So is there really a better – or more stylish – way to travel to, say, Venice, than to cruise into its harbour aboard a sleek white cruise ship? Silversea will take you from the energetic streets of Barcelona and Gaudi’s fantastical Sagrada Familia, to the ancient white windmills and blue domed chapels that stare out over the sea at Santorini. You’ll be transported from the chocolate-box prettiness of Honfleur to the historic fortified town of Dubrovnik. From the waterside restaurants of Portofino to the delicious opulence of Monaco. From Mahon – the quaint capital of Menorca – to the centre of culture and art that is Rome. From the powerful mountains and breath-taking scenery of Montenegro to the laid back beaches of the Greek islands.

Or you may decide to cruise beyond the Mediterranean and visit the gilded palaces of Scandinavia and Russia, the chill beauty of Iceland and Norway’s fjords. Or even London’s Tower Bridge.