Small-Group Truffle Hunting and Wine Experience from Florence with Lunch

Meet your driver-guide and the rest of your small group in central Florence. Then, relax in your air-conditioned minivan as you make the scenic journey west to San Miniato, an Arno Valley village in the heart of Tuscany.The forests around San Miniato are famous for white truffle, the most prized and aromatic of truffle varieties. So much so, that the town is said to supply nearly 80% of the world's sought-after gourmet products.

After roughly an hour on the road, arrive in the woodland area and meet your truffle hunter for the tour. Get acquainted with his hunting dog, a canine with hunting instincts and a sense of smell sharpened to seek out truffle, and then follow the duo through the sun-dappled woods. The walk is suitable for all, although trekking shoes are advised for the experience.

As you weave through the trees, watch as the dog sniffs around to find the treats hidden under the forest floor. Then, feel the thrill as the dog strikes gold and digs for the edible treasure, and your hunter recovers the precious truffle.

When the hunt is over, meet back up with your driver-guide and travel to a local truffle shop for a light 2-course lunch. Savor a truffle-based appetizer, followed by a dish of tagliolini al tartufo complemented by Italian wine. Afterward, continue to a local winery in the esteemed Chianti wine region. Meet the winemaker host and sample some of the estate’s Chianti DOCG and Super Tuscan IGT varietals as you learn how recent innovation and winemaking traditions have combined to make such beautiful wine.

Finally, relax on the ride back to the start point in Florence where your tour ends.