The woods have a smell you can’t fake. This 90-minute truffle hunting outing in the Motovun hills connects you with the Svilicic family and their working dogs, then teaches you how white and black truffles are actually found. Mihael leads the hunt, and the whole experience feels local instead of staged.

I love two things right away: the dog-first hunting approach (trained noses do the heavy lifting) and the way you learn truffle hunting as a real craft tied to the Motovun area. You’re not just watching a process—you’re walking through it with people who’ve been doing this for generations.

The main catch to plan around is simple: you’re in the forest on uneven, sometimes muddy ground, and the outing depends on good weather. If you’re uneasy around active dogs, or you hate getting your shoes dirty, think carefully before booking.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group size (up to 10) makes it feel hands-on, not crowded.
• Mihael and the Svilicic family explain truffle foraging in plain, practical terms.
• Trained truffle dogs lead the way, and you’ll see how their scent work turns into a dig.
• Black and white truffles come up through real-season talk, not just trivia.
• A celebratory food stop in Motovun can be a highlight, especially if you add lunch.
• Rubber boots and mosquito help are part of the practical setup.

First Steps in Motovun’s Truffle Country: Where the Adventure Starts

Istria’s inland hills have a way of slowing you down. This experience starts near Motovun, with pickup offered only from hotels and rooms in Motovun, or you can meet at the DPD Pickup lokacija on Kanal 46 (52424, Motovun).

Timing is tight in the best way. The hunt itself runs about 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.), so you get the experience without burning your whole day. You’ll also be close to public transportation, which helps if you’re coming in without a rental car.

Meet Mihael and the Svilicic Family (Plus the Dogs That Do the Work)

This tour’s heart is the family connection. You’ll spend time with the Svilicic family, led by Mihael, who shares what truffle hunting means in Motovun and how the dogs fit into the process.

What makes this feel authentic is the focus on partnership: humans know where and when to look; dogs know what to smell. Multiple reviews highlight the dogs’ energy and professionalism—cute, friendly, and still clearly “on the job.”

You may meet different dogs depending on the day, but names you’ll hear in past groups include Roxy (one review notes she’s a beagle), Mina, and Luna. If your comfort level is sensitive around dogs, this is the one practical consideration: the dogs can move fast and some may jump, especially when excited.

The Woodland Hunt in the Motovun Hills: How You Actually Find Truffles

You’ll walk through the forest with a forager and trained truffle dogs, following their scent cues. The point is not to hike for miles; it’s to learn how the search works and watch dogs “read” the ground in a way you can’t do with your own nose.

Expect a true nature walk. Reviews mention a muddy feel, with guides providing rubber boots to help you stay comfortable. One review even calls out rain ponchos and mosquito spray as part of Mihael’s readiness—small details like that matter when you’re on wet trails.

The terrain is described as easygoing by several people, so it’s not the kind of outing where you need long-distance hiking stamina. Still, you’re in the woods. Good walking shoes are the safer choice, and if you get squeamish about getting dirty, that’s worth planning for.

Black vs White Truffles: What You Learn Along the Way

A big value here is education that actually connects to what you’re seeing. You learn how black and white truffles grow and are foraged, plus how seasons shape what’s realistic to find.

In reviews, people specifically call out the guide explaining growing seasons and the logic behind the search. That’s the difference between a tasting tour and a truffle hunting tour: you’re learning the “why” behind dog behavior and digging moments.

One review notes that white truffles may not be in season, even if the hunt turns up excitement around what the guide is teaching. Translation for you: don’t treat truffle hunting as guaranteed treasure hunting. You’re paying for the craft, the experience, and the learning—finding truffles is the joyful bonus.

Following the Dogs to Dig Time: The Moment It Clicks

At some point, the hunt stops being theory. The dogs give the cue, then you watch the forager act. This is the part that tends to get the loudest reactions—because it’s visual.

Reviews describe the experience as fun learning, with the dogs running and sniffing and then digging when they hit the scent. The best part: it’s not demanding. People mention you don’t have to walk far, and that the group can keep pace while still feeling involved.

If you’re traveling with kids, this is also a strong fit. One review mentions a family with children ages eleven and six enjoying how the dogs work, with the guide making everyone feel welcome and involved.

Tasting Local Truffles and Wines (And Why Lunch Can Be the Main Event)

You’ll have a celebratory tasting after the hunt, centered on local truffles and wines. The experience description points to both, and in multiple reviews, lunch and family cooking are described as standout moments.

Here’s what I’d tell you to expect at the food stop: homemade dishes with truffles are the theme, served in a relaxed setting. Reviews mention a patio or terrace with grape arbors and a view over the green hills around Motovun. One person says it was among the best meals they ate during their whole Croatia trip.

Food details that show up in reviews include truffle dishes like truffle bruschetta and truffle pasta, plus salads and dessert. Some mention meats and cheeses as well, and others mention wine and elderflower lemonade.

One note to keep you realistic: one review says there was no wine tasting as described. That doesn’t ruin the day—the meal still mattered—but if wine is part of your must-haves, it’s smart to confirm what’s included at booking or on the morning of your experience.

Price and Value: Is $49.60 Worth It?

At $49.60 per person, the price feels modest for what you’re getting: a guided walk with trained hunting dogs, hands-on learning about truffle foraging, plus a tasting and/or food stop centered on truffles.

This is also the kind of experience where value comes from access. You’re spending time with the Svilicic family in their truffle world, and you’re watching skilled dogs do something specific—not just strolling through a scenic area.

The one value tip I’d give you: if there’s a chance to include lunch, seriously consider it. The strongest praise in the reviews is about Mihael’s mother cooking an amazing meal at the family home in Motovun, with the terrace setting described as stunning. Even people who skipped lunch still enjoyed the hunt, but many call lunch the best part.

Pickup, Timing, and Small-Group Comfort in Motovun

Logistics are refreshingly simple. Pickup is available only from hotels and rooms in Motovun, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

The experience is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, which makes a difference when you’re walking with dogs and want the guide to manage timing without rushing. In a small group, you also get more of the explanations and time for questions.

Your total day plan should still be flexible. Weather matters here, and the experience requires good weather. If conditions are bad, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What to Pack: Mud Boots, Mosquito Spray, and Dog-Friendly Clothing

I like tours that come with the right gear. Multiple reviews highlight that Mihael provides rubber boots. A smart move is to wear clothing that can handle mud because the forest floor is part of the experience.

Mosquitoes are mentioned too. One review suggests bringing insect spray, and another describes mosquito spray as something the guide brings. If you’re mosquito-prone, don’t rely on luck—bring your own too.

Also consider dog-body reality. The dogs may be fast-moving and enthusiastic, and one review warns that a loving dog can jump with muddy paws. If that sounds like your nightmare, wear tougher clothes and avoid light colors you care about.

Who Should Book This Truffle Hunt (and Who Might Not Love It)

This tour is a great match if you want something active but not punishing. You’ll get nature time in the Motovun hills, real food afterward, and a human story tied to a local family.

It’s also a strong option for true food lovers. One review calls it a must-do for any foodie, and that matches the core value: truffles, wine, and family cooking are the payoff.

It may be less ideal if any of these apply:

• You’re afraid of dogs or startled easily by energetic animals.
• You hate getting muddy.
• You’re expecting a long “hands-on” truffle process where you do all the digging—this is dog-led searching guided by people.

If none of those are deal-breakers, you’ll likely love the mix of movement, learning, and a satisfying end in Motovun.

Should You Book This Truffle Hunting Adventure?

I’d book it if you want an experience that feels local and specific. The combination of Mihael, the Svilicic family, and trained truffle dogs is the kind of pairing that rarely shows up in typical tours.

Here’s the decision checklist I’d use:

• You’re happy walking in the woods and dealing with mud.
• You’re open to an active, dog-led search.
• You’re excited by truffles enough to want the tasting—and ideally lunch.
• You can travel on a day with good weather.

If those boxes are checked, this is the type of trip memory you’ll still think about when you’re back home cooking dinner. The scent-work moment in the forest plus the family meal afterward is a winning combo.

FAQ

How long is the truffle hunting experience?

The duration is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at the DPD Pickup lokacija at Kanal 46, Motovun, Croatia, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

Do you get pickup from hotels?

Pickup is offered only from hotels and rooms in Motovun.

How big is the group?

The tour/activity has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What happens during the hunt?

You walk through the woods with a forager and trained truffle dogs to search for truffles, learning about truffle foraging along the way.

Do they teach about both black and white truffles?

Yes. You learn about how white and black truffles grow and are foraged.

Is there a food tasting included?

Yes. The experience includes sampling local truffles and wines, and many people highlight the family meal afterward.

What should I wear?

Bring/wear walking shoes suitable for forest ground. Rubber boots are provided, which helps when it’s muddy.

What if the weather is bad?

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