Shore Excursion From La Spezia: Truffle Hunt and Vineyard Tasting in Lunigiana:

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Private shore excursion from La Spezia — guided truffle hunt with trained dogs, truffle farmhouse lunch & boutique vineyard tasting in Lunigiana

Truffle Hunt from La Spezia — A Private Shore Excursion into Lunigiana

For cruise passengers and independent travellers looking for something authentic beyond the usual sights, this private excursion takes you into Lunigiana — a little-known corner of northern Tuscany bordering Liguria and Emilia-Romagna, famous for its medieval castles, wild forests, and exceptional truffles.

You’ll hunt for truffles with a professional hunter and his trained dogs, sit down to a truffle-themed farmhouse lunch, and finish with a tasting at a boutique local vineyard — all within a comfortable half-day from the cruise terminal.

Tour Details

• Starting point: Lunigiana (approximately 40 minutes from La Spezia)
• Duration: Half-day
• Group size: Private — exclusively for your group, up to 2 people at this price
• Language: English
• Transport: Not included — contact us if you need pickup from La Spezia or the cruise terminal

What’s Included

• Guided truffle hunt in oak and hazelnut groves with a professional hunter and trained dogs
• Truffle-themed farmhouse lunch — fresh pasta with shaved truffle, truffled eggs, local cheeses, and artisan bread
• Boutique vineyard tour with the winemaker
• Wine tasting of local varieties (Vermentino Nero, Ciliegiolo, and indigenous grapes), paired with salumi and focaccia
• English-speaking guide throughout
• Transport to/from Lunigiana not included — contact us to arrange pickup from La Spezia or the cruise terminal

The Hunt

Your day begins with a scenic drive from La Spezia into the green hills of Lunigiana. At a private estate, a professional truffle hunter and his trained dogs take you into the oak and hazelnut groves where truffles grow hidden beneath the forest floor. You’ll learn how they are found, what role terroir and season play, and the centuries-old tradition of dog training for this craft.

Depending on the season, you may uncover black truffles or rare white truffles. The atmosphere is quiet and fragrant — an intimate, meditative experience that is part adventure, part education.

Please note: suitable footwear is required for walking in woodland terrain.

The Feast

Once the truffles are harvested, you’ll be welcomed into a rustic farmhouse kitchen for a truffle-themed lunch. Dishes typically include fresh pasta with shaved truffle, truffled eggs, local cheeses, and artisan breads — a genuine celebration of regional flavours at their seasonal best.

The Vineyard

To round off the excursion, you’ll visit a boutique local vineyard. Lunigiana’s wines are increasingly sought-after by those in the know — you’ll tour the vineyard, meet the winemaker, and taste several wines (often natural or organic) paired with local salumi and focaccia. Expect varieties such as Vermentino Nero, Ciliegiolo, and rare indigenous grapes grown only in this microregion.

Book Your Shore Excursion

Fill in your details below and you’ll be taken directly to the payment page. Once we receive your booking and payment we will confirm your date by email.

Small print: return times are estimates — please share your ship’s all-aboard time when booking so we can plan accordingly.

4 More Things to Do on a Shore Excursion from La Spezia

If you’re looking for other adventures to combine with or choose instead of the truffle hunt, here are four excellent ideas:

1. Explore the Cinque Terre by Train

Cinque Terre’s five cliffside villages — Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore — are a must-see for first-time visitors. From La Spezia, a regional train connects them all. Even visiting two or three gives a breathtaking overview: lemon groves, dramatic views, colourful houses clinging to rock faces, and fresh seafood at every turn.

2. Visit Portovenere by Boat

Often called the “sixth village” of Cinque Terre, Portovenere is quieter and just as stunning. Accessible by ferry from La Spezia, it offers narrow alleys lined with pastel buildings, the 12th-century Church of San Pietro on a rocky promontory, and the medieval Doria Castle. Try the local muscoli ripieni (stuffed mussels) for lunch.

3. Stroll Through Lerici and Tellaro

On the eastern side of the gulf, Lerici and the tiny village of Tellaro — once home to D.H. Lawrence — offer a quieter, off-the-beaten-path alternative. Walk the seafront, visit the castle in Lerici, and wander Tellaro’s flower-covered lanes for a genuinely unhurried experience.

4. Day Trip to Pisa or Lucca

Pisa and Lucca are within easy reach by car or train. Pisa offers the iconic Leaning Tower and the Piazza dei Miracoli. Lucca, enclosed within Renaissance walls, is better suited to wandering — charming piazzas, Romanesque churches, and a slice of cecina (chickpea flatbread) in Piazza Anfiteatro.

Why Choose Emilia Delizia for Your Shore Excursion from La Spezia?

Emilia Delizia specialises in small-group, gourmet-focused excursions designed to help you experience the best of Italy without the crowds or rushed schedules typical of cruise tours. From the hills of Lunigiana to the coast of Liguria, every itinerary is curated with local hosts, food experts, and genuine access.

You won’t just visit Italy — you’ll taste it, walk it, and understand it.