Istria Travel Agent Specialist
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Leslie Nelson
Overland Park, KS Travel Agent· 25+ Years of Experience
A full-service Travel Leaders Associate Agency
5.0
(25)
100% Recommended
Leslie has a way of nailing down the perfect trip for us. Her knowledge of vacation destinations is vast, and the hotels and excursions she has... Read More >
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
Trieste, Rovinj, Pula, Opatija, RijekaInterests:
Food & Wine, Historical Sites, Archaeology, Honeymoons, Couples & RomanceAbout Me
The incredible Istrian coast
With 35 years of experience in luxury travel, and firsthand time spent exploring Istria myself, I specialize in crafting deeply personalized journeys that go far beyond standard itineraries.
Istria captured my heart with its blend of Croatian warmth and Italian charm: medieval hill towns, world-class wine regions, award-winning olive oils, truffle-rich forests, and a breathtaking coastline dotted with hidden coves and vibrant seaside towns like Rovinj.
My on-the-ground knowledge and strong local connections allow me to curate immersive, insider-level experiences built around each client’s tastes, from private vineyard tastings and chef-led truffle hunts to exclusive access at boutique estates that most travelers never discover. What sets my service apart is the combination of meticulous planning, intimate regional insight, and a commitment to delivering exceptional, worry-free travel.
Because I’ve experienced Istria personally, I know exactly how to balance its culinary delights, historical treasures, and coastal beauty into one seamless, unforgettable journey.
I handle every detail - villas, yachts, guides, transfers, reservations, and bespoke experiences - ensuring that each trip is effortless, enriching, and truly tailored. My clients trust me not just to plan a vacation, but to transform their time in Istria into a story worth telling.
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
Trieste, Rovinj, Pula, Opatija, RijekaInterests:
Food & Wine, Historical Sites, Archaeology, Honeymoons, Couples & RomanceREVIEWS
Rating: 5.0
25 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 25 reviews
Professional Service with a Personal Touch
Reviewed By Jody & Marty - Solon, Iowa | Traveled to Danube ~ On the River ~ At Sea
Leslie has a way of nailing down the perfect trip for us. Her knowledge of vacation destinations is vast, and the hotels and excursions she has hooked us up with have been first rate. She's professional, incredibly informed and is keenly aware that one size does not fit all. I appreciate that most of all. At her suggestion we recently took a Danube River cruise on the Scenic Amber. It was first rate. Scenic is a fabulous experience. We met great people and had a wonderful time. We saw beautiful cities along the Danube and, again at her suggestion, did a pre-cruise extension in Prague. It was simply wonderful. I whole-heartedly recommend Leslie. Give her a call for your next trip!
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Les is More !!
Reviewed By Les is More - Reno NV | Traveled to Caribbean Sea | At Sea | At Sea
From Booking the Airline travel, pre cruise hotel stay, booking on Windstar, securing the onboard credits and all inclusive package while aboard, Les came through for our group with minimal drama!
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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We felt like veteran cruisers
Reviewed By GKP - Kansas City MO | Traveled to Caribbean Sea | At Sea | At Sea
Leslie was a pleasure to work with on every aspect of our awesome cruise trip from start to finish! This was our very first cruise and she gave us all the help and information we needed. We always knew what to expect and what was happening. We felt like veteran cruisers thanks to her help. She is now our travel agent for any future trips ??
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Sailing Adventure
Reviewed By Jane1 - Florida, Ontario | Traveled to Caribbean Sea | At Sea | At Sea
Three friends from two countries decided to sail the Caribbean last winter. It was a bit complicated to arrange when dealing with two different currencies and schedules. Leslie handled these travel arrangements with courtesy and confidence. She made recommendations for hotels and leisure prior to boarding. She sent a full daily itinerary with photos of how the cruise would roll out. We knew we were in capable hands from the time we initiated the request for travel help to the end of the trip. And she apportioned the expenses appropriately guiding us what was highly recommended and what was optional. We could not have done this on our own.
Another trip is brewing in my mind and she will organize it for us.
Thank you Leslie
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Awesome Cruise Experience
Reviewed By TravelMorein26 - Chattanooga, TN | Traveled to Caribbean Sea | At Sea | At Sea
Leslie helped us plan a cruise to the Caribbean for Thanksgiving. There were 18 people in our group and she made the process so smooth and seamless for us. All we had to do was pay the fare by the due date. It doesn’t get much easier than that.
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Certifications & Awards
Certified Travel Counselor, CTC
Italy Specialist
Croatia Specialist
Cruising Specialist
My Places
When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.
Client Testimonials
Vendor Approved!
I have had the privilege of working with Leslie over the past year, and she has consistently demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and a genuine dedication to her clients. Leslie not only delivers exactly what she promises — she does so with exceptional attention to detail and a collaborative spirit that makes her an absolute pleasure to work with.
Her deep product knowledge and ability to translate that into meaningful travel experiences for her clients make her a trusted and respected partner in the luxury travel space. Beyond her professional competence, Leslie’s warmth, responsiveness, and reliability make every interaction smooth and enjoyable.
In short, Leslie embodies the qualities that define the very best in our industry — credibility, creativity, and partnership. I wholeheartedly endorse her continued membership in the Luxury Leaders Alliance.
Warm regards,
Luigi Nappo
CEO
Luigi Nappo, Italy