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Chocolate holidays

For those of us who adore all things chocolate, indulge your passion when you travel! We've gathered our favourite chocolate-inspired ideas to make this holiday one to remember

Calling all chocoholics

Belgium is famous for its chocolate, so where better to indulge than in the country's capital Brussels. You'll find loads of different shops selling the finest handmade truffles, bars and more.

Trendy Pierre Marcolini has summer and winter 'collections', just like a fashion designer; Wittamer's signature bright pink packaging is almost as irresistible as the contents; and Leonidas and Godiva also have their fans.

Not surprisingly, you'll have no trouble finding a decent cup of hot chocolate, either, though even a cup of coffee comes with a little square of the sweet stuff.

Perfect for: couples, friends.
The facts: See www.visitbelgium.com/chocolate.htm for a list of shops, museums, tours and exhibitions throughout the country. Eurostar (www.eurostar.co.uk) has return fares to Brussels from £59.

A day to relish

Cadbury World in Birmingham is perfect for a family-friendly day out, and you can even claim it's educational! This mouthwatering theme park has fascinating exhibits on everything from where cocoa comes from and the history of chocolate making to John Cadbury, who started selling the stuff nearly 200 years ago.

Naturally, there are also plenty of places to indulge in suitably choccy treats, whether at the cafe or in the largest Cadbury shop in the world.

Perfect for: families.
The facts: Tickets cost £13 for adults, £9.95 for children (4-15 yrs) and £40 for a family. Book ahead at www.cadburyworld.co.uk or on 0845 450 3599

I should cocoa

It's a fact: chocolate really is good for you! That's especially true at the Dermed Cosmetic and Dermatological Centre in Krakow's beautiful Old Town.

There you can enjoy a fantastic two-hour chocolate-scented pampering at a wallet-friendly price.

It starts with a cocoa body scrub, followed by a chocolate-mousse wrap, and finishes with a soothing massage with chocolate and orange cream. It's great for your skin, figure and stress levels, and smells delicious!

Perfect for: couples, friends.
The facts: One session costs around £60 [290 zlotys]; book online at www.healthcare.intercrac.com.pl. Easyjet (www.easyjet.com) flies to Krakow from Luton, Belfast, Bristol, Liverpool and Newcastle from £38 return. For accommodation ideas, contact the Polish National Tourist Office on 08700 675012, or at www.visitpoland.org.

Handmade heaven

Learn the secrets of tempering, dipping and moulding during an indulgent weekend on Britain's south coast. The historic Chocolate Boutique Hotel in Bournemouth holds regular Chocolate Weekends, where you'll become an expert and have lots of fun at the same time.

Sessions include a light-hearted history and tasting as well of plenty of hands-on experience. By the end, you'll have mastered making Belgian truffles and moulded chocolates, and will have a couple of professional-looking boxes to take home with you.

Perfect for: singles, friends.
The facts: Chocolate Weekends cost £265pp, B&B, based on two sharing, and take place on the last weekend of each month. Book on 01202 556857 or visit www.thechocolateboutiquehotel.co.uk

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