A dog finds the secret underfoot. This full-day tour takes you from Florence to San Miniato for a professional truffle hunt with a scent-tracking dog, then lands you at a family winery for truffle-forward bites and wine tasting. If you like your Tuscany days to mix outdoorsy action with serious food, this is a fun way to do it.

My favorite part is watching the dog work and learning how the hunt actually plays out, not just looking at pretty hills. I also love that the tasting isn’t an afterthought, because you’ll sample Chianti DOCG alongside a Super Tuscan IGT and get context for what you’re drinking.

One thing to consider: the truffle hunt involves walking and hill-country terrain, and the time spent actually hunting can feel fairly short and intense. Pack trekking shoes (not just cute sneakers), and keep expectations realistic about how much digging you’ll see.

Key things to know before you go

• San Miniato first, then woods hunting: you get a guided town moment before you head out into the hunting area
• Dog-led truffle search: a professional truffle hunter leads, and the dog does the searching work
• A lunch shaped by fresh truffles: truffle appetizers show up after the hunt, paired with wine
• Wine tasting with clear Tuscan labels: Chianti DOCG plus Super Tuscan IGT are included
• Small group size (max 8): more attention during the hunt and tasting, not a big bus chaos day
• Comfortable walking is non-negotiable: bring clothes and shoes made for forest terrain

San Miniato and the truffle-hunter day plan

This is one of those Florence excursions that feels like it was designed for real experiences, not just ticking boxes. You start in Florence, ride out to Tuscany, and spend the day in and around San Miniato, the small town tied to one of the most famous culinary products in Italy.

The schedule is simple and paced like a good day: van time out of the city, a guided stop in town, a walk in the countryside, lunch at a family winery, then a focused tasting session before you head back to Florence. You’re out for about 7 hours, and with the small group limit of 8, you’ll spend more of the day paying attention instead of watching the clock.

One extra detail worth knowing: white truffles from this area are tied to a huge share of the world supply. The tour frames San Miniato as a major source, so even if you don’t know truffles yet, you understand why this region treats the hunt like serious work.

The van ride from Florence: how the day really starts

Your meeting point is in central Florence (Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini 33), and the day begins with getting settled on the van for the drive to the countryside. The itinerary shows about 1 hour of transit each way, so you’ll have that natural “shift” time—less rushing, more time to get ready.

This matters because the hardest part of the day isn’t the tasting. It’s the walking. The countryside outing will ask more from your legs than a typical city stroll, so I like that the day begins with travel and time to settle before you’re asked to move at walking pace in the woods.

If you want to do the day comfortably, wear layers. Tuscany can feel cooler in forest air than you expect, and being able to adjust makes the whole trip easier.

Truffle hunting with a professional hunter and his dog

Here’s the heart of the experience. You’ll head into the hunting area with a professional truffle hunter and a truffle dog. The tour’s described rhythm is clear: the dog sniffs, then the energy changes when the hunter signals that something’s found and digging begins.

What I like about this isn’t only the outcome—truffles are exciting, sure. It’s the fact that the dog is doing the work you’re watching. You get to see how the hunt actually functions in real time, and that turns “food curiosity” into something more like learning a craft.

Small-group size helps a lot here. With fewer people, you can usually keep a safe distance when the dog is working, and the hunter can better explain what you’re seeing without repeating himself endlessly.

What to expect during the hunt (and what not to expect)

This is not a long, leisurely day of strolling and spotting truffle after truffle. One detail that stands out from the experience write-ups is that people can feel the actual digging window is short compared to the overall morning. So go in expecting a high-attention moment rather than an all-day “digging lesson.”

Also note the tour clearly says truffles found are not included. That means you’re experiencing the hunt and the cooking, but you’re not automatically taking home a bag of truffles.

San Miniato guided time: a quick taste of the town

Before lunch, there’s a guided look at San Miniato with about 45 minutes of orientation. This is a smart add-on because it breaks up the day. Instead of driving straight from Florence into “forest mode,” you get some context for the place where truffles are woven into local identity.

Even if you don’t consider yourself a history nut, this stop helps you read the day better. You understand why the hunt happens here. You also get a chance to reset your pace before the walking intensifies again.

If you’re the type who likes scenic views, this is also when you’ll appreciate the countryside setting more, because the town and its hills give you a better mental map for what you’re walking through later.

Lunch at a family winery: truffle appetizers and real Tuscan comfort

After hunting, you’ll move into lunch at a winery, with about 1.5 hours set aside. The tour emphasizes a light lunch that features truffle appetizers, with the fresh truffle experience tied to what ends up on the table.

I like that the lunch isn’t vague. Truffle shows up because it comes from the hunt, at least as part of the day’s food story. It’s not just a “by the way, there might be truffle.” That connection is the whole point of doing a hunt day trip instead of simply booking a food tour in Florence.

This is also the moment to slow down. You’ll have time to eat, talk, and compare notes with your small group. If you’re traveling with friends or family, this is where the day becomes more than a schedule—you share what you saw in the woods and what you tasted at lunch.

Wine tasting in Tuscany: Chianti DOCG and Super Tuscan IGT

The wine portion is a focused 1-hour wine tasting, and the included wines are spelled out: Chianti DOCG and Super Tuscan IGT.

That pairing is useful because it gives you a range of styles in a short time. Chianti DOCG is the familiar anchor for many people, while Super Tuscan IGT lets you experience the more modern side of Tuscany’s winemaking. You’re not stuck drinking only one category and calling it education.

The guide energy really affects this part of the day. In the experience write-ups, names like Matteo and Andreas show up with praise for making wine explanations feel practical and lively. I’d treat that as a hint: ask questions during the tasting. The best tours here are the ones where you lean in.

Also, pace matters. Since you’ve been walking and you’ll taste wine, you’ll want to drink water at lunch and move slowly through each pour. It’s a food-and-wine day, but it’s still a full-day outing.

The real value of $353 per person

At $353 per person for a 7-hour day, this isn’t a budget add-on. You’re paying for a full set of experiences in one package: transportation from Florence, guided town time, dog-led truffle hunting, lunch with truffle appetizers, and a tasting that includes both Chianti DOCG and Super Tuscan IGT.

So the value question comes down to whether you want all of those pieces together on one day. If you’re the type who wants a single smooth plan—no hunting for a winery, no scrambling for a truffle connection—this price starts to make sense. You’re also getting a small group size, which often means more attention and less time waiting around.

On the flip side, if you mainly want wine and don’t care about the hunt, you might be better off choosing a simpler tasting-focused day. But if truffles and Tuscany countryside are your targets, bundling the hunt plus the food and wine is the logic here.

Who this tour suits best

This tour fits well if you:

• like hands-on food experiences (not just tasting, but the hunt-to-table story)
• enjoy countryside walking and don’t mind terrain
• want a small group day with an English-speaking guide
• care about learning what you’re tasting, not just drinking

It may not fit if you’re planning for very limited mobility. The tour notes it isn’t suitable for pregnant women and people with mobility impairments. That’s consistent with the woods walking and the nature of a truffle hunt day.

What to bring and how to prep

You’ll get the basics from the tour guidance: bring comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes. But I’d take it a step further for comfort and confidence:

• wear footwear made for uneven ground (the tour specifically suggests trekking shoes)
• bring layers so you can adjust in forest air and in sun
• keep water in mind, since you’re mixing walking and food

Also, remember the truffles found on the excursion aren’t included. If you’re hoping to purchase truffles or take them home, you’ll want to plan for that separately rather than assuming the hunt comes with takeaway.

And if you’re a photo person, you’ll enjoy capturing the dog moment and the countryside. Just keep respectful distance when the hunter is working—this kind of activity needs space.

Guides and the difference a good guide makes

One of the best signals from the experience write-ups is that the guide role isn’t generic. Names like Nicolo, Matteo, Andreas, and Julia come up with praise for knowledge and for bringing energy to the day.

Even if the guide name you get varies, the pattern is the same: the tour works best when the guide explains what you’re seeing—how the hunt works, what makes the wines different, and what to pay attention to on the plate. If you like interactive tours, this one tends to deliver because it’s built around people doing real work in front of you.

Should you book this Florence truffle hunting and wine day?

If you want a Tuscany day that feels like a story—from forest hunt to truffle appetizers to Chianti and Super Tuscan—then yes, I’d book it. The small group size, dog-led hunting, and the fact that lunch is tied to truffle flavors make the day feel cohesive instead of scattered.

I’d also book it if you enjoy learning without making the day stiff. The wine tasting is structured, but it’s not only about facts—it’s about helping you taste and understand.

Skip it if you can’t comfortably handle forest walking or if you want a long, slow hunt where you’ll spend hours digging. This is a planned day with a short, intense hunting window, then a food-and-wine finish.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point in Florence?

You meet at Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini 33, Florence.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about 7 hours.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

Yes. The live tour guide speaks English.

What group size should I expect?

This is a small group with a maximum of 8 participants.

What wines are included in the tasting?

The tour includes wine tasting featuring Chianti DOCG and Super Tuscan IGT.

Is lunch included, and does it include truffle?

Lunch is included and features a light meal with truffle appetizers.

Are the truffles found during the hunt included?

No. Truffles found while on the excursion are not included.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes. For truffle walking, trekking shoes are recommended.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

It is not suitable for pregnant women and for people with mobility impairments.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.