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

For travelers seeking something authentic, rustic, and truly Italian, Lunigiana is a revelation. This lesser-known area of northern Tuscany, bordering Liguria and Emilia-Romagna, is a land of medieval castles, wild hills, and rich culinary traditions—especially truffles.

The Hunt

Your day begins with a scenic drive from the cruise terminal at La Spezia into the green heart of Lunigiana. After about 40 minutes, you’ll arrive at a private estate where a professional truffle hunter and his trained dogs await. The hunt takes place in oak and hazelnut groves, where you’ll learn how truffles are found and the role of terroir, season, and dog training in this centuries-old practice.

Depending on the season, you might uncover precious black truffles or rare white truffles, hidden beneath the forest floor. The atmosphere is quiet and fragrant, punctuated only by the excited barks of the dog when it catches a scent. It’s an intimate, meditative experience—part adventure, part education.

The Feast

Once the truffles are harvested, it’s time to taste them at their best. You’ll be welcomed into a rustic farmhouse kitchen for a truffle-themed lunch, where dishes such as fresh pasta with shaved truffle, truffled eggs, local cheeses, and artisan breads are served. It’s not just a meal—it’s a celebration of regional flavors.

Vineyard Tasting

To round off the day, you’ll visit a nearby boutique vineyard. Lunigiana may not be as famous as Chianti or Barolo, but its wines are increasingly sought-after by those in the know. You’ll tour the vineyard, meet the winemaker, and sample several wines—often natural or organic—paired with local salumi and focaccia. Expect varietals like Vermentino Nero, Ciliegiolo, or rare indigenous grapes grown only in this microregion.

What makes this shore excursion from La Spezia exceptional is its authenticity. You’re not part of a crowd; you’re a guest. The experience is personal, hands-on, and deeply local—ideal for couples, small groups, or food lovers who crave more than just a photo opportunity.

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

If you’re looking for other adventures that can be combined with or chosen instead of the truffle hunt, here are four more excellent ideas:

1. Explore the Cinque Terre by Train

Cinque Terre—the five cliffside villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—are a must-see for first-time visitors. From La Spezia, you can board a regional train and hop between villages. Each has its own charm: lemon groves and beaches in Monterosso, dramatic views in Vernazza, and colorful houses clinging to rocks in Riomaggiore.

If time is short, visiting just two or three villages still provides a breathtaking overview. You can stroll the Via dell’Amore, sample fresh seafood, or simply soak up the sea views with a spritz in hand.

2. Visit Portovenere by Boat

Often described as the “sixth village” of Cinque Terre, Portovenere is quieter but just as stunning. It’s accessible by ferry or private boat from La Spezia and offers a relaxed escape. You can wander through narrow alleys lined with pastel buildings, explore the 12th-century Church of San Pietro perched on a rocky promontory, and admire the medieval Doria Castle overlooking the Gulf of Poets.

A seafood lunch here is highly recommended. Try the local muscoli ripieni (stuffed mussels), a Ligurian delicacy.

3. Stroll Through Lerici and Tellaro

On the other side of the gulf from Portovenere lies the serene town of Lerici and the poetic village of Tellaro, once home to writers like D.H. Lawrence. These locations offer a more off-the-beaten-path experience, perfect for those looking to avoid the crowds.

In Lerici, you can walk the seafront promenade, visit the castle, or enjoy a cappuccino at a harbor café. Tellaro, a short drive or walk away, is smaller and quieter—its narrow lanes and flower-covered balconies feel like stepping into a postcard.

4. Day Trip to Pisa or Lucca

If you’re in the mood for architectural wonders, Pisa and Lucca are within easy reach by car or train. Pisa offers the iconic Leaning Tower, the Duomo, and the Baptistery in the famous Piazza dei Miracoli. It’s a quick photo stop for many, but also rich in history if you take time to explore.

Lucca, by contrast, is more relaxed and atmospheric. Enclosed within Renaissance-era walls, it’s perfect for walking or cycling. You’ll find charming piazzas, Romanesque churches, and artisan boutiques. Stop for a slice of cecina (chickpea flatbread) and a glass of white wine in Piazza Anfiteatro before heading back to La Spezia.

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

Emilia Delizia specializes 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, the team offers thoughtfully curated itineraries with local hosts, food experts, and guides.

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

So whether you’re hiking in Cinque Terre, sipping wine in a sun-drenched vineyard, or digging for truffles in a mossy forest, your shore excursion from La Spezia becomes more than just a day trip. It becomes a memory.