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Join a three-hour truffle hunt and cooking session near Motovun led by the Karlić family. Move through Istrian oak forest with trained dogs, taste truffle-forward local dishes, and visit Croatia’s first truffle museum.
Join a three-hour truffle hunt and cooking session near Motovun led by the Karlić family. Move through Istrian oak forest with trained dogs, taste truffle-forward local dishes, and visit Croatia’s first truffle museum.
A low hill road leads out of the village of Paladini and into the pine-oak folds of Istria, where sunlight sifts through the canopy and the forest floor seems to breathe. On this three-hour tour visitors move under that canopy with trained dogs at heel, listening for the alert bark that signals a black or white truffle tucked into the root zone.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Karlic Tartufi · Motovun, Istria
A low hill road leads out of the village of Paladini and into the pine-oak folds of Istria, where sunlight sifts through the canopy and the forest floor seems to breathe. On this three-hour tour visitors move under that canopy with trained dogs at heel, listening for the alert bark that signals a black or white truffle tucked into the root zone.
Truffle-hunting in Istria is both a living craft and part of regional identity. Families like the Karlićs have worked these stands for generations; the work ties to a limestone soil and karst geology that helps truffles thrive in symbiosis with oak and hazelnut roots. The tour pairs a short primer on truffle biology and local history with a tasting of Istrian cheeses, salami, wines and scrambled eggs enhanced with freshly dug truffle, and a visit to Croatia’s first truffle museum nearby.
The rhythm is deliberate: a slow walk across uneven paths, occasional stoops, and a collaboration between handler and dog. Expect earthy smells, bright views over the Mirna valley on clear days, and the tactile satisfaction of seeing a harvest pulled from the ground.
Practical guidance: wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and weatherproof layers; insect repellent in warm months; bring a small daypack for cameras and purchases; and brief the guide about allergies beforehand. Tours run year-round with seasonal differences in truffle type and density—autumn is the peak. Group sizes are small, so the experience is intimate and educational rather than athletic.
Istria produces both black (summer/autumn) and white (autumn/winter) truffles; availability depends on season and recent weather.
Yes—children can join, but expect 1–2 miles of walking and some stooping; infants may be carried in a stroller only on flatter sections per the operator.
Yes, small quantities and truffle products are usually available from the family—bring cash or card for purchases.
Service animals are permitted but let the operator know in advance; the hunt uses trained truffle dogs so separate pets may be discouraged.
Karlic Tartufi operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A low hill road leads out of the village of Paladini and into the pine-oak folds of Istria, where sunlight sifts through the canopy and the forest floor seems to breathe. On this three-hour tour visitors move under that canopy with trained dogs at heel, listening for the alert bark that signals a black or white truffle tucked into the root zone.
A low hill road leads out of the village of Paladini and into the pine-oak folds of Istria, where sunlight sifts through the canopy and the forest floor seems to breathe. On this three-hour tour visitors move under that canopy with trained dogs at heel, listening for the alert bark that signals a black or white truffle tucked into the root zone.
Truffle-hunting in Istria is both a living craft and part of regional identity. Families like the Karlićs have worked these stands for generations; the work ties to a limestone soil and karst geology that helps truffles thrive in symbiosis with oak and hazelnut roots. The tour pairs a short primer on truffle biology and local history with a tasting of Istrian cheeses, salami, wines and scrambled eggs enhanced with freshly dug truffle, and a visit to Croatia’s first truffle museum nearby.
The rhythm is deliberate: a slow walk across uneven paths, occasional stoops, and a collaboration between handler and dog. Expect earthy smells, bright views over the Mirna valley on clear days, and the tactile satisfaction of seeing a harvest pulled from the ground.
Practical guidance: wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and weatherproof layers; insect repellent in warm months; bring a small daypack for cameras and purchases; and brief the guide about allergies beforehand. Tours run year-round with seasonal differences in truffle type and density—autumn is the peak. Group sizes are small, so the experience is intimate and educational rather than athletic.