Truffle Hunting in Motovun Forest

On the hunt for wild truffles

Surrounding the ancient sleepy hilltowns of Motovun, Buzet, and Vrh lies damp and dark woods, the perfect environment—and prime-hunting ground—for the elusive truffle. This valuable subterranean fungus has a delicate nutty and mushroomy taste making it a highly prized delicacy among foodies. As it can only be found with the help of trained dogs or domestic pigs, its allure continues to grow.

This guided tour transfers you to the nearby country house of a seasoned professional who has over 40 years of experience seeking out the wild truffles in the Mediterranean forests of the area. He'll introduce you to dogs trained specially to hunt the delicacy, and after an aperitif, you'll venture into the forest and begin the search.

The tour takes about three hours total. However, the initial truffle hunt takes just 45 minutes. You'll spend the remainder of the time at the country house learning how to prepare a meal with truffles as the star ingredient. The friendly hosts will serve you local wine, cheese, truffle-flavored honey, and other delicacies as you work, which you can also buy at the estate.

Discover more excursions in Istria, some fun family-friendly experiences, and other culinary activities in Croatia.

Photos

With the help of an expert, you can find prized truffles

Vineyard-covered and forested landscape near Motovun

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Itineraries with Truffle Hunting in Motovun Forest

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This 14-day adventure covers the highlights of Croatia, from the north to the south and the Dalmatian Coast to the inland national parks. You'll leave no stone unturned as you stroll the cobbled streets of ancient cities like Split and Dubrovnik. You'll also discover the culture and history of the country on a tour of Zagreb, partaking in a cooking class, and visiting the stunning waterfalls at Plitvice and Krka national parks.

Red-roofed homes of Motovun, a hill town in the the Istrian peninsula

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This 10-day itinerary highlights some of Croatia's more popular attractions, including the medieval hill town of Motovun and the "Adriatic Pearl," Dubrovnik, with a unique twist. For example, you'll venture into the romantic Istrian peninsula to seek out the prized truffle and explore Dubrovnik's limestone-paved streets on a private tour of two of the country's most esteemed artists. You'll also discover trendy cafés in Zagreb, marvel at Plitvice Lakes' enchanting beauty, listen to Zadar's Sea Organ, and visit famed Diocletian's Palace in Split.

The Old Town of Sibenik along the Adriatic Coast

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This 15-day family-friendly vacation focuses on a few great locations and kid-friendly hotels to keep everyone entertained from Zagreb to Dubrovnik. Enjoy a day at the beach on Cape Kamenjak, kayak from Šibenik to explore the island fort of St. Nicholas, wander the ancient Diocletian's Palace in historic Split, and take a speedboat to discover the villages, hidden caves, and cliffs of the Elafiti islands.

The charming hilltop town of Buzet in the Istrian peninsula

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Go from medieval hilltop towns in vineyard-covered Istria to charming coastal cities of the Dalmatian coast over the course of this 13-day trip. You'll begin in the art-forward capital of Zagreb before venturing to the romantic landscape of the Istrian peninsula where you'll hunt for truffles, tour fortressed villages, and relax on pebbled beaches. Carry on down the coast after spending the night in breathtaking Plitvice Lakes to watch a sunset in Zadar, visit your own personal island off of Korčula, and explore the rugged beauty of the Pelješac peninsula.