If you like the idea of captaining your own ship on the high seas but aren’t quite so keen on the prospect of storms and mutinous crews, then the Masurian Lakes of northeastern Poland could offer a compromise. Here, a sprawling network of inland waterways makes a perfect territory for a beginner’s weekend odyssey. Gizycko on Lake Niegocin is the port of departure, with yachts and motorboats for hire, with or without skippers.

From here, set a course south amid reedy shallows, and moor up for the night in the town of Mikolajki, where a stone church watches over a pretty harbour. The next day, bear north into the expanse of Lake Dargin, dotted with wooded islands (boat hire from £170 for two days without skipper).

• ARRIVE – Ryanair flies to the new Olsztyn-Mazury airport from Stansted, while Wizz Airflies from Luton.
• STAY – If you arrive the night before, stay in Hotel Cesarski, with rooms in a handsome town house in Gizycko.