The little underground fungi certainly aren't among the most photogenic foods. But as so often, looks can be deceiving. What looks like a wrinkly potato to the untrained eye is actually a true gem from the earth. At least among connoisseurs. In fact, the real truffle is one of the most valuable foods. A kilogram of white truffle can cost up to 9,000 euros in Europe – and up to 15,000 in Japan.

When it comes to food, looks can often be deceiving. © Rosewood Hotels

In the past, it was exclusively used in rural areas. Today, the world's top chefs use it for their haute cuisine creations. The most popular are the black Perigord truffle and the white Piedmont truffle. The latter is found in the truffle regions of Italy, France and Croatia. The harvest of the valuable underground fungi usually starts in September, depending on the weather. That's also when lots of places have truffle markets. Numerous hotels and restaurants include activities around the fungus in their fall itinerary.

In search of truffles in Tuscany

Guests of the Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco get to relish one of the oldest and best preserved country estates in Italy, where they also have the privilege to indulge in a special tradition in the fall. From October 1, 2022, the unique resort will offer a special culinary experience based on the "black gold."

If you stay at the hotel in October, you can join a walk through Tuscany's typical forests. A truffle expert and his dog will join in as well. Together you can keep an eye out for the hidden treasures, which you'll get to enjoy at a four-course menu afterwards. Including a glass of wine from the region, of course.

Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco
53024 Castiglion del Bosco Province of Siena, Italy
Web: rosewoodhotels.com
Tel.: +39 0577 191 3001
Price: suite incl. breakfast from €900 per night

Cooking with truffles in Piedmont

Located in the heart of the Langhe-Monferrato wine and food region, surrounded by a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Almaranto Hotel & Retreat awaits. Among its facilities, the hotel boasts its own cooking school, where the German hostess and passionate cook Alexa Schulte and her husband Markus Schulz give insights into the secrets of their kitchen.

White truffles aren't all that's on the menu. Guests can also get a taste of hazelnuts, salami and special cheeses. And, of course, there are the first-class wines from the major wine-growing region Langhe-Monferrato.

Almaranto Hotel & Retreat
Regione Quartino, 6, 14042 Calamandrana AT, Italy
Web: almaranto.it
Tel.: +39 0141 184 7040
Price: doubles incl. breakfast from €165 per night

Enjoy truffles in Istria

Ever since truffles were discovered in Motovun, gourmets have been making regular pilgrimages to Croatian Istria. It was only about 80 years ago that the first fungi were found in the local forests. Today, Istria is considered an absolute truffle mecca in Croatia. Gourmets from all over the world appreciate the three types of black truffle and the rare white truffle found here. The restaurant Cap Aureo serves particularly delicious creations based on the delicacy.

The signature restaurant of Hotel Grand Park Rovinj offers an informal gourmet experience rarely found in similar establishments. The menu offers wildly imaginative culinary delights, with truffles aplenty. Fun extra: During dinner, guests can record their thoughts in a book. They can also peruse the experiences of other guests who dined at the restaurant before them.

Restaurant Cap Aureo
Smareglijeva ulica 1A, 52210, Rovinj, Croatia
Web: maistra.com
Tel.: +385 52 800 250
Price: 7 courses for approx. €122 per person without wine pairing

Experience unusual flavor combinations in Opatija

Chocolate mousse, steak and poached eggs, all with truffles: the restaurant of the design hotel Navis surprises its guests with unusual truffle-based creations, paired with excellent wines from the region.

Davor Kapetanovic is in charge of the project. He is a member of the top European gastronomic association Jeunes Restaurateurs (JRE). Together with chef Tino Sinožić, he creates unforgettable menus from the best the region has to offer. The ambience is beautiful as well: guests can enjoy their dinner with a view of the quiet bay.

Hotel Navis
Ul. Ivana Matetića Ronjgova 10, 51410, Opatija, Croatia
Web: hotel-navis.hr
Tel.: +385 51 444 600
Price: deals incl. 2 nights & 2 dinners from €550

Buy truffles in Provence

Every Friday morning, from mid-November to mid-March, guests can visit the truffle market of Carpentras, where the intense aroma of Périgord truffle fills the air. Connoisseurs appreciate the slightly woody flavor with hints of strawberries, dried fruit and cacao. The vibrant atmosphere at the market is highly interesting as well. As are the prices of the sought-after fungi. Guests of the Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa have the option of biking to one of France's most important truffle markets.

You'll pass enchanting towns along the way, such as Roussillon, the iconic red town on the hill. With an e-bike, you can easily complete the route in around two hours. And in the evening, you'll still have enough time to enjoy the "black diamonds" on your plate. At the Coquillade, the team serves fine culinary delights at several restaurants. With truffles, obviously.

Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa
Le, 84400 Gargas, France
Web: coquillade.fr
Tel.: +33 4 90 74 71 71
Price: doubles incl. breakfast from approx. €540 per night