jim Lampman would buy fancy chocolates to give to his staff. Until one Christmas, when his pastry chef confessed what he really thought of those chocolates. The result was a batch of hand-rolled truffles so smooth and creamy, so deep in pure chocolate flavor — after just one bite, Jim knew they were onto something. Within a year the restaurant was sold and Lake Champlain Chocolates was born.
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Visit Lorge Chocolatier on Trek Travel's Ireland Cycling VacationIreland: Lorge Chocolatier
A pastry chef from France, Benoit Lorge decided to use his qualifications to help him travel the world. After traveling to Corsica, the South of France and Scotland he finally landed in Ireland where he settled in Kenmare. During the winter months, Benoit used the extra time that he had to produce exclusive chocolates to help raise money for local charities. The demand for Benoit’s very special and unique products soon gained him an exclusive reputation and his products were in great demand.
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Gail Ambrosius Chocolates in Trek Travel's hometown of Madison, WisconsinWisconsin: Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier
Growing up on a dairy farm in Seymour, Wisconsin, Gail’s mom instilled a lifelong love of cooking in her ten children. Gail finally took a chance on her dream of owning a chocolate shop at the age of 45. She took an online class and then returned to France, where she unabashedly sampled lots of world-class chocolates and soaked in as much information as she could gather. After coming home with nearly 50 pounds of chocolates, she worked tirelessly to make her dream a reality.
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Woodhouse Chocolates on Trek Travel's California Wine Country Cycling vacationCalifornia: Woodhouse Chocolates
After nearly 20 years of winemaking, the Andersons began to notice a pattern in their lives: chocolate. So they spent two years immersed in it. Tracy took every course she could find on chocolate and her home kitchen was transformed into a chocolate laboratory. John created the physical space for their shop and kitchen just blocks from their home, in which it all sits today, as well as putting his valuable palate to work in the development of their chocolates.
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Dumon Chocolatier on Trek Travel's Belgium Cycling VacationBelgium: Dumon Chocolatier
The story of Dumon Chocolatier starts back in 1992, when Stephan Dumon started a small-scale production of artisan truffles for bakeries and pastry chefs nearby in Torhout (just outside Bruges). Very soon neighboring citizens in Torhout asked if they could buy from him as well, so a small shop was set up in the garage. In 1996 Stephan’s mother opened her own unique shop in the town centre of Bruges, and ss popularity of our chocolates grew, the production-facilities grew as well.
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What is the Difference?

Ultimate Luxury:

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Luxury:

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

Explorer:

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

Combined:

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of Explorer and Luxury hotels. Rest assured, no matter which hotel level you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Activity Level

Level 1:

Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Level 2:

Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Level 3:

Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Level 4:

Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic - Reserve:

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discover:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Ride Camp:

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

Pro Race:

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself