If you’ve been to Italy more than once, you probably understand the urge to go beyond the classic tourist itinerary and dive into unique, local experiences. That’s exactly what I did on my latest trip — and this time, my mission was to join a truffle hunting adventure.
I’ve always loved the rich, earthy taste of truffle, so when I learned that Tuscany offers guided hunts, I knew it had to be part of my itinerary. Our destination? Savini Tartufi, one of Italy’s most renowned truffle companies, located just outside Florence.
Why Truffle Hunting?
Truffles are a true delicacy in Italian cuisine. The rare white truffle (tartufo bianco) has a short harvest season and must be eaten almost immediately, which is why it’s so expensive. The black truffle (tartufo nero), on the other hand, is available year-round and has a longer shelf life.
Since we visited in late spring, our hunt was focused on the black truffle — still fragrant, still luxurious, but more accessible.
The Experience: From Forest to Table
The Savini experience is split into two parts:
- The Hunt – We met our guide, Luca, and the real stars of the day: the truffle-hunting dogs. These dogs are trained from puppyhood — they even rub truffle scent on the mother’s fur so the pups associate the smell from birth. Later, the dogs practice with truffle-scented toys before graduating to the forest. One of the dogs we worked with was a “rookie” still in training, while the others were seasoned pros. Watching them at work was incredible. When a dog finds a truffle, it begins to dig, but the handler steps in to carefully unearth it without damaging its delicate skin — essential for preserving both flavor and value.
- The Feast – After about an hour in the woods, we returned to Savini’s headquarters for a truffle-themed lunch. And when I say themed, I mean every single course celebrated truffle.
- Appetizers: Bite-sized toasts, cheeses, and canapés — each with a unique truffle twist.
- First Course: Fresh fettuccine with a decadent truffled Parmesan cream sauce (yes, I bought the sauce to take home — it’s now a pantry staple).
- Second Course: Baked eggs with shaved truffle — simple, yet divine.
- Dessert: A creamy gelato topped with chocolate sauce and a hint of truffle.
Shopping for Truffle Treasures
Savini’s shop is impossible to resist. They sell everything from truffle-infused olive oil to fig jam with truffle, and even specialty pasta. Most of these products are made with “imperfect” truffles that don’t meet the standards for whole sale but still pack incredible flavor. I stocked up on gifts and pantry treats, knowing they’d remind me of this day long after the trip ended.
Planning Your Truffle Hunt
- Where: Savini Tartufi, near Florence, Italy.
- When: White truffle season is October–December. Black truffles can be found year-round.
- Duration: About 2 hours (1 hour hunting, 1 hour lunch).
- Booking: Reserve in advance on their website. Payment is required at booking.
- Cost: Varies by season and group size, but worth every euro.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t just a food experience — it was a window into an ancient culinary tradition, shared by passionate people and their amazing dogs. If you love food, nature, and authentic Italian culture, truffle hunting in Tuscany should be at the top of your travel bucket list.
