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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 gourmet multi-course truffle lunch — all within a comfortable half-day from the cruise terminal, with transport included. A boutique vineyard visit is available as an optional add-on.
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: Included — pickup and drop-off from La Spezia cruise terminal
What’s Included
- Guided truffle hunt in oak and hazelnut groves with a professional hunter and trained dogs
- Gourmet multi-course truffle lunch at the farmhouse
- English-speaking guide throughout
- Transport from La Spezia cruise terminal and back
Optional Add-ons
The following can be added to your excursion on request:
- Boutique vineyard tour with the winemaker
- Wine tasting of local varieties (Vermentino Nero, Ciliegiolo, and indigenous grapes), paired with salumi and focaccia
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 sit down to a gourmet multi-course truffle lunch at the farmhouse table — prepared with what the land and season provide, and centred entirely on the truffle.
Starters arrive in sequence: truffle crostini on toasted artisan bread, crispy truffle-filled rolls, and devilled eggs crowned with sliced truffle — each course more generous than the last.
The main course is fresh pasta — pappardelle or tagliatelle, made that morning — dressed in truffle butter and finished tableside: the truffle you found in the forest that day, shaved directly onto your plate.
A light dessert and local wine round off the meal. Please let us know of any dietary requirements when booking.
The Vineyard (Optional Add-on)
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 This Shore Excursion
To check availability, arrange transport from La Spezia or the cruise terminal, or ask any questions, get in touch — we typically reply within a few hours.
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.
Visiting Parma? We run the same experience inland: a truffle hunt from Parma with gourmet farmhouse lunch, transport included, and an optional Parmigiano-Reggiano dairy visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Lunigiana from La Spezia?
The drive from La Spezia Cruise Terminal to the truffle estate in Lunigiana takes approximately 40 minutes each way through scenic Tuscan countryside.
Is the truffle hunt guaranteed? What if no truffles are found?
Truffle hunting depends on season and conditions — this is part of what makes it authentic. Our professional hunters know the territory well and the trained dogs are highly experienced. Even in leaner periods, the experience of watching the dogs work and learning the craft is genuinely memorable. The truffle-themed lunch and vineyard tasting are included regardless.
What should I wear for the truffle hunt?
Comfortable, sturdy footwear suitable for walking on uneven woodland terrain is essential. We recommend closed-toe shoes or light hiking boots. Dress for the weather and bring a layer — the forest can be cool even in summer.
What do we eat at the truffle lunch?
Lunch is served at a rustic farmhouse kitchen and typically includes fresh pasta with shaved truffle, truffled eggs, local cheeses, cured meats, and artisan bread — all made with local ingredients. Please let us know about any dietary requirements when booking.
What wines will we taste at the vineyard?
The vineyard focuses on local and often indigenous varieties. Expect to taste wines such as Vermentino Nero, Ciliegiolo, or other grapes grown only in this microregion of Lunigiana, often produced using natural or organic methods. Wines are paired with local salumi and focaccia.
Will we be back at the cruise terminal in time?
Yes — we plan the excursion around your ship’s all-aboard time. Please share your schedule with us when booking and we will ensure a comfortable return well before departure. We strongly recommend allowing at least 30 minutes buffer.
Is this suitable for children?
Children who enjoy nature and animals (especially dogs) tend to love the truffle hunt. The experience is relaxed and outdoors. Please let us know the ages of any children in your group when enquiring so we can advise on suitability.
Is this a private tour?
Yes — this is a fully private excursion. Your group will have the truffle hunter, guide, and all experiences exclusively to yourselves. No strangers are added to your booking.
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