Embark on an unforgettable day trip from Florence that combines the thrill of truffle hunting with a visit to Leonardo da Vinci’s birthplace. Guided by an expert forager and trained dogs, you’ll discover the art of truffle hunting and enjoy a delightful Tuscan lunch at a picturesque winery. This immersive experience intertwines history, culinary traditions, and natural wonders – a must-do for any discerning traveler. What awaits you on this exclusive adventure?

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Key Points

Exclusive day trip from Florence to San Miniato woods for truffle hunting, guided by an expert forager and trained dogs.
Tour of Leonardo da Vinci’s childhood home in Vinci, with interactive exhibits on his diverse interests and inventions.
Tasting of Chianti wines and fresh truffles paired with a multi-course Tuscan lunch at a local winery.
Immersive experience blending history, culinary traditions, and natural wonders of the Tuscan region.
Tour starts at 9:00 am, is a private experience, and is not wheelchair accessible.

Experience Overview

This exclusive day trip from Florence takes travelers to the San Miniato woods for a truffle hunting experience with an expert forager and trained dogs.

Visitors will scour the woods in search of the elusive and valuable truffles. After the hunt, the group will visit Leonardo da Vinci‘s childhood home in Vinci to learn about the renowned artist and inventor.

The day concludes with a visit to a family-run Chianti winery, where guests can enjoy a tasting of the region’s renowned wines and savor fresh truffles paired with a Tuscan lunch.

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Itinerary Highlights

The truffle hunting experience begins as visitors scour the woods near San Miniato, led by an expert forager and their trained canine companions.

After the hunt, the tour heads to Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci. Visitors can explore the artist’s childhood home and gallery, learning about his remarkable life and work.

The final stop is a family-run Tuscan cellar, where guests sample fresh truffles and a selection of Chianti wines.

This immersive day blends the region’s rich history, culinary traditions, and natural wonders, offering a truly unforgettable experience.

Truffle Hunting in the San Miniato Woods

As the tour begins, visitors embark on an exciting journey to the San Miniato woods, where they’ll scour the terrain alongside an expert forager and their trained canine companions.

The truffle hunt offers a unique opportunity to:

Discover the art of truffle hunting and how dogs play a vital role in uncovering these elusive fungi.

Discover the art of truffle hunting and the role of the dogs in sniffing out these elusive fungi.
Learn about the different types of truffles found in the region and their culinary uses.
Witness the forager’s techniques for carefully extracting the truffles without damaging the delicate ecosystem.
Savor the fresh truffles found during the hunt, which will be enjoyed later during the winery experience.

Exploring Leonardo Da Vinci’s Birthplace

After the successful truffle hunt, the tour proceeds to Vinci, the birthplace of the renowned polymath Leonardo da Vinci.

Visitors explore his childhood home, now a museum showcasing personal artifacts and interactive exhibits on his diverse interests and inventions. The guide shares insights into da Vinci’s genius, from his groundbreaking studies in anatomy and engineering to his celebrated artworks.

Guests marvel at the visionary’s innovative spirit as they wander through the charming town that inspired his boundless curiosity.

This stop offers a glimpse into the early life and formative experiences that shaped one of history’s greatest minds.

Winery Lunch and Wine Tasting

Having concluded the truffle hunting expedition, the group then proceeds to a family-owned Chianti winery for a leisurely lunch and wine tasting experience.

The winery visit offers the following:

A guided tour of the cellar, where guests learn about the winemaking process and the history of the estate.
A tasting of the winery’s renowned Chianti wines, accompanied by fresh truffles shaved over crostini.
A multi-course lunch featuring seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, with each dish expertly paired with a different Chianti varietal.
Ample time to explore the property’s picturesque vineyards and olive groves.

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Fresh Truffle Delicacies

The centerpiece of the Chianti winery lunch is the opportunity to savor fresh truffles in a variety of delectable dishes.

Guests can start with crostini topped with truffle fonduta – a rich, creamy truffle-infused cheese dip.

For the main course, they’ll enjoy a truffle-based pasta or entree, such as handmade tagliatelle or a seasonal meat dish accented by the earthy, umami-rich flavor of the prized truffles.

Throughout the meal, guests can pair the truffle dishes with full-bodied Chianti wines, creating a harmonious gastronomic experience.

It’s a feast for the senses.

Logistics and Meeting Point

The truffle hunting and Chianti winery experience begins at Piazza Adua, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy, right in front of the Burger King. The tour starts promptly at 9:00 am and concludes back at the meeting point.

This is a private tour, so only your group will participate. Some additional logistics to note:

Transportation isn’t provided, so guests must make their own way to the meeting point.
Infant seats are available upon request, but the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Pregnant travelers and those with serious medical conditions aren’t recommended to join.
The experience has a 4.7 rating based on 3 positive reviews, with praise for the truffle hunting and knowledgeable driver.

Additional Information and Pricing

This exclusive truffle hunting and Chianti winery experience is priced from $487.06 per person, with the final cost varying based on group size.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start. While infant seats can be requested, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.

Based on 3 reviews, the tour has a 4.7 rating, with positive feedback on the truffle hunting and knowledgeable driver.

A highly rated 4.7 out of 5 tour, with praise for the truffle hunting and knowledgeable driver.

This intimate private tour ensures only your group participates, providing a personalized and immersive Tuscan adventure.

The Sum Up

This exclusive day trip from Florence offers a unique blend of culinary adventure, historical exploration, and natural wonder. Discover the art of truffle hunting, visit Leonardo da Vinci’s birthplace, and indulge in a Tuscan lunch with fresh truffle delicacies and Chianti wines at a picturesque winery. This immersive experience is a must-do for food and history enthusiasts seeking an authentic taste of Tuscany.