Meet your driver-guide in central Florence and hop inside your private, air-conditioned minivan. Then, sit back and relax as you set off on your tour.
Soak up the views as you travel west to San Miniato, a hill village situated in Tuscany’s Arno Valley and, on route, hear how the region is famed for its white truffle, a delicate and highly coveted variety. Listen as your guide explains how the perfumed truffle variety is found in the woodland around the village and how San Miniato is reputed to provide around 80% of the world’s supply of the precious gourmet goodies.
After roughly an hour on the road, arrive in the woods 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 pair through the sun-dappled woods. The walk is suitable for all, although trekking shoes are advised for the experience.
As you walk through the trees, watch as the dog snuffles around to detect treats hidden beneath the forest floor. Then, feel the thrill as the dog strikes gold and excitedly digs for the edible treasure. After the hunt, meet back up with your driver-guide and travel to a local truffle hunter’s house for a light 2-course lunch. Dig into a delicious 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 estate's host and sample some of Chianti DOCG and Super Tuscan IGT varietals as you learn how recent innovation and age-old traditions have combined to make such beautiful wine.
Lastly, relax on the return journey to Florence where your tour ends at the start point.
