We were both born in Romagna and since we were kids we remember that sometimes very kind family friends came to our homes bringing us a present of small white truffles, releasing fantastic perfumes around the house! A little treasure to share only with special friends, such a treat for us.

Every time their visit was followed by detailed explanations and suggestions about how to preserve, how to clean and how taste them.

It was always a big event as the white truffles are usually available only in the winter time.

Truffles can be white or black and one or the other are available during all the year, but the white is the most precious, the one that has the most intense perfume and that you just shave on top of the tagliatelle, fried egg, risotto, meat or other simple dishes, the best way to taste truffles, in order to let it spread all its perfume.

Over the last years we have learned a lot about truffles thanks to our job and every time it is possible we organise a truffle hunting in each tour, if the area and the season allow it.

One of the most exciting experiences for our clients is truffle hunting. Many people have never seen or touched or smelled a truffle. And overall It is fantastic to walk in the countryside or in the wood, and see the dog when it finds truffles.

We organise truffle hunting all year round in our region Emilia Romagna, but also in Alba, in Piemonte, known for the finest white truffles. Moreover, in Le Marche region, at the border with Romagna, and also in Umbria, where mainly black truffles grow.

Romagna has an important tradition for truffles. The dog for truffle hunting, recognised by the Italian National Dog Company in 1995 as truffle dog, is called Lagotto Romagnolo and is typical of this area. This is a very pretty and sweet dog that has very antique origins. Romagna area was humid and marshy centuries ago and this dog was used as a retriever, but now Lagotto is used for truffle hunting.

In Italy truffles are hunted with the dog, that can be a Lagotto, or a mestizo (half-breed) or a hunting dog, the important is that they have a very good nose and that they are well trained. 

Training can take a long time, up to a year. The instructor -usually the truffle hunter- starts training the dog when it is a puppy and he teaches it some basic commands.

The dog usually loves truffles, so the truffle hunter usually needs to follow the dog while it smells the truffles: when the dog finds a truffle it would eat it right away.For this reason the dog always asks for a reward -a cookie or a piece of mortadella depending on its preferences – every time it finds a truffle.

Truffle hunters are very jealous of their spots where they go for truffles. This area becomes a secret places that they will never share with anybody else: this is the best way to keep the best truffles for them and their friends! When a truffe hunter finds a good truffle in a specific place, he covers the hole in the soil where he previously dug to take out this precious product. If the truffle released spores around it, it is very possible that they find again another truffle in the same place. 

The truffle hunter life is full of secrets and he will share some with us while we hunt truffles!

Marcello and Raffaella Tori invite you to come and taste Italy in an authentic, up close, and personal way. Everything is arranged, from food and wine tastings to cooking lessons, walks in the countryside and meanders through beautiful villages. Marcello and Raffaella live in Bologna and have over 20 years of experience working with people just like you who want to taste all Italy has to offer. Their unique experiences are enduring in their simplicity and authenticity. Join us for a day trip or a 4-7 day tour and taste and see amazing Italy through the eyes of Marcello and Raffaella. What are you waiting for? Come and Taste Our Italy! Find our more at bluone.com and follow us on BluoneCookingWineToursItaly/. Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.