The perfect break in Tuscany for food lovers

A white truffle festival held in the heart of Tuscany is the perfect break for food lovers this autumn.

San Miniato, a small town between Florence and Pisa, is one of the most productive truffle-rich areas in Europe.

The white truffle (which is usually pale ochre in colour) is the most valuable type known and is found only in the San Miniato Hills. This kind of fungus cannot be cultivated and is known as 'the white gold of San Miniato' due to its very high value.

The truffles are found a few centimetres underground and can only be found in very limited areas favoured by nature for the particular, almost mysterious, combination of forest fauna and geological substratum.

The San Miniato National White Truffle Market is held every year during the last three weeks of November. It is an important, internationally recognised fair that hosts many gastronomic and cultural events. Apart from selling fresh truffles in various parts of the historical centre of San Miniato, the fair hosts stalls and markets where people can eat, drink and find all types of Tuscan products.

The San Miniato market ensures that only good quality truffles are sold, controlled by the vigilant eye of the Truffle Association.

Accommodation:

Bucciano, San Miniato
Bucciano is an ancient village set in the heart of the rolling Tuscan countryside just 2 kilometres from San Miniato. Beautifully restored, you feel that you are entering another world as you pass through the impressive gates to this magnificent villa dating back to the 1600's.

The new owners have worked hard to restore the property into 11 apartments sleeping from 2 - 4 without taking away any of its original charm. The carefully kept grounds include perfectly tended Italian gardens, a tiny neo-gothic chapel and a super pool.

Price: From £575 per week for 2 sharing an apartment
Location: San Miniato 2kms, Florence 30kms

For more information and bookings, visit: essentialitaly.co.uk