Reviews from guests
An absolute highlight of our trip to Rome. Can't recommend the truffle hunting tour with Frederico enough. Don't miss this extraordinary trip.
We were fortunate enough to go on a family truffle-hunting experience with Frederico and his dogs. Just a wonderful time that was rewarding and not too difficult even for our 2 younger girls, ages 8 and 11. In addition to finding truffles, of course, it was an absolute pleasure to have lunch with Frederico's father and his significant other.
Lots more positive comments can be said, but really not necessary. Do the tour; you won't regret it!Great family experience! So authentic!
We had a small group of 3. Working and coordinating with Federico was seamless. Be aware that the calendar of available dates may not actually be available. He also trains dogs so he will have to verify his schedule prior to verifying your date. I only say this in case you have other things you are planning. Maybe work with him to get your date for this and plan the rest of your trip activities after solidifying this one. Back to the actual experience—I would give it 20 stars if I could. Like people have said, Federico picks you up from the train station with his dogs, drives you to the forest, the dogs do their thing. He suggests bring some water and wear long pants to cover ankles and hiking boots, if possible. We didn’t waste luggage space on hiking boots and both wore tennis shoes. The actual walking was fine. We didn’t get quite of bit of dirt on our shoes. I was happy I had leather she’s so they were easy to clean. Just something to think about. After collecting about what he estimated was about 50 grams of both white and black truffle, we went back to his house where Federico and his dad cooked a fabulous lunch in their home. You will not leave hungry! We had a lovely lunch and conversation with Federico and Santino then Federico took us back to the train station. Side mention-due to where we were staying and time it would take (we weren’t super close to a train stop), we decided to taxi out. It was 50 euro, which was fine and we knew it would cost more than the train—but we were also charged 50 for the driver to go back, since it wasn’t a location where he could pick up another fare back to Rome. We took the train back for 1 euro a person and walked the rest of the way. If we had to do it over, we would definitely have taken the train but you’d have to leave plenty of time to walk and train to be at Cesan station by 9:30. Overall, it was a fabulous experience and Federico/Santori couldn’t have been more lovely if they tried…and of course, it goes without saying, the dogs were amazing!! All the best Federico!!Unique Experience
This is a must-do genuine experience north of rome with a lovely family - Federico, Santino, Argo and Sally - that can't be replicated anywhere else. We were treated with the utmost care from pre-trip communication to pickup at the station to a hot coffee on a cold day to hunt in the woods to the the expansive and delicious lunch prepared by Federico's sweet father Santino and himself at their home to the ride back to the station, helping us buy tickets and ensuring we were on the right train. This is a once in a life time opportunity. It is easily reachable by train. If you are uncomfortable at Termini you can get on the train a few stops later. You do have to change trains at a tiny station. Super easy and it was $4 total for three people. Our only regret was not getting a group photo with Federico's dad, Santino - a lovely, lovely man. Super duper family. This experience is a must-do!! Thank you from Roberta, Patricia and Madison. It was fantastico ❤️Authentic Experience❤️❤️
What a great experience! Federico is a great guide and now friend Hie brought 2 of his dogs Arya and Brianne who were very friendly, spunky and great truffle hunters Federico’s knowledge of truffles is in-depth and he answered all our questions We found black truffles which we enjoyed with lunch Federico brought us to a local restaurant where an exceptional meal was prepared for us Federico supervised in the kitchen and sat with us to enjoy more conversation and of course truffles on everything - toast, pasta and a fried egg I would highly recommend this experience if you are in the area Life adventures
I could not more highly recommend this truffle hunting experience with Federico. The hunt itself was informative and entertaining as he told us all about the world of truffles while his two dogs Sally and Brianna ran about, ultimately finding seven truffles! But then the real star of the day was Federico’s father Santino, who prepared a gourmet feast for us at their apartment including multiple dishes using our own truffles. Having the opportunity to eat an authentic meal in the home of an Italian family was an unforgettable moment unlike any other we had in Italy. This day lived up to all I had hoped it would be and I am so grateful to Federico for the experience! Unforgettable bucket list experience!
Having visiting Rome previously we were looking for something more unique and different to do. Needless to say, when we spotted an opportunity to go truffle hunting with Federico and his beautiful dogs we knew we had to book!
Federico is beyond helpful, extremely knowledgeable and passionate about his dogs/truffles, and treats you like a member of his own family.
We were met at the station by Federico and 2 of his gorgeous dogs, Argo and Selly. Off we drove into the beautiful Italian countryside nearby where we then spent a couple of hours collecting wild asparagus for lunch, seeing beehives, local wildlife and of course collecting endless truffles.
Federico has trained his dogs to such a degree that they are literally returning every few minutes with more truffles. We knew we would be in for a great lunch! Seriously impressive!
Federico took us back to his childhood home where we were greeted by his other dogs, his girlfriend Julia and father Santino. Both were beyond lovely, extremely welcoming and were genuinely interested in teaching us about their culture and learning more about ours.
We were then spoilt by quite possibly the best lunch/feast we have had in Italy. I did originally detail exactly what we got in this review, however on reflection removed it simply to not spoil the surprise. All I will say, however, is that you will not be disappointed. Truffles aplenty, everything homemade. The quality is exceptional and you will certainly leave with a very full stomach!!
There is nothing to fault with this experience. Quite simply it is a days adventure with the most welcoming of Italian families, the most beautiful of landscapes, amazing dogs and superb food.
A memorable day for all. Thank you!!
Unmissable experience when visiting Rome
A break in Rome will keep you very busy, but a short ride out of town and you can experience some beautiful countryside with Federico and his fantasic dogs in search for Truffles. Expect a bit of a walk, but you can also expect a wonderful lunch with truly knowledgable host. A really great day out and well worth the effort.What a fantastic experience!
Can’t rave enough about this experience and the hospitality of Federico and his father.
Not only did we get to spend time truffle hunting with Federico and his lovely dogs,
Argo and Brianne, we were absolutely spoiled rotten with probably the best meal we’ve had in nearly 3 weeks in Italy.
Another important part of this experience is the true love that Federico has for his dogs. They are genuinely loved deeply and not just used as “tools of the trade” as other hunters might.
This has been on my bucket list for years and I’m delighted to have done it on my birthday, resulting in the BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!!!
Thanks a million Federico, Salvatore, Argo and Brianne 💖💖💖💖Best day EVER
I recently had the incredible opportunity to embark on a truffle hunting adventure with Federico, and let me tell you, it was an absolute delight from start to finish! The experience exceeded all my expectations and left me and my family including two teens with lasting memories of the enchanting Italian countryside.
First and foremost, the professionalism and expertise of our truffle hunting guide were unmatched. Federico's deep knowledge of truffles, the local terrain, and the rich history of truffle hunting in the region added an extra layer of authenticity and made the experience truly special. He warmly welcomed our group and ensured that we were well-prepared and comfortable throughout the excursion.
The highlight of the experience, of course, was the actual truffle hunt. Federico's specially trained truffle dogs were the highlight and we followed their keen noses as they sniffed out the elusive truffles. It was a truly remarkable sight to witness these magnificent animals in action!
After our successful truffle hunt, we were treated to a mouthwatering truffle-infused feast prepared Federico and his dad who is quite the chef. We were all stuffed by the end of the meal which included cured meats, vegetables, fruit and of course the truffles prepared in multiple ways. My favorite was the truffles with egg.
Once in a lifetime experience and I would recommend this to everyone!Amazing day with truffle hunting!
Federico was great and he and his dogs Argo and Sally know their truffles! Federico helped us navigate our way through Rome's train system to get to the beautiful country town of Cezano. When we got there, Federico greeted us and drove us to his secret truffle hunting spot. His dogs kept us company during the drive. We then spent a few hours traipsing through the woods while Argo and Sally searched out truffles. Federico was engaging throughout, providing a wealth of information about truffles and truffle hunting. We got a good haul, and then went to Federico's house where we met his father and girlfriend. They welcomed us with warm Italian hospitality and delicious food. They put the truffles we had gathered to good use and we feasted on a huge selection of amazing food and great conversation. It was one of the highlights of our trip to Italy - something definitely different from the normal tourist destination, giving an escape from the noise and bustle of the city, and providing an insight into true Italian life!
Highly recommended!Amazing Countryside Truffle Hunt
Our truffle hunting experience with Federico was simply amazing and unforgettable. Federico's extensive knowledge of truffles made the experience not only enjoyable but also educational. During our time together, we learned so much about truffles and their significance in Italian cuisine.
Federico's family went above and beyond in their hospitality. The lunch spread they prepared was incredibly delicious and full of truffles, and we even had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with his friendly and welcoming family members. We were treated like old friends, and it was such a warm and wonderful experience.
Federico's dedication to providing us with the best truffle hunting experience was evident in his willingness to go out of his way to procure fresh truffles for us from a town near Tuscany. We cannot thank him enough for his kindness and generosity.
We are already looking forward to our next visit to Rome, and we will definitely be booking another truffle hunting experience with Federico and his family.An unforgettabele experience
What an amazing experience. We spent the morning finding some truffles and found a large one. Then lunch with his family was incredible. His dad is an amazing person.
The dogs are so loving. I strongly recommend this experience for anyone who wants a fun day off the beaten path in Italy. Amazing experience
Spent a wonderful day with Federico and his dogs Argo and Brianne. A must-do for a great truffle experience!Fantastic experience!
My kids and I had a great day truffle hunting with Federico. The experience is equally exciting for the adults as it was for the kids. After spending the previous day touring Rome, this was the perfect way to spend a day walking through the woods, playing with the dogs, and eating incredible food. It’s refreshing to experience Italy outside of a touristy situation. Big bonus was learning a lot about truffles and truffle hunting. Federico was a phenomenal communicator, on time, and engaging with my kids. We are walking away from the experience with a life long memory that is personalized and unique. We couldn’t be happier with the experience. A fun and unique way to expeince Italy
Such a fun day! Frederico and his truffle hunting partner were extremely knowledgeable and friendly. They made truffle hunting seem so easy! It was a pleasure to watch them and their four beautiful dogs work together. The love and care Frederico has for his dogs was very heart-warming. The lunch after at his place with his family was truly outstanding. We ate home cooked and amazingly delicious truffle recipes along with other Italian treats. Such an authentic experience with warm, kind people. You will not regret booking this!Highlight of our Italy trip!
I cannot emphasize how amazing this experience was. The only thing I will say is that you will absolutely regret not going on this adventure. The price of the tour feels like robbery for how much you get in return. Federico is amazing and incredibly generous. Eating homemade lunch with his girlfriend Julia and father Santino was truly a gift. This will be my favorite memory from Italy.The greatest experience you can ask for
We booked this tour due to our love for truffle flavor, dogs, and nature. This tour did not disappoint. We took the train to Cesano- you buy the tickets at the Roma Ostensia station (this was closest to where we were staying in Rome), was very easy to figure out and only 1 euro. We met Federico at the station and we drove 30-ish minutes to the forest. The truffle hunt was SO fun and so amazing watching the dogs. We learned a lot, after went to Federico's house and shared an incredible large meal with him and his father. His father was also a delight! We really had a great time and loved the hospitality and look into Italian culture with the locals. It was a unique experience and one of our favorite things we did on our trip. very amazing experience, thank you Federico!One of the best excursions we've done!
The train ride from Rome was affordable and seamless. We were greeted by Federico, and he drove us to the woods where is, the dogs he trained, another truffle hunter and his dogs spent about 2-3 hours hunting for truffles. We learned so much in a short amount of time! After a few hours, we drove back to Federico’s house where his father and girlfriend Julia prepared a huge lunch for us! The time outdoors with the dogs, the conversation, and the meal were all incredible. Highly highly recommend! Wonderful experience!!
Our family of three had the best day of our trip with Federico and his sweet dogs, Argo and Brienne. Federico helped us seamlessly take the train to meet him and he and his dogs were there and ready to whisk us away to the forest. Federico did a wonderful job of explaining how he trains his dogs and how they have learned to hunt for various types of truffles, while also giving us time to simply watch the dogs in action and enjoy being out in the forest. After we gathered a good amount of truffles, Federico took us back to his lovely home and cooked an amazing truffle-laden meal for us. It was delicious and the company was top-notch! What a wonderful and meaningful way to learn more about this beautiful region. Thank you Federico!Perfect Day!
Federico took us into the woods near his home to look for the small white truffles, which were in season. He was very knowledgeable and we found loads of truffels. We were quite lucky to have a sunny, but not too warm day, which was perfect, because this is an outdoor experience with some walking involved. We absolutely loved Federico's dogs and he could talk about dog training for hours. Afterwards, we went to his house where his father and girlfriend helped cook a very elaborate lunch with the truffles we just found, which was perhaps the most special part of the experience. All three are amazing cooks. I have had truffles many times before, but never so fresh and with the genuine taste. If you get the chance to join this activity, you MUST book it. You won't regret it.Amazing experience
We traveled with four teenagers and this was our favorite tour during our Rome stay. Walking in the woods truffle hunting was enjoyable but also educational. The dogs stole the show finding truffles while giving lots of love to the kids. Federico was very patient answering all our questions and obviously knows what he is doing. He opened his home to us for lunch and his dad made us one of our best meals we had in Rome. I cannot recommend this tour enough!
AmandaAmazing Family Truffle Tour
We had an awesome day with Federico and his family, including his dad and lovely two dogs Argo and Brianna. Had a really interesting walk into the forests outside Rome learning about truffle hunting and watching the dogs in action. Found loads of tasty white truffles which we then proceeded to eat with lunch. Haven’t tasted such fresh truffles before, even my wife liked them and she doesn’t normally appreciate the flavours of truffles. Federico and his dad then put on a lovely spread for lunch , including some nice wines which we lingered over for hours. Lovely time with such nice, genuine people. Hope to see you again Federico, let us know if you ever come to the UAE, there’s no truffles , but we can show you the sites 😉. If you are in Rome and like great company and love the outdoors, for sure join Federico on this experience, you’ll love it…Awesome day with Federico and his family
I can't recommend the truffle hunting experience with Federico highly enough. Federico is one of the nicest people you would ever want to meet, and is willing to explain everything you ever wanted to know about truffles, his dogs, and he even invites you into his home for a meal!
Firstly, don't get put off by the location, and it's very simple (and inexpensive) to get the train out from the centre of Rome. Federico will explain how to get there, and was always super quick to answer any questions. He picked us up right from the station, and made sure we knew everything we needed to return. The trains are fast and clean, and it's a great part of the experience to get outside of the city centre and into the Roman Countryside.
Basically, if you like truffles, this is the tour for you. If you like dogs, this is the tour for you. If you want to spend time with some great people, and learn about their life, this is the tour for you. If you want to get out of the city, and take a nice walk through the woods, and have a great meal (with truffles of course) then this is the tour for you.
In short, we had a great time, and would recommend this experience to everyone.One of the best experiences ever!
We came as a family of 8 for a truffle hunt with Federico and the adorable dogs.
Federico is very nice and informative and know all the secret spots for finding the truffles. He patiently explained about the truffles and the process of training the dogs.
We had a great experience and we highly recommend the tour with himTruffle hunting with Federico
I have stayed in Rome on 5 or 6 occasions and have been on countless tours, and the truffle hunt with Federico may be my favorite. It doesn’t matter whether you are outdoorsy or not; this is a winner! Federico met us at the station, and we had a quick coffee. We then drove a bit and set off into the woods. The day was beautiful…sunny and cool. Getting out of the city center was such a welcome change of pace and scenery. Federico is an amazing dog trainer. You can really see the special working relationship he has with his dogs. After collecting about 10 beautiful plump truffles, Federico drove us back to the house where his father and girlfriend were waiting with a lunch spread that blew us away. Really, in a region with incredible food, this lunch stands out. We spent the afternoon eating, drinking, talking and laughing like we had just rediscovered old friends. This was more than a tour and worth every penny and more. The next time I am in Rome the truffle hunt will be at the top of my list! I would rate this higher if I could!
Don't miss this fun and unique experience in Rome! Federico is a fantastic host who is very knowledgeable about truffle hunting. We spent the day in the forest with Argo and Aria, sniffing out the truffles, then had a wonderful meal with Federico and his family. An authentic Italian experience with great company and fantastic food. I can't wait to return with more of my friends and family.A Can't-Miss Unique Experience!
Our day with Federico, Argo, and Rex was one of our favorites. Federico is kind, knowledgeable, fun, and made us feel like family. We enjoyed learning about the types of truffles and watching Argo and Rex retrieve them. Afterwards, we were treated to a delicious lunch prepared by Federico and his father. We had a great time talking, laughing, and eating. The food is amazing, especially the pasta. If you are lucky enough, maybe Federico will make raviolis. Playing with the puppies with a special treat as I love dogs. My husband (we are on our honeymoon) and I highly recommend this experience. Thank you, Federico. We had a wonderful day with you!!!Amazing day in the Italian countryside
Truffle hunting was so much fun and really easy. Just follow the sweetest dogs around and watch them sniff and dig around for the prize. Federico is a great leader in this adventure. He is knowledgable and enthusiastic about what he does. We did the Rome area adventure and it was easy to get out to Cesano and so affordable. Buy the ticket at the station and it's only 1 Euro for each direction !! Smooth ride out to the forest too. The dogs found a good number of truffles in this peaceful place and we were the only ones around. After we went to Federico's father's house for lunch. It was so nice. A beautiful spread of food in a sparkling clean house. His father is a gentleman who we enjoyed very much. He had fixed fresh noodles for the excellent pasta dish. Best tiramisu ever. I highly recommend this adventure. This is my fifth time to Italy and one of the most interesting things that I have done. Don't hesitate to go, it does take some time away from seeing sights in the city but it is well worth it. Awesome Day Highly Recommended
Federico was the best host! He gave us detailed instructions on how to get from our hotel to the meeting point and was a wonderful guide. The dogs found lots of truffles and it was very interesting to hear about truffle hunting and how the truffle flavored salts and butters we are used to tasting in the US are so different from real truffles. The meal back at his house was incredible - meats and cheeses, bruschetta, brussel sprouts, his father's delicious spinach and ricotta pie, homemade pasta with truffles, eggs with truffles, tiramisu, wine, limoncello and coffee. My 8 year old daughter said this was the best thing she did on our trip to Rome. She especially loved the little puppies that were just 3 weeks old that she got to play with. Thank you Federico for a wonderful experience!Wonderful Truffle Hunting Experience
Sadly I did not join my 4 adult children on this tour, but, they haven't stopped talking about it since!! They had the most fabulous day of our Italy trip with Federico, his girlfriend, father and dogs!! They trekked through the forest and watched the dogs hunt for truffles and then went back to Federico's house for a fantastic lunch (part was made with the truffles they found) and lots of wine! They absolutely loved Federico and his family!! After listening to their raving, I have NO doubt that this is a definite "to do" while you are visiting Rome! What a special, unique experience they had. Thank you so much Federico for making this day so wonderful for my children!!WHAT AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE!!!
After spending a few days in Rome, it was lovely to get out of the city and go hunt truffles in the nature with Federico and his dogs. Federico's story of becoming a truffle hunter and dog trainer was really impressive, and he was full of knowledge. We truly enjoyed the hunt in the forest, talking and watching the dogs Argo and Rex run around excitedly while searching for truffles. The dinner that followed after the hunt at Federico's place was lovely; the rich meal prepared by him and his father was delicious and the pasta with truffles was no doubt one of the best pastas I have ever eaten! We had a lot of fun chatting and sharing stories. I would recommend this experience to anyone who enjoys nature and wants to experience something unique in an authentic Italian style. It was definitely a day to remember! Thanks, Federico!Wonderful activity for nature & dog lovers
My mom and I agreed that our truffle hunting experience was the highlight of our 12-day trip to Italy. The actual hunting part (with Federico, his girlfriend, and their three well-trained dogs) was fun and fascinating. But the dinner Federico that prepared for us in his home - featuring the local black summer truffles - was truly special. We got a better feel for Italian culture than we did visiting the various tourist sites.Such a memorable experience!
It was an awesome experience! Federico really took care of us. The dogs alone were worth it, let alone the truffle meal! I would highly recommend this experience! Truffle Hunt Outside Rome & Delicious Lunch
Federico is an A-class host in every regard! From making sure we got on the right train (a very short train ride from Rome center) to leading us through the most memorable experience of our 10-day long trip through Italy, this was one for the books. Federico is a warm and friendly host, I will remember his generosity and his precious doggos for a very long time. My parents and partner enjoyed every minute of it and are dying to do another excursion with them the next time we get the chance! Thanks again, Federico :)) Truffle Hunt Outside Rome & Delicious Lunch
Federico is a guy that puts people at ease , you will be very comfortable with him. It was fun to watch the interaction between Federico and the dogs. We learned a lot about truffles, enjoyed a lovely sunny morning in the woods, then had a great lunch,(with truffles of course) and had great relaxing, intellectual conservation. Truffle Hunt Outside Rome & Delicious Lunch
We enjoyed a Perfect Day with Frederico! I had no idea how to catch the bus and train to meet him but he gave me great directions. Frederico met us at the train station and we jumped into his car with his trusty four legged companions : Argo,Rex and Sally. Together we foraged for truffles and almost immediately found the treasures . Frederico is passionate about what he does and he has a great knowledge and we had no trouble communicating with him. Our day with Frederico and his lovable dogs was so special and a great memory of our trip to Italy. Book this Experience, you won’t regret it!Truffle Hunt Outside Rome & Delicious Lunch
Federico was both very friendly and hospitable. This was a superbly unique experience for my partner, family, and myself - we will remember this forever. The doggos were amazing companions! Watching them search for truffles while having a great time filled me with pure joy. At the end of the experience, we took our unearthed truffles to a very quaint and rustic restaurant. They prepared MANY delicious courses with the truffles, which was complemented by great house wine. I highly recommend this experience because it made me feel very welcomed and comfortable in Italy. Prepare to eat a lot! Thank you Federico for making this the best experience! Highly recommended and I will be making sure to spread the word to friends and family traveling to Italy. Truffle Hunt Outside Rome & Delicious Lunch
Federico was an amazing host! We got lost on the way (user error) but he was very patient when we showed up 15 min late. When we arrived, we were greeted with a hat, a smile, and an itinerary; which I appreciate. He took us to some beautiful places up in the mountains, and explained everything about what the dogs do, what he does to train, and all about truffle hunting! The dogs even gave us some love, which made us miss your pooch back home ❤️. Argo, the most experienced dog found us all the truffles we needed for the day! He was so well trained, so focused, and so good at finding truffles! Federico showed us every truffle Argo found and explained them all to us. The puppy Sally was adorable and still in training, but certainly added some adorable comedy to the trip. After the three different stops (2 of which were successful) we headed back to the farmhouse restaurant to taste our *ahem* Argo’s findings. All of the food was amazing. The chefs and hosts of the restaurant were so kind, and it was a beautiful, quiet space. We had antipasti, pasta w/ truffles, wild boar and fried eggs w/ truffles, all with an abundance of wine and water. Federico really took the time to ask us about our experience in Italy, about our life back home, and we learned about him and the dogs too! We hope to see him in San Francisco next summer so we can show him around!Truffle Hunt Outside Rome & Delicious Lunch
Wow! What a fantastic experience at such a great value! This experience went beyond our expectations when it came to; 1. The experience Federico gave us during the truffle hunting and his pure passion for his dogs. 2. The lunch was not an ordinary lunch. The lunch was a five course meal with lots of truffle in every course, 3 times the amount of truffle what you get in a regular restaurant. And the quality of the meal was as good as a five star restaurant. It was absolutely delicious. Federico was kind, welcoming and very caring to give us experience, not just for money but simply for the sake of sharing his passion with us. His English is really good. I’d highly recommend to take a day away from traditional Rome and give Federico experience a try. You’ll have a fantastic time, a great meal and a more appreciate perspective on eating truffles. We left the experience feeling like Federico was a friend just showing us around his beautiful town and now that we paid a tour guide. Truffle Hunt Outside Rome & Delicious Lunch
Federico and his dogs, Argo and Sally, provided us with a wonderful instruction and experience with hunting truffles. And we had an amazing lunch with his very own truffles! Federico is so lovely and engaging. A new friend! Truffle Hunt Outside Rome & Delicious Lunch