Walk with a handler and truffle dog through Crete Senesi or Chianti woods, then taste truffle dishes.
The Crete Senesi around San Giovanni d'Asso is known for its white truffle (Tuber magnatum), and a truffle museum operates in the village castle. Guided truffle hunts in Siena province take visitors into oak and poplar woods with a handler and a trained dog. Siena Tartufi is a Siena-area operator that reviewers on Tripadvisor rate highly; other hunts around Chianti and San Gimignano last two to four hours and sometimes include a pasta lunch.
The season depends on the truffle: white truffle is hunted from roughly October to December, while other varieties are available in other months. Prices were not published in the sources checked, so they should be confirmed with the operator. Walking is on soft woodland ground and is generally gentle.
Visitors normally meet at a farm or at a car park near the woods, and some operators may collect guests from Siena for a fee. Closed shoes or boots are needed, and long trousers are advisable in autumn. Hunts take place in the morning or late afternoon.
The village of San Giovanni d'Asso holds a white truffle market in November, which is also the busiest period for restaurants serving truffle dishes.
| Price | Prices not published in sources checked; confirm with operator |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2-4 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Season | October-December for white truffle; spring and autumn for other varieties |
| Age limit | Families welcome; confirm age rules with the operator |
| Address | Meeting point provided by operator; San Giovanni d'Asso, 53020 SI, Italy for the truffle museum area |
Activity facts
- Where
- Crete Senesi (San Giovanni d'Asso) and Chianti hills
- Skill level
- Beginner
Equipment
Closed walking shoes or boots, long trousers in autumn, light waterproof
Location
Meeting point provided by operator; San Giovanni d'Asso, 53020 SI, Italy for the truffle museum area
43.1717, 11.5231 View on map
Highlights
- Hunt white truffle in season (October-December) with a trained dog
- Optional pasta lunch or tasting after the hunt
- Truffle museum in the castle of San Giovanni d'Asso
- November white truffle market in San Giovanni d'Asso
Tips for visiting
- Confirm whether the operator collects from Siena; many hunts start at a farm requiring a car.
- Wear sturdy shoes; woodland ground is wet and muddy in autumn.
- Check which truffle species will be hunted, since price and flavour vary.
- Book weeks ahead for November weekends.
Accessibility
Uneven woodland paths; limited suitability for wheelchairs.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
When is white truffle season?
Roughly October to December in the Crete Senesi; other truffle varieties are available at other times of year.
Do I need a car?
Usually yes, since hunts start at farms outside Siena; some operators offer pick-up.
How much does it cost?
Prices were not published in the sources checked; confirm directly with the operator.