Tuscany has some of the most varied truffle territory in Italy — from the rolling hills around Florence and San Miniato to the wooded Apennine valleys of Lunigiana in the north. The experiences below cover three different parts of the region, from half-day excursions out of Florence to shore excursions from La Spezia into northern Tuscany.
Truffle Hunting near Florence: Fattoria Lavacchio
Fattoria Lavacchio offers daily truffle hunting experiences on its organic estate in Montefiesole, approximately 30 minutes from Florence. Sessions start in the morning, with availability depending on the season. The farm itself is worth visiting beyond the truffle hunt: there are vineyards, olive groves, a historic windmill, and a farm shop selling wines, olive oil, and cured meats. Cooking classes and tasting sessions can be combined with the hunt for a longer day out of the city.
Truffle Experiences near San Gimignano and San Miniato
TuscanyEX organises guided truffle hunts in the hills between San Gimignano and San Miniato — an area lying between Pisa and Florence, convenient for travellers exploring central Tuscany. San Miniato in particular is one of Italy’s leading white truffle towns, hosting an annual festival in November. TuscanyEX experiences typically last four to five hours and include a walk through truffle grounds with trained dogs, followed by brunch or lunch featuring freshly harvested truffles. Half-day format makes it easy to combine with a morning in Siena or San Gimignano.
Truffle Hunting near Arezzo: Casolare Il Condottiero
Casolare Il Condottiero is located in Castiglion Fiorentino near Arezzo, offering guided truffle hunts alongside other rural Tuscan activities. The hunts use Lagotto Romagnolo dogs — the only breed internationally recognised for truffle detection — and run in two main seasons: January to March and June to August. After the hunt, guests eat a meal of seasonal Tuscan dishes with fresh truffles. Accommodation is available at the nearby Residence Le Santucce, a former 19th-century monastery.
Truffle Hunting from La Spezia: Pontremoli and Lunigiana
For travellers arriving by cruise at La Spezia, the forests around Pontremoli in Lunigiana offer one of the most original shore excursion options on the Italian Riviera. Pontremoli is 45 minutes inland by road — far enough to feel genuinely rural, close enough to fit within a port day. The oak and chestnut forests here produce black summer truffles, black winter truffles, and white truffles in good years, hunted by local guides who have been working this terrain for generations.
Our truffle hunt and vineyard tasting shore excursion from La Spezia combines the morning hunt with a wine tasting at a local Colli di Luni producer and lunch featuring truffle dishes and Lunigiana specialities including testaroli — the ancient pasta of the region, cooked over an open fire. Private transport from the cruise port is included.
For a broader look at what the area offers, our guide to food experiences in Pontremoli covers truffle hunting alongside fire cooking, wine, and local cured meats. The complete guide to Lunigiana covers the wider area including the Via Francigena, medieval castles, and the food traditions of the valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is truffle season in Tuscany?
It varies by truffle type. Black summer truffles (Tuber aestivum) are found May to October and are the most consistently available. Black winter truffles (Tuber melanosporum) run from November to March — more aromatic than the summer variety. White truffles (Tuber magnatum) — the most prized — are found in October and November in areas like San Miniato and, in good years, Lunigiana. Most guided hunts operate year-round, with the specific truffle depending on the season.
Can I do a truffle hunt as a shore excursion from La Spezia?
Yes — Pontremoli in Lunigiana is about 45 minutes from La Spezia by road, making it practical for a cruise port day. Our La Spezia truffle hunt shore excursion includes private transport from the port, the hunt with local guides and trained dogs, a vineyard visit, and lunch — all within a cruise schedule with time to spare.
How long does a truffle hunting experience last?
Most guided truffle hunts last one to two hours in the field, followed by a tasting or meal. The full experience — including transport, the hunt, and lunch — typically runs four to five hours. Half-day formats are common and make it easy to combine with other activities in the area.
Do you need any experience to go truffle hunting?
No — the guide and the dog do the technical work. Participants walk alongside the guide through forest terrain, observe how the dog locates truffles, and learn to identify them by sight and smell. Comfortable walking shoes are advisable; the terrain is uneven but not demanding. Children can participate in most experiences.
Discover more from Emilia Delizia
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.