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Last updated: 08 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Nicky Swallow

Of all the food and wine ingredients indigenous to Tuscany, the white truffle is probably the most highly-prized – yet it’s one of those things that you will either love or hate; it has a heady yet strange, earthy, musky aroma and a delicate flavour that lends itself particularly well to eggs and buttery tagliolini pasta

Different types of truffles grow year-round in Tuscany and in various areas, the most prolific of which are San Miniato, the Mugello and the Crete Senese. They are, however, elusive. White truffles will only thrive in just the right conditions, growing on the roots of trees and normally hidden by layers of damp leaves and earth.

A truffle hunt with an expert trifulau (truffle hunter) and his dog is a compelling way to discover how the truffle-hunting world works. The stakes are high – white truffles sell for huge amounts of money. In 2007, a 1.28kg tuber sold at auction in the US for an astonishing $330,000.

The most highly prized of Tuscany’s rich food harvest, the white truffle is also the most elusive. An expert-led truffle hunt is an ideal way to discover and taste these extraordinary tubers.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: -

Getting there & doing it

The whereabouts of these elusive tubers is a closely-guarded secret, even among truffle-hunters who guard their own patch jealously. It’s not something that visitors can do independently; you must sign up for a tour either with a group or individually.

Given that truffle hunts usually take place in the autumn and in woods, layers of clothing are advisable as well as good, robust walking shoes or boots. The woods can be muddy.

When to do it

The seasons are as follows: January to April (the marzuolo or spring truffle), June to November (scorzone or black summer truffle, and late September to December for the elusive, highly-prized white truffle or tartufo bianco.

Truffles are celebrated at the region’s seasonal festivals and markets where you can purchase and eat your fill. The most famous is in San Miniato (between Florence and Pisa) in the last three weekends of November. In the Mugello area north of Florence, a festival is held in Barberino on the last weekend of October, and in Scarperia the first two weekends in September.

In San Giovanni d’Asso (south of Siena), there are festivals on the second and third weekends of November.

Cucina Giuseppina Cooking School
Experience

Cucina Giuseppina Cooking School

Certaldo, Tuscany, Italy

An excellent cooking school based in Certaldo (southwest of Florence) offering truffle-hunting experiences in the Chianti woods, followed by a truffle-based lunch or cooking lessons with truffles.

Best for ages: 13+ | £120 | 3-4 hours

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Italian traditional pasta alla carbonara with truffles mushrooms on plate at restaurant in Florence, Tuscany, Italy.
Experience

Papaveri & Papere

San Miniato, Tuscany, Italy

In a lovely countryside setting just outside San Miniato, this mod-rustic restaurant serves up the dishes such as fresh tagliolini and poached eggs liberally scattered with truffle shavings.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Fresh pappardelle pasta with porcini mushrooms and truffle scent. Traditional italian dish cooked in italian style and spices. Parmesan and mozzarella cheese sauce dressing.
Experience

Pepenero

San Miniato, Tuscany, Italy

Seasonal truffle dishes (beef carpaccio with white truffle shavings, porcini mushroom flan with a cheesy, truffle-infused sauce) in a contemporary setting by the cathedral in San Mianato.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Truffle hunting at Savini Tartufi
Experience

Truffle hunting at Savini Tartufi

Montanelli, Tuscany, Italy

Four generations of the Savini family have hunted truffles, and their ‘Truffle Experience’ tours take guests into the woods to watch the highly-trained dogs at work before returning to feast on truffle-based specialities. Can also be combined with wine-tasting at the nearby Monterosola winery.

Best for ages: 13+ | £100 | 4 hours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

San Miniato Truffle Hunting Experience with Lunch

San Miniato Truffle Hunting Experience with Lunch

Florence

Francesca is a true truffle hunter and you will meet her in the family property to discover the magic of the truffle world.

€170 | Rating 4.94 / 5 [281 ratings]

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Tuscany

Tuscany, Italy

The astonishingly beautiful region of Tuscany has it all: art cities and ancient hill towns, high mountains and long sandy beaches, alongside luxurious hotels and some of Italy’s best food and wine.

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