Truffle Hunting & Wine Tasting in Istria with a Local Guide

Rovinj , Croatia

Truffle Hunting & Wine Tasting in Istria with a Local Guide

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About this experience

Enjoy a private and authentic truffle hunting and tasting experience with your host Alex in Croatia. This is a perfect experience for anyone looking to connect with local culture over food and includes private transfers from your hotel anywhere along the Western Coast of Istria. Your tour and tasting will take place at a truffle fair that is held at the foothills of Motovun, a beautiful village atop a hill in Istria. After truffle hunting, enjoy a truffle-inspired lunch and explore the region’s many exceptional food products, from wine to olive oil.
A former foreign correspondent with a background in art history and history, Alex is passionate about food, wine and the truffles of the Istrian region, the home of his ancestors. A licensed guide of greater Istria, Alex is also a trained wine sommelier and an expert in olive oil and truffle tasting. Truffles are an important part of the culture and cuisine of Istria and Alex loves how they connect him to nature and to his ancestors.

Available options

Full-day truffle tour

Truffle hunting, wine tasting <br/>Lunch and snacks<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Enjoy a truffle-inspired lunch

Wine tasting

Truffle hunting & tasting in Istria with a local guide

Detailed itinerary

This is a unique opportunity to go truffle hunting with a local and explore traditional Istriane culture and cuisine. Your host Alex will pick you up from your hotel on the western coast of Istria and drive you one hour to Livade, where your truffle experience takes place. Your experience will take place during a truffle fair weekend, one of 10 special weekends organized annually by the region.
Start off your experience with a group truffle hunt! Head into the woods to go truffle hunting with Alex, truffle hunting dogs, and a truffle master. An electric train will take you closer to the truffle hunting region, a few miles into the woods. Walk through the woods, following the lead of the dogs under oak, elm and poplar trees to uncover truffles found in the rich soil of this Istrian region. While the truffle hunting experience organized for the fair is open to other travelers who may also be present during the hunt, Alex will be your private truffle and tour guide. Your hunt may last up to an hour as you watch how truffles are collected and learn about the different types of truffles found in this region. Return to the fair and share a truffle-inspired lunch with Alex at a local restaurant. Choose between homemade pasta with black truffles or a truffle burger that you can enjoy over a glass of wine. After lunch, Alex will help you explore the fair where you can taste and sample some of the region’s best products, from white and black truffle-infused products, to cheese, to world famous olive oils. In addition to the food samples, you will be provided a glass to taste some of the many wines produced in the area. End your visit with a short trip to a local honey producer where you will get to taste some spectacular Istrian honey. Around 4pm, you will depart for your hotel.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN HR IT

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

Your host Alex will pick you up from the concierge desk of your hotel in Pula, Rovinj or Trieste and drive you 1-hour to Livade, the village that hosts the truffle fair called "Truffle Days". Please note that if you are being picked up from Trieste, it might take an additional 20 minutes to pass passport control on the weekends as Trieste is across the Croatian border.
For assistance, feel free to contact Alex at +385 91 515 5119 or via email at tasteistria@gmail.com
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Traveling Spoon is a supplier of Viator and TripAdvisor. We offer travelers authentic food experiences with locals. Founded by two travelers and food lovers, Traveling Spoon helps others make meaningful cultural connections through food. Contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com if you have general questions about our services. For specific questions related to your booking please contact your host directly with the contact information provided above.

We hope you have a meaningful experience and look forward to hearing about it!

About Rovinj

Rovinj is a charming coastal town in Istria, known for its Venetian architecture, narrow cobbled streets, and stunning Adriatic views. It's a blend of Italian and Croatian cultures, offering a rich historical tapestry, vibrant art scene, and beautiful natural surroundings.

Top Attractions

St. Euphemia's Basilica

A stunning 18th-century Baroque church dedicated to Rovinj's patron saint, offering panoramic views of the town and the Adriatic Sea.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free entry to the church, €3 for the bell tower

Rovinj Old Town

A labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets filled with Venetian-style buildings, charming squares, and hidden gems.

Historical/Cultural Half-day to full-day Free to explore

Golden Cape Forest Park

A beautiful forested park with walking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.

Nature 2-3 hours Free entry

Rovinj Aquarium

A small but fascinating aquarium showcasing the marine life of the Adriatic Sea.

Museum 1-2 hours €5 for adults, €3 for children

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fuži with Truffles

Handmade pasta with a creamy truffle sauce, a specialty of the Istrian region.

Main Course Contains gluten and dairy

Brodet

A traditional fish stew made with a variety of local seafood and flavored with garlic and vinegar.

Main Course Contains seafood and dairy (optional)

Peka

A slow-cooked dish of meat or seafood with vegetables, cooked under a bell-like lid with hot coals.

Main Course Can be made with various proteins and vegetables

Istrian Prošek

A sweet dessert wine made from local grapes, often paired with cheese or desserts.

Drink Contains sulfites

Popular Activities

Hiking in Golden Cape Forest Park Kayaking and paddleboarding in the Adriatic Sea Beach relaxation at Porton Brio Spa and wellness treatments Exploring the old town Visiting local art galleries and museums Swimming and snorkeling Boat tours and fishing

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the peak tourist season with warm, sunny weather perfect for beach activities and exploring the town. The sea is at its warmest, ideal for swimming and water sports.

25°C to 35°C 77°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Croatian
Widely spoken: Italian, English, German
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

CET (UTC+1), CEST (UTC+2 during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Rovinj is generally a safe destination with low crime rates. However, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings, especially in tourist areas and during the peak summer season.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of strangers and avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas
• Use licensed taxis and agree on a price before starting your journey

Getting there

By air

Pula Airport • 40 km
Trieste Airport • 70 km

By bus

Rovinj Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport. They are affordable and frequent, but schedules can be irregular.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Camme, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town Carera Porton Brio

Day trips

Pula

35 km • Half-day to full-day

A historic Roman city with well-preserved amphitheaters, temples, and a beautiful coastline.

Lim Fjord

15 km • Half-day

A scenic fjord-like inlet with clear waters, surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque villages.

Brijuni National Park

10 km • Full-day

A group of 14 islands with a rich history, beautiful beaches, and diverse wildlife.

Festivals

Rovinj International Film Festival • July Rovinj Jazz Festival • July

Pro tips

Visit the old town in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds
Explore the narrow cobbled streets and hidden squares to discover local art galleries, shops, and cafes
Try local Istrian dishes, such as fuži with truffles, brodet, and peka, paired with local wines
Take a boat tour to nearby islands and beaches, or rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the Adriatic Sea
Visit the Golden Cape Forest Park for scenic walking trails, picnic spots, and panoramic views of the town and the sea