Moment · Croatia
Truffle Hunting at Dawn in Istria’s Motovun Forest
Follow a local hunter and his dog through Istria's oak woods before sunrise, then eat the morning's truffles over fresh pasta.
Out Before the Sun
Istria’s truffles are found through the cooler months, and the search begins before sunrise, when the scent travels furthest and the dogs are at their keenest. You set off into the Motovun forest with a local hunter and his trained dog, through oak groves that have given the region truffles for generations.
Ground That Isn’t on Any Map
Good truffle grounds are a family secret, handed down rather than written anywhere, and the only way onto them is with a hunter who is willing to share. That’s why this morning is arranged well ahead.
Out Of Office books directly with a trusted local hunter instead of a commercial tour company, so the group stays small and the ground is the real thing. It suits a couple or a few friends who would rather walk the woods together than with strangers.
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Request a quote →The Moment of the Find
When it happens, it happens fast. The dog halts and starts to scratch, and the hunter kneels to dig the truffle out by hand, clearing the soil until it lies whole in his palm. You take turns leading the dog as the morning brings several more.
Lunch Within Hours
The hunt finishes at a konoba nearby, a family-run tavern, where the truffles you found are shaved over pasta made that same day. Lunch is timed to follow straight on, so everything reaches the table within hours of leaving the ground.
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For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
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Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
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