A Day at Sea Beginning at Pical Resort 5*
This time, we decided to discover Poreč from an entirely different perspective – from the deck of from the deck of the luxury Colnago 45 motor yacht. Departing from Pical Resort 5* marked the beginning of several relaxing hours at sea, with a pleasant cruise, delicious bites and views that revealed the familiar coastline in a completely new light.
Although the weather forecast was not ideal, conditions at sea allowed us to depart safely. As soon as we moved away from the shore, any concerns about the weather were quickly replaced by a sense of freedom and excitement about everything awaiting us during the cruise.
Everything organised so you can completely relax
Krešimir from the Experience Concierge team took care of organising the trip and arranged every detail before our arrival. All we had to do was step aboard and enjoy the experience. Captain Borna was responsible for a safe and comfortable journey, while our crew member Roko made sure we had everything we needed throughout the trip. This discreet yet professional service immediately created the feeling that everything had been carefully prepared and tailored to us.
Views worth leaving the shore for
Poreč reveals an entirely new side when seen from the sea. As the boat moves away from the shore, the historic centre, the bell tower of the Euphrasian Basilica, the coastline and Sveti Nikola Island merge into one sweeping panorama. This is precisely why a luxury boat trip from Poreč is more than simply a few hours at sea – it is an opportunity to discover the town from the perspective that perhaps suits it best.
A cruise tailored to your own pace
The Colnago 45 accommodates up to 12 guests, in addition to the captain and crew member. It features a sunbathing area, a canopy, a refrigerator, a shower, a toilet and snorkelling masks. It is spacious enough for socialising while still retaining a sense of privacy and relaxation. Captain Borna guided us calmly and safely through the waters around Poreč, allowing us to devote our full attention to the views, conversation and enjoyment on deck.
Find your favourite place on board
As soon as we left the shore, it became clear how different a private boat trip is from a traditional group excursion. There is no predetermined schedule to which everyone must adapt. Instead, the time at sea is shaped around the guests, their wishes and their mood.
Everyone quickly finds their favourite place aboard the Colnago. Some choose the spacious sunbathing area, others prefer the shade beneath the canopy, while some spend most of the journey beside the edge of the boat, photographing the coastline and the wake trailing behind the stern.
Poreč Is Best Discovered From the Sea
As we moved away from the coastline, Pical Resort 5* did not appear to be a resort separated from the town, but rather a natural continuation of its promenades, pine trees and coves. Edera from the Experience Concierge team also shared several stories that added further meaning to the views from the boat.
For generations, the former Hotel Pical was a venue for dances, concerts, graduation celebrations and social gatherings. The new Pical was therefore conceived as a continuation of its close connection with the local community.
Beneath the surface of Pical Bay lies a mysterious underwater labyrinth formed from regularly arranged stone blocks, whose origins have yet to be explained with certainty.
Poreč is also associated with La Mula de Parenzo, the symbol of a young woman watching the sea from the shore and waiting for the ships to return – a reminder of a town that has always lived between arrivals and departures.
Shortly after setting off, we also passed Sveti Nikola, an island that protected the entrance to Poreč harbour for centuries, served as a place of prayer for sailors and was once used as a quarantine station. Its lighthouse marked a safe return home. Today, it is a peaceful green island, but when viewed from the sea, it reveals just how closely Poreč, Pical and the surrounding islands have always been connected.
Delicious Bites, Wine and Champagne on Deck
The flavours of Istria on board
An important part of the experience was the carefully prepared selection of bites made with local Istrian products, bringing the flavours of the region to our journey. Wine and champagne were served alongside the local delicacies, and it was particularly memorable to raise a glass as the panorama of Poreč and the Istrian coast unfolded behind us.
Attention to detail that makes all the difference
Our crew member took care of every detail, from serving the food and pouring drinks to ensuring that our glasses were always full and the deck remained tidy and ready for us to enjoy.
Moments like these demonstrate that luxury is not measured only by the appearance of a boat. It is found in the feeling that you do not have to think about anything except where to sit, which glass to choose and which view you would like to enjoy for a little longer.
Three Ways to Experience Istria Aboard the Colnago
Our trip was a shorter introduction to Poreč and its surrounding waters, but the Experience Concierge selection also offers longer adventures aboard the Colnago. Whether you would like to dedicate the day to gourmet experiences, island exploration or a cruise tailored entirely to your wishes, you can choose from three different experiences.
Gourmet tour of the Lim Channel: oysters, wine and swimming
For those who appreciate the flavours of Istria, the luxury gourmet tour of the Lim Channel is particularly appealing. This private four-hour tour departs from Poreč and follows the coastline towards Vrsar and the Lim Channel.
The highlight of the experience is a tasting of freshly harvested oysters accompanied by white wine, followed by plenty of time for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing on board. The package includes a captain and crew member, fuel, a light meal, drinks, towels and snorkelling masks. Embarkation and disembarkation can be arranged at Pical Resort 5*, Sveti Nikola Island, Funtana Marina or the Poreč waterfront.
Luxury boat charter: a route tailored to your wishes
The second option is a private charter of the luxurious Colnago 45 motor yacht. There is no strictly defined itinerary. Guests can choose the pace, duration and route, with cruises lasting anywhere from two hours to a full day.
Options include a panoramic cruise towards Rovinj, swimming, snorkelling and stops in the hidden coves of western Istria. Depending on the duration of the tour, a selection of light meals and drinks is served on board – from fruit, olives and sparkling wine during shorter trips to more generous platters, salads, desserts, wine and beer on a full-day excursion.
Private full-day tour of Brijuni
The third option combines a private cruise with the opportunity to explore one of Croatia’s best-known national parks. The full-day tour of Brijuni lasts eight hours.
After sailing from Poreč, you can explore the island independently by electric vehicle, following its park roads and visiting historical sites, the safari park and beaches. Once back on board, there is still time for swimming, snorkelling, drinks and relaxation with views of the Istrian coastline.
The package includes the crew, fuel, mooring fees, a light meal and drinks on board, admission to Brijuni National Park, electric vehicle hire, towels and snorkelling masks.
A Trip That Changes the Way You See Poreč
As we returned towards the resort, we looked back on several hours filled with peaceful cruising, local flavours, good company and views that had given new meaning to a familiar landscape. Sveti Nikola was no longer simply a green island in front of the town, and Pical Resort 5* was no longer simply a resort by the sea.
Everything we had seen felt connected – the town, the coastline, the islands and the stories passed down through generations. The greatest value of this kind of trip, however, is the simplicity of the entire experience. Experience Concierge by Valamar takes care of the organisation, the captain ensures a safe and comfortable journey, and the crew looks after every detail on board.
