Tuscany: Truffle Hunting Day Trip & Lunch from Florence

Summary

Truffle hunting in San Miniato’s hills with lunch and Chianti wine

You’ll follow a local hunter and his dog through San Miniato’s woods searching for white truffles, then sit down for fresh tagliolini al tartufo with Chianti wine. Expect laughter, muddy boots, real stories from your guide — plus transport from Florence so you can just relax into it all.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to be so nervous around a dog, but the truffle hunter’s little Lagotto Romagnolo was all business — nose to the ground, tail wagging like he knew a secret. We’d barely left the minivan when our guide, Paolo, handed out these muddy boots (mine were way too big) and led us into the woods near San Miniato. The air smelled kind of sharp and earthy, like wet leaves and something deeper I couldn’t name. Paolo kept chatting about white truffles — apparently this area is famous for them — but honestly I was just trying not to trip over roots.

At one point, the dog froze and started digging like mad. Paolo knelt down next to him, brushed away dirt with this tiny trowel, and suddenly there it was — a lumpy little thing that looked nothing like what you see shaved onto pasta in fancy restaurants. He let us sniff it (I tried not to sneeze), and it really did smell weirdly sweet and musky at the same time. Someone asked how much it would cost in Florence; Paolo just grinned and said “more than your shoes.”

Lunch was in this old stone house overlooking rows of vines — I still think about that view sometimes, especially the way the light hit those yellow fields. They served tagliolini al tartufo (the main reason I signed up for this truffle hunting tour in Tuscany if I’m honest), plus some local wine that tasted like cherries and dust. There was a lot of laughter at our table when someone tried to pronounce “San Miniato” with a Texan accent. After that came a quick tasting in Chianti before we headed back toward Florence, everyone smelling faintly of forest floor and red wine.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Truffle hunting and lunch in Tuscany

• Travel from Florence to San Miniato
• Join hunter and dog for truffle hunt
• Explore woodland for white truffles
• Enjoy 2-course lunch with truffle pasta
• Taste wine in Chianti region
• Return to Florence

Top questions

How long is the truffle hunting day trip from Florence?

The tour lasts about 6 hours including travel time from Florence.

Is lunch included on the Tuscany truffle hunting tour?

Yes, a two-course lunch featuring fresh truffles is included.

Where does the truffle hunt take place?

The hunt happens in the woods near San Miniato, Tuscany.

Is there wine tasting on this tour?

Yes, you’ll have a wine tasting in Chianti after lunch.

How many people are on each small-group tour?

The group size is limited to eight people for a more personal experience.

Are transfers included from Florence?

Yes, round-trip transport by air-conditioned minivan is included from Florence.

Do I need special shoes for truffle hunting?

Good walking shoes are recommended as you’ll be walking in woodland terrain.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

You can note any specific dietary needs when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and return transport from Florence by minivan, all guidance during the truffle hunt near San Miniato with an expert hunter and his dog, a two-course lunch featuring fresh truffles (including tagliolini al tartufo), local Chianti wine tasting, and plenty of stories along the way before heading back to Florence in the afternoon.