Motovun: Truffle Hunt & 3-Course Brunch with Locals

If you’re looking to experience the essence of Istrian truffle culture, the Motovun: Truffle Hunt & 3-Course Brunch with Locals offers an engaging and flavorful journey. Priced at $154 per person, this 2-hour experience combines the thrill of hunting for truffles with a warm, family-run atmosphere. Starting in the hilltop town of Motovun, the tour guides you through both the scenic forest and a family estate, culminating in a fresh, locally prepared truffle brunch. The tour is especially appealing for foodies, nature lovers, and anyone eager to learn about the traditions behind this prized delicacy.

While it doesn’t include transportation, the tour’s focus on an authentic, hands-on experience makes it well worth the visit. The mix of guided forest walk, tastings, stories, and a decadent meal ensures a well-rounded glimpse into Istrian truffle traditions. This tour suits those who appreciate local cuisine, are comfortable in walking environments, and want a genuine cultural experience.

Key Points

• Authentic truffle hunting guided by a local family with trained dogs in Motovun.
• Includes tastings of three homemade truffle rakijas as a welcome drink.
• A scenic walk through the family plantation and wild forest, with insights from a food anthropologist.
• A 3-course truffle brunch featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients and a chocolate truffle cake.
• No transportation included, so plan accordingly to reach the meeting point, marked by a yellow house.
• Tours are available in multiple languages, including English, Italian, and Spanish.

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Discovering Motovun and Its Forests

The experience begins in Motovun, a picturesque hilltop town surrounded by lush landscapes and dense oak forests. The scenic views set the ideal backdrop for this truffle adventure. The town itself adds a charming, historic atmosphere before the forest walk begins. Visitors will enjoy a photo stop and a brief guided tour of Motovun’s streets, which are full of character and local stories.

From the town, the tour leads into the Motovun forest, one of the area’s original truffle-hunting grounds. This forest is the home of Miro Tartufi, a family deeply rooted in Istrian truffle traditions. The forest walk lasts about an hour and offers an opportunity to see the terrain where truffles grow naturally, with the help of trained dogs that assist in locating these underground treasures.

Meet the Family and Learn About Truffle History

The guiding voice during this tour is a local family, with generations of experience in truffle hunting. They share stories, rituals, and the cultural significance of truffles in Istria, giving a personal touch to the adventure. As a food anthropologist, the guide emphasizes not just the technical side of truffle hunting but also the traditions and cultural roots that make this activity special.

The family’s truffle plantation is visited to see how truffles are cultivated and maintained. After exploring the plantation, the group ventures into the wild forest, where age-old hunting practices continue. The dogs are trained to sniff out the hidden fungi, and their skills are a highlight of this walk.

Tasting Homemade Truffle Rakijas and Local Flavors

Before heading into the forest, the group is welcomed with a drink and a tasting of three types of homemade rakijas, which are infused with local truffles. These truffle-infused spirits add a flavorful start to the experience and give a taste of regional craftsmanship. The tastings showcase the versatility of truffles beyond the kitchen, highlighting their aromatic potential.

Throughout the walk, the guide explains how truffles have been treasured here for generations and shares anecdotes about their cultural importance. The informative storytelling enriches the experience, making the hunting feel rooted in local tradition rather than just a tourist activity.

The Scenic Forest Walk and Truffle Hunting Process

The forest walk is designed to be accessible and engaging, lasting around an hour. You’ll pass through oak and other trees, gaining insights into how truffles grow underground. The trained dogs are central to the hunt, sniffing out the hidden fungi and leading the group to their discovery.

Participants can observe the training techniques used to prepare the dogs for truffle hunting, which has been part of Istrian culture for centuries. The hunting process is both educational and fun, giving a tangible connection to the local landscape and traditions.

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A 3-Course Truffle Brunch with Fresh, Seasonal Ingredients

After the forest walk, the tour continues at the family estate, where the brunch is served in an open-air kitchen with stunning views of Motovun. The meal features three courses, all made with fresh, local ingredients.

The starter includes truffle spreads, cheeses, sausages, and rustic bread, complemented by truffle salt and oils. The main course is scrambled eggs with fresh truffles, which guests are encouraged to join in preparing or simply enjoy. The meal concludes with a rich chocolate truffle cake, infused with local honey and topped with shaved black truffle.

All ingredients are harvested daily by the family, emphasizing freshness and seasonal produce. The local white and red wines and still and sparkling waters round out the meal.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Logistics

The tour departs from a yellow house in Motovun, which serves as the main meeting point. Since transportation to and from the activity is not included, visitors should arrange their own transport to the town. The guided walk, tastings, and brunch are structured to fit within a 2-hour duration, making it a manageable experience for most schedules.

The tour is available in multiple languages, including English, Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Serbo-Croatian, with a live guide leading the way. It includes water, local wines, and tastings, but not transportation.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

We appreciate the authentic storytelling from a local family who has been involved in truffle hunting for generations. The combination of forest walk, cultural insights, and a hearty brunch offers a comprehensive look at Istrian truffle traditions. The scenic views in Motovun, along with the hands-on hunt and delicious meal, make it both educational and indulgent.

The small-group format ensures personalized attention, and the tastings of homemade rakijas add a unique flavor to the experience. The chocolate truffle cake with local honey provides a sweet finish that highlights the region’s culinary creativity.

A notable strength is the focus on cultural context, making this more than just a truffle hunt — it’s a glimpse into a regional treasure passed down through generations. For those interested in local cuisine, nature, and tradition, this tour offers a balanced and memorable experience.

Motovun: Truffle Hunt & 3-Course Brunch with Locals – Is It Worth It?

For food lovers and culture seekers, this tour packs in a lot of value: a guided forest walk, insights into the history and rituals of truffle hunting, tastings of homemade spirits, and a fresh, seasonal brunch. The 5/5 rating from two reviews highlights the quality and authenticity of the experience.

While the $154 price might seem high for a two-hour activity, it includes tastings, a guided experience, and a full meal, making it a good investment for those eager to explore Istrian culinary traditions. The stunning views and family atmosphere elevate it beyond a typical tour.

This experience suits adventurous foodies, curious travelers, and nature lovers who want a hands-on peek into local life and gastronomic culture. It’s best for those who enjoy walking in forests, learning stories, and sampling regional products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, transportation to and from the meeting point is not included. Participants need to arrange their own transport to the yellow house in Motovun.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 2 hours, including the forest walk, tastings, and brunch.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as you’ll be walking in the forest and outdoor areas.

Can I participate in the cooking or brunch preparation?
Yes, guests are welcome to join in preparing the scrambled eggs with truffles.

Are allergens or dietary restrictions accommodated?
The tour uses fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients, but specific dietary accommodations are not detailed. Check in advance if needed.

What languages are spoken during the tour?
The tour is offered in English, Serbo-Croatian, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, and French with a live guide.

Is this experience suitable for children?
As the activity involves walking in the forest and some outdoor exposure, children should be comfortable with these conditions. No specific age restrictions are given.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This Motovun Truffle Hunt & Brunch combines cultural storytelling, scenic forest walks, and culinary delights into a balanced and memorable experience perfect for those eager to taste the authentic flavors of Istria while learning about its traditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby