The Pettino Country Experience
Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience in Umbria, in an ancient village and family estate.
Immerse yourself in the culture, cuisine and countryside of our village of Pettino where our family has owned and farmed this land since the year 1486.
Enjoy as a day trip to Pettino or as part of your stay at the Black Truffle Lodge.
DISCOVER THE EXPERIENCE
Getting to Pettino
Enjoy the breathtakingly picturesque drive to our mountain village of Pettino, tucked away among the rolling hills and valleys of our farm. It’s like stepping into a place lost in time, where you will discover the poetic beauty of a timeless Italian lifestyle.
You’ll be welcomed with a freshly brewed coffee and a chat with the family before we head out into the surrounding countryside and enjoy the outdoor things to do in the Pettino Country Experience.
After our coffee we jump into the SUVs to go truffle hunting with the truffle hunters and their incredible dogs skilfully trained to sniff out the Umbrian truffles. It’s a short journey to the forest where the truffle hunters will introduce you to a few secrets about truffle hunting, before letting the dogs out. Truffle hunting in Pettino is a relaxing, pleasant stroll in some really stunning countryside, where you can enjoy the views and watch the dogs and the truffle hunters work.
Truffles in Pettino are usually plentiful and we walk until we have enough truffles for you to taste and enjoy. Truffles are an everyday part of our cuisine in Pettino and you during your Pettino Country Experience you will be treated to some amazing truffle recipes.
Shepherd’s Picnic
After our truffle hunt we head to a panoramic spot for an experience with our shepherd, flock of sheep and totally awesome big, white, wolf-chasing sheep dogs, whose only job is to protect our flock from the wolves that call the Pettino countryside home.
You will meet the shepherd as he wanders the fields and forests with the family flock of sheep. We’ll will open a few bottles of prosecco which you can enjoy with our home-made pecorino cheese, made from the milk of the sheep.
The truffle hunters will also treat you to your first taste of the freshly dug truffles. You will discover how to prepare a fresh truffle, and enjoy its aroma and flavours, all the while sipping on prosecco with stunning views in every direction and a whole lot of friendly dogs and sheep for company.
Pasta Making & Cheese Room
Back at the village of Pettino we will visit the incredible ancient pasta room where Francesca will be ready to make pasta by hand. While you watch, enjoy and if you like join in, you’ll be treated to some of our home-made delicacies from the farm such as prosciutto and salame.
You will also try wood-grilled bruschetta with our own olive oil as well as our unforgettable truffle spread. We’ll also introduce you to pleasures of Umbrian farmer’s wine which you can enjoy while tasting all the snacks.
You will also visit the family’s ancient cheese-ageing room, which is sight for the eyes and an explosion of aroma. the family have been ageing their pecorino cheese in this room for generations unknown.
Lunch in the Village Kitchen
We hope you’ll still have plenty of appetite because head to the village kitchen for a very big and very relaxing traditional Umbrian lunch. You’ll try lots of local recipes as well as loads of local wine. The dining table is also in the kitchen and you can chat with Francesca as she serves the lunch.
Along with Francesca’s hand made pasta we also prepare some sausages or lamb on the grill which we will serve with lunch, along with vegetables and other local specialities.
The lunch is very relaxing and there is plenty of wine to enjoy. The day ends with dessert and of course a strong shot of espresso coffee.
Day Trip From Rome
The Pettino Country Experience is also an easy day-trip from Rome where we will take you truffle hunting in Umbria and introduce you to a timeless Italian lifestyle.
It’s a pleasant 1 hour 40 minute train ride from Rome to Spoleto in Umbria, where we will pick you up and take you to Pettino and the farm, then drop you back at the end of the day.
For more information about making a day trip from Rome, please click here
Pricing & Information
€150 per adult (minimum 2 adults)
€50 per child aged 13-17 years
Children 12 years and under free of charge (maximum 2 per paying adult)
Exclusive, private experience €900 for up to 6 people (adults and children) then usual prices apply.
Included in the price:
- Transport from the village to the surrounding hills in 4 wheel drives.
- Truffle hunting & truffle eating.
- Local delicacies such as homemade pecorino cheese, salamis, bruschetta with truffle and wine.
- A big traditional Umbrian lunch including loads of wine.
For the Day trip from Rome an additional €90 will be charged (for up to 4 people) for transfers from and to Spoleto train station.
If you require transportation from any of the nearby towns in Umbria, such as Montefalco, Spoleto, Spello, Perugia, Assisi, then we can arrange this for you at an additional charge. Please specify you need transportation when booking.
We will confirm all pricing after we receive your booking request.
Things to consider before you book with us:
The Season
The Pettino Country Experience is available every day all year round.
If we have bad weather we will be in touch to make sure you are still up for the experience, or, let you know if we need to cancel.
During the winter months, depending on weather, we are sometimes closed.
Suitable for
The Pettino Country Experience is great for people of all ages: couples, families, groups of friends and lone travelers.
It’s excellent for foodies, wine-lovers, or for anyone just wanting to immerse themselves in the landscape, people and culture of Umbria.
Some activities involve walks in the countryside, and therefore are not recommended if you have difficulty walking; however, you are welcome to enjoy the village activities.
Group sizes are from 2 to 16. If you have a bigger private group please let us know when you book.
The Landscape
The Pettino Country Experience happens on sometimes rough terrain with rocky and hilly slopes which can get slippery if wet. We recommend you wear proper outdoor shoes that can handle this type of terrain. Upon arrival we will request that you sign a disclaimer.
Dietary needs
If you have any special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian, allergies) please let us know when you book.
Payment and terms
We do not require a deposit at the time of booking and we would like to maintain this flexibility. On the day of the Pettino Country Experience payments will be accepted and can be made with your credit card using either VISA or MasterCard, or you can pay us cash in Euros.
In case you need to cancel your day tour please notify us as soon as possible. Notifying us of any changes helps us with preparing each adventure.
Cancellations may be made by calling +39 333 498-5387, or, emailing us here.
Join us for an unforgettable day of truffle hunting, authentic Umbrian culture and incredible country cuisine.
Enjoy the Pettino Country Experience on us, when you book 2 nights or more at the Black Truffle Lodge.