Meet
Alex
A former foreign correspondent with a background in art history and history, Alex (Aleksandar) is deeply passionate about the food, wine, olive oil, and truffles of Istria, the homeland of his ancestors. Early in his career, he gained valuable experience working with renowned wine merchants and acclaimed restaurants in Napa Valley and New York City, as well as with distinguished distilleries in Kentucky and Tennessee. Inspired by his culinary experiences abroad, Alex returned to Istria with a clear mission: to share the region's exceptional gastronomy, rich cultural heritage, and authentic way of life with visitors from around the world. A licensed guide for Greater Istria, Alex is also a certified wine sommelier and a trained sensory analyst specializing in olive oil and truffle tasting. His unique combination of historical knowledge, storytelling, and gastronomic expertise allows guests to experience Istria through all of their senses.
What to expect
Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.
Truffle Hunting Experience:
(2-16 guests)
Enjoy an immersive truffle hunting and tasting tour in Istria with your local host, Alex. Set in the picturesque village of Livade, at the foot of the legendary Motovun Forest, this unique adventure combines a traditional truffle hunt, a truffle-inspired lunch, tastings of premium Istrian specialties, and a visit to a local honey producer.
Join Alex and his expertly trained truffle dogs for a guided walk through the enchanting Motovun Forest. Beneath ancient oak, elm, and poplar trees, watch the dogs expertly track the scent of hidden truffles before uncovering one of nature's most prized delicacies. While the truffle hunt itself may be shared with other visitors, Alex remains your dedicated guide, offering fascinating insights into the history, traditions, and techniques of truffle hunting in Istria. The hunt typically lasts up to one hour, during which you'll learn about the different varieties of white and black truffles found in the region and why Istria is considered one of the world's premier truffle destinations. After the hunt, savor a truffle-inspired lunch at a local restaurant. Choose between homemade pasta topped with freshly shaved black truffles or a gourmet truffle burger, perfectly paired with a glass of award-winning Istrian wine.
Your culinary journey continues with a tasting at a local delicatessen, where you'll sample an exceptional selection of authentic Istrian products. Enjoy white and black truffle specialties, artisan cheeses, award-winning extra virgin olive oils, and other regional delicacies that showcase the rich flavors of Istrian gastronomy. To complete the experience, visit a nearby family-run honey producer and discover the remarkable diversity of Istrian honey. Learn about local beekeeping traditions while tasting a variety of locally produced honey and honey-based specialties.
If you visit on a weekend in October, your experience is made even more memorable by the annual Livade Truffle Festival. Hosted by the family who discovered the world's largest white truffle, a Guinness World Record specimen weighing an astonishing 1.31 kilograms in 1999, the festival celebrates Istria's truffle heritage with local producers, chefs, artisan vendors, live demonstrations, tastings, and festive cultural events.
Whether you're searching for the best truffle hunting experience in Croatia, unique things to do in Istria, or an unforgettable culinary experience near Motovun, Alex's experience offers an exceptional opportunity to discover the region's world-famous truffles, outstanding local food and wine, and rich culinary traditions through the eyes of a passionate local expert.
Notes:
1. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes or sneakers.
2. Private transfers can be arranged upon request for an additional cost, depending on your pickup location and group size.
3. Please note that the prized white truffle season typically runs from September through December, while several varieties of black truffles can be found throughout the rest of the year, ensuring that every season offers a unique truffle-hunting experience.
Languages spoken:
English, Italian, Croatian
Sample menu
