Ravenna’s mosaics take two to three hours. If your ship is in port for the day and you want to do something with the rest of it, the Romagna hills are an hour away by car and one of the best truffle territories in northern Italy. We run a truffle hunting experience in the Apennine foothills with a local guide and trained Lagotto Romagnolo dogs — the native Romagna breed, used for truffle hunting in these hills for generations. White truffle in autumn, black truffle the rest of the year. Available year-round.
The Experience
The hunt takes place in managed woodland in the Romagna Apennines, in the foothills south of the Via Emilia. You walk with the guide and the dogs through the forest, watching the search, learning to read how the dog signals a find, and understanding the difference between the truffle varieties and what the terrain and season determine. This is a working hunt on licensed territory — not a demonstration or a tourist set piece. What gets found depends on the day.
Two formats are available. The half-day hunt (two hours in the forest) works well for cruise passengers with a morning or afternoon free after visiting Ravenna. The full day with lunch (six hours) includes the hunt followed by a sit-down meal at a local restaurant using the truffles and produce of the area — the better option if your ship is in port all day and you want a complete experience rather than a return by mid-afternoon.
| Location | Romagna Apennine foothills — approx. 1 hour from Ravenna port by car |
| Format | Half day (2 hours) or full day with lunch (6 hours) |
| Season | Year-round — black truffle outside autumn, white truffle October–November |
| Group size | Minimum 4, maximum 8 people |
| Start time | 8:00 AM |
| Included | Guided hunt with licensed local expert and Lagotto Romagnolo dogs |
| Full day also includes | Lunch at a local restaurant with truffle dishes |
| Not included | Transport from Ravenna port (we can arrange private transfer — ask when enquiring) |
Planning Around Your Ship Schedule
The hunt location is approximately one hour from Ravenna port by car. A half-day excursion — transfer out, two-hour hunt, transfer back — takes around four hours in total, leaving time to visit Ravenna’s mosaics either before or after. The full day with lunch uses six to seven hours and suits passengers whose ship arrives early and departs in the evening. When you enquire, tell us your port arrival and departure times and we will confirm whether the schedule works and arrange transport.
Private car transfer from Ravenna port can be arranged on request. If you are a group of four or more already, the cost per person is manageable split between the group. For smaller groups looking to join an existing departure, contact us and we will match you to a scheduled date.
The Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo — literally “lake dog of Romagna” — is the only dog breed in the world recognised specifically for truffle hunting. Originally bred as a water retriever in the Po Delta marshes, it was redeployed as the marshes were drained in the 19th century, and its exceptional nose and trainability made it the standard working dog of the Romagna truffle hunters. Watching a trained Lagotto work is a significant part of what makes the experience worth doing: the dog’s ability to locate buried truffle at depth, signal the find, and wait for the hunter to excavate is the result of years of specific training and a working relationship between dog and handler that takes time to develop.
Enquire About This Excursion
Use our contact page to get in touch. Include your port arrival and departure times, the number of people in your group, and whether you want the half-day hunt or the full day with lunch. We confirm within 24 hours.
For more on what to see in Ravenna during the rest of your port day, see our Ravenna visitor’s guide. If you prefer a guided tour of the city’s mosaics and Byzantine heritage, see our Ravenna guided tour.
How far is the truffle hunt from Ravenna port?
Approximately one hour by car. We recommend arranging private transport — mention it when you enquire and we will organise a return transfer timed to your ship’s departure.
Is the truffle hunt available year-round from Ravenna?
Yes. Black truffle is available outside the autumn season — spring and summer hunts are productive. White truffle (Tuber magnatum pico) is the peak season experience, available October and November. Both are genuine hunts on licensed territory.
What is a Lagotto Romagnolo?
The Lagotto Romagnolo is the only dog breed in the world certified specifically for truffle hunting. It is native to Romagna — originally a water retriever in the Po Delta, later adapted for truffle work when the marshes were drained in the 19th century. Watching one work is a large part of the experience.
Which format is better for cruise passengers — half day or full day?
The half-day hunt (two hours, four hours total with transfers) suits passengers who also want time in Ravenna’s historic centre. The full day with lunch is the better experience if your ship arrives early and departs in the evening — you see the hunt and eat a proper meal in the hills rather than rushing back. Tell us your port times and we will advise.
Can I book as a couple or solo traveller?
The minimum group size is 4. If you are fewer than four, contact us — we can add you to a scheduled group departure on a date that works with your cruise schedule.
What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots — the terrain is woodland with uneven ground, not steep hiking. Weather-appropriate clothing and a light waterproof jacket. The hunt starts at 8:00 AM when the forest is coolest and conditions are best.
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