Set out on a captivating journey through the enchanting countryside of Tuscany with this full-day small-group truffle hunting experience. Travelers will have the chance to witness the age-old tradition of truffle harvesting firsthand, guided by a local expert and their trained canine companion. But the adventure doesn’t end there – indulge in a delectable lunch featuring the prized truffles, and savor the flavors of Chianti at a renowned winery. With a maximum of 8 participants, this tour promises a personalized and immersive exploration of the region’s culinary treasures. What lies in store for those who venture forth on this unique excursion?
This experience made our list of the 20 Best Lunch Experiences In Florence.
Key Points
- A full-day small-group truffle hunting experience in the countryside around San Miniato, Tuscany, known for its prized white truffles.
- Participation in a truffle hunt with an experienced local hunter and their trained dog to search for the elusive fungi in the woods.
- Inclusion of a 2-course lunch featuring truffle-based dishes and local wines, as well as a wine tasting in the Chianti region.
- Air-conditioned minivan transportation provided from the meeting point in Florence to the truffle-rich forests around San Miniato.
- Small group size, limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, ensures personalized attention from the professional local guide throughout the day.
Tour Overview
The tour offers a full-day small-group truffle hunting experience in the scenic countryside around Tuscany’s San Miniato, a town renowned for its prized white truffles.
Travelers will meet a local truffle hunter and their trained dog to search for the elusive fungi in the woods.
The tour also includes a 2-course lunch featuring truffle-based dishes and local wines, as well as a visit to a winery in the Chianti region for wine tasting.
With a maximum of 8 travelers, the tour provides personalized attention from the professional local guide.
Transportation is provided by air-conditioned minivan, and gratuities are included, making for a seamless and immersive truffle hunting adventure in Tuscany.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Florence.
Inclusions
This tour includes a professional local guide to accompany travelers throughout the day. Plus, transportation by air-conditioned minivan is provided.
The tour also covers the costs of the truffle hunt, a 2-course lunch with truffle-based dishes and local wine, as well as a wine tasting at a winery in the Chianti region. Gratuities are included, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive Tuscan truffle hunting experience.
The highlight of the tour is the opportunity to participate in a truffle hunt with an experienced hunter and their trained dog. This hands-on activity allows guests to enjoy the traditional methods of locating these prized culinary delights.
The inclusions aim to provide a well-rounded and authentic exploration of Tuscany’s renowned culinary treasures.
Meeting and Pickup
The tour commences with a meeting point at Piazza dei Cavalleggeri in Florence, where participants convene before embarking on the day’s adventure.
At the conclusion of the tour, travelers return to the same starting location.
The tour begins promptly at 10:00 am, so punctuality is important.
The small group, limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, will travel by air-conditioned minivan to the truffle-rich forests around the town of San Miniato.
This personalized attention ensures a more intimate and tailored experience for each guest.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, the meeting and pickup logistics make for a seamless start and end to the day’s activities.
Tour Activities
Departing Florence, the group travels to the town of San Miniato, renowned for its white truffles.
Upon arrival, they meet the truffle hunter and their specially trained dog to embark on the search through the nearby forests. Together, they comb the woodland, the dog skillfully sniffing out the elusive tubers hidden beneath the soil. When a truffle is discovered, the hunter carefully extracts it, sharing insights into this prized culinary treasure.
After the successful hunt, the group enjoys a 2-course lunch featuring truffle-based dishes and local wines.
To conclude the day, they visit a winery in the Chianti region, sampling the area’s renowned vintages before returning to Florence.
Truffle Hunting in San Miniato
A truffle hunter and their well-trained dog lead the group into the forests surrounding San Miniato, a town renowned for its prized white truffles.
The hunter’s canine companion effortlessly sniffs out the coveted fungi, digging in the soil to unearth the fragrant delicacies.
As the group follows the hunter, they marvel at the dog’s remarkable abilities, watching intently as the truffles are carefully extracted.
The hunt is an exhilarating experience, with the group eagerly participating in the search and learning about the intricate process of truffle harvesting.
The fresh truffles will later be used in the delectable lunch, allowing the travelers to savor the fruits of their labor.
- Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse With Local Market Tour From Florence
- Chianti Safari: Tuscan Villas With Vineyards, Cheese, Wine & Lunch From Florence
- Florence Vespa Tour: Tuscan Hills and Italian Cuisine
- Uffizi Gallery Small Group Tour With Guide
- Florence Accademia Gallery Tour With Entrance Ticket Included
- Skip the Line: Uffizi and Accademia Small Group Walking Tour
Lunch With Truffle Dishes and Wine
Upon returning from the exhilarating truffle hunt, travelers are treated to a 2-course lunch featuring the prized truffles they’d just helped unearth. Indulging in truffle-infused dishes, they savor the rich, earthy flavors that perfectly complement the local Chianti wines served alongside.
The meal provides a delightful opportunity to appreciate the fruits of their labor and enjoy the culinary traditions of the Tuscan region.
The lunch menu showcases the versatility of truffles, with a selection of truffle pasta and other truffle-based specialties. Travelers can indulge their palates while learning about the nuances of pairing these delicacies with the robust, flavorful Chianti wines.
This dining experience offers a chance to truly appreciate the gastronomic treasures of Tuscany.
Winery Visit in Chianti
After savoring the truffle-infused delights, travelers continue their Tuscan culinary adventure with a visit to a winery in the renowned Chianti region.
Here, they’ll have the opportunity to sample the area’s renowned wines and learn about the winemaking process. The visit includes:
- Guided tour of the winery’s vineyards and cellars
- Tasting of several Chianti wines, including signature varietals
- Explanation of the region’s unique terroir and winemaking traditions
- Chance to purchase bottles of the winery’s finest offerings
- Time to relax and appreciate the picturesque Chianti landscape
This winery visit allows travelers to fully enjoy Tuscany’s rich wine culture, complementing the earlier truffle hunting experience.
Additional Information
Travelers receive confirmation of their booking at the time of purchase. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and the minimum drinking age is 18 years. Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness, as the maximum group size is limited to 8 travelers to ensure personalized attention throughout the experience.
Key Details | Information |
---|---|
Confirmation | Received at time of booking |
Accessibility | Not wheelchair accessible |
Minimum Age | 18 years |
Physical Fitness | Moderate level required |
Group Size | Maximum of 8 travelers |
The personalized nature of the tour and the need for physical mobility ensure that guests have a truly immersive and enjoyable truffle hunting experience in the stunning Tuscan countryside.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Wear for the Truffle Hunt?
For the truffle hunt, one should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Dressing in layers is recommended, as the forest environment can be cool. Bringing a small backpack or daypack is also advisable.
Can I Take Photos During the Truffle Hunt?
Guests are typically allowed to take photos during the truffle hunt, though they’re advised to be respectful of the hunter and dog’s work. Photography shouldn’t interfere with the hunt or disturb the natural environment.
Are Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Options Available for Lunch?
Yes, the tour provider offers vegetarian and gluten-free lunch options upon request. Travelers with dietary restrictions should notify the company in advance to ensure their needs are accommodated during the 2-course truffle-themed meal.
Is There a Dress Code for the Winery Visit?
There is no specific dress code for the winery visit on this tour. Travelers should wear comfortable, casual clothing suitable for walking in the countryside and tasting wine indoors. No formal attire is required.
Can I Purchase Truffles or Wine at the End of the Tour?
Yes, travelers can typically purchase truffles and wine at the end of the tour. The tour includes a visit to a winery in the Chianti region where visitors can sample and purchase local wines.
Recap
This small-group truffle hunting experience in Tuscany provides an immersive and personalized adventure.
Travelers will discover the art of truffle harvesting, savor a delicious truffle-infused lunch, and enjoy a wine tasting in the renowned Chianti region.
With a maximum of 8 participants, the tour offers an intimate and informative journey into the culinary traditions of the Italian countryside.
More Lunch Experiences in Florence
- Florence: Brunello Wine Tour with Lunch at the Winery
- Florence: Hiking Tuscany & Chianti wine 3 wineries and lunch
- E-Vespa Tour in the Chianti and Pic Nic Lunch
- Florence: Montalcino, Montepulciano & Val d Orcia with lunch
- Florence Private Chianti Horseback Ride Wine Tasting + Lunch
- Florence: Chianti Tuscany Winery Tasting & Lunch
More Tour Reviews in Florence
- Florence: Uffizi Gallery Skip-the-line Entrance Ticket
- Made in Tuscany: Leather Craft, Local Wines & Outlet Finds
- Florence Watercolor & Wine: An Artistic Aperitivo Experience
- Florence: Walking Tour with Pizza and Gelato Making Class
- Florence: Timed Entry to Uffizi with Optional Audio Guide
- From Florence: Half-Day Pisa Tour and Optional Leaning Tower
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Florence we have reviewed
- Florence: Uffizi Gallery Skip-the-line Entrance Ticket
- Made in Tuscany: Leather Craft, Local Wines & Outlet Finds
- Florence Watercolor & Wine: An Artistic Aperitivo Experience
- Florence: Walking Tour with Pizza and Gelato Making Class
- Florence: Timed Entry to Uffizi with Optional Audio Guide
- From Florence: Half-Day Pisa Tour and Optional Leaning Tower
- Gelato Tour – Culinary Walk in Florence city Center
- Florence: Duomo Cathedral Skip-the-line Entry & Express Tour
- Specialty Coffee Workshop & Tasting Experience in Florence
- Florence: Renaissance Walking Tour of Florence
- Florentine Paper Marbling Artisan Experience
- Florence Private Tour: Brunelleschis Dome Experience