Frequently Asked Questions

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Payment & Tickets
Chocolate Tour
Chocolate & Wine Tour
Special Accommodations
Other Services

Payments & Tickets

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance? Can I pay cash?

Yes, tickets must be purchased in advance and tours can sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance. Tickets can be purchased with Visa or Mastercard.

Can I reschedule my tour?

Once you have purchased your tickets, you cannot reschedule or get refunded. If you find that you can’t use your tickets, your best option is to give them to a lucky friend.

What happens if it rains?

Tours are held rain or shine regardless of weather conditions. But don’t worry, some of our best tours have taken place in less-than-perfect weather. We will stay cozy and dry inside each chocolate boutique!

If a tour is sold out, can I get on the waiting list?

We do not offer waiting lists for tours, but if a tour is sold out, we may add another tour later in the day. Please email us at [email protected] with the date you are interested in.

Does the tour guide accept gratuities?

Gratuities are not required, but always welcomed.

The Chocolate Tour

How much chocolate will we eat?

We will sample chocolate from 6 different boutiques and we will also visit a café for some hot chocolate. Believe us, you will definitely get your fill of chocolate.

Why does it cost $50?

When chocolate is made right, with the best ingredients and careful production methods, it is expensive. The beans and sometimes the chocolate base are flown in from different parts of the world. On your tour you will be visiting and sampling from distinctive companies that take great pride in their product. Unfortunately, they don’t give it away!

How hard is the walk?

Most reasonably active people should be able to handle our walk around San Francisco. Since the walk is downtown, we can avoid San Francisco’s infamous hills! We will walk at a moderate pace and there will be a café stop for hot chocolate. Please wear comfortable shoes.

Should I eat first?

No. Believe it or not, the best way to taste chocolate is on an empty stomach. If you need to eat, try doing so at least an hour before the tour.

How long does the tour last?

That depends in part on the number of guests on our tour. Please plan on approximately 3 hours.

Are there any opportunities to sit?

Yes, there is time to sit, sip and sample.

How many people will be in our group?

Your group may be as small as one or as large as 12. You will get individual attention, but also the chance to talk chocolate with the new people you meet.

Who will lead the tour?

Your chocolate tour will either be led by the founder of Gourmet Walks, Andrea Nadel, or one of her friendly, well-trained tour guides. All guides know the city well and can tell you anything you need to know about chocolate!

What should I bring with me?

It’s a good idea to bring water. Did you know that tasting chocolate while drinking coffee, tea or alcohol can spoil your palate? And of course you’ll want money on hand in case you choose to buy more chocolate while on the tour. If you’re visiting during the winter, definitely bring an umbrella or raincoat.

Will there be bathroom breaks?

Yes, there will be one bathroom break approximately midway through the tour.

Does the tour end at the same place where we begin?

No, you will need to make the short walk back to where we began, or hop in a bus or cab.

Are cameras allowed on the tour?

Yes, we encourage you to take photos of your favorite spots. In fact, if you take any you are particularly proud of, email them to us!

Is there parking nearby?

Yes, specific parking information will be included in your confirmation emails after you purchase a ticket.

Why would a local want to do this tour?

Even if you know San Francisco inside and out, you probably don’t know all there is to know about gourmet chocolate. This tour will show you the best chocolate spots in the city – one of them right inside an ordinary newsstand!

Chocolate & Wine Tour

The above Chocolate Tour responses apply to the Chocolate and Wine Tour as well.

How much chocolate and wine will we sample?

We'll visit 4 different gourmet chocolate shops and you'll enjoy at least two pieces of chocolate from each shop. Additionally, you'll visit two wine bars and taste three different wines at each one. We promise that you'll come home satiated -- probably with chocolate to spare!

What kinds of wine will we taste?

All wines we taste will come from local vineyards in Napa and Sonoma. We will also sample ports from, of course, Portugal.

Special Accommodations

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Please let the tour guide know of any food allergies at the start of the tour. If you keep kosher or are diabetic, this tour may not be appropriate for you.

Can I bring the kids?

Yes, but please keep in mind that there is a good deal of walking and listening involved. If you are bringing an infant, you do not need to buy a ticket for your infant. The tour is baby-stroller friendly. Unfortunately, persons under the age of 21 are not allowed on the Chocolate & Wine Tour.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes. When you purchase your ticket, please let us know if you will have a wheelchair.

Can I bring my dog?

Although San Francisco is a dog-friendly city, the chocolate boutiques we visit do not allow dogs. Other than service animals, pets of any kind are not allowed on the tour.

Other Services

Are gift certificates available?

Absolutely! San Francisco Gourmet Chocolate Tours make great gifts. Consider combining the tour with a truffle making class or a chocolate pedicure as described on Private Tours and Tastings. Click here to purchase a gift certificate.

Do you offer private tours?

Yes, a San Francisco Gourmet Chocolate Tour is something your group will remember. Birthday parties, wedding/bachelorette parties, girls’ nights out and corporate events are all welcome. Email us at [email protected] with the details of your request, or call us at 415.312.1119.

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