As part of a study visit organised by LOT Polish Airlines in cooperation with the Croatian National Tourist Board, the Zagreb Tourist Board, and the Zagreb County Tourist Board, a group of Polish journalists, influencers, bloggers, LOT representatives and tourism partners visited Zagreb County on Thursday, 19 March 2026.
The programme focused on the area of Velika Gorica and Turopolje, where participants experienced a rich blend of tradition, nature and contemporary eno-gastronomy within a single day.
Their introduction to Turopolje began at the Novo Čiče Ethno Village, where guests were welcomed with a traditional Turopolje breakfast. The work of the cultural association KUD Novo Čiče and its dedication to preserving heritage were presented by its head, Stipo Duvnjak. He spoke about weaving as a craft still nurtured through workshops, as well as folklore, singing and music—integral elements of the association’s activities. A distinctive aspect of their work is that members design and create their own traditional costumes, breathing new life and value into local heritage.
At the Lugarnica Krušak, guests were welcomed by Juraj Odrčić, the prefect of the Plemenita opčina turopoljska—a historical community that continues to safeguard Turopolje's identity. He highlighted its historical role and the symbolism of the podgutnica, which, in Turopolje, is believed to be a precursor to the modern cravat. The presence of a traditional Turopolje standard-bearer further enriched the experience with authenticity and historical vibrancy.
One of the most memorable moments of the day followed—a carriage ride, often referred to as a “horse-drawn tram”, leading into a truffle hunting experience. The ride itself offered a serene and immersive journey through the landscape, perfectly attuned to the natural surroundings. Set within the forests of Turopolje and the Vukomeričke Hills, this segment proved particularly captivating. The truffle hunt was expertly organised and met with great enthusiasm, especially when fresh truffles were discovered—allowing visitors to take home a unique and authentic souvenir of Zagreb County.
At the Mon Ami, the story continued at the table with a menu centred around freshly sourced Turopolje truffles. Through carefully crafted dishes, guests explored local gastronomy in a contemporary interpretation, firmly rooted in regional ingredients and flavours. The lunch concept, titled “From Soil to Signature”, featured a tasting of freshly harvested truffles, accompanied by a presentation of local wines paired with each course.
The programme continued with an InterWine workshop dedicated to the indigenous Škrlet variety. The session was led by Vlado Mikulčić, president of the Grozd Association, who introduced participants to the grape’s key characteristics, production methods and its growing presence on the wine scene beyond the region.
Another highlight of the day was a visit to the Brigljević Distillery, where guests discovered the story of this family-run business and learned first-hand about their distillation process. Through presentations and tastings, the dedication, expertise and passion behind their products were clearly evident. The owner's engaging storytelling left a lasting impression, making this visit one of the most memorable experiences of the day for many participants.
“Visits like these are of exceptional importance to us, as they provide an opportunity to showcase what makes Zagreb County truly special—authentic people, preserved traditions, outstanding gastronomy and experiences that cannot be conveyed through photographs alone, but must be lived and felt on site. We see great value in such study visits and a meaningful opportunity to bring our destination closer to key markets,” emphasised Ivana Alilović, Director of the Zagreb County Tourist Board.
The programme concluded with dinner and socialising in Velika Gorica, in a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere at the Chop Old House. Members of KUD Gradići performed the region's traditional dances and music, and the Polish guests eagerly joined in, trying their hand at them. A particularly joyful moment came when they donned Turopolje traditional costumes, bringing the day to a lively close filled with laughter, music and genuine enjoyment. It was a fitting finale to a day in which participants not only discovered Turopolje—but, for a moment, truly lived it.
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