Truffle Hunting with Giulio the Truffle Hunter

An authentic hour in the woods of Bagno a Ripoli with a professional truffle hunter and his Lagotto Romagnolo dogs, followed by stories and secrets from Giulio, a truffle hunter with 20 years of experience, and a simple lunch of truffle on butter and eggs at his home, with Florence and its Duomo in the distance.

The heart of this experience is a real truffle hunter and a real truffle hunt: about an hour in the woods near Bagno a Ripoli, 25 minutes from Florence, following a professional hunter and his Lagotto Romagnolo dogs, the best truffle dogs in the world. You will discover a fascinating world of people passionate about nature and of a close bond with their dogs.

Giulio, a truffle hunter with 20 years of experience and a gifted storyteller who speaks excellent English, then shares the stories and knowledge he has gathered over a long career. At the end you taste the truffle found in the woods with two of its most iconic pairings, butter and eggs, at Giulio's home.

Good to know

• Good physical condition is required. No special athletic skills, but you must be able to walk in the woods.
• Dress for trekking: closed trekking shoes and long trousers (strongly recommended even in summer). No flip-flops, sandals or high heels.
• The professional truffle hunter does not speak English. Giulio speaks fluent English.
• At booking your credit card is only saved as a guarantee: nothing is charged online. The whole amount is paid in cash to Giulio on the day of the tour. The card is charged only in accordance with the cancellation and no-show terms.

Getting there

Transportation is not included in the experience price. Arrive by your own means, or by taxi from Florence (about 25 minutes, roughly €50 per ride, paid directly to the driver). Your hotel concierge can book it for you. From next year the area will also be easily reached by the new Florence tramway, and we will then be able to organize convenient taxi transfers from the tram stop. We send the exact address once your booking is confirmed.

Programme

1. 1

   The hunt in the woods

   Walk through the woods of Bagno a Ripoli with a professional truffle hunter and his Lagotto Romagnolo dogs. The hunter does not speak English, so a little spirit of adaptation is needed. The walk is part of the real experience.

2. 2

   Giulio and the world of truffles

   Giulio, who has been hunting truffles for 20 years and has told the story of truffle hunting on television, joins you and explains how truffles grow, how dogs are trained and how the hunt works. Think of it as an informal academic lesson, in English.

3. 3

   Light lunch at Giulio's home

   Taste the truffle found in the woods with butter and with eggs. A simple, flavourful meal in a modest home with views across the Tuscan hills to Florence.