Truffle Hunting experience from Florence (with truffle lunch!)
One of the most authentic and exciting experiences you can have on a trip to Florence is truffle hunting! You can spend a whole day on the Tuscan hills with a professional truffle hunter and his dog, in search of precious truffles… and of course, then tasting some delicious dishes cooked with this ingredient.
It is truly a unique experience, both because truffles are very rare and expensive, and because it is something very typical of the Tuscan countryside, which you will not be able to find anywhere else.
The Truffle Hunting Experience is perfect if you are staying in Florence and want to spend a special day in the Tuscan countryside, without having to worry about transport, meal and everything else.
Please note that this excursion is neither organized nor guided by me personally. It is offered by a reliable tour operator with great prices, which I recommend.
- This is one of the best luxury experiences in Florence!
Truffle hunting experience from Florence with lunch and wine tasting
This Truffle Hunting Experience is a day trip excursion for small groups (maximum 8 people), lasting approximately 7 hours. It’s also including transport to and from Florence by minivan, departing from a central and easily accessible location in the historic center.
The driver will take you to the medieval village of San Gimignano, where the finest truffles in the world come from. Here you will join a walk in the woods of about two hours, with a professional hunter and his truffle dog. They’ll tell you all the secrets of this ancient and difficult tradition, and show you where those smelly treasures are hidden. Maybe you’ll find some of them, or maybe you won’t. Truffles are not farmed, they are growing wild and hidden, a find is never guaranteed!
Then it’s time to taste the truffles with a nice three-course lunch, including delicious tagliolini with truffle, and some local wine. After that, you will reach a wine estate in Chianti, where you’ll visit their old cellar with barrels. And of course you’ll take a wine tasting experience with a professional sommelier.
Finally in the evening you will be taken back to Florence: the minivan will leave you at the same place you left from.
What’s included:
- Professional driver and guide
- Transport by air conditioned minivan
- 2 hours truffle hunting experience
- 2 courses lunch
- Wine tasting experience
What’s not included:
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick up and drop off
Half day truffle hunt with lunch
The same company is also offering a shorter experience, that lasts 3 hours and includes only the truffle hunt and the truffle based lunch: Truffle Hunt in San Miniato with lunch.
The wine tasting experience and transportation is not included: that means that you will have to reach San Miniato on your own, by car or train.
This is a perfect option if you are doing a road trip in Tuscany! San Miniato is in between Florence and Pisa, making it a perfect stop along your road.
Tips for a truffle hunting experience in Florence, Tuscany
- Wear comfortable shoes (hiking shoes are better, but sneakers can be okay).
- Dress appropriately for a moderate physical activity
- Be prepared to walk
- Bring a raincoat
- Find out all of the best day trips and experiences from Florence
- Take a cooking class in Florence
Frequently asked questions about truffle hunting in Tuscany, Italy
Here are some of the questions I am most often asked about truffles and how they are hunted in Tuscany and Italy. If you have any other questions, leave me a comment and I’ll update this post with the answer!
What truffles are?
Truffles are basically mushrooms that grow underground.
Are there different types of truffles?
There are over 100 species of truffles in nature, but only 9 are edible. The edible ones are divided into two categories: white truffles (2 species) and black truffles (7 species). Some species are more valuable than others.
Where are truffles found?
Truffles usually grow at the base of some trees such as oaks, poplars and hazels, and require soil with specific conditions of humidity, slope, altitude and exposure to the sun. Truffle hunters know the secrets to finding these precious treasures.
What is the truffle season?
Each species of truffle has its season! Most truffles are harvested in autumn and winter, between Ocotber and January. But there are summer and spring varieties of truffles.
What is the best area in Tuscany to hunt for truffles?
The most famous town for this fragrant ingredient is certainly San Miniato, in the province of Pisa. The best quality truffles are found here, and there is a centuries-old tradition of truffle hunting. Truffles can also be found in other areas of Tuscany, such as Mugello.
Why are dogs used to search for truffles?
Because dogs have a very developed sense of smell, and are easily trained to find and report truffles to their human partner. In the past, pigs were also used for this purpose: pigs also have an excellent sense of smell, but it is not so easy to train them not to eat truffles once they have found them!