This is the kind of Florence food day that starts with suspense and ends with plate-worthy rewards. I love the truffle hunting with trained dogs led by an expert hunter, because you’re not just watching—you’re learning how the search works. I also love the 3-course truffle-based lunch with Tuscan flavors that actually uses what you’re out there looking for. One possible drawback: this is a true woods walk, so you’ll want solid shoes and you should expect some uneven ground.

You’ll get picked up in Florence, then head out to a farmhouse area in Borgo San Lorenzo for the main event: a short truffle briefing followed by guided searching in the forest. After the hunting, you settle into a proper meal—think truffle honey, truffle crostini, local cheese and cold cuts, plus truffle-forward dishes.

The tour runs as a shared group (maximum 10 people), and it’s offered in English. If you prefer private time, quiet, and zero walking, this may feel a bit more structured than you want.

Key takeaways before you go

Trained dogs lead the way during the forest search for truffles

You start with a briefing so the hunt makes sense, not just sound exciting

Lunch is a full 3-course truffle experience with Tuscan products

Transfer from Florence is included so you’re not figuring out countryside logistics

Small group size (max 10) keeps things moving and personal

Wear trekking-ready clothes since you’ll be walking in woods terrain

Florence truffle hunting: why this feels hands-on (not just eat-and-leave)

Lots of food tours show you products and send you back to your hotel. This one flips the script. You head into the woods with an expert truffle hunter and his trained dog, and you’re there during the part most people only see in pictures.

The value is in the sequence. First you get the short briefing on how truffles are found and what signals to look for. Then you put that information into context while you walk the selected forest area. Finally, you sit down for a tasting-style lunch that’s built around truffle flavors and Tuscan staples.

That flow matters. It turns truffle from a vague idea—something expensive in a jar—into a real, season-linked product with a specific hunt behind it. You also walk away with a better sense of why truffles taste the way they do, because you’ve watched the hunt process up close.

Getting there from Florence: pickup, meeting point, and real timing

Your day starts with a morning pickup in Florence at your chosen hotel address. The pickup time is listed as 9:30. That means you’ll leave the city before the day gets busy, and you’ll spend the most active part of your time outside Florence.

If you’re not using pickup, there’s a clear meeting point at Parcheggio Stazione di Firenze Santa Maria Novella P1 and P2, right by Piazza Adua (near Santa Maria Novella station). Having that option is helpful if you’re staying close to the center and want a fast, no-fuss start.

Once you arrive, you meet the guide and the truffle hunter around 10:30 at the farmhouse area in Borgo San Lorenzo. The full experience is about 3 hours in total. That short duration is a plus if you’re trying to fit this into a busy Florence itinerary, but it also means the schedule is tight—there’s no long buffer time if you’re running late.

The 1.5-hour woods walk: what you’re doing and what to expect

The heart of the experience is the truffle hunting in the woods for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. This is not a leisurely stroll through a park. You’re walking in a natural setting where the goal is to locate truffles using the dog’s trained work and the hunter’s expertise.

The day also starts with a short briefing from the hunter. This matters more than it sounds. When you understand what you’re seeing—why the dog pauses, how the search is approached—you’re far more likely to feel that you’re participating instead of just following along.

Practical note: the tour explicitly says it involves walking in the woods and strongly recommends comfortable, suitable clothes and shoes. I’d treat this as a light hike. Bring shoes with grip, and dress for changing conditions. You’ll be happiest if you can move easily over uneven ground and you don’t mind getting a little dusty.

Meet the expert hunter and his trained dog (and learn the signals)

The expert truffle hunter and his trained dog are the core of the experience. The hunter’s job is to guide the search and interpret what the dog is doing. The dog’s job is to detect truffle presence using its specialized sense.

What makes this experience so memorable is that you get to see that dog intelligence in action. The trained animal is not just a mascot. It’s doing real work. In one well-coordinated family day described by a past participant, the group watched the dog’s nose work intensely while they searched, and they found around 10 truffles during the hunt and later used them in a pasta cooking class afterward.

Even if your day’s numbers differ (truffle hunts depend on conditions), the key part is the process you learn: how the search works, how patience plays a role, and why timing and terrain matter.

The lunch: Tuscan truffle tasting with a proper plated meal

After hunting, you head to lunch from roughly 12:00 to about 13:30. This is a 3-course truffle-based lunch and it’s included in the price. Alcoholic beverages are not included, so if you want wine or something stronger, plan on paying separately.

The sample menu gives you a strong sense of the style: you can expect a gourmet tasting that includes a platter with Tuscan favorites and truffle elements. Highlights include local cold cuts and local cheeses, truffle honey, and truffle crostini. You may also see beef carpaccio or tartare, plus vegetable flans.

This is a good moment to slow down. After a woods walk, sitting down with a structured meal helps you absorb what you just experienced. If you’re a foodie, you’ll enjoy the way truffle shows up across multiple forms, not just as a one-time sprinkle. If you’re traveling with non-foodie family members, it’s easier for them too, because the meal is familiar—salumi, cheese, carpaccio—just upgraded with truffle.

One small heads-up: lunch is included, but drinks are not. So if your group loves to pair courses with wine, consider that in your total budget.

Transfer back to Florence: keeping the rest of your afternoon flexible

At the end of lunch, you return to Florence by transfer. The plan lists a return window between about 13:30 and 14:30. That usually puts you back in the city early enough to keep sightseeing plans for the afternoon, but you should still keep your schedule flexible.

Because the day is short, this tour works best when you treat it as a morning-to-early-afternoon centerpiece. Trying to stack something immediately afterward that needs you at a specific time can be stressful. I’d aim for a lighter afternoon plan—coffee, a museum visit, or a relaxed stroll—so you’re not rushing.

Shared group size and comfort: getting the best experience with up to 10 people

This is a shared experience with a maximum of 10 travelers. In practice, that size usually hits a nice balance: you get a group vibe without feeling lost in a crowd, and the guide and hunter can still manage the hunt and briefing.

It’s also offered in English, which matters if you want to understand the hunt basics instead of nodding along. You’ll likely get more from the day if you’re comfortable with English explanations about truffle hunting techniques and what the dog is doing.

If you’re sensitive to walking pace or prefer quieter group dynamics, ask yourself honestly if a small shared group will bother you. Most people find the group energy fun here, especially when everyone can watch the dog’s work. But it’s still a shared day.

Price and value: what you get for $439.75 per person

At $439.75 per person, this is not a casual add-on. The value comes from what’s bundled into that price:

• Pickup and return transfer from Florence
• An expert truffle hunter plus specialized truffle hunting dogs
• About 1.5 hours of guided hunting in the woods
• A 3-course truffle-based lunch

So you’re paying for expertise and an experience infrastructure that’s not easy to replicate on your own. Truffle hunting isn’t something you can casually DIY with a map. You need access, know-how, and the dog training component. Add the included lunch and the countryside logistics, and the price starts to make sense as an all-in countryside day.

That said, you’ll get the best value if you’re genuinely excited about truffles and open to walking. If you mainly want a quick taste of truffle with minimal effort, you might find better value in a shorter tasting tour in the city.

Who should book this truffle hunt (and who may want a different option)

This tour is a strong fit if you:

• Want a real countryside experience outside Florence
• Like food, but also enjoy the story behind it
• Appreciate guided explanations and watching trained dogs work
• Want a half-day activity that still feels special

It may be less ideal if you:

• Have difficulty with walking in wooded, uneven terrain
• Prefer minimal time in transit and maximum time at one location
• Want something fully indoors or fully private

Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. Still, the woods walk is central, so be realistic about your comfort on uneven ground.

The practical stuff: clothes, phones, and how to be ready

Since you’ll be walking in the woods, wear shoes with grip. Clothes should be comfortable enough for movement and flexible enough for a quick change in conditions. Don’t plan on fancy outfits staying fancy.

A mobile ticket is included, so you won’t be hunting for paper vouchers. Also, confirmation is received at booking time, so you should be able to plan your day without last-minute guessing.

If you want the day to feel smooth, arrive early to your pickup or meeting point. The tour is timed tightly, and Florence traffic can be unpredictable.

Should you book Mugello & Tuscany’s Florence truffle hunt and tasting?

I’d book it if you want an honest-to-goodness Florence-to-country-truffle day that combines hands-on hunting with a serious Tuscan meal. The “why” is clear: you’re paying for guided expertise, trained dogs, and a truffle-forward lunch, all with transfer included.

I’d skip it if truffles are more of a passing interest for you, or if walking in the woods sounds like a deal-breaker. In that case, a simpler tasting or a city-focused food experience will feel easier and likely better match what you want to spend your time on.

If you do book, keep your expectations in the right place: this is about the experience and the learning, not a guarantee of a specific number of truffles. When the dog and hunter do their job well, the day is unforgettable—especially for food lovers and families who enjoy watching something actually happen.

FAQ

Is pickup included from Florence?

Yes. You can choose pickup at your hotel address in Florence, and the return transfer back to your chosen address is also included.

Where do I meet if I don’t use hotel pickup?

The meeting point is Parcheggio Stazione di Firenze Santa Maria Novella P1 and P2 – FS PARK, Piazza Adua, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy.

How long is the experience?

It runs about 3 hours in total, with truffle hunting in the woods plus lunch and the transfer back to Florence.

How long do we go truffle hunting?

The tour includes truffle hunting in the woods for about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

What language is the tour in?

The tour is offered in English.

What is included in lunch?

Lunch is a gourmet tasting and includes a 3-course truffle-based meal using Tuscan products. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Are there alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

How big is the group?

It’s a shared experience with a maximum of 10 travelers.

What should I wear?

The tour involves walking in the woods. Wear comfortable clothes and suitable shoes.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; cancellations within 24 hours of the start time aren’t refunded.

You Might Also Enjoy

Pisa: Kayak TourUmbria E-Bike & Wine Tour through Vineyards and Olive GrovesPasta Making Class with Mamma in AssisiFlorence: Vintage Fiat 500 Tour with Wine Tasting at Winery