Truffles in Florence

Truffles are a type of subterranean fungus that can be found growing naturally all over Italy. These dark, potato-shaped mushrooms are known for their rich, earthy taste and are considered a culinary delicacy around the world.

Truffle hunting tours in Florence are the perfect way for truffle lovers to immerse themselves in the region’s culinary culture and learn more about how these fungi are harvested and prepared.

Here's all you need to know about truffle tours, one of the most captivating gastronomic experiences in Florence.

What are the best truffle tours in Florence?

Truffle hunting experience in San Miniato with lunch

Explore the Italian countryside with a professional forager and a trained truffle dog as you search for truffles in Tuscany’s forests. The hunt takes place just outside San Miniato—a peaceful area known for its natural beauty.

After your walk through the woods, you’ll enjoy a traditional meal of bruschetta, pasta and truffles at a family farm. You’ll also be treated to dessert and a glass of wine before you make your way back to your hotel.

Full-day small-group truffle hunting experience in Tuscany with lunch

Meet your knowledge guide at The National Library in Florence. From here you’ll make your way into the countryside in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle with a small group of other tour participants.

Discover the area’s beautiful woodland area as you search for truffles with a hunter and his dog. After your truffle hunting expedition, you’ll enjoy a delicious 2-course lunch at a wine estate in Chianti.

Private truffle hunting experience with lunch and wine tasting

Make the most of your time in the Florentine backcountry when you book a private truffle hunting experience. Spend two hours exploring the woods hunting for truffles with your professional guide and his trusty dog.

In addition to truffle hunting—you’ll get to visit a beautiful local winery, where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting, and take a walk through the small town of Vinci, which is where Leonardo da Vinci grew up.

Which places will I visit?

Most truffle tours in Florence occur in the woodland area around San Miniato. In addition to the region’s forests, you’ll also make a stop for lunch which will either take place at a local farmhouse, wine estate or eatery.

How much do truffle tours in Florence cost?

Basic truffle hunting experiences in Florence typically cost around US$190 per person for a 3-hour experience that is led by a professional forager and includes lunch and wine.

More comprehensive, full-day experiences, lasting around 7 hours, cost around US$320 per person, including lunch, wine, and roundtrip transfers. These small-group tours are typically limited to 8 people per tour.

Private truffle hunting experiences, which cater solely to you and your travel companions, cost around US$700 per group of 3 and are inclusive of roundtrip transfers, lunch and wine.

What is included in the price?

One thing that most truffle tours in Florence have in common is that they are inclusive of a delicious, traditional lunch alongside a glass of wine. Tours are also inclusive of a truffle hunter/forager that will act as your guide for the experience.

Some tours are also inclusive of roundtrip transport, but most aren’t. Gratuities and personal expenses are not included in the cost of the tour.

Where do truffles tours begin?

Truffles tours typically begin on farms in the countryside just outside Florence. Some tour operators will provide you with roundtrip transport from a central landmark in the city, while others will require you to reach the farm on your own terms.

How long do they last?

The typical duration of a truffle tour in Florence is anywhere between 2 and 7 hours. Whether you only have a couple of hours to spare, or you’re looking for a full-day excursion, there is a truffle tour to suit your schedule.

Are truffle hunting tours wheelchair friendly?

While truffle hunting tours (which take place in the countryside around Florence) are not typically wheelchair friendly, there are a few food tours that take place in the city that are suitable for wheelchair users.

When is the best time to go on a truffle tour in Florence?

The best time for a truffle tour in Florence is typically during the autumn months, specifically from September to November. This period coincides with the truffle hunting season in Tuscany, when the local forests are abundant with various types of truffles, including the highly prized white truffle.

During this period, many truffle tours and festivals are organized in and around Florence, allowing visitors to experience truffle hunting excursions, tastings, and culinary events centered around this exquisite ingredient.

Travel tips

• Try your hand at truffle hunting with an authentic “tartufaio” in Tuscany.
• Take a walk through the woods near San Miniato with a trained truffle dog.
• Connect with locals during this experience hosted at a family-run farm.
• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.