Truffle Hunting Before Dawn
Exclusive experience for one or two people
Prima dell'alba
A morning as a truffle hunter, from the dark of the woods to first light
When the village is still asleep and the woods are dark, the truffle hunter is already on the move. For one morning you follow him, together with his dogs, until the light arrives.
This is not a walk designed for visitors: it is a real working morning in the woods of Savigno, which we share with one or two people at most.
No immediate payment and no commitment: we reply personally and check together whether the experience is right for you.
The visitor follows the truffle hunter, not the other way round
Our kitchen has been in the family since 1956, and we have been hunting truffles in the woods of Savigno for over thirty years. This experience comes from a precise idea: we have not adapted truffle hunting to the visitor. For one morning, it is the visitor who follows the rhythm of the truffle hunter.
The route is not chosen to be comfortable or touristy. We follow the search wherever it leads, through woods, climbs and descents, while slowly the darkness gives way to the morning light.
Who goes with you
The truffle hunter is almost always Antonio. With him, most often, is Muscia, his dog: she leads the search, and he follows her. Some mornings, in his place, is my brother Stefano, with whom I run Lina Sapori e Delizie, or another hunter we trust: the person changes, not the way of walking.
How it unfolds
One morning, from dark to light
An hour before dawn
We meet and set off while it is still night outside. The truffle hunter and his dogs lead the way.
About four hours in the woods
You walk with him through the places he usually frequents, listening to stories, observations and knowledge gathered over years of searching: the seasons, the silences, the signs of the woods.
Coffee in the woods
At some point we stop: a hot coffee made with the moka pot, right among the trees. A simple gesture, the kind that goes with an ordinary morning of searching.
On the way back, a table set for you
When the morning in the woods is over, a table awaits you with traditional Bolognese sweets: pesche all'alchermes, raviole dolci and zuccherini montanari. At the table, without hurry, we talk over what we have seen.
For those who want to truly enter his world
Prima dell'alba: a morning as a truffle hunter
Participants: 1 or 2 people
Duration: about 4 hours in the woods, plus the table on return
Start: about an hour before dawn
Place: woods on the hills of Savigno, Bolognese Apennines
Period: all year, except May and from 15 August to 30 September
Physical effort: high
The experience includes:
- About four hours in the woods with the truffle hunter and his dogs
- Start before dawn
- Route through the places the truffle hunter usually frequents
- Stories, observations and knowledge gathered in the woods
- Hot coffee made with the moka pot, right in the woods
- On the way back, a table with pesche all'alchermes, raviole dolci and zuccherini montanari
Price:
€400 for the experience
For 1 or 2 people (for two it is €200 each)
A demanding experience, on purpose
The route lasts about four hours and may cross uneven, steep and rough terrain, through thorns and brush, in the dark and then in the first light.
Good stamina, agility and fitness are required, along with footwear and clothing suited to the woods. It is not an experience for everyone, and for this very reason we talk it through together before confirming.
Prefer a calmer day?
If you are looking for a more relaxed pace, with a walk, a tasting, a cooking class or lunch at the trattoria, we have other truffle hunting experiences. Write to us and we will help you choose.
Tell us your ideaPractical information
How many people can take part?
The experience is designed for one or two people, so that we can walk at the pace of the truffle hunter and the dogs without disturbing the search. The price of €400 is the same for one person or two.
Where do we meet?
The experience takes place in the woods on the hills of Savigno, in the Bolognese Apennines. The meeting point and the exact start time are communicated when we confirm.
When can I take part?
In every month of the year except May and the period from 15 August to 30 September, when truffle hunting is forbidden. The start time changes with the dawn, and the date also depends on ground conditions and the truffle hunter's availability: for this reason we always set it together.
Do I need to be physically fit?
Yes. You walk for about four hours on natural terrain, including steep and rough ground. We ask you to tell us honestly about your level of fitness, so we can assess together whether this is the right experience for you.
What should I wear?
Layered clothing suited to early-morning temperatures, and trekking shoes or at least sturdy shoes with good grip. Long, hard-wearing trousers are best, because of thorns and brambles. In case of rain or damp ground, waterproof footwear is recommended.
Is there a minimum age?
The experience is recommended from age 16: walking for about four hours on steep and uneven terrain, starting in the dark, is too tiring for younger children. For teenagers, please write to us with their age and fitness so we can assess together.
What languages are the experiences held in?
We can also welcome international guests. When you contact us, tell us your group's language.
What happens in case of bad weather?
The search takes place outdoors. If the weather is not suitable, we will assess a new date together.
How to book
Every experience is born from a conversation
Write to us with the period and whether you will be one or two people. We will check availability and, together, that the experience suits the participants' physical fitness.
I would like to live this experienceThe experience is exclusive and available by reservation only.
A tavola, senza grembiule. Con Lina.