The shorter days make Stonehenge more mystical and sunset in Bath is beyond beautiful. Hear choirs sing sweetly in St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.

The Royal Standard may fly confidently above Windsor Castle – or a decorative crown might twinkle happily at the end of the Long Walk in Christmas lights. Early morning punts and festival markets make Cambridge perfect at any time of the year, while the walls of York stand strong and true always.

Journey north to Edinburgh where bagpipes are played by the brave, and a wee dram will evoke warm feelings and true hospitality. Sit in the cafe where Potter’s lightning bolt scar was first penned – or hop further west to Mr McGregor’s garden to find a real live Peter Rabbit in the picture-perfect Lakes District. 

Kick a goal with a pilgrimage to United’s Old Trafford, or perhaps fall in love all over again in Shakespeare’s birthplace – Stratford upon Avon.

Then one of Europe’s classic coastlines awaits – sailing from and returning to Barcelona, experience grand old ports busting with history.  On board a stylish ship from the impressive Mediterranean-based MSC fleet, first visit Marseille in the South of France before heading to Genoa at the top of Italy’s beautiful boot, sailing beside her postcard-inspiring coastline filled with colourful communities like Portofino. 

Then journey down the East Coast of Italy to the capital Rome, before heading to Palermo on the artful island of Sicily before heading across to the island stronghold of Malta. With a full day and night on the glistening Mediterranean Sea returning to Barcelona, there is time to enjoying the many on board delights of ocean cruising – including MSC’s exclusive Circ du Soleil shows.