Truffle hunting and wine tasting make for an unbeatable combination in Italy’s picturesque Verona countryside. Visitors can embark on a private truffle hunt assisted by a trained canine, then savor the fresh finds paired with local delicacies and renowned Amarone wine. During the off-season, the experience explores the rich viticultural traditions of the Valpolicella region, providing an immersive look at the area’s culinary heritage. This comprehensive package allows guests to fully enjoy the flavors and authenticity of rural Italy. What more could one hope to discover?
Key Points
- A private truffle-hunting tour and tasting experience in the Verona countryside, allowing visitors to immerse in the region’s culinary and viticultural traditions.
- Participants hunt for fresh, local truffles aided by a trained truffle-sniffing dog, followed by a guided tasting of truffles paired with local wines.
- During the off-season when truffles are unavailable, the tour provides an in-depth exploration of the Valpolicella winemaking region, including visits to vineyards and cellars.
- The tour offers a comprehensive package that enables guests to fully experience the flavors and traditions of the Valpolicella region.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible and requires moderate physical fitness, with appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear recommended.
Tour Overview
This private truffle-hunting tour and tasting in the Verona countryside offers visitors an authentic rural Italian experience, allowing them to escape the city.
Participants will hunt for fresh, local truffles in the countryside, aided by a trained truffle-sniffing dog.
After the hunt, they’ll enjoy a guided tasting of the truffles, paired with fresh pasta, local cheese, and salumi, all accompanied by regional Amarone wine.
During the off-season, when truffles are unavailable, the tour will instead take visitors through a local vineyard, cellars, and farmhouse, providing an in-depth look at the Valpolicella winemaking region.
Tour Activities
During the tour, visitors typically hunt for fresh, local truffles in the countryside with the help of a trained truffle-sniffing dog.
After the hunt, they’ll enjoy a guided tasting of the truffles, which are paired with fresh pasta, local cheese, and salumi, all accompanied by regional Amarone wine.
Alternatively, when truffles are unavailable during the off-season, the tour takes participants through a local vineyard, cellars, and farmhouse, providing an in-depth look at the Valpolicella winemaking region.
Whether hunting for truffles or exploring the winery, the activities offer an authentic rural Italian experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the region’s rich culinary and viticultural traditions.
Inclusions
The tour includes a truffle hunt excursion with an Italian Tartufaro, which is offered seasonally.
Visitors also enjoy a guided wine tasting of local wines, such as Valpolicella, Ripasso, and Amarone.
Plus, the tour provides a tasting of truffle paired with fresh pasta, local food items like cheese and salami, as well as chutney and olive oil.
The tour’s inclusions offer a well-rounded experience:
- Truffle hunting with a trained expert
- Guided tasting of regional wines
- Sampling of local delicacies complemented by truffles
This comprehensive package allows guests to fully enjoy the flavors and traditions of the Valpolicella region.
Meeting Point
For the truffle hunt, the meeting point is Tenuta Santa Maria Valverde, located in the locality of Gazzo, Marano di Valpolicella.
Alternatively, travelers can opt to meet at 10:00 AM in Piazzale Cadorna in central Verona or at 10:15 AM at the Verona P.Nuova train station, where transport to the truffle hunt site is provided.
The meeting location depends on whether guests want to make their own way to the truffle hunt or take advantage of the provided transportation.
Regardless of the meeting point, the tour will whisk participants away from the city to enjoy an authentic rural Italian experience in search of fresh, local truffles.
Accessibility and Fitness
This truffle hunting and wine tasting tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and is located near, but not directly on, public transportation.
It’s also not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or individuals with heart or other medical conditions, as it requires moderate physical fitness and the ability to walk through natural terrain.
Tour participants should wear appropriate sport clothing and gear, including trekking shoes and sun protection.
The tour has several important considerations for potential participants:
- Not suitable for those with limited mobility or medical conditions
- Requires ability to walk and navigate uneven natural terrain
- Appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear is essential
Recommended Attire
Participants typically wear comfortable, weather-appropriate outdoor attire and sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes for the truffle-hunting excursion. The terrain can be uneven, so proper footwear is essential.
It’s also a good idea to bring sun protection like hats and sunscreen, as much of the activity takes place in the countryside. Layers are recommended, as the weather can change quickly.
Participants should avoid wearing delicate fabrics or open-toe shoes, which could get damaged during the hunt. The overall goal is to dress practically and comfortably to fully enjoy the authentic rural Italian experience. Proper attire ensures participants can actively participate in the truffle hunt without hindrance.
Group Size
The maximum group size for this tour is 12 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience in the Verona countryside.
This small group size offers several key benefits:
- Allows for more one-on-one interaction with the knowledgeable guide and Italian Tartufaro during the truffle hunt
- Facilitates an unhurried, relaxed pace to fully learn about the sights, smells, and flavors of rural Italy
- Provides a chance to connect with your fellow travelers and create lasting memories in a cozy, convivial setting
Additional Details
Travelers will need to wear appropriate sport clothing and gear, including trekking shoes and sun protection, for the tour’s outdoor activities.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is located near public transportation.
It’s not recommended for those with back problems, medical conditions, or pregnant travelers, as it requires moderate physical fitness and the ability to walk in nature.
The tour is suitable for children who can walk the distance.
The group size is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Dog on the Truffle Hunt?
No, you cannot bring your own dog on the truffle hunt. The tour provides a trained, truffle-sniffing dog to assist with the hunt. Bringing your own pet is not allowed, as it could disrupt the hunt and the experience for other participants.
Is It Possible to Substitute Wine With Non-Alcoholic Beverages?
Yes, it’s possible to substitute wine with non-alcoholic beverages during the truffle hunt tour. The tour can accommodate guests who prefer non-alcoholic options, providing alternatives such as juices or soft drinks instead of the wine tasting.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Special Dietary Requirements?
The tour can be customized to accommodate special dietary requirements. The company will work with travelers to provide alternative food options, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free items, to ensure everyone enjoys the experience.
Is There Any Discount for Group Bookings or Seniors?
Group bookings of 6 or more people enjoy a 10% discount. Seniors aged 65+ also receive a 10% discount. These discounts cannot be combined. Discounts must be requested at the time of booking.
What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tour?
The tour has a flexible cancellation policy. Participants can receive a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours before the tour starts. Refunds are not available for no-shows or cancellations within 24 hours.
Recap
Truffle hunting and wine tasting in the Verona countryside offers an unparalleled immersion into the region’s rich culinary and viticultural heritage.
Visitors embark on a private truffle hunt, taste freshly harvested truffles paired with local delicacies and Amarone wine, and explore the Valpolicella winemaking traditions.
This comprehensive package provides an authentic and unforgettable experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the flavors and essence of rural Italy.
