One of the joys of travelling to new areas is discovering their different regional cuisines; unique flavours and aromas, unfamiliar ingredients and alternative cooking techniques that bring excitement, variety and deliciousness to their dishes.
We’ve made gastronomy a key focus when designing our new Headwater self-guided trips. These holidays have been curated to take you on a culinary adventure, encouraging you to find the flavours as you journey from Place to Place at your own pace.
If the idea of a new culinary exploration has got your taste buds tingling, read on below to discover three of these tempting new Headwater holidays.
In the Peloponnese region of Greece, the air is fragrant with the scent of delicious cuisine; the wild mint in the meadows, the citrus of the orange and lemon groves and the complex aromas from the undulating vineyards and apple orchards. When on our Cycling in the Peloponnese trip, take time to pause and explore the appetising dishes made from wonderful local produce.
Try their mouth-watering pork souvlaki speciality, the lamb scented delicately with oregano, or the local fresh fish and seafood. Then there are the vegetable dishes made up of luscious tomatoes, aubergines and courgettes cooked in olive oil. Don’t miss out on sampling the region’s creamy feta made from the sheep roaming the hillsides. And why not indulge in a fried pastry or two drizzled with honey; you’ll need your energy for all the cycling, after all!
Of course, fresh, tasty ingredients are not all this area of Greece is rich in. It also has an abundance of history and mystique. Your trip will take you to the ancient healing centre of Epidaurus, considered the birthplace of medicine and where Hera, the Greek goddess of marriage, women and family, was said to have bathed in the Carathus spring nearby. In Bronze Age Mycenae, the kingdom of the mythical King Agamemnon, you can walk through the imposing Lion’s Gate to explore this fascinating citadel. Meanwhile, in Lerna, Hydra, the legendary beast with many heads, was said to have been defeated by Heracles.
Whether it’s enjoying authentic Greek cuisine or uncovering tales of Greek mythology, you’ll always be surrounded by the most picturesque landscapes of flower-filled meadows, thick pine forests and charming fishing villages, making this trip a feast for all the senses.
In this unique Spanish oasis of tranquillity, the landscape is a hidden jewel for good food and wine. On our Walking and Cycling in Aragon trip, you’ll discover the various cultures that have influenced this cuisine. Yet despite the diversity, simplicity remains at its core, an ethos that ensures these magnificent ingredients sing.
The warm, dry climate is just perfect for producing some of Spain’s most sought-after ingredients; beans, onions, almonds and asparagus. Meanwhile, the local lamb is revered for its tender meat and delicate flavour. Cooked in olive oil and garlic and served with pulses, grains or potatoes, it’s a comforting way to create a range of hearty stews. Be sure to try the chorizo produced here too. It adds a remarkably rich paprika note to these dishes that make up the Aragonese cuisine.
Whether you cycle or walk each day past the unspoilt countryside of alluring olive and almond groves, you’ll discover more about what this captivating region of Spain has to offer. Walk the vast ravine of El Parrizal canyon, where the rising red rock provides nesting grounds for the vultures. Or cycle the valley between the looming La Picos and La Caixa mountains to meet the shimmering waters of the Embalse de Pena reservoir.
From peaceful villages and the monastery ruins of Virgen de Gracia to the unfaltering medieval bridge of San Roque and the majestic castle palace of Valderrobres, there is something compelling to take in here in Aragon every day.
In a region legendary worldwide for its wine production, there’s a wine to suit almost every taste. From rich, full-bodied reds, dry and sweet whites and luscious dessert wines. On our Walking in the Vineyards of Bordeaux and Medoc trip, you can visit the vineyards where some of these outstanding wines are blended, using Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec, or Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle. Don’t miss out on sampling Crémant de Bordeaux, a delectable fine sparkling wine produced using the same traditional methods as Champagne, and the uniquely distilled brandy, Fine de Bordeaux.
Naturally, in France, fine wine is often paired immaculately with flavour-rich dishes. Specialities of the region include Arcachon Bay oysters, grilled duck breast, Pauillac lamb shoulder, and Bazadaise beef served with bordelaise sauce. Save room for a sweet treat, too, in the form of canelés; rum-filled pastries with sweet, caramelised outer shells, perfect to have alongside a cup of coffee.
Together with the feasts for the taste buds in Bordeaux and Medoc, you can also soak in the majestic architecture and gorgeous landscapes the region has to offer. Bordeaux is UNESCO-listed for its impressive urban environment of 18th-century facades, inviting vineyards and beautiful chateaux. There are also over 1,600 restaurants championing the food of the region. Or take a more tranquil day, walking the hillsides of Blaye, exploring its citadel, troglodyte dwellings and fishing huts dotting the banks of its picture-postcard islands.
Our gastronomic-led trips are designed to be perfect for food lovers and cuisine connoisseurs seeking to expand their foodie knowledge by discovering first-hand the delights of a region’s unique dishes. You can read more about Headwater’s gastronomic holidays here.
