A sun-dappled pop of eye-catching colour spotted from offshore, the quintet of centuries-old fishing villages known as Cinque Terre cling to the rugged coastline and beckon seagoing travellers to explore their traffic-free streets, charming trattorias and bustling harbours. This is the coast at its most relaxed and a lingering lunch of the freshest seafood and signature Ligurian pesto, simply has to be done. Portovenere is another colourful UNESCO World Heritage site that’s definitely worth visiting. Believed to date back to the first century BC, its old town is characterised by maze-like streets set in the shadow of a12th century fortified castle with jaw-dropping Bay of Poets views your reward at the end of a steep climb.

There’s something exhilarating about dropping anchor and heading shoreside to explore the renowned coastal enclave of Portofino. At its heart is the piazzetta, an elegant square surrounded on all sides by lively restaurants, upmarket boutiques and exceptional art galleries. Bag a pavement table and settle in for a spot of people watching, with the odd celebrity thrown in for good measure. Continue your sea journey along the coast to the popular resort of Porto Ercole, nestled in the Monte Argentario peninsula with a wealth of golden beaches to discover as well as a reputation for serving up a mouthwatering repertoire of traditional Tuscan dishes.

Tradition and history intertwine in Livorno, known for its Venetian-style canal network that threads its way through the old quarter of the city. Founded by the Medici family in the 17th century, and home to an eclectic multicultural community, check out the hustle and bustle of the food market, a haven for gastronomic finds, and your chef can rustle up an authentic onboard feast. And do factor in time to visit Elba, where crystal clear waters, secret coves and rich archaeological sites certainly made Napoleon’s exile slightly more bearable.