While staying at Colle San Paolo (our Arte al Sole Umbria camp and farmhouses) located near Lake Trasimeno, one of the highlights of our visit to Umbria was touring the Perugina Casa del Cioccolato located in the Baci by Perugina factory in Perugia, Italy. Located on the outskirts of Perugia, visitors can discover the world of chocolate making by Baci – Kisses. We have found that the tour is somewhat less interactive than in years past, but families with young children still enjoy a visit to a real, operating chocolate factory. The world famous Bacio candy was created in 1922 and, according to legend, introduced on Valentine’s Day. Nearly 100 years later, the Baci family has grown, but the original Bacio has remained the same – A heart of gianduia (a blend of milk chocolate and ground hazelnuts), dotted with chopped hazelnuts (the nuts used for Nutella), crowned with a whole hazelnut, covered in dark chocolate, and embraced with a love note in Italian, English, Spanish, French, and German. One of my favorites was,
“Love can hope where reason would despair”
(L’amore sa sperare quando la ragione gia dispera)
During the summer the factory has limited hours and only a partial tour of the factory is available because production decreases during due to the heat and staff is reduced. Tours last 1.5 hours – Our family got to see some of the factory, view two movies and participate in a chocolate tasting (which is really the best part anyway!). The factory recommends calling ahead for reservations, especially for tours in English.
Address: NESTLE’ ITALIANA S.p.A., Viale San Sisto, 06132, Ioc. San Sisto, PERUGIA ITALY.
The Casa del Cioccolato (museum & chocolatier school) is located inside the Nestlè Perugina Factory. Telephone Number: 39 0245467655
Open year round, Monday to Friday, from 9 AM to 1 PM and from 2 PM to 5.30 PM; Open on Saturdays except during January, February, June, and September.One hour museum tour includes a taste of the most popular chocolates.Visitors may be able to view actual chocolate making (limited in summer).General Admission: 9 Euro (reduced to 5 euro during summer months)Reduced Admission available for senior citizens over age 65, children ages 5-17 and groups of 10 or moreFree Admission for children under age 5.Location: a short taxi ride from downtown PerugiaReservations may be made 15 days in advance.
CNN named the Casa del Cioccolato one of the top five destinations for chocolate lovers and The New York Times listed Casa del Cioccolato a must see for anyone visiting Perugia. We completely agree! This is a place that young and old will enjoy visiting. After all, who doesn’t love chocolate?
Side Note: As a general rule in Italy, it is advisable to confirm all information before you go because there may be a holiday you are unaware of or tour schedules, times, and dates may change.
For info on our Summer Camp Programs
Got older kids? Try our in the Dolomites 28 July to 4 August 2018!