Gastronomic holidays

Every Headwater holiday is thoughtfully designed to connect you with authentic regional flavours. We handpick hotels, choose exceptional local restaurants, and curate experiences with artisan producers and winemakers where possible, so you can discover the culinary heart of each destination at a leisurely pace.

You travel at your own pace with arranges routes and recommendations for where to stop, eat and explore. We arrange your accommodation, meals where possible, and in some cases, special food experiences, such as wine tastings or cooking classes, whilst you enjoy the freedom to linger over lunch or discover hidden cafés along the way.

Breakfast is generally included each day, and dinner is often provided at your hotel or a recommended local restaurant—details vary by itinerary. Some gastronomic holidays also feature curated experiences such as tastings, producer visits or cooking classes. Lunch is usually flexible, with our suggestions for scenic stops along the way. Please check your individual itinerary for full details.

You'll enjoy multi-course dinners showcasing regional cuisine, intimate wine tastings and seasonal specialities unique to each region.

In many cases, key dining experiences and tastings are arranged as part of your itinerary, but this can vary by holiday. Where meals or tastings aren’t included, we provide well researched recommendations so you can choose where and when to dine. Please check your individual itinerary for what’s included.

Our local partners personally visit and select hotels and restaurants that reflect the character and culinary traditions of each region. Many are family-run, with chefs who champion local ingredients and seasonal menus. Quality, authenticity and warm hospitality are always our priorities.

Absolutely. Our gastronomic holidays could include visits to vineyards, olive groves, cheese makers and other artisan producers. You'll meet passionate locals, learn about traditional methods, and taste products at source—often in beautiful, intimate settings.

Our gastronomic holidays place food and wine at the centre of your journey. Alongside cycling or walking, you'll enjoy gourmet dining most evenings. Standard holidays include excellent meals, but with less emphasis on culinary immersion.

Yes. Our itineraries are designed with relaxed daily distances, giving you plenty of time to savour long lunches, explore markets, and enjoy unhurried dinners. Slower travel is at the heart of what we do, there's no rush.

Absolutely. All experiences are welcoming and informal, designed for enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're simply curious, local winemakers share their knowledge in a relaxed, hands-on way that's both enjoyable and accessible.

You have plenty of freedom. Breakfast and dinner are typically included, but you choose when and where to stop for lunch. If you'd prefer to dine independently on certain evenings, many of our holidays are based in towns with excellent local restaurants to explore.

Our holidays span the diverse culinary landscapes of Europe, from rich Mediterranean flavours and Alpine traditions to Atlantic seafood and vineyard cuisine. Each region has its own seasonal specialities, local wines and artisan producers waiting to be discovered.

Yes. We work closely with hotels and restaurants to accommodate dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other requirements. Simply let us know when you book, and we'll ensure your culinary experiences are tailored accordingly.

Yes. Many travellers choose to add extra nights at hotels with outstanding restaurants or proximity to wine regions. Just let us know when booking, and we'll arrange additional accommodation so you can savour the experience for longer.