Florence: Truffle Hunt, San Gimignano, and Chianti Day Trip

Explore the enchanting flavors and historic sights of Tuscany on this immersive day trip from Florence. Venture into the rolling Chianti hills for a guided truffle hunt, then savor a sumptuous Tuscan lunch infused with the earthy delicacy. After, discover the medieval charm of San Gimignano, with its iconic skyline of towers. This excursion promises an unforgettable taste of the region’s culinary and cultural riches. But the day holds even more surprises in store for the curious traveler.

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About Your Stay

This day trip from Florence offers a guided truffle hunt in the Chianti countryside, led by a professional truffle hunter and trained dogs.
Participants will enjoy a multi-course Tuscan lunch featuring truffle-infused dishes, paired with fine Chianti wines, in a picturesque Tuscan setting.
The tour includes a visit to the medieval town of San Gimignano, known for its iconic skyline of medieval towers and opportunities to visit the Duomo and local artisan shops.
Guests will have the chance to sample award-winning gelato from the renowned Gelateria di Piazza in San Gimignano.
The day trip is approximately 7 hours long and includes transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned 8-seater minivan from a designated pickup location in Florence.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Day Trip

Although the day trip to Florence starts in the city, the main attractions lie outside its walls.

This 7-hour excursion takes travelers on an immersive journey through the scenic Chianti region. It begins with a guided truffle hunt where participants can dig up the prized fungus alongside a professional hunter and trained dogs.

After the hunt, guests enjoy a Tuscan lunch featuring truffle-infused dishes paired with local Chianti wines.

The next stop is the medieval town of San Gimignano, known for its iconic skyline of towers. Here, travelers can explore the historic streets and sample world-famous gelato.

Looking for more options in San Gimignano? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Truffle Hunting Adventure

The day’s adventure kicks off with a guided truffle hunt in the Chianti countryside.

Led by a professional truffle hunter and their trained dogs, guests traverse vineyards and woodlands in search of the elusive tuber. The hunt lasts around two hours, as the group carefully scours the earth for the prized fungi.

Guests traverse vineyards and woodlands, led by a truffle hunter and trained dogs in a two-hour quest for the elusive fungal prize.

Once a truffle is unearthed, the guide shares insights into the art of truffle hunting and the culinary uses of this gourmet ingredient.

Guests then savor a truffle-focused Tuscan lunch, pairing the earthy flavors with the region’s renowned Chianti wines.

Truffle-Based Tuscan Lunch

After the exhilarating truffle hunt, guests are treated to a delectable Tuscan lunch showcasing the freshly foraged delicacies.

The multi-course meal features a variety of truffle-infused dishes, from creamy risotto and hearty pasta to roasted meats and vegetables. Each dish is expertly paired with fine Chianti wines, allowing guests to fully enjoy the flavors of the region.

The meal is served in a picturesque setting, providing the perfect opportunity to savor the local cuisine and enjoy the breathtaking Tuscan countryside.

This indulgent lunch is sure to leave a lasting impression on all participants.

San Gimignano: The Medieval Manhattan

Following the satisfying truffle-based lunch, the tour continues with a guided visit to the enchanting town of San Gimignano.

Nicknamed the "Medieval Manhattan," this UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its towering medieval stone buildings and stunning vistas.

The guide leads the group through the charming streets, pointing out the city’s famous 14 surviving towers and other architectural gems.

Visitors can admire the impressive Duomo, browse local artisan shops, and indulge in world-class gelato from the award-winning Gelateria di Piazza.

The tour offers a captivating glimpse into San Gimignano’s well-preserved historic past.

More Great Tours Nearby

Highlights of the Visit

One of the highlights of the Florence: Truffle Hunt, San Gimignano, and Chianti Day Trip is the guided exploration of the enchanting town of San Gimignano.

Known as the "Medieval Manhattan," this UNESCO World Heritage Site captivates visitors with its iconic skyline of medieval towers.

San Gimignano, the "Medieval Manhattan," enthralls visitors with its striking skyline of medieval towers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Travelers can:

Admire the stunning architecture and history of San Gimignano’s well-preserved buildings and piazzas.
Savor world-champion gelato from the renowned Gelateria Dondoli.
Soak in the breathtaking views of the Tuscan countryside from the hilltop town.

The guided visit to San Gimignano provides an immersive glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

There's plenty more to explore in San Gimignano

Transportation and Meeting Point

The tour begins with a convenient pick-up from the meeting point in front of Café Gamberini, where a guide wearing Fun in Tuscany branding will be waiting to greet participants.

Travelers will be transported in a comfortable, air-conditioned 8-seater minivan for the day’s activities. Smoking and alcohol consumption aren’t permitted inside the vehicle.

The minivan will take the group on a 1-hour drive to the Chianti region, where the truffle hunt and other experiences will take place.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as some of the activities involve hiking through vineyards and woods.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Florence: Truffle Hunt, San Gimignano, and Chianti Day Trip includes roundtrip transportation, a professional truffle hunter guide, hiking through vineyards and woods, a truffle-based Tuscan lunch with wine pairing, and a guided visit to the medieval town of San Gimignano.

A full-day excursion featuring a truffle hunt, Tuscan lunch, and a guided visit to the historic town of San Gimignano.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for:

People with mobility impairments
People with animal allergies
Smoking or consuming alcoholic drinks in the vehicle isn’t allowed.

Important Information for Guests

Before joining the tour, guests should be aware of a few important details.

The meeting point is in front of Café Gamberini, where the guide will be wearing Fun in Tuscany branding. To fully enjoy the experience, guests should wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, including waterproof shoes for the truffle hunt.

Smoking and alcoholic drinks aren’t permitted in the vehicle. The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or animal allergies.

With these considerations in mind, guests can look forward to an unforgettable day exploring the treasures of Tuscany.

Questions About Your Stay

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour is not suitable for people with animal allergies, as it involves extensive interaction with trained truffle hunting dogs. Bringing pets would not be permitted.

Do I Need to Speak Italian to Participate?

No, you don’t need to speak Italian to participate. The tour includes a professional English-speaking guide who’ll lead the activities and provide all necessary information throughout the day.

Is This Tour Suitable for Vegetarians or Vegans?

The tour may not be suitable for strict vegetarians or vegans, as the main focus is a truffle-based Tuscan lunch. However, the tour provider may be able to accommodate special dietary needs with advance notice.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour?

While the standard tour is 7 hours, you can likely extend the duration by contacting the tour operator. They may be able to accommodate a longer trip with additional activities or stops within the itinerary, for an extra cost.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

While the provider doesn’t offer specific discounts for seniors or students, they do recommend contacting them directly to inquire about any available promotions or special pricing. The best way to get the most up-to-date information is to reach out to the tour operator.

Final Verdict On This Stay

This enchanting day trip offers a delightful blend of Tuscany’s culinary and cultural treasures. Guests will embark on a guided truffle hunt, savor a Tuscan lunch featuring truffle-infused dishes, and explore the medieval town of San Gimignano. With its stunning architecture, famous towers, and award-winning gelato, this tour promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Chianti region.