Istria - Truffles: Hunting & Cooking & Tasting, Slovenia

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

Jump into incredible truffle hunting adventures with a professional. Discover the mysterious world of the pearl of Istria. Get to know the recipe for the best dish with truffles. Typical Istrian pasta "fuži" with truffles, a glass or two :) of excellent Istrian Malvasia wine, and good company ... priceless! If you stay in Piran, Portorož, or Koper it is almost a "must do".

Culinary chefs highly prize the Istrian truffle. Let's uncover its secrets: how it is searched, why they use dogs for hunting, what varieties of truffles we know, why the price is sky-high, the history of (forbidden) hunting in Istria, and other facts.

After the exhilarating hunt, your experience culminates in cooking a traditional Istrian pasta “fuži”, lovingly enriched with fresh truffles. Paired with a glass of Istrian Malvasia you will learn how to recognize fresh truffles from its imitations ... and enjoy under the pergola of the Istrian homestead.

Come as a guest, leave as a friend.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Small group - a maximum of 8 people per group.

A small amount of walking is involved.

Your dog is welcome, but please make sure it does not disturb the truffle-hunting dog at work. When booking, let us know if your dog will join us.

The minimum alcohol-drinking age is 18 years.

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Part of the activity takes in the forest. In warm weather, we recommend protection against insects (they are not dangerous, only a bite is itchy).

Children under 7 are free of charge, but "no food, no drink".

The activity cooperates with (sometimes capricious) Nature, so there may be changes. But don't worry, we'll do our best and let you know in time.

The whole event (hunting & cooking & tasting) is carried out in Slovenian Istria in the hinterland of cites Koper, Izola, Piran, Portorož and Ankaran.

Please advise any specific food restrictions at time of booking (subsequent on-site adjustments are difficult to implement).

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Typical Istrian pasta "fuži" with truffles

Tips and trics how to recognize a dish with fresh truffles (instead with its imitations)

Demonstration of cooking of truffle dish

... relaxing under the pergola of the Istrian homestead - priceless

Taxes, organizational, insurance, commission and implementation costs of the trip.

Welcome truffle snacks: white and black truffle pate, cheese and salami with truffles

Educational tour of truffle hunting with professional hunter and the dog

Istrian Malvasia & non-alcoholic beverage

Tip (optional but welcome at your choice)

Transfer to/from location

What To Expect

Gazon

The Istrian village, hidden from the tourist crowds, unspoiled nature, typical Istrian architecture, breathtaking views, and authentic essences of Istria. In this magical environment we will look for truffles.

Admission Not Applicable

Options

Regular

cooking: We will learn how to prepare an excellent dish with truffles
Duration: 3 hours: The activity usually lasts 3 hours, but we always adapt to the guests.
Truffle snack and dish: Spreads of white and black truffles, cheese and salami with truffles, pasta "fuži" with truffles, local Malvasia, a refreshin

Reviews

4.98

45 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Amazing truffle hunting experience
758sherryl,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had such an amazing experience. Jerneja was informative with explaining how truffle hunting dogs are trained and what to expect during the truffle hunt. We enjoyed the lovely meal that Jerneja cooked with truffles and just enjoyed the true taste of truffles without any truffle flavoring that is typically added in restaurants. We also especially enjoyed our conversations with Jerneja. It was a unique experience that I would recommend to others who are visiting Slovenia! We booked this experience on our second day in Slovenia and it was definitely one of the highlights of our trip.
Fantastic afternoon, very educational and enjoyable!
Lucy B,
Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon learning about truffles and then tasting the delicious food prepared for us. The truffle hunting experience itself was quite brief (as the truffles are planted as a training/demonstration exercise). The food was plentiful and delicious. Would highly recommend.
Truffle Experience
Graciane B,
Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We had such an incredible experience on this truffle hunting and cooking tour! Jerneja went absolutely above and beyond from the very start, even waiting for us at the bus stop and giving us a tour of the area while sharing stories and background about Slovenian Istria. She introduced us to Valdi, a passionate truffle hunter, and his sweet Labrador/Golden Retriever mix, Bistra. Jerneja explained the rigorous training Bistra went through, along with many fascinating facts about truffles. Despite the rainy weather, Bistra managed to find three truffles during our 45-minute hunt, which was so exciting to watch! Afterwards, we went back to Jerneja’s home for the cooking portion of the tour. She guided us step by step in preparing a delicious fuži pasta dish with the fresh truffles we had just collected. She also shared excellent tips on how to recognize real and fresh truffles when dining at restaurants—very useful advice! The meal was served with wine, juice, and tasty little bites, making it feel so warm and authentic.
Truffle Experience
Mrsletsgo,
Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had such an incredible experience on this truffle hunting and cooking tour! Jerneja went absolutely above and beyond from the very start, even waiting for us at the bus stop and giving us a tour of the area while sharing stories and background about Slovenian Istria. She introduced us to Valdi, a passionate truffle hunter, and his sweet Labrador/Golden Retriever mix, Bistra. Jerneja explained the rigorous training Bistra went through, along with many fascinating facts about truffles. Despite the rainy weather, Bistra managed to find three truffles during our 45-minute hunt, which was so exciting to watch! Afterwards, we went back to Jerneja’s home for the cooking portion of the tour. She guided us step by step in preparing a delicious fuži pasta dish with the fresh truffles we had just collected. She also shared excellent tips on how to recognize real and fresh truffles when dining at restaurants—very useful advice! The meal was served with wine, juice, and tasty little bites, making it feel so warm and authentic.
Best experience ever!
LISA F,
Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
What an unforgettable experience! Our guided truffle hunt was the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and cuisine. From the moment we set out into the forest with our guide and his incredible truffle-hunting dog, we were completely immersed in the magic of the hunt. Watching the dog skillfully uncover these culinary treasures felt like witnessing a centuries-old tradition come to life. The highlight, of course, was enjoying the fruits of our labor. We were warmly welcomed into a beautiful home in Gazon village where we learned how to prepare fresh pasta, and then sat down to a meal featuring the very truffles we had found. Every bite—from the pasta to the cheeses, meats, and truffle-infused specialties—was an explosion of authentic local flavor. This wasn’t just a tour; it was an experience that connected us to the land, the people, and the tradition of truffle hunting in the most personal way. If you’re looking for something truly unique and memorable, this is an absolute must-do. Thank you Jerneja
Truffle hunting in Istria: An unforgettable experience!
Patrick S,
Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Our truffle hunting tour was an absolute highlight. It was not just a simple search, but a fascinating and very educational journey of discovery through the picturesque places and dense forests of Istria. Our guide gave us a wonderful introduction to the world of truffles. He not only imparted in-depth knowledge about these precious mushrooms, but also skillfully combined this with the rich history of Istria. The tour was therefore very varied and captivated us from start to finish. Special praise goes to the truffle hunter, who immediately won us over with his friendly and warm personality. You could feel his passion for his work and it was impressive to watch him and his dog hunting for truffles. The undisputed highlight, however, was the tasting. The truffles were served in various dishes and every bite was a delight. The whole experience was only surpassed by the incredible hospitality. We felt welcome and completely at ease from the first to the last minute. We can highly recommend this tour to anyone who loves nature, good food and authentic experiences. It was an experience that we will definitely not forget in a hurry.
Excellent Truffles
Rick S,
Sep 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Our guide had a world of knowledge about truffles and other subjects She taught us how to prepare meals with truffles and served a great lunch of pasta with truffles
Cozy experience
Travel28417558564,
Aug 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I went with my girlfriend. It was very educational but the best part was ofcourse the food and the drinks. It was worth every penny and more!
Truffle hunting and dinner
Mary S,
Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We were very lucky to have a private experience. The truffle hunter and dog were amazing and the host translated everything he said. The hunting was wonderful to watch and the dog was able to find 3 truffles. After the hunt the host invited us to her beautiful home, where she prepared a lovely meal for us with small plates of cheese, meat and vegetables from her garden. We sat on her outside terrace which was pleasant and inviting. She then cooked a delicious pasta and truffle dish for us to enjoy. Her knowledge of truffles was impressive and we learned so much from her. We highly recommend this tour.
So delicious and lovely
Zabin R,
Jul 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was a very unique and incredible experience. The intimate group and the knowledgeable guide was fabulous. The first part of this tour does require a moderate fitness ability but the forest walk and truffle hunting was very cool. However the delicious meal that followed was an absolute not to miss experience. Absolutely delicious and very lovely day.