CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE
The Chocolate Walking Tour: Explore Paris's rich chocolate history with a guided tour of the city's most relished chocolate shops and master chocolate makers. Tours from from €35, see paris-walks.com.
The Chocolate Hotel: Swissôtel Mètropole Geneva is a chocolate-lovers heaven. From the chocolate fountains to customised gift boxes, a stay here is as sweet treat. Stay from €470, see swissotel.com.
The Chocolate Masterclass: Lorge in Kenmare has gained a sweet-toothed following for its sublime chocolate creations. A masterclass here with head chocolatier Benoit will teach you all you need to know about the art form, with plenty to bring home for testing purposes, of course. See lorge.ie.
A MOVEABLE FEAST
Food trek For a holiday with a little more bite this year, take a walk on the epicurean side. This September sees the first ever women-only Camino guided tour take a 100km journey through the roads and ruins of Galicia's Rías Baixas region. Daily treks will be duly rewarded with the finest cuisine and and wine the region has to offer – think fresh fish, Portuguese dishes and of course plenty of Albariño wine all set against the backdrop of the Atlantic. Mothers, daughters, sisters and best friends unite – this is a girlie getaway worth indulging in. Seven-night tour from €740 per person sharing, September 17th. Email info@caminoways.com for details.
The Pitts Forget the Big Apple, Chicago and even health-food mecca Los Angeles; the new US culinary hotspot is Pittsburgh, thanks to its unique foodie offering. Pack your bags for the Pennsylvanian city to dine at eateries Morcilla and Whitfield Tavern for ultimate cool-kudos.
Going west Galwegians toast the best of the west at the annual Galway Food Festival this March 24-28. Come hungry as Michelin Star Chef Ross Lewis kicks off the five-day fiesta at the Spanish Arch where delectable tastings, culinary workshops, music and entertainment will be served up in the city. For more see galwayfoodfestival.com.
DEALS
CRUISE: Sail from Southampton to New York on the Queen Mary 2, in August; eight- night cruise plus 3 nights in New York.Return flight to London, €1,999 pps, see sunway.ie 01-231 1800. DUBAI: Experience the Waldorf Astoria in Dubai – book by March 21st for four nights between June 1st and July 4th, from €879pps with flights, transfers and half-board upgrade, tropicalsky.ie, 01-664 9999.
