Truffle hunting in Alba with a professional hunter and dog

A truffle hunter's dog does the finding. You learn to read what it finds.

A truffle hunting class in Alba where you join a professional third-generation hunter and his trained dog in the surrounding hills to learn how truffles grow, how dogs are trained to locate them, and how to spot the difference between white and black varieties. The experience runs about two hours and includes raincoats and boots. A guide fluent in English, Italian or French translates every part of the hunt. Children from age 8 are welcome. Truffles found during the hunt can be purchased from the hunter but are not included in the price.

The experience

What separates truffle hunting from other foraging is that you cannot see what you are looking for, the dog does. You meet your guide in Alba and drive about 10 to 15 minutes into the surrounding hills to reach one of the hunter's secret spots. From there, the work is watching the dog work: how it moves through the terrain, how it signals when it has caught the scent, and what happens when it digs. The hunter's friend Margherita, an official tourist guide, translates every part of the hunt and explains the local culture around truffles as you go.

The hunt itself teaches you the difference between white truffles (October through January) and black truffles (which vary by type and season), why they grow where they do in this region, and how a dog is trained to find them. You will handle the tools, follow the dog into the terrain, and see what the hunter pulls from the ground. Raincoats and boots are provided, and the terrain is suitable for all fitness levels, though you will be walking through hills and uneven ground for the full two hours.

Truffles you find during the hunt are not included in the price, but you can buy them directly from the hunter at the end. You will need your own car to follow the guide from Alba to the hunting spot, or you can arrange a hired car with a driver on request. The experience is typically shared with other guests. If you are booking alone, an extra charge of €70 applies unless another traveler joins that departure.

What’s included

• Raincoats and boots.
• a professional truffle hunter with three trained dogs.
• a guide fluent in English, Italian or French who translates the entire hunt and explains local truffle culture.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:30

Book up to14h before

AgesAdult (18 to 90 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (8 to 11 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish, French and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by albaway sas di Maria Margherita Airale

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to learn the craft from someone who grew up doing it: three generations of knowledge, not a casual introduction. You will need your own car to follow the guide from Alba to the hunting spot, or arrange a hired car with a driver on request. If you are booking alone, an extra €70 charge applies unless another traveler joins your departure.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (8 to 11 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How do the dogs know where to dig for truffles?

The dogs are trained to detect the scent of truffles underground and signal when they find one. During the hunt, you will watch how the dog moves through the terrain and what it does when it catches the scent, and the hunter will explain the training process.

What is the difference between white and black truffles?

White truffles are found from October through January and have a different scent and flavor profile than black truffles, which are available at different times depending on the variety. The guide will show you both types and explain how to tell them apart.

Do I get to keep the truffles we find?

Truffles found during the hunt are not included in the price, but you can purchase them from the hunter at the end of the experience. The cost depends on what is found and the market price at the time.

What should I wear for truffle hunting?

Wear warm, comfortable clothing suitable for walking through hills. Raincoats and rubber boots are provided, so you do not need to bring your own.