The Real Truffle Experience – Half Day

“Marino and his start up business Experience BellaVita is one not to be missed if you happen to be in the region of Abruzzo. Myself and a friend of mine booked ourselves into a truffle hunting tour. It was very well organized and we got see, feel and taste everything truffle. Marino is well connected and will show you things a normal tourist would not see. He went out of his way and beyond our expectations and i am more than happy to be a return customer when i visit again.”

Hendrik LepelIreland

“We had such a fun day with Marino. The truffle hunt was so interesting and unique followed by an amazing lunch of everything truffle. It was really delicious! Marino is so passionate about food and truffles and Italy so it was truly a pleasure to spend the day with him. Marino helped us choose some truffles to purchase for a dinner we planned to make for our friends. The dinner was a huge hit, enjoyed by all. He even added a personal tour of his town at the end. We’re still smiling about our day with Marino!”

Nancy RayUSA, Arizona

“The truffle hunting experience we did with Marino, Ginesio and Enrico was truly one of the most special and memorable days we've had on our 14 day road trip (and that's saying something since I got engaged on this trip 4 days ago!). If you love nature, dogs, culinary arts, and culture, DO THIS. Learning about the different truffles and seasons, the industry, and how the dogs hunt was fascinating. We found quite a bit on our hunt even for the end of season. Marino, the truffle Hunter Ginesio and the chef Enrico were all so filled with warmth, hospitality, and obvious love and passion for their region, nature, and the fruits of their environment it was such a special time.”

Corina P.USA, California

From €64/person

1 to 5 Hours  – 7 courses meal with organic local wine

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In this exclusive truffle experience in Abruzzo, you will go behind the scenes of one of the most secretive businesses in the world. A unique truffle hunt among nature, learning how to find, store and eat the black and white gems in the secret region of Abruzzo, just 1.5 hours from Rome.

The Real Truffle Experience - Teramo (Abruzzo) Italy Experience BellaVita
The Real Truffle Experience - Teramo (Abruzzo) Italy Experience BellaVita
The Real Truffle Experience - Teramo (Abruzzo) Italy Experience BellaVita

What We Will Do

1

After a secret drive in the countryside of the Teramo province in Abruzzo, we meet our Truffle Hunter Expert, and we get into the forest with his trained dogs, Luna & Piccola.

2

During the hunt in the beautiful countryside of the ‘Gran Sanno & Monti della Laga’ National Park, we will share with you everything about the truffle: its traditions, its history, its myths, and uses in the kitchen.

3

You will learn how to recognize and distinguish a good truffle from other truffles of inferior quality.

4

We will see how the specially trained dogs, Luna & Piccola search for the precious mushrooms, we learn about their training techniques, and see how the dogs can select the good truffles.

5

We will move to the best family-owned restaurant and enjoy a full 7-course truffle meal with wine, dessert & liquor from the Abruzzo region. We share the meal together and I’ll explain to you all the preparation tips of cooking with truffles + exclusive stories of the traditions of Abruzzo.
*Depending on the season, we will find different varieties of black truffles.
*White truffle hunts available between 15 October and 15 of January for an extra fee. (More info below)

What We Will Provide

Truffle Hunt

Walk with the dogs and the Truffle Hunter in nature.
Visit the truffle shop with possibility to buy fresh truffles at the local price.

'BellaVita' Special Menu'

7-courses Truffle Lunch:
3 antipasti,
1 antipasto 'BellaVita'
1 Primo (pasta),
1 Secondo (meat/vegi),
1 Dessert.

Local drinks and Caffè

Organic local Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo wine (extra: possibility to visit the winery before or after the hunt),
Espresso coffee,
Traditional digestive, and
water.

Transport (on request)

Travel needs can be accommodated for an extra fee.
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What To Bring

We recommend bringing a pair of spare shoes and trousers as we will be walking in the countryside and there might be some mud, plus the dogs might jump on you to play.
A bottle of water and a hat during summer months.

White Truffle Hunts

White Truffle (15th October - 15th February)

Searching for white truffles in Abruzzo requires a good fitness level and being able to walk long distances, even under rain and mud. The walk lasts at least 3 hours. Please, take into consideration, that it is not guaranteed to find truffles.

White truffles’ price can oscillate between 1000 to 9000€ per kilo, depending on the season. Hence, truffle hunters are very jealous and secretive about the spots where they can find them. Sometimes, those places are not even shared amongst family members. Because of this, you can understand, it is very difficult to find an available truffle hunter, and the prices are much higher than for a normal black truffle hunt. Luckily, I know very well a truffle hunter who is available to take us on a white truffle hunt in the mountains of Abruzzo. If interested, please send us an email and remember, white truffle hunts are only available between 15 October and 15 of February/year.

Truffle Hunt

2 Hours

From €64

  • Walk with the dogs and the Truffle Hunter in nature.
  • Visit the truffle shop with possibility to buy fresh truffles at local prices.
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Truffle Hunt & Meal

5 Hours

€114

  • Truffle Hunt;
  • ‘BellaVita’ Special Meal Menu;
  • Organic Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo wine;
  • Dessert, Coffe & Traditional Abruzzese Digestive.
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Can’t join the in-person experience? No worries! Join us virtually!

Virtual Experience