The ultimate guide to Truffle Hunting in Italy
Italy is not only renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and mouthwatering cuisine but also for something hidden beneath its soil – truffles. These mysterious and highly prized fungi have captured the imagination of food enthusiasts and adventurers alike. You can join a knowledgable truffle hunter and their dog for an afternoon in nature while you’re in Italy, but first, let’s answer all yoru truffle-related questions!
What Are Truffles?
Truffles are a type of rare and highly prized fungi that grow underground alongside the roots of oak and hazelnut trees. As a funghi, it’s common for them to be categoried as being “like a mushroom” but I have to disagree. Their aroma is completely unique and their flavour I can only describe as a mix of earthy, nutty, and even slightly garlicky. In culinary circles, truffles are considered a delicacy, adding depth and richness to risotto and pasta dishes,, but here in central Italy, they’re shaved onto a wide variety of dishes- my favourite being on scrambled eggs (locally known as “Strapazzata di uova al tartufo”).
A “tartufaio” shows the summer truffles he just found | © 2024 Kirstie McConnell of Classico Portraits.
Are truffles really more expensive than gold?
The most expensive truffle in Italy is the white truffle, also known as the "diamond of the kitchen" and rightly so. The soft yet explosive flavour is absolutely distinct and combined with its rarity, command incredibly high prices. I’m not up to date with the price of gold, but I do know that 1 kilogram of white truffles can cost several thousand euro, and if it’s big, even more! Other varieties can range from a few dollars to several hundred, depending on its size, variety, and quality.
Kids laugh in excitement as they show their parents the truffle found on the truffle hunt | © 2024 Kirstie McConnell of Classico Portraits.
What is Truffle Hunting and Is it Kid-Friendly?
Truffle hunting is the age-old practice of searching for truffles in their natural habitat, nowadays with a dog, and in Italy, the tradition is alive and well. Truffle hunters, called “tartufaio” in Italian usually learn the skill of training a dog and identifying the truffles from their fathers. Most tartufaio either own a parcel of land (typically a hazelnut grove or oak forest) or have a deal with someone who does. Since truffles are so lucrative, foraging for truffles on another tartufaio’s territory is incredibly risky and the response is often to lay poison for the dog!
There are many truffle hunters who still forage for the passion and are excited to share a part of their world with visitors. It a suitable activity for anyone who can enjoy a walk in nature, including children. A good guide will make the experience an educational one sharing their knowledge of nature, the local environment, and the culinary world while you participate in a fun outdoor activity.
Is It True That Pigs Were Used for Finding Truffles and why do they use dogs now?
Yes, it's true that pigs were once used for truffle hunting due to their keen sense of smell. However, pigs have a natural instinct to eat truffles once they find them, making it difficult for truffle hunters to retrieve the prized fungi without a struggle. Today, truffle hunters predominantly use dogs for truffle hunting, as they can be trained to locate truffles without damaging them or consuming them. The typical breed is the gorgeous Italian Lagotto who can detect the aroma of ripe truffles even from a distance. Once a truffle is located, the truffle hunter carefully digs it out of the ground, taking care to preserve its integrity.
Photo credit: Unsplash
A “tartufaio” with his truffle dog stops for a cuddle between foraging |
© 2024 Kirstie McConnell of Classico Portraits.
A Lagotto dog finds a truffle on a hunt in Italy | © 2024 Kirstie McConnell of Classico Portraits.
Where is the Best Place for Truffle Hunting in Italy and What Time of Year Will We Find Truffles?
Italy is home to several truffle-rich regions, each offering unique landscapes and truffle varieties. Among the best places for truffle hunting in Italy are Piedmont, Tuscany, Umbria, Le Marche and Emilia-Romagna. There are many varieties of truffles. Many are ready in autumn and winter, such as the White Alba Truffle, but there are other varieties which you’ll find at different times of the year like the Black Summer Truffle found predominantly in Marche, and the White Spring Truffle which is widely diffused throughout Italy. Basically- you can find Truffles anytime in Italy, just be sure to head to the right region.
How Much is a Truffle Hunting Experience in Italy and Is It Worth It?
The cost of a truffle hunting experience in Italy can vary depending on factors such as location, duration, and included amenities. Prices typically range from around €150 for a simple guided tour, to several thousand euros per person for full private experiences which include a cooking class, gourmet lunch and wine pairing. While it may seem like a significant investment, the opportunity to immerse yourself in Italy's rich culinary culture, explore breathtaking landscapes, and uncover rare treasures makes it a worthwhile experience for many.
Young couple inspect the truffles from their Truffle Hunt near Alba | © 2024 Kirstie McConnell of Classico Portraits.
Will I get to keep the truffles we find on the truffle hunt?
Whether you get to keep the truffles you find on a truffle hunt depends on the specific arrangement with the tour provider or truffle hunter. In many cases, participants are allowed to keep a portion of the truffles they find as part of the experience or they might be used in your cooking class and served in your lunch! However, this may vary depending on factors such as the tour package, local regulations, and the agreement made with the truffle hunter. As a general rule, the cheap experiences found on Airbnb etc will not include truffles as they will sell them either to you or elsewhere in order to make up that margin. It's always a good idea to clarify this detail with the tour organizer or guide beforehand to ensure a clear understanding of what to expect during the truffle hunt.
The Best Truffle Hunting Experiences throughout Italy:
Booking a truffle hunt on your Italian family vacation offers an enriching experience that goes beyond traditional sightseeing. It provides an opportunity for the whole family to connect with nature, learn about local traditions, and indulge in the culinary delights of Italy. Here are some of my favourite Truffle Hunting experiences!
Piedmont Truffle Hunting tours just outside Alba
In the north-west corner of Italy, bordering with France you will find the region of Piemonte (Piedmont in English).
If you are a bit of a wine enthusiast you might know it as home to one of Italy’s most prestigious wines- Barolo, made in the town of the same name. If you’re a big time (Michelin style) foodie, you might also know Villa Crespi which sits above Lake Orta in Piemonte’s north. And if you’re that foodie- you no doubtedly know the world-famed, rare, Alba White Truffle which is found in the Langhe (just like Barolo).
The main reason for visiting Piemonte is likely obvious by now, it’s heaven for foodies willing to spend big for the best. But between the cellar doors and the Michelin-starred dinners, you might be looking for an outdoor activity- or just something a bit more appropriate for kids too.
A truffle hunt is the perfect solution and I know just the guy to help you! Renzo and his Lagotto, Gigi, are passionate guides who work together with Alex and Giulia, the young owners of Éleat Tartufi in Alba. Alex or Giulia will provide additional knowledge and be your much-needed translators while Renzo demonstrates how Gigi finds their truffles.
You can book this authentic experience via Airbnb, or for better options, contact the team directly.
Tuscany Truffle Hunting and cooking class between Florence and Siena in the heart of Chianti
I don’t believe Tuscany needs an introduction but perhaps my favourite family-friendly accommodation in all of Italy does. Al Gelso Bianco is a family-ran business, perfectly located for you to explore the best wineries in Chianti, visit the hilltop village of Monteriggiorni, head into Siena and of course visit Florence (plus they’re close to Tuscany’s best steak house in Poggiobonsi). As if that’s not reason enough to base your Tuscan vacation there, the stunning interior design, the kid’s playground and the pool should be! They also offer a package for an on-site truffle hunt with a cooking class and lunch for €295per adult and €95 per child. I’ve photographed one of their cooking classes before and not only is their kitchen a picture-perfect backdrop, the team know exactly how to cater for kids!
Tuscany Truffle Experiences between Florence and Pisa close to San Miniato
If you’re staying in San Miniato or nearby, Savini Tartufi offers a range of Truffle related experiences. If the name sounds familiar it might be because they stock their truffle products including sauces, condiments and preserved truffles, in many of Italy’s airports and even abroad too. Their basic tour stars at €160per person but you may like to consider one of their other options like becoming a certified truffle hunter or pairing your truffle hunt with a wine tasting.
Umbrian Full-Day Truffle Hunt Experiences near Lake Trasimeno
Tuscany’s lesser-known neighbour, Umbria, is home to fifteen different varieties of truffles! The region is one of the biggest produces of truffles in Italy and between all the different varieties, you can find them year-round.
Halfway between Orvieto and Lake Trasimeno is the small hilltop town of Monteleone D'orvieto and there you will find Seven Cafe. A family-owned restaurant with a big focus on dishes that feature their truffles. You can join the boys and their dog Argo on their daily truffle hunt to learn how to discern a premium truffle from inferior or artificial ones.
Truffle Hunt Experience in Umbria as a full-day trip from Rome
Running along the base of the The Sibillini Mountains are some of Umbria’s most picturesque towns: Spoleto, Spello, Assisi and Gubbio. And if you head into the mountains after Spoleto, you will find Wild Foods Italy who are based in Pettino. They offer a full day truffle hunting experiences with a traditional Umbrian lunch from €150 per adult and kids free! You can also book a private group Italian truffle experience with them. I highly recommend this experience as a day trip from Rome and they can even pick you up from Spoleto train station.
Truffle hunting just outside Rome
If you can’t make time to travel up to Umbria, but you know a truffle hunt would be the perfect break from the hustle and bustle of Rome, fear not. You can join Matteo in the woods outside Rome for a truffle hunting experience with him and his dog Wendy. The typical truffle dog breed is the Italian Lagotto so I think Wendy provides a great reminder that other dogs can be trained to sniff out these little gems too since she is a cocker spaniel! Find out more about Matter’s Truffles here: https://matteo-truffles.com/
What Other Activities Could I Combine with a Truffle Hunt?
Truffle hunting fosters a sense of adventure and curiosity, igniting the imaginations of children and adults alike as they explore the lush forests in search of hidden treasures. It’s a wonderful experience on it’s own but many truffle hunting experiences can be paired with additional activities to make it a truly unforgettable experience like cooking classes, traditional lunches or even a photoshoot.
Participating in a truffle hunt allows families to bond over shared experiences, creating lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come. The thrill of uncovering rare truffles and then tasting them in freshly prepared dishes adds an extra layer of excitement to your vacation, making the optional lunches an option to be considered.
Whether you're a foodie family or simply seeking a unique and immersive activity, a truffle hunt in Italy is sure to be a highlight of your Italian adventure. Special experiences like these deserve to be re-lived and what better way to do that than with gorgeous photos of your truffle hunt hanging on your wall at home? I can join your truffle hunt anywhere in Italy to capture these precious memories. Check my availability or reach out to discuss other ideas for your family vacation photoshoot in Italy.
P.S. I do not receive any commission for this blog post I just wanted to share our great experience with you all!
Hi, I’m Kirstie
Photographer and Australian expat living her best gelato life
Love of my husband (but mostly of cheese) brought me to Italy in 2020. He was desperate to be back with his Italian family. And honestly, what Aussie girl could pass up the chance to move to the land of pizza and gelato?! (Seeing a food theme here?)
My decade of photography experience was inspired by a trip of a lifetime. My grandparents took me on a trip to Europe when I was a teen, then gifted me an album so I’d never forget it. That album quickly became a staple of family visits and storytime.
When I moved to Italy, I was surprised how rare that type of printed keepsake is for the locals. It’s quite literally a foreign concept - tourists won’t find that type of session here.
It inspired me to recreate an experience for others as deeply meaningful to them as my grandparent’s infamous vacation album has been to me.
Read more about my grandparent’s legendary vacation album! →
So that’s my mission with Classico Portraits: to provide the same timeless centrepieces for families like yours visiting Italy.
Are you coming to Italy with your family? Let’s customise a photoshoot experience to suit you and your personality!