The Istria Tourist Board became a partner destination of the prestigious global network Virtuoso in 2021. Since then, numerous impactful promotional activities have been carried out in collaboration with this leading global organization, renowned for its focus on luxury and experiential travel.

To further deepen Virtuoso travel advisors' understanding of Istria’s unique offerings and to demonstrate that the region can provide top-quality services and unforgettable experiences for even the most discerning travellers and high-end guests, a visit to the Istrian Peninsula has been scheduled for 2025.

With meticulous planning and detailed organization, a successful study trip took place in the second half of June, bringing together nine Virtuoso travel advisors from various American agencies. The goal was to offer them a first-hand experience of Istria’s diverse attractions, enabling them to craft carefully tailored and unforgettable journeys for their clients.

The Virtuoso advisors visited Istria accompanied by Miguelina Cespedes, Virtuoso’s leading manager for the Croatian market. Throughout their stay, they were hosted exclusively in hotels proudly bearing the prestigious "Virtuoso Partner Hotel" designation.

The prestigious Virtuoso recommendation on our peninsula is proudly held by Maistra’s Grand Park Hotel Rovinj, Monte Mulini Adults Exclusive, San Canzian Hotel & Residences, and Wine Hotel Meneghetti & Winery. During the five-day itinerary, enriched with a variety of carefully curated activities, the Virtuoso advisors had the opportunity to thoroughly explore and personally conduct in-depth site inspections of each partner hotel.

Istria - Virtuoso Preferred Partner

The discovery of the peninsula’s offerings began with a spotlight on top-quality Istrian wines, hosted at the one-of-a-kind Meneghetti Estate. Alongside its exceptional accommodations, Meneghetti delighted the American guests with a rich array of experiences - from luxurious relaxation and morning yoga sessions to exclusive wine tastings and fine dining, where carefully curated local delicacies were perfectly paired with outstanding wines.

As the group ventured into the Istrian hinterland, their journey continued with a stroll through the medieval town of Motovun, followed by a tasting of premium Istrian extra virgin olive oil. The day was memorably concluded at Roxanich Winery & Design Hotel, where guests took part in "wine painting" - a unique experience that blended artistic expression with a special wine tasting.

The journey into the world of Istrian truffles began with an authentic truffle hunt in the Motovun forest, followed by a tasting of exquisite dishes crafted from freshly “harvested” truffles at the Karlić family estate. During their stay at the San Canzian Hotel near Buje, the Virtuoso advisors enjoyed an exclusive tour, celebrating San Canzian’s debut as a new partner hotel within the association this year.

After exploring the charming old town of Poreč and the renowned Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the guests savoured the culinary delights at Miramare by Fratelli Cerea, located on the idyllic island of Sveti Nikola. There, Valamar representatives introduced the new Poreč resort project—currently the largest tourism investment underway in Croatia.

Hosted by Maistra in Rovinj, where two Virtuoso partner hotels feature prominently, the guests immersed themselves in the charm of the historic centre and the stunning Church of St. Euphemia. They enjoyed a traditional batana boat ride accompanied by local singing (bitinade), relaxed on the serene Katarina Island, and savoured exceptional cuisine at renowned restaurants Rio, Agli Amici Rovinj, and Cap Aureo.

The grand finale of this activity-packed journey unfolded in southern Istria, where the Virtuoso advisors explored the breath-taking Brijuni National Park, indulged in authentic traditional dishes at the Alla Beccaccia tavern, and uncovered Pula during a guided walking tour-culminating in a visit to the awe-inspiring Roman amphitheatre that left a lasting impression.

Although already well familiar with Istria’s premier offerings as a luxury travel destination, the Virtuoso advisors expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warm hospitality and shared immense satisfaction with their experiences during the study tour. They also conveyed enthusiastic support to the Istria Tourist Board for continued and expanded future collaborations.

This study trip’s partner program was organized in cooperation with the Zagreb Tourist Board, another esteemed partner destination of the association, where the advisors stayed for several days following their visit to our region.