Easy Day Trip from Rome: Truffle Hunting with Matteo
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By Alì Carroll
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Latest update: 23 January 2024
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Rome is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy so it’s no surprise that our readers are often looking for ideas on how to escape the crowds during their visit.
After you’ve explored the sites of Rome, if you have a day to spare, are relying on public transport and are curious to explore further afield, read on! |
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Matteo Truffles
The charming towns around Lake Bracciano are popular for weekend getaways. They’re home to a castle, an array of delicious restaurants, and of course the beautiful lake itself.
However, for a truly authentic, peaceful and unique Italian experience, we recommend a day tour with local truffle hunter Matteo of Matteo Truffles.
Matteo has been hunting truffles since he was a child, following in the footsteps of his father who inspired his love for nature, animals and truffle hunting. A professional truffle hunter for the past 12 years, Matteo now shares his passion with visitors from around the world.
However, for a truly authentic, peaceful and unique Italian experience, we recommend a day tour with local truffle hunter Matteo of Matteo Truffles.
Matteo has been hunting truffles since he was a child, following in the footsteps of his father who inspired his love for nature, animals and truffle hunting. A professional truffle hunter for the past 12 years, Matteo now shares his passion with visitors from around the world.
Venture into the forest near Lake Bracciano for a truffle hunt!
Matteo’s truffle experience begins by meeting his guests at Olgiata train station – a quick 1 hour direct train ride from Rome Tiburtina station. After a short drive with Matteo, his assistants and his dog (or dogs!), the truffle hunt begins on foot in the peaceful, picturesque forest between Lake Bracciano and Monti della Tolfa. Matteo’s dog leads the gentle hike through areas of rich history and natural beauty.
Matteo follows closely behind, explaining the history of the truffle hunt and how he trains his beloved dogs to find (but not
damage!) the delicious ‘diamonds of nature’.
Matteo follows closely behind, explaining the history of the truffle hunt and how he trains his beloved dogs to find (but not
damage!) the delicious ‘diamonds of nature’.
Relax after your hunt with a multi-course truffle feast
The hunt lasts anywhere from 1-2 hours, depending on how quickly the truffles are found. After that, Matteo drives the precious harvest and guests back to his house in the countryside near the lake of Bracciano.
Here guests are invited to relax at a long table in Matteo’s dining room, while Matteo and his team prepare a seemingly never-ending truffle degustation feast – did we mention Matteo is also a chef?
Every dish includes a variation of truffle (both fresh and using Matteo’s homemade truffle products). The menu varies depending on the season; when we visited during late May, we enjoyed tasting dishes such as truffle-pecorino atop crunchy bruschetta, truffle honey drizzled over creamy brie, and rich risotto crowned in generous shavings of fresh truffle.
The degustation is complemented with local red and white wine (made by Matteo’s father). To finish, Matteo serves locally made digestifs such as limoncello, while guests relax and enjoy conversation with others on the tour, who quite often by now feel like old friends.
Here guests are invited to relax at a long table in Matteo’s dining room, while Matteo and his team prepare a seemingly never-ending truffle degustation feast – did we mention Matteo is also a chef?
Every dish includes a variation of truffle (both fresh and using Matteo’s homemade truffle products). The menu varies depending on the season; when we visited during late May, we enjoyed tasting dishes such as truffle-pecorino atop crunchy bruschetta, truffle honey drizzled over creamy brie, and rich risotto crowned in generous shavings of fresh truffle.
The degustation is complemented with local red and white wine (made by Matteo’s father). To finish, Matteo serves locally made digestifs such as limoncello, while guests relax and enjoy conversation with others on the tour, who quite often by now feel like old friends.
Summary
- Escape the crowds for an authentic truffle experience in Lake Bracciano, which runs year round!
- Easy 1.5 hour direct train ride from Rome.
- Hike and hunt truffles in the picturesque forest near Lake Bracciano, north of Rome.
- Enjoy a multi-course truffle meal with wine and limoncello.
- Finish your tour with the easy train ride back to Rome, or spend an evening in Lake Bracciano.
- Follow the green links in the article to visit Matteo's website or for things to see around the Lake
