Book today your private Truffle Hunting Experience in Volterra.
Truffle picking is an art that not everyone can exercise, in fact truffle hunters have a special authorization from the Tuscany Region and also support a suitability exam. As per tradition, they are accompanied by dogs trained in the search for the prized underground fungus, and by the special instrument, the so-called “vanghino”.
The most prized of the Volterra productions is the white truffle, the Tuber Magnatum, from the Latin Magnatus which means rich, known and appreciated all over the world. The difficulty in finding it and its rarity make it a very valuable product, even from an economic point of view, in fact its cost is between two thousand and 2500 euros per kilogram. The cost is decided at the intersection of supply and demand, and a great deal of weather conditions affect the summer. Abundant rains can lead to more generous harvests, and consequently lower prices.
The departure of the experience outside will begin in a forest near Volterra.
The truffle hunting time can be customized.
Volterra is immersed in an uncontaminated landscape, enjoys a very high quality of life and creates an artistic handicraft unique in the world: alabaster. Among the many riches that drives many travelers to Volterra is the precious white truffle. Over the past few decades, the Volterra Truffle has become a major attraction for wine and food enthusiasts throughout Italy, along with the white truffle twin that grows near San Miniato, also in the province of Pisa.
In the fairs of Volterragusto it is now the undisputed protagonist. Near Volterra truffle masters have always come together with their trained hounds: they look for this diamond in the woods that are close to the town, in particular under oaks and holm oaks.
At the time of booking we will establish the time when you will meet the truffle hunter and his trusty dog who will accompany you in the search for truffles. After wearing rubber hunting boots, you can enter the forest of Volterra.
Your hunting experience in Volterra will be a pleasant walk through the woods of Tuscany. As you walk among the leaves, your guide will explain to you where truffles can be found and what are the seasons in which the famous White Truffle can be found.
The fundamental figure during the truffle hunt is the dog, as it is he who sniffs close to the roots and will tell you where the truffle is hiding. At that point it will be up to you to dig with your hands or with the “vanghino” carefully, in order to extract the truffle from the ground.
After two hours of hunting, you will return to the beginning of the journey with your fragrant loot. At this point you can continue your tour in Tuscany with a truffle lunch or dinner.
My husband and I stayed in Italy for a week for our honeymoon and we had several experiences including the hunt for tattooists in Volterra, which was a great outdoor activity. We found several white truffles, it was very interesting and fun.
