Truffle hunting & cooking class in Koper, Slovenia

Hunt truffles, cook with them, taste the result

A three-hour truffle hunting and cooking class in the Istrian hinterland near Koper where you search for truffles with a professional hunter and a dog, then prepare traditional fuži pasta enriched with fresh truffles and pair it with Istrian Malvasia wine. Groups stay small, a maximum of eight people, and the experience includes welcome snacks, instruction on spotting real truffles from imitations, and time to relax under a pergola at an Istrian homestead.

Step-by-step itinerary

Truffle hunting and cooking experience

• Visit Istrian village
• Hunt for truffles with professional
• Learn about truffle varieties and history
• Cook traditional Istrian pasta fuži
• Taste pasta with fresh truffles
• Enjoy Istrian Malvasia wine

The experience

The hunt happens in an unspoiled Istrian village away from tourist crowds, where a professional hunter and a trained dog lead the search through the forest. You'll learn why dogs are used, what varieties exist, why truffles command such high prices, and the history of truffle hunting in the region. The forest walk is modest, suitable for all fitness levels, though you'll want comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. In warm months, insect protection is worth bringing.

After the hunt, you move to the homestead kitchen to cook. A chef demonstrates how to prepare the traditional Istrian pasta fuži, then you work with fresh truffles to enrich it. The lesson includes how to recognize genuine truffles from imitations. A skill that matters when you're paying for the real thing. A glass of Istrian Malvasia wine pairs with the dish, and non-alcoholic options are available. The experience ends under the pergola, where you eat what you've made.

The whole event runs in English with a live guide, and the group caps at eight people. Children under seven attend free but receive no food or drink. If you have dietary restrictions, mention them when booking so adjustments can be made in advance. The activity operates in all weather, and because it depends on nature and the dog's cooperation, the operator may adjust details but will notify you ahead of time.

What’s included

• Educational truffle hunt with a professional hunter and trained dog.
• demonstration and hands-on cooking of traditional Istrian fuži pasta with fresh truffles.
• glass of Istrian Malvasia wine and non-alcoholic beverages.
• welcome truffle snacks including white and black truffle pâté, cheese and salami with truffles.
• instruction on recognizing fresh truffles from imitations.
• relaxation under the pergola of an Istrian homestead.
• all taxes, organizational costs and insurance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 10:30Last departure this season: 31 Mar 2027

Book up to1d before

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by IstraTerra, experiences in Istria

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to move beyond watching. You'll hunt, cook and taste in the same morning, and the small group of eight or fewer means hands-on instruction rather than a lecture. The three-hour format fits a morning or afternoon slot without dominating your day in Koper, Piran or Portorož.

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Top questions

How does the truffle dog find them in the forest?

The professional hunter works with a trained dog that locates truffles by scent. You'll learn why dogs are essential for hunting (they can detect truffles underground where human eyes cannot), and what makes the Istrian varieties valuable enough to justify the price and the effort.

What exactly do I cook and eat?

You prepare traditional Istrian fuži pasta enriched with fresh truffles you hunted that morning, paired with a glass of Istrian Malvasia wine. The class also includes welcome snacks (white and black truffle pâté, cheese and salami with truffles), and instruction on spotting real truffles from imitations so you know what you're tasting.

Can I bring my own dog?

Your dog is welcome, but it must not interfere with the truffle-hunting dog at work. Let the operator know when you book if your dog will join you.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately for rain, cold or heat. Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential. In warm weather, bring insect protection for the forest walk.

Is this suitable for children?

The activity suits all fitness levels and includes only a small amount of walking. Children under seven attend free but do not receive food or drink. Older children can participate fully in the hunt, cooking and tasting.