Sampling regional menus and tasting fine wines - often not available in the UK - is, for many Headwater customers, key to the success of their holiday. Indeed, armed with a Headwater brochure, you could have enormous fun eating your way around the culinary world!

So, how do you decide whether a holiday is to your particular taste? If you're looking for elaborate, exquisitely presented rich cuisine, then France is unbeatable with Brittany (for seafood), the Dordogne (for foie gras, truffles and cheeses) and Provence (wonderfully fresh ingredients simply but perfectly cooked) probably coming out top.

For the best home-cooking, then look no further than Italy where families hand recipes down through generations. Meals tend to be lively, social events which can go on forever and, of course, Italian wines rate among the finest in Europe - and are a world away from the raffia-covered bottles in English pizzerias!

In the Eastern Med and North Africa, eating is all about sharing fresh, healthy food, often in the form of mezze and salads - some great choices for vegetarians.

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With so many choices on offer, it is virtually impossible to select just a handful, however when we've taken everything into account, our top 5 "Wine & Dine holidays" are:

France: Provence Gastronomic Cycling
A gentle 8-night holiday taking in the world-famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas and Beaumes-de-Venise vineyards.

France: Dordogne Gastronomic Walk
Unofficial capital of French gastronomy, the quality of the food here distinguish the region from anywhere else in France.

Italy: Gastronomic Walk in Tuscany
As well as truly outstanding cuisine, Headwater guests can enjoy cookery demonstrations, wine and olive oil tastings and a gourmet gala dinner on the final evening.

Italy: Barbaresco to Barolo Cycling
An 8-night holiday through the beautifully unspoilt Piedmont region where the Slow Food Movement originated. Highlights include world-famous chocolates, cheeses, wines and highly prized truffles costing over £1600 a kilo!

Spain: Secrets of Andalucia
A 7-night guided walking holiday where all meals - and wine - are included. A superb mix of tapas bars, traditional Spanish restaurants and first-class meals cooked by your hosts.

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To chat through any of the above holidays, or to check availability, simply call our reservations team on 08700 662650, or email sales@headwater.com.