This 5 Hours Truffle Hunt Experience with Cooking Class offers a well-rounded taste of Tuscany’s culinary treasures, combining a guided truffle hunt, a hands-on cooking session, and a delicious three-course lunch. Priced at $528.29 per person, this tour is ideal for food lovers eager to explore the gourmet side of Tuscany with the comfort of round-trip transfers from Florence. With a perfect 5.0-star rating from 46 reviews, the experience is highly recommended by 100%, highlighting its popularity and quality.

The tour begins at Firenze Santa Maria Novella at 9:30 am, where a guide picks you up for a scenic drive to the Mugello Valley. Over five hours, you’ll encounter some of Tuscany’s most beloved traditions—truffle hunting with a trained dog, learning about truffle history, and mastering the art of cooking with these prized fungi. The combination of outdoor adventure, expert guidance, and authentic cooking makes this experience ideal for families, culinary enthusiasts, and anyone wanting an authentic Tuscan day.

Key Points

Guided truffle hunt with a professional truffle hunter and a truffle-sniffing dog.
Round-trip transportation from central Florence included, making logistics hassle-free.
Expert-led cooking class with a local chef to create a three-course lunch using the truffles.
The tour takes place in Mugello Valley, an area known for producing a variety of truffles year-round.
Maximum group size of 10 ensures a personalized experience.
No alcohol included, but bottled water, coffee, and tea are provided.

Discover the Mugello Valley Truffle Hunt

The truffle hunt takes place in the lush woods of Mugello, an area renowned for its year-round truffle production. Guided by a truffle expert and his dog, you’ll witness the exciting process of finding truffles. The dog’s ability to sniff out these underground delicacies is a highlight, as it patiently searches and scratches the ground, revealing hidden treasures beneath the soil.

The truffle hunter then delicately digs out each truffle, rewarding the dog for its skill. This interactive outdoor activity typically lasts about an hour and is suitable for all ages, including pet owners. The pet-friendly nature of the experience, with dogs allowed on the hunt, is often praised in reviews.

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Exploring Tuscany’s Truffle History

During the tour, guides explain the history of truffles and their significance in Tuscan cuisine. You gain insights into how different types of truffles are prized and how they are harvested throughout the year. This educational component adds depth to the experience, making the hunt more meaningful for those interested in culinary traditions.

The area’s fertile soil contributes to a diverse truffle harvest, providing a high chance of success during each outing. The guides’ knowledge showcases their passion, making the outdoor walk informative as well as fun.

The Organic Agritourism Setting

The lunch and cooking class happen at an organic farm just a few kilometers from Florence, set in a beautiful Tuscan landscape. The agritourism venue offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with lovely gardens and interior decor, as described in reviews. The organic farm’s commitment to local and sustainable practices enhances the authenticity of the experience.

This setting provides a peaceful backdrop for learning traditional Tuscan recipes. The professional local chef guides participants through preparing a three-course meal that prominently features the truffles found earlier in the day.

Hands-On Cooking with a Local Chef

The cooking class is led by Chef Simone, who shares tips and techniques for using truffles in the kitchen. Participants get to prepare pasta dishes and other local specialties, using the fresh truffles collected during the hunt. The interactive nature of the class allows for a personalized experience, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions.

Guests consistently praise the quality of the food, noting that the dishes are delicious and representative of true Tuscan cuisine. The lunch is served at the farm, creating an authentic dining experience that complements the outdoor activity.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour package covers round-trip transportation, a guided truffle hunt, the cooking class, and the lunch with bottled water, coffee, and tea. The truffle used in the cooking is provided as part of the experience, emphasizing its importance as a key ingredient.

One notable aspect is that alcoholic beverages are not included, so guests wishing to enjoy local wines or other drinks should plan to purchase them separately. The tour’s small group size of up to 10 ensures an intimate, engaging atmosphere, as many reviews highlight.

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Meeting Point and Timing

The tour departs promptly at 9:30 am from Firenze Santa Maria Novella at Piazza della Stazione. The round-trip transfer simplifies travel logistics, eliminating the need for independent transportation. The full five-hour experience balances outdoor activity with culinary learning, making it suitable for those with moderate physical activity levels.

The Expertise of Guides and Support Staff

The guides and staff are frequently praised for their knowledge, warmth, and hospitality. Guides like Alyssa and others are described as personable and very informative, ensuring that guests understand every step of the process. The pet-friendly policy and friendly demeanor of the truffle dogs add to the relaxed, family-friendly vibe.

The cooking instructors and local hosts foster a welcoming environment, making even newcomers feel comfortable in the kitchen and outdoors.

The Experience’s Popularity and Booking Window

Most bookings are made approximately 72 days in advance, indicating strong demand. The five-star rating from all 46 reviews underscores the consistently positive feedback, especially regarding guides’ expertise, delicious food, and authentic setting.

The full refund policy for cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance offers flexibility for those uncertain about future plans or weather conditions.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour the Most?

This tour appeals most to food lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and families seeking a fun, educational day in Tuscany. It’s also perfect for pet owners, thanks to its pet-friendly hunting component. Travelers interested in learning about truffle harvesting and Tuscan cuisine will find this experience particularly rewarding.

While it offers outdoor activity and culinary instruction, it’s suitable for most physical abilities, with moderate walking involved. The small group size and personalized attention make it a memorable, engaging experience for all.

The Sum Up: Authentic Tuscan Truffle Adventure

The 5 Hours Truffle Hunt Experience with Cooking Class combines scenic outdoor activity, culinary education, and authentic Tuscan hospitality into one memorable day. The guided truffle hunt with a trained dog offers an exciting glimpse into local foraging traditions, while the hands-on cooking class highlights the importance of fresh, local ingredients.

With excellent reviews praising the knowledgeable guides, beautiful setting, and delicious food, the tour offers great value for those looking to enjoy Tuscany’s gastronomic culture. Its small group size and inclusive logistics make it a convenient, comfortable choice for most travelers.

This experience suits anyone eager to discover Tuscan flavors, enjoy a relaxing rural setting, and participate in a fun, authentic activity. It’s a full, satisfying day that highlights the region’s culinary riches, leaving participants with lasting memories and new skills.

Ready to Book?

5 Hours Truffle Hunt Experience with Cooking Class

5.0

(46)

100% 5-star

“Our extended family had a wonderful day that began with the dog Gina and her trainer leading the truffle hunt. Adults and children were amazed by t…”

— A Tripadvisor Reviewer, Apr 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, round-trip transfers from Firenze Santa Maria Novella are included, ensuring a hassle-free start and end to the day.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour accommodates up to 10 travelers, promising a more personalized experience.

Are children welcome on the truffle hunt?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and pet-friendly, making it suitable for both children and dogs.

What should I wear for the outdoor truffle hunt?
Comfortable clothes suitable for walking in the woods are recommended, but specific gear is not specified.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance are fully refunded. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

What is included in the cooking class?
Participants learn to prepare a three-course meal using fresh truffles, guided by a local chef in an organic farm setting.

Are alcoholic beverages included?
No, alcoholic beverages are not included; drinks can be purchased separately.

Is this experience suitable for all physical levels?
Yes, the walking involved is moderate, making it accessible for most people.

How far in advance should I book?
Most guests book about 72 days ahead, reflecting its popularity and limited group size.

This truffle adventure elevates a simple day in Tuscany into a culinary journey filled with nature, learning, and gourmet delights.