Two New Culinary Tours for Foodies Heading to Italy

Il Salviatino in Florence

From hunting for truffles in Florence to discovering the secret to why risotto is such a popular dish, Travel Agent breaks down two new culinary experiences for clients heading to Italy this summer and beyond.

Truffle Hunting in Florence

Foodies and culture-lovers alike will delight in this hands-on truffle hunting and cooking experience from Fiesole at Italy’s luxurious Il Salviatino in Florence.

Clients can join a certified truffle hunter and his dog to review the basics of this coveted ingredient before embarking on an experience that explores the secret world of the Tuscan truffle, including a hands-on truffle hunt, introduction to cleaning and cooking techniques, and a truffle-filled lunch feast.

The truffle hunting experience itself is led by celebrated Tuscan truffle hunter Giulio Benuzzi and his dog Eda. Clients will be taken to Giulio’s personal home, where he will introduce them to the basics of the process and lead them through the local forest surrounding his cottage. After the hunt, which lasts about two hours, Giulio walks groups through the techniques for cleaning, maintenance and cooking before serving a truffle tasting lunch, including focaccia with truffle sauce bean soup and even truffle ice cream. The experience can be arranged individually or as part of a package.

Risotto Experience at Riseria Ferron

Located in the heart of one of Italy’s most elegant cities, Palazzo Victoria in Verona invites foodies to get to the source of what makes risotto one of the country's most celebrated dishes. Guests will set out from Palazzo Victoria for a nearly one-hour drive until they reach Riseria Ferron —  a risotto farm located in the village of Isola della Scala.

Once there, owner Gabrielle Ferron, a self-proclaimed master of risotto, will greet participates to begin the tour with an introduction to the rice fields — which includes a walk around his farm to pick flowers, hops and herbs that are used in an interactive risotto cooking lesson. Every step is told in Italian so it’s as authentic as it gets. The experience concludes with an exclusive lunch prepared with local ingredients, designed to showcase the region’s best rice-based dishes, from breads to desserts. Guests can arrange this experience through Palazzo Victoria starting at $90 per person.

Visit www.salviatino.com and www.palazzovictoria.com.