Spend a day from Naples chasing truffles in Monti Picentini with a local hunter and Lagotto Romagnolo dogs, followed by a truffle-forward 3-course lunch. Expect ~3 hours of walking, mountain views and hands-on tasting.
Spend a day from Naples chasing truffles in Monti Picentini with a local hunter and Lagotto Romagnolo dogs, followed by a truffle-forward 3-course lunch. Expect ~3 hours of walking, mountain views and hands-on tasting.
Early light lifts from the Bay of Naples as your minivan threads the low hills toward Monti Picentini; by midmorning the road gives way to chestnut and oak, and the mountain forest seems to breathe as the dogs pick up the scent. You meet a local hunter and two Lagotto Romagnolos — compact, earnest dogs bred for truffles — then set off on a mostly gentle ascent to roughly 1,400 m elevation.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Authentic Journeys · Volturara Irpina, Campania
Early light lifts from the Bay of Naples as your minivan threads the low hills toward Monti Picentini; by midmorning the road gives way to chestnut and oak, and the mountain forest seems to breathe as the dogs pick up the scent. You meet a local hunter and two Lagotto Romagnolos — compact, earnest dogs bred for truffles — then set off on a mostly gentle ascent to roughly 1,400 m elevation.
This land has long fed Campania: volcanic soils lower on Vesuvius turn to limestone ridges here, creating the right mix of oak roots, moisture and leaf litter that favors black truffles. Truffle hunting is both craft and culture — families, local markets and regional restaurants have traded these aromatic fungi for generations, and the hunt reflects rural knowledge as much as luck.
As you hike (about three hours of walking distributed across the day), the forest will test and reward you: shaded trails, loose soils and sudden clearings that open to valley views toward Avellino. Dogs will signal finds with focused behavior; hunters use careful extraction to protect the mycelium.
Practical guidance: bring sturdy footwear and layered clothing for mountain microclimates; expect uneven terrain and three hours on foot within a full-day itinerary of about 8–9 hours including transport and lunch. Hydrate and note dietary needs in advance — local lunch is rich with truffle-enhanced dishes and regional wines. Respect private land and follow the guide’s instructions for ethical foraging: leave roots and soil largely undisturbed and let the dogs lead. The day combines light mountaineering, local gastronomy, and hands-on natural history — a compact, sensory way to understand Campania’s wild food traditions.
The guided search usually involves roughly three hours of walking over a few kilometers, with frequent stops when dogs signal a find.
Yes—trained Lagotto Romagnolos accompany the hunt; they are typically calm and handled by the hunter, but children should follow safety instructions and avoid startling the animals.
Finds are managed by the hunter and the tour; tastings are included, and any extra purchases or arrangements are handled through the guide or restaurant.
The hike involves uphill sections and uneven ground; it’s not ideal for those with significant mobility limitations, though portions may be adjusted—check with the operator before booking.
Authentic Journeys operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.


Early light lifts from the Bay of Naples as your minivan threads the low hills toward Monti Picentini; by midmorning the road gives way to chestnut and oak, and the mountain forest seems to breathe as the dogs pick up the scent. You meet a local hunter and two Lagotto Romagnolos — compact, earnest dogs bred for truffles — then set off on a mostly gentle ascent to roughly 1,400 m elevation.
Early light lifts from the Bay of Naples as your minivan threads the low hills toward Monti Picentini; by midmorning the road gives way to chestnut and oak, and the mountain forest seems to breathe as the dogs pick up the scent. You meet a local hunter and two Lagotto Romagnolos — compact, earnest dogs bred for truffles — then set off on a mostly gentle ascent to roughly 1,400 m elevation.
This land has long fed Campania: volcanic soils lower on Vesuvius turn to limestone ridges here, creating the right mix of oak roots, moisture and leaf litter that favors black truffles. Truffle hunting is both craft and culture — families, local markets and regional restaurants have traded these aromatic fungi for generations, and the hunt reflects rural knowledge as much as luck.
As you hike (about three hours of walking distributed across the day), the forest will test and reward you: shaded trails, loose soils and sudden clearings that open to valley views toward Avellino. Dogs will signal finds with focused behavior; hunters use careful extraction to protect the mycelium.
Practical guidance: bring sturdy footwear and layered clothing for mountain microclimates; expect uneven terrain and three hours on foot within a full-day itinerary of about 8–9 hours including transport and lunch. Hydrate and note dietary needs in advance — local lunch is rich with truffle-enhanced dishes and regional wines. Respect private land and follow the guide’s instructions for ethical foraging: leave roots and soil largely undisturbed and let the dogs lead. The day combines light mountaineering, local gastronomy, and hands-on natural history — a compact, sensory way to understand Campania’s wild food traditions.