San Miniato: Truffle Hunting Walk & Tuscan Lunch with Francesca

Summary

Walk forest trails near San Miniato, hunt truffles, share a Tuscan meal

You’ll join Francesca and her dog in the forests outside San Miniato for real truffle hunting — mud on your boots guaranteed. Afterward, you’ll sit down in her family’s dining room for a three-course lunch built around those same truffles, paired with local wine. It’s hands-on, warm-hearted, sometimes messy — but you’ll remember it long after you leave Tuscany.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t really know what a “truffle hunt” meant until we met Francesca outside her family’s farm just past San Miniato. There was this earthy smell in the air — like wet leaves and old wood — and her dog (I think his name was Pepe?) was already bouncing around, nose to the ground. Francesca laughed at my city shoes and handed me a stick, just in case. We followed her into the woods, not really sure what we’d find.

The forest felt quiet but alive — birds somewhere above us, the crunch of twigs underfoot. Francesca kept chatting about how her family’s been doing this for generations. At one point she stopped mid-sentence because Pepe started digging furiously near an oak tree. She knelt down and brushed away the dirt so gently, then held up this knobbly little thing that honestly looked like a potato. “Tartufo,” she said, grinning. I tried to say it back and probably butchered it; she just shook her head and smiled.

After maybe an hour or so (I lost track), we headed back toward the farmhouse. The kitchen already smelled of butter and something deep and savory — hard to describe but unforgettable. Lunch was three courses: bruschetta piled with fresh truffles, pasta with even more shavings on top (I still dream about that first bite), then tiramisu and biscotti with sweet Vinsanto wine. Everyone at the table ended up swapping stories — even Antonio, the taxi driver who’d picked us up from San Miniato station earlier, popped in for a coffee. It all felt easy and real, nothing staged or rushed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Truffle hunting and gourmet lunch

• Arrive at farm near San Miniato
• Walk in forest with Francesca and dog
• Hunt for truffles for one hour
• Return to dining room
• Enjoy 3-course truffle lunch with wine

Top questions

How do I get to the truffle hunting tour from Florence?

You can take train Reg 18285 from Florence at 9:38 AM to San Miniato (arrives 10:19). Antonio the taxi driver can pick you up at the station if arranged ahead.

What time does the truffle hunting experience start?

The tour starts at 11:00 AM outside Francesca’s family farm near San Miniato.

Is lunch included in the truffle hunting day trip?

Yes, a three-course lunch featuring fresh truffles is included after the hunt.

How long is the walk during the truffle hunting tour?

The walk in the woods lasts about one hour before returning for lunch.

Are drinks included with lunch?

Beverages including local wine are served with your meal.

Can you accommodate food allergies?

If you have food allergies, write them on your booking form or contact Francesca directly before your visit.

Is this suitable for kids or people with mobility issues?

The walk is gentle but not recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Who leads the truffle hunt?

Francesca, a local expert whose family has hunted truffles for generations, leads each group along with her trained dog.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup options from San Miniato train station (just ask when booking), a guided walk through local forests led by Francesca and her dog, plus a leisurely three-course lunch featuring freshly found truffles paired with regional wine before heading back to town.