We offer two truffle hunting experiences in the Bologna hills, run by different licensed hunters in different territory. One is in Sasso Marconi, in the Bologna hills, and includes a tasting, take-home truffle, and take-home gifts. The other is in Savigno, 40 minutes out in the Apennine foothills, and includes a Truffle Museum visit with the option to buy fresh truffles at local prices. Both are led by local licensed hunters with trained dogs; both are genuine outdoor experiences, not staged ones. When you book, we confirm which location based on which hunter is available on your date.
The Sasso Marconi Experience
Sasso Marconi sits in the Reno valley, in the Apennine foothills south of Bologna. The hunt here is combined with a sit-down truffle tasting after the forest section — a selection of local truffle preparations paired with Emilian wines — and you leave with a fresh truffle and a set of truffle products to take home. This is the more complete gastronomic experience: the hunt gives you the origin story, the tasting gives you the product in context, and the gifts mean you arrive home with something to open.
| Location | Sasso Marconi, in the Bologna hills |
| Duration | Half day (hunt + tasting) |
| Season | April to late November |
| Start time | 9:00 AM |
| Included | Guided hunt with licensed hunter and trained dog — truffle tasting with wine — fresh truffle to take home — truffle product gift set |
| Not included | Transport to Sasso Marconi |
The Savigno Experience
Savigno is 40 kilometres south-west of Bologna in the deeper Apennine foothills — clay-rich soil, mixed oak and poplar, territory that has been licensed truffle ground for generations. After the hunt you can purchase fresh truffles directly from the hunter at local prices. The village has two restaurants worth knowing. Amerigo dal 1934 is Michelin-starred and has been truffle-focused since the same year as its name; it opens for lunch on Saturday and Sunday only (12:00–14:00) and for dinner Wednesday through Sunday. La Bottega del Macellaio is a truffle-specialist restaurant and deli on Via Marconi run by chef Anna Amato, with a menu built around the local white truffle. If you want to add lunch at either restaurant after the hunt, contact us and we will arrange the reservation.
| Location | Savigno — approx. 40 minutes from Bologna by car |
| Duration | Half day |
| Season | April to late November |
| Start time | 9:00 AM |
| Included | Guided hunt with licensed hunter and trained dog |
| Not included | Lunch, transport to Savigno |
Book the Bologna Truffle Hunt
Both experiences share the same booking form. When you book, we confirm your date and assign the location — Sasso Marconi or Savigno — based on which hunter is available. If you have a preference for one over the other, note it in the booking form and we will accommodate it where possible.
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Why the Bologna Hills for Truffle Hunting?
The Apennine foothills south of Bologna — the arc from the Reno valley around Sasso Marconi to the deeper hills around Savigno — has been productive truffle ground for generations. Clay and sandy-loam soil, mixed oak and poplar woodland, and reliable autumn moisture create conditions that sustain both white and black truffle populations at densities that make the hunt genuinely productive rather than merely theatrical. Emilia Delizia has been working with local licensed hunters in these hills since 2008.
The experience can also be combined with the Foodies Delight food tour from Bologna, which visits Parmigiano Reggiano dairies, balsamic acetaie, and Prosciutto producers. Contact us to arrange a combined day.
Alternative: Truffle Hunt in Northern Tuscany
If you are based near Cinque Terre, Parma, or northern Tuscany rather than Bologna, we also run a truffle hunting experience in Lunigiana — the hills behind La Spezia. Same format, different territory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Sasso Marconi and Savigno experiences?
Both are led by licensed local hunters with trained dogs. Sasso Marconi (20 min from Bologna) includes a truffle tasting, a fresh truffle, and take-home truffle products — the more complete gastronomic package. Savigno (40 min from Bologna) — you can buy fresh truffles at local prices after the hunt and arrange lunch at one of two truffle-focused restaurants in the village. Location is assigned at confirmation based on availability.
Which location will I be assigned?
We assign Sasso Marconi or Savigno based on which hunter is available on your date. If you have a preference, note it when booking and we will accommodate it where possible.
When is truffle season near Bologna?
The experience runs April to late November. Spring (April–May) for black scorzone; summer (June–August) for summer truffle; autumn (October–November) for white truffle and black winter truffle. October is the most rewarding month — white truffle is at its peak and the woodland is at its best.
What type of truffles are found near Bologna?
Both areas produce white truffle (Tuber magnatum pico) in autumn — the most prized variety in Italy. Black truffles (Tuber melanosporum and Tuber aestivum) are found depending on the season.
Can I keep the truffles I find?
By Italian law, truffles found on licensed territory belong to the licence holder. In the Sasso Marconi experience a fresh truffle is included as part of the package. In the Savigno experience you can purchase fresh truffles directly from the hunter at local prices after the hunt.
How far are the locations from Bologna?
Sasso Marconi is in the Apennine foothills south of Bologna. Savigno is approximately 40 minutes south-west by car. Neither location has direct public transport — a car or private transfer is required. Transport is not included in either experience.
Can I have lunch at Amerigo dal 1934 after the Savigno hunt?
Savigno has two good options. Amerigo dal 1934 is Michelin-starred and opens for lunch Saturday and Sunday only (12:00–14:00), dinner Wednesday through Sunday. La Bottega del Macellaio on Via Marconi is a truffle-specialist restaurant open for lunch and dinner; the menu is built around local white truffle. If you want to add lunch at either after the hunt, mention it when you enquire and we will arrange it.
Is the truffle hunt suitable for children or elderly guests?
Yes — difficulty is low to medium. The walk is through managed woodland on uneven but not steep terrain. Comfortable walking shoes are sufficient; no technical hiking required. Children generally enjoy following the dog. For guests with significant mobility restrictions, contact us before booking.
What happens if no truffles are found?
Truffles are wild and cannot be guaranteed — weather, season, and ground conditions all affect yield. A simulated find may be included so guests understand the full process regardless of what the dog uncovers on the day.
About Gabriele
My grandfather had a farm. He delivered milk to the local Parmigiano Reggiano cooperative every morning — the same kind of small family caseificio we visit on our tours today. The cheese was made a few kilometres away. The balsamic vinegar aged in the attic. We ate prosciutto that had been hanging in the cellar for two years.
I took all of this completely for granted, moved abroad, and then spent years being quietly horrified by what passed for Italian food everywhere else. Parmigiano that tasted of cardboard. Balsamic vinegar that was basically caramel syrup. Pasta from a tin. I’m not going to name countries.
I started Emilia Delizia in 2008 because I wanted people to understand what they were missing — and because watching someone’s face when they taste real 25-year balsamic for the first time never gets old. Seventeen years in, same producers, same obsession. Lonely Planet liked it. Channel 4 called us when they needed someone who actually knew the acetaias in Modena. TripAdvisor gave us 4.9 out of 5, which I’m choosing to interpret as proof that the other 0.1 of a star is simply unattainable.
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Following two tours with your guides this week I would like to express my thanks for some wonderful experiences.
Monday we did the tour of cheese making, balsamic and Salami which was very good and the guide Paolo was very knowledgeable.
The truffle hunt tour today was absolutely amazing, the guide Stefano is pure gold and the tour was built with much thought. Our best experience so far, by far.
Looking forward to more tours and fun next time we are in Italy.