Combine a morning truffle hunt in Umbrian oak forests with a licensed trufarolo and trained dog, followed by a long lunch at a local cantina with truffled pasta, Sagrantino di Montefalco wine, Norcia salumi, and Castelluccio lentil soup.
Umbria, the landlocked green heart of central Italy, is one of Europe's most productive regions for wild truffles. Both the prized black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) concentrated around Norcia and Spoleto, and the summer black truffle (Tuber aestivum) found widely across the Apennine foothills, are harvested by licensed trufaroli working with trained dogs in the oak and holm-oak woodland that covers much of the region. This full-day tour, running approximately seven hours, combines the truffle-hunting experience with a seated lunch and wine tasting at a local cantina.
The morning begins in oak woodland outside one of the truffle-producing towns — typically near Norcia, Spoleto, or the Valnerina — where a licensed local trufarolo and trained Lagotto Romagnolo hunting dogs lead the group on a two-to-three-hour hunt. The guide explains how truffles grow in symbiosis with tree roots, how to read the terrain and season for different truffle varieties, and demonstrates the techniques used to locate and extract truffles without damaging the mycelium network. Participants are invited to watch, follow, and handle truffles during the hunt.
Following the hunt, the group moves to a local cantina or agriturismo for a four-course truffle lunch. The menu typically features tagliolini or strangozzi pasta with fresh black truffle shavings, a bruschetta or crostino course with truffle paste, a main course featuring Norcia salumi or a slow-cooked meat preparation, and Castelluccio lentil soup — the small, highly regarded lentil grown on the plateau above Norcia. Wine pairing throughout lunch includes Sagrantino di Montefalco, Umbria's flagship red made from the indigenous Sagrantino grape, alongside lighter Grechetto or Trebbiano whites.
The price includes the truffle hunting experience, the four-course truffle lunch with wine pairing, and a small bottle of truffle oil as a souvenir. Transport between the hunt location and cantina is typically included. Dietary substitutions are possible with advance notice.
What is included
- Truffle hunting experience, 4-course truffle lunch, wine pairing, truffle oil souvenir
Highlights
- Morning truffle hunt in Umbrian oak woodland led by a licensed trufarolo with trained Lagotto Romagnolo dogs
- Hands-on demonstration of truffle detection, extraction, and identification techniques
- Four-course truffle lunch including tagliolini or strangozzi pasta with fresh black truffle shavings
- Sagrantino di Montefalco wine pairing alongside Norcia salumi and Castelluccio lentils
- Truffle oil souvenir included; opportunity to purchase fresh truffles from the trufarolo
Tips for visiting
- Black truffle season in Umbria runs November through March; summer truffle hunts (June–August) yield the less intense Tuber aestivum variety
- Wear waterproof boots and dress in layers — woodland terrain can be muddy and temperatures in the Umbrian hills change quickly
- The four-course lunch is generous; arrive at the hunt with a light breakfast only
- Book well in advance for winter black truffle season (December–February), which is the most popular period and fills quickly
- Participants with dog allergies should note that Lagotto Romagnolo dogs are present throughout the hunt portion of the tour
Frequently asked questions
Which truffle species can be found on the tour?
The species varies by season. Winter tours (November–March) target Tuber melanosporum, the prized Norcia black truffle. Summer tours (June–August) focus on Tuber aestivum, the summer black truffle. Spring tours may include the white bianchetto (Tuber borchii).
Is it guaranteed that truffles will be found?
Truffle hunting is a natural foraging activity and success depends on seasonal conditions and the dogs' performance on the day. Most tours yield a find, but results cannot be guaranteed. The experience and lunch remain the same regardless.
Does the tour include transport from the nearest town?
Transport between the hunt location and the cantina lunch venue is typically included. Transport from Norcia, Spoleto, or Perugia city centre varies by operator; confirm pickup arrangements at booking.
Can vegetarians participate?
Yes. The lunch menu can be adapted for vegetarians with advance notice — the truffle pasta, bruschetta, and Castelluccio lentil courses are naturally vegetarian, and the salumi main course can be substituted.
What is the group size?
Groups are typically kept small, between four and twelve participants, to allow the dogs to work effectively in the woodland and to maintain an intimate atmosphere at the cantina lunch.