Truffle hunting adventure

If you like food quests, this one is special. This truffle hunt in the Motovun hills puts you on a real foraging path with trained truffle dogs and the Svilicic family, led by Mihael, who explains what you are seeing as you walk.

Two things I especially like here: you get hands-on dog work, not just a demo, and you learn about white and black truffles while searching in the forest. The other big win is what happens after the hunt, because the experience often turns into a seriously memorable family meal in Motovun.

One possible drawback to plan for: this is outdoors, and you should expect muddy ground and mosquitoes, plus you need to be okay around dogs that move fast.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Working truffle dogs on scent duty: You follow the dogs while they hunt, and you learn why their noses matter.
• White and black truffle education: You get a clear explanation of how the two types are foraged and why seasons matter.
• Mihael leads with energy: The guide is active, friendly, and prepared to guide you through the hunt step by step.
• Rubber boots are usually part of the deal: Mud is part of the experience, so footwear matters.
• Food is a major highlight: The end of the outing can include truffle tastings, and many people add the lunch option for the full family table.
• Small group size: The max group is 10, which makes it feel personal.

Why a Truffle Hunt in the Motovun Hills Feels Like Local Life

This tour works because it is not staged. You meet the Svilicic family and Mihael, then you head into the woods with the whole point being truffle hunting, not sightseeing for the sake of pictures. The setting is the Motovun hills around Rovinj, which means you are getting that Istrian countryside feel right away.

The biggest appeal is the mix of nature, food, and people. You are learning something specific, truffles are not a vague theme, and the dogs make it real in a way a lecture never could. If you have ever wondered how truffles are actually found, this answers that question quickly and hands-on.

Another plus: the tour is built for small groups. With a maximum of 10 travelers, you are not lost in the crowd, and Mihael can explain what is happening during the hunt without rushing.

And yes, the food matters. The experience is designed to end with local truffle samples and wine, and many people choose the lunch option because the family meal is the part they remember long after the forest walk.

Meeting Up With Mihael and His Svilicic Truffle-Hunting Family

Pickup makes your day easier, especially if you are staying in Motovun. You can be picked up only from hotels and rooms in Motovun, and the tour starts at the DPD Pickup location at Kanal 46, 52424, Motovun, Croatia. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Mihael is the kind of guide who keeps the energy up without feeling frantic. From what you see in the way the hunt runs, he is guiding the group while also keeping the hunt focused on the dogs’ work. People consistently mention that Mihael is attentive and informative, and he can talk you through what to expect, what the dogs are doing, and why truffles are such a big deal here.

You also meet the dogs early, which matters because it sets the tone for the walk. Names you might hear during the experience include Roxy, Mina, and Luna. They are friendly, but they are also working dogs, so their speed and enthusiasm are part of the show.

If your comfort level with animals is mixed, this is worth noting. One caution that comes up often is that if you are easily startled by dogs or you do not love fast, muddy paws, you may want to think twice. This is not a slow petting zoo. The dogs are there to hunt.

The Forest Hunt: Following Dogs to Find Black and White Truffles

The core of the experience is simple. You walk through the woods with a forager and truffle dogs trained for the job, and you search along the way for truffles. Mihael and the family show you how truffle hunting works and how the foraging process connects to what people look for in the field.

What I like about this part is that it teaches without making it feel like school. You are moving, you are watching the dogs track scent, and you are learning alongside that action. It is one of those experiences where the information clicks faster because you can see it happening in real time.

The tour also focuses on white and black truffles, including how they grow and are foraged. You will get the story behind the two types, plus the idea that timing matters because seasons change what is possible. More than once, people mention finding black truffles, and they also note moments when white truffles are part of the conversation even if they are not always available.

Expect that you might find truffles, and you might find a few. The hunting is not described as an extreme trek. In practice, it is more about careful walking and paying attention to the dogs than it is about pounding miles.

A small but important detail: the dogs can run with purpose. Watching them helps you understand why truffle hunters rely on trained scent detection, not guessing. The hunt becomes a lesson in how skill and timing work together.

What to Wear in Motovun Woods: Boots, Mud, and Mosquito Season

This is outdoors in the forest, so your clothing choices matter. Rubber boots are provided, and they are a big help when the ground is wet or muddy. If you do not want to feel like you are wrestling your footwear, bring socks you are okay with getting dirty.

You should also plan for mosquitoes. People mention there can be quite a lot, so having spray helps. If you tend to get bitten easily, take that seriously, because the hunt is the kind of activity where you cannot just duck indoors for relief.

Then there is the dog factor. Even though the dogs are friendly, their excitement can mean muddy paws or quick movement right near you. If you are wearing light or delicate clothing, you might want to keep it practical.

Finally, remember the tour is seasonal and weather-dependent. The experience requires good weather. If weather is poor, you should expect a rescheduled date or a full refund option, depending on how it is handled.

Tasting Truffles and Wines, Plus the Lunch Option People Actually Talk About

The experience includes a celebratory tasting of local truffles and wines. That means the hunting does not end when you leave the woods. You get to taste what you were searching for, and it turns the afternoon into something you can enjoy, not just witness.

But the part that often steals the show is the family meal afterward. Many people highlight lunch at the mountain-top villa or the family terrace in Motovun. The setting is repeatedly described as beautiful, with grape vines and a patio view over the green hills.

What does that meal look like? Dishes mentioned include truffle bruschetta, truffle pasta, meats and cheeses, salad, and dessert. People also mention that it is generous and served in a relaxed way, not rushed. If you are a foodie, this is where the value can jump quickly.

One small caution: some wording in the description emphasizes tasting and wine, but experiences can vary in what you actually get at the end. To keep expectations aligned, I would confirm what is included in your specific booking choice, especially if you are deciding on lunch.

If you do not add lunch, you might still take something home. In some cases, the guide provides a few truffles after the hunt, which can be a nice souvenir that also tastes like Istria.

Rovinj Side Trip Energy: Why Motovun Makes the Day Feel Complete

Even though the hunt is in the Motovun hills, Motovun itself is part of the payoff. After the forest portion, it is easy to turn the day into a proper village stop. People mention Motovun as a cute town to visit, and it pairs well with the experience because the whole day is tied together by place.

Think of it as two moods in one outing. You start in the woods following dogs in real working mode, then you end in town and on a terrace where you slow down. That contrast is a big part of why the experience feels memorable.

If you have time, build in a little room to wander. Motovun is not just a pickup point, it is where you get to enjoy the views that match the hills you walked through.

Price and Value: What $49.60 Buys You in the Real World

At about $49.60 per person for roughly 1.5 hours, this is not just a casual activity. You are paying for access to a family foraging setup, trained truffle dogs, and a guided walk with explanation built in.

Here is why it can feel like good value. The hunt itself is a unique skill experience. You are not learning truffles from a brochure. You are seeing dogs react to scent and you are hearing how Mihael and the family think about the search. That is hard to replicate on your own, and truffle hunting is not something you normally stumble into without local expertise.

Then there is the end-of-tour food. If your booking includes the tasting, you get local samples and wine after the hunt. If you add the lunch option, you are often getting a much bigger meal in a beautiful setting, and people repeatedly call it the best meal of their trip.

There is also value in the small group size. With a max of 10 travelers, you get more attention and a more personal feel. That matters when you are trying to learn and watch simultaneously.

So if you love food and you like hands-on learning, the price starts to make sense fast. If you are only chasing a quick picture and you hate mud or dogs, it might feel pricier than you want.

Who Should Book This Truffle Hunting Adventure

This is a great fit if you are one of these travelers:

• A foodie who wants truffles explained through real hunting, not restaurant talk
• A nature lover who likes forests and practical outdoor time
• Families who want something active that still feels welcoming, since the group stays small
• Anyone who wants a one-of-a-kind Istria experience near Rovinj, without needing to plan complex logistics

It is also ideal if you enjoy dogs as working animals. People mention the dogs being friendly, but they also stress they move quickly and hunt with purpose. For many, that makes it fun and educational.

One more good match: if you like local stories, this is about the Svilicic family’s truffle-hunting tradition in the Motovun area. People describe it as third-generation knowledge, and that family context comes through in the way the hunt and meal are handled.

If you are afraid of dogs or you are very sensitive to noise and movement, I would be careful. One piece of practical advice that shows up is that the dogs can jump with muddy paws, so plan accordingly.

Final Call: Should You Book This or Skip It?

I would book it if you want an authentic, hands-on food experience that mixes walking in the Motovun hills with trained truffle dogs and real truffle education. The combination of Mihael’s energy, the small group size, and the way the experience often ends with a memorable family terrace meal makes it easy to understand why people rate it so highly.

I would think twice if you hate muddy outdoor conditions, strongly dislike dogs, or you are only interested in a very short, low-effort activity. Also, because the end part includes tasting and may include a lunch option, check what you selected so you know whether you are getting the full family meal or just the tasting component.

If you line up your expectations, this is one of those Istria days that turns into a real story, not just another stop on the map.

FAQ

How long is the truffle hunting adventure in Motovun?

It lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.

What is the price per person?

The price is $49.60 per person.

Where does the tour start, and does it return there?

The tour starts at the DPD Pickup location, Kanal 46, 52424, Motovun, Croatia. It ends back at the meeting point.

Do you offer pickup?

Yes, pickup is offered from hotels and rooms in Motovun.

How big is the group?

The group size is capped at a maximum of 10 travelers.

Is there a tasting included?

Yes. The experience includes sampling local truffles and wines with a celebratory tasting.

Are boots provided?

Rubber boots are provided for guests.

What should I know about weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid will not be refunded.