The CHIC way to sail the MED

Looking for the best way to experience the Mediterranean? Climb aboard a luxury Silversea ship, stop at beautiful destinations and enjoy a spectacular holiday at sea

Those grand tours taken by high society in the 1800s, soaking up the culture, history and joie de vivre of Europe’s most attractive destinations, were popular for a reason, and a modern-day cruise around the Mediterranean is a great way to put a 21st-century spin on the experience.

My own Med cruise began at Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast, which lies to the south of the Bay of Naples, with Mount Vesuvius to the north. Of course, we weren’t the first to be entranced by this beautiful town, which has been home to everyone from the Greeks to the Aragonese. And, more recently, in the 20th century, it became the destination for aristocrats and the American literati. Sorrento still maintains that old-world charm today and is perfect for visiting the island of Capri and historic Pompeii.

Next on our tour was Syracuse in Sicily, one of the ancient capital cities of Western civilisation. It offers some of the finest baroque art and architecture you can find in Italy, and the old town on the edge of the harbour is worth a visit. Head for the Piazza Duomo and the 7th-century cathedral; its original structure was a Greek Doric temple and it’s mesmerising.

After that came Malta which, much like Syracuse, has been occupied by every major Mediterranean power since the beginning of antiquity. However, it’s the knights of the Order of St John that left the most indelible stamp on the island. Stroll around San Anton Gardens, part of the 17th-century palace that’s home to the Maltese president. Then visit the walled medieval city of Mdina, the island’s real jewel, which will take your breath away.

Hydra, meanwhile, is the destination of choice for rich Athenians, who come here to unwind, and it’s easy to see why. There are no cars or new buildings, so it’s still the endearing time warp that entranced singer Leonard Cohen in the 1960s.

Finally, once you’ve soaked up the wonders of the Med, head to Santorini, one of the Aegean Sea’s extraordinary islands. Sitting on the edge of a volcano, the houses of its capital, Fira, seem to tumble over the 1,000ft-high cliffs; this has to be seen to be believed, not least for the sunset each evening that dips below the horizon as crowds applaud and cheer. What a way to end a fabulous trip!

SHIP SHAPE

Silversea’s Silver Shadow has a Med cruise sailing from Civitavecchia in Rome on 23 April (silversea.com). From £3,960pp, including gourmet dining, drinks, butler, wi-fi, gratuities, entertainment and almost one crew member to every guest.