Plunge into the ancient oak forests of Motovun with a third-generation truffle hunter and trained Lagotto hounds to unearth the 'white diamond' of gastronomy — the Istrian white truffle. End around a farmhouse table with a feast you will talk about for years.
What to expect
Your private guide drives you through the rolling Istrian hills to the medieval hilltop village of Motovun, where a truffle-hunting family meets you at the forest edge with their Lagotto Romagnolo hounds. The dogs work the undergrowth with extraordinary focus while your hunter explains centuries of tradition, ecology and the global truffle economy. When the dog freezes and begins to scrape — you kneel, dig and hold a truffle worth its weight in silver. Back at the family farmhouse, the matriarch transforms your finds into a multi-course seasonal lunch paired with Motovun Teran red wine poured freely from a ceramic jug.
Good to know
Motovun is approximately 1.5–2 hours from Rijeka by private car. Plan for a full day of 8–9 hours including lunch — confirm all-aboard time before booking. Truffle season peaks October–January (white) and May–November (black), though tours run year-round. Book your ToursByLocals guide at least 3–4 weeks ahead; this experience has very limited private slots.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Rijeka — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.