Fine food and great wines are essential ingredients to every Headwater holiday, and the chefs we work with face the same rigourous scrutiny as our hoteliers, guides and leaders. When we're travelling, we're always on the lookout for culinary "stars" who love combining traditional menus with exciting new flavours - always using seasonal and locally sourced produce - to create innovative and gastronomic dishes.

In selecting our top holidays for foodies, we've been careful not to be swayed by grandiose dining rooms or over-the-top features. Instead, we've plumped for perfectly cooked and passionately presented menus which reflect local traditions and cuisines.

We are now agreed on our Six of the Best Holidays for Foodies!

Gastronomic Barolo Cycling Fabulously decadent cycling around the world-famous Barolo  and Barbaresco vineyards, staying in luxury hotels en route.
Foodie highlight: Sampling Alba's prized white truffles (trifola d'Alba) in the gourmet castle in Grinzane Cavour.

Heart of Portugal Walk Guided walking week in the heart of rural central Portugal, an undiscovered region of magnificent mountains, lush gorges, turquoise lakes and tranquil river valleys.
Foodie highlight: Champagne breakfasts every morning at the luxury Convento do Belmonte Hotel!

Connoisseurs Tuscany Off-the-beaten track self guided walking in Italy's undiscovered Maremma, discovering beautifully preserved mediaeval villages, ancient archealogical sites and secret cave dwellings.
Foodie highlight: Exquisite, organic meals at Agriturismo Axquaviva - even the wine comes from your hosts private estate!

Loire Gastronomic Cycling Gentle, mostly flat cycling taking in world famous vineyards and some of France's most majestic chateaux: Blois, Amboise, Chambord and Chenonceau.
Foodie highlight: Fine dining (65 euro menu included) in the **** Chateau Hotel de Chissay.

Contrasts of Catalunya Cycling Pancake-flat cycling, mainly on the coast, and exploring one of the most beautiful corners of Catalunya, High quality hotels - all with pools - throughout.
Foodie highlight: Freshly caught, then grilled, gambas from nearby Palamos - washed down with superb value-for-money local wines.

Fruits of the Forest Walk An en-famille stay in a beautifully converted C17 mill in France's little-known Poitou Charente. Superb bird spotting in a region rich in flora and steeped in history.
Foodie highlight: A wine buffs delight - all wines included (and unlimited!), with more than a dozen different ones offered during your stay!

For bookings and further information, please call Headwater 0845 322 4672 or email sales@headwater.com All press enquiries to Catherine Crone 0845 591 9342  email Catherine.press@headwater.com

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