Florence: San Gimignano, Truffle Hunt, Wine Tasting, & Lunch

This 8-hour tour from Florence takes you into the heart of Tuscany for a mix of culinary delights, cultural sights, and scenic landscapes. Led by English-speaking guides and limited to a small group of 8 participants, the experience promises intimacy and personalized attention. The tour includes truffle hunting with a trained dog, a truffle-infused farm-to-table lunch, a wine tasting at a historic estate, and a stroll through the UNESCO-listed medieval streets of San Gimignano.

Starting at Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti, the tour travels through picturesque Tuscan countryside in a modern, air-conditioned van. The combination of nature, gastronomy, and history makes this trip ideal for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and those curious about Tuscany’s traditions. While the experience is quite comprehensive, it’s best suited for those comfortable with walking and outdoor activities, as some stops involve strolling through woods and medieval towns.

• Includes a truffle hunt with a trained dog and expert guide in Chianti’s countryside
• Enjoys a farm-to-table lunch featuring handmade pasta, truffles, and regional wines
• Visits a medieval winery and 18th-century villa, with wine and olive oil tastings
• Explores the UNESCO World Heritage site of San Gimignano, famous for its medieval towers
• Ends with award-winning gelato from one of San Gimignano’s best gelaterias
• Small group experience with a knowledgeable guide and flexible meal options

The adventure begins at Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti, where you meet Matteo, a certified sommelier and local guide, at 8:30 AM. From there, comfortable transport takes you through rolling Tuscan hills, setting the scene for a memorable day. Travel time to the first stop in San Miniato lasts approximately 50 minutes, giving you time to settle in and enjoy the scenery.

The journey itself is smooth, with air conditioning and a relaxed pace, allowing you to appreciate the landscape of Tuscany before diving into activities. The small group size ensures a more personal experience, and the guides are praised for their friendly and knowledgeable approach.

The day’s highlight is truffle hunting in the lush woods of Chianti. You join Leonardo, a passionate truffle hunter, along with his well-trained dog, Aiki. The hunt takes place in private woods, where Leonardo shares insights into the importance of truffles in Italian cuisine.

The dog’s skill makes finding the earth’s hidden treasures exciting, and the hunt often results in discovering multiple truffles, some of which are prepared fresh for your lunch. Leonardo’s knowledge about truffles and local agriculture is clear, adding depth to this engaging activity. The experience lasts about 3.5 hours in total, with plenty of opportunities for photos and questions.

Following the hunt, the group sits down for a delicious farm-to-table meal. The truffle-based lunch includes handmade fresh pasta infused with the earthy aroma of the freshly uncovered truffles. The menu features locally sourced ingredients and is adaptable for vegetarians and those with allergies.

Regional wines are carefully paired with each dish, enhancing the flavors of the truffles and pasta. Many reviews highlight the quality of the food and the expertly curated wine pairings, which come from the estate visited afterward. The lunch offers a true taste of Tuscany’s culinary traditions and is a highlight for foodies.

After lunch, the tour moves to a medieval winery, where you tour the cellar and learn about winemaking techniques. The estate includes an original villa from the 18th century, surrounded by vineyards. The wine tasting features a curated flight of premium wines, with the winemaker sharing stories about heritage, terroir, and sustainable farming practices.

The olive oil produced on-site is also available for tasting, adding to the sensory experience. The atmosphere is steeped in history and tradition, making it a fascinating stop for wine lovers and history buffs alike. The tasting session typically lasts about 45 minutes and provides ample opportunity to ask questions and enjoy the local flavors.

Next, the journey continues to San Gimignano, a town renowned for its medieval towers and UNESCO World Heritage status. The 45-minute visit allows plenty of time to walk the cobbled streets, admire artistic architecture, and soak up the town’s timeless charm.

The town’s panoramic views and historic buildings provide great photo opportunities. Visitors often enjoy browsing local shops and taking in the atmosphere, making this stop both scenic and culturally enriching. The town’s compact size makes it perfect for a relaxed exploration.

Before returning to Florence, the tour includes a sweet gelato tasting at one of San Gimignano’s top gelaterias. Known for award-winning gelato, this treat caps off a day rich in flavors and sights. The gelato offers diverse flavors, often including seasonal options, and is praised for its creamy texture and authentic taste.

This final stop is a favorite among visitors, providing a delightful way to conclude the trip while enjoying scenic views from the town. The return trip departs from San Gimignano around 4:15 PM and arrives back in Florence by 6:00 PM.

The tour departs from Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti at 8:30 AM and returns around 6:00 PM. Transportation is included in the price, in a modern, air-conditioned van. The small group size ensures a more relaxed and personalized experience, with guided commentary in English throughout.

Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking, especially in the woods and cobblestone streets. Travelers should bring camera, sunscreen, and water. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or those with animal or food allergies.

The experience offers flexibility with meal options to accommodate dietary restrictions, adding to its appeal for a variety of travelers.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its blend of outdoor activity, cultural exploration, and culinary delight. The truffle hunt with a trained dog is both educational and fun, often resulting in multiple truffles. The lunch is farm-fresh and truffle-rich, a true reflection of Tuscan flavors, while the wine and olive oil tastings deepen the appreciation for the region’s craftsmanship.

The inclusion of the medieval town of San Gimignano provides a scenic and historic backdrop to the day, with stunning views and medieval towers standing as icons of Tuscany. Many reviews emphasize the guides’ knowledge, especially Matteo, praised for his friendly demeanor and storytelling.

This full-day tour from Florence offers a well-rounded taste of Tuscany, combining nature, food, wine, and history in a small-group setting. The truffle hunting experience with Leonardo and Aiki leaves a lasting impression, especially for those interested in culinary ingredients. The lunch showcases local produce and regional wines, celebrated for their quality.

While the tour involves walking and outdoor activities, it remains accessible and enjoyable for most travelers. The scenic drive, authentic cuisine, and stunning medieval architecture make it a compelling choice for anyone seeking a comprehensive Tuscan experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians and those with allergies?
Yes, the lunch can be adapted for vegetarians and those with allergies, as the experience accommodates all meal restrictions.

How long is the wine tasting?
The wine tasting and cellar tour lasts about 45 minutes, featuring premium wines and olive oil from the estate.

What is the physical activity level involved?
The tour involves walking in woods during the truffle hunt and strolling through San Gimignano’s streets. Comfortable shoes are recommended, but there are no strenuous activities.

Are there any restrictions on age or mobility?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or those with animal or food allergies. Babies under 1 year are also not accommodated.

What is the cost and what does it include?
Pricing details are not specified here, but the tour includes transportation, guides, food, wine tastings, and taxes. Payments are flexible, as you can reserve now and pay later.

This tour promises a rich taste of Tuscany’s traditions, perfect for food lovers and history enthusiasts alike seeking an engaging day outside Florence.