Truffle Hunting in Umbria

Following the seasons, the soil, and a very good dog

There are certain experiences in Italy that stay with you long after you’ve left — moments that sparkle in memory every time you taste pasta, breathe olive groves, or hear the word Umbria. Truffle hunting is one of those experiences.

In Umbria, truffle hunting isn’t just about finding a prized culinary delicacy,  it’s about stepping into an ancient rhythm of land and season. Umbrians have walked these woods for generations with dogs by their side, reading the soil, feeling the seasons, and celebrating one of the region’s most treasured gifts from the eart

This region produces both black and white truffles — each with its own season and character. While the black truffle (tartufo nero) turns up across much of the year, the rarer white truffle (tartufo bianco) graces autumn tables with its deeply aromatic perfume.

But truffle hunting here isn’t a staged photo-op; it’s a ritual. Local hunters, known as trifolai  hold special permits and carry centuries of passed-down knowledge about where truffles grow and how to track them. Their most trusted partners? Dogs, most often the energetic, eager-nosed Lagotto Romagnolo, bred and trained specifically to nose out these underground gems.  A typical morning begins with crisp air, soft olive light, and a whisper of expectation. You walk through woodland and field with your guide, watching the dog’s nose follow trails invisible to the eye. There’s gentle anticipation with every step, a quiet joy when the tell-tale scent rises, and a shared thrill when a hidden truffle is unearthed.

For us, this experience is one of the most cherished moments of our Spring retreats. We head into the Umbrian countryside for a private truffle hunt with my friend Claudio — a seasoned trifolai — and his truffle dog Rio, whose nose seems to understand the land better than words ever could. There’s no showmanship here — just woodland paths, soft laughter (often lost in translation), and the quiet thrill of watching something rare emerge from beneath the earth.

From there, the morning unfolds into something truly special.

The truffle hunt lasts a few unhurried hours, and what we forage becomes the heart of a four-course long lunch, prepared especially for us and paired with beautiful local wines chosen to complement each dish. Fresh pasta, simple seasonal flavours, generous pours, and a table set for lingering — the kind of meal that gently stretches into a lazy afternoon by the private villa pool.

And if truffle isn’t your thing? No worries at all. We gently encourage you to try — because this is truffle in its purest, most elegant form, but we happily cater to all dietary requirements, ensuring everyone feels completely looked after.

Truffle hunting also taps into something deeper: Italy’s profound respect for terroir, tradition, and connection. It’s not just about food — it’s about heritage, land stewardship, and community woven through every encounter.

Tips for an authentic truffle hunt:

• Wear sturdy shoes — you’ll be walking over roots, soft soil, and gentle hills. (No Emily in Rome moments here please ladies in your nicest Gucci's!)

• Go with a local guide or trifolai — their knowledge ensures a genuine, respectful experience.

• Know the seasons — black truffles are more frequently found through spring and summer; white truffles shine in autumn.

• Pair the hunt with a local meal — cheese, wine, and truffle-shaved pasta make the story taste as good as it feels.

Truffle hunting in Umbria is a day you don’t forget, not because of the truffle itself, but because of the way the land, the dog, the hunt, and the table pull you into something timeless. It’s slow travel in its purest form: curious, sensory, and generously Italian.

✨ Every year we run Spring retreats to Umbria and Tuscanny that start and finish in Rome.✨
🌸 The Spring Table: Tuscany & Umbria
📅 22–28 May 2027 - 🌸Spring Table Retreat
 Private Room ($6,900 AUD// $4,600 USD) all inclusive.
Only a $500 Refundable Deposit