Truffle Hunting vs. Truffle Festival

That depends on whether you prefer sampling truffle-based or enhanced foods or slogging around looking for them.

Truffle hunting is a more limited opportunity, versus tasting truffle products in a shop or restaurant will be pretty widespread in the region.

What kind of gun will you use for the truffle hunting? Or is the current fashion bow and arrow hunting?

And you need a good, trained, hog to find the truffles. And mostly unsuccessful. Other than being able to say, "I went truffle hunting." I think I would stick with the Festival.

On the Rick Steves Village Italy tour we did a truffle hunt and it was such fun. It was short...maybe an hour...but watching the young, not fully trained dog was hilarious. The farmer spoke only Italian so our guide translated back and forth but everyone was able to ask any questions and of course pet the dog. I actually don't like the taste of truffles (now I think a lot about them being covered in doggie drool when I see them on a menu) but I really enjoyed watching the dog and farmer, walking thru the oak grove and being able to walk thru the rest of his property which was in vineyards, olive grove, vegetable garden and maybe some orchard. The being outside experience was such a nice change from city stuff for me.

I would probably make the decision based on how much you like truffles. If you love them, go to the festival. If you are so-so, go for the truffle hunt.

Thanks for the very thoughtful responses! This is my first trip to Italy - so I am completely overwhelmed and want to be sure we make the most of our 11 days.
Additional question: Does anyone know about the San Miniato Truffle Festival? Just wondering if it's worth the effort getting there - or like I said before, should we consider going to Umbria instead and enjoying the sights there (Such as Assisi, Orvieto, others?)

I agree with Laura that truffle hunting is a pretty unique experience that you'll probably never have again, but you'll have other opportunities to taste truffles.

Hi Maureen. 5 or 6 years ago while we were in Italy, for my partners (Tom) birthday I found a truffle hunt opportunity in Umbria. We were staying in Montepulciano and it was about an hours drive (and simply gorgeous). We did the truffle hunt, with a dog and not a hog, and spent maybe 90-120 minutes in the area this man leased. But then, with our bandana full of truffles Tom had dug, we went back to his house where his wife and Tom spent the next few hours cooking a meal with truffle as an ingredient in every dish but dessert. (Just adding that this outing was when I learned that I loathe truffles, in any form, in any dish...lovely)

It was absolutely hands down one of Tom's favorite outings from any trip we have ever taken, And I mention it because it is more than just a truffle hunt, it allows you to spend a day in the company of a local family and gives you a cooking opportunity I don't know how you could get anywhere else.

Sorry to weigh in on no information on the festival, but I vote for the truffle hunt. I, too, went on a mini truffle hunt (and found I do not like the taste) and had the most fun. I enjoy being out in nature and I enjoy watching working dogs. Having been to several festivals, just not this one, there will be crowds. Many people all wanting to taste and buy souvenirs. The flip side, less crowds and a chance to partake in more authentic experience.

Thank you so much, everyone! Wow - I was torn by what to do when I initiated this - but thanks to all of you, it's clear that we should opt for the truffle hunt instead of the festival!!

If you are still reading this - I would love to also learn what your top destinations were on your trip to Italy.
We will be there for 11 days, and fly in to Rome and out of Venice. We will be in Florence the longest, since that's where our son will be studying. But what do you recommend are some "must see" spots for our first trip to Italy. Thanks! :)

We will be in Tuscany the middle of October. Can you hunt for truffles in October or just later in the year? Pam

I love truffle but would choose the truffle hunting.
Truffle hunting is mainly in Piemonte or in Umbria and a very small part of Tuscany.
I do not know if you have already tasted the white truffle of Alba in Piemonte which for me is superior to all others.
I do not like the black truffle.
October should be good, it has to be humid and hot.
If you do not le truffles why do not you go for a porcini hunt? You might like them.

You may be able to do both. While looking into the truffle festival in San Miniato, I also found an opportunity to truffle hunt there: http://www.trufflehunter.net/trufflewalking.html