Truffle Hunting Magic in Roccascalegna
16 July @ 10:00 - 15:30 CEST
€75
Picture a dog sniffing through the grass, a castle towering above you, and a four-course lunch made with truffles you helped find. This morning, in the Abruzzo hills, it is available on two dates this summer.
The day combines three things Abruzzo is known for: a striking medieval castle, a real truffle hunt with a local and his dogs, and a generous, relaxed lunch. By the end, you’ll have seen a truffle go from the earth to your plate.
At a glance: 75 euros per person. Dates: Friday 26 June and Thursday 16 July 2026. Location: Roccascalegna, province of Chieti. Organised by Ciao Abruzzo. Places are limited.
Explore Roccascalegna Castle
The day begins at Roccascalegna, a medieval castle set high on a narrow rock above the valley. You can walk along the ramparts, enjoy sweeping views of the hills, and take photos before the walk. It’s one of the most impressive sights in this part of Abruzzo and sets the scene for the morning.
Hunt for Truffles with a Local and his Dogs
Next, you join a local truffle hunter and his dogs. You’ll see the dogs pick up the scent, learn why truffles grow in certain spots, and watch each truffle carefully dug up whole. In summer, the main find is the scorzone, or summer truffle, freshly unearthed as you watch.
It’s a hands-on, relaxed experience most visitors never see up close.
A pasta lesson, then lunch
Back at the agriturismo, you’ll learn how to make chitarra, the square-cut egg pasta Abruzzo is famous for. Then you sit down to a meal where truffles are the star ingredient in every course.
The four-course menu
Seasonal antipasti, hot and cold
Handmade chitarra with sweet yellow pepper and fresh summer truffle
Grilled pork and roast lamb with herbs, cooked in the wood oven
Dessert, with local wine, coffee and digestivi
Vegetarian main course
Pan-fried aubergine and courgette with tomato, mozzarella, roast peppers, fresh beans, and cime di rapa
Allergies, including those who are gluten-free, can be easily booked
Your hosts
Chef Ezio and his wife Marie, who return to his family home in Abruzzo every summer, look after you and share their table with visitors. The day is organised by Ciao Abruzzo.
What is included
- Entry to and time at Roccascalegna Castle
- A guided truffle hunt with a local hunter and his dogs
- A hands-on chitarra pasta lesson
- A four-course truffle lunch with local wine, coffee and digestivi
75 euros per person. Two dates this summer:
Friday 26 June 2026
Thursday 16 July 2026
Places are limited, book your place on WhatsApp with Ezio, 001 401 516 6158
FAQ
Is the day suitable for children and families? Yes! The hunt is gentle, and the dogs are friendly, making it ideal for families who enjoy being outdoors.
How much walking is involved? A short, easy walk on uneven ground. You do not need to be especially fit, but closed shoes with grip are recommended for the castle and woods.
What if the dogs do not find any truffles that day? The hunt depends on the terrain, so finds vary. Either way, the truffle lunch goes ahead, so there is always truffle on the table.
Can you cater for dietary needs? A vegetarian main course is included as standard. For anything else, [tell us when you book, and we will do our best.
When is truffle season in Abruzzo? These dates fall in summer, when the scorzone, or summer truffle, is in season.
What language is the day run in? English-friendly and Italian.
WhatsApp to Book your Place