As many cruise operators seek to broaden their entertainment options, LOUISE RODDON takes a look at what is on offer for culture vultures

FOLLOW IN GAUGUIN'S FOOTSTEPS
Immerse yourself in the Polynesian paradise that lured French artist Paul Gauguin away from rainy Brittany.

To coincide with this year's Tate Modern exhibition, the ship named after him, operated by Paul Gauguin Cruises (www.pgcruises.com) will chart a course through the islands in the South Pacific which inspired this great artist. The cruise starts in Tahiti, the artist's final home, where he painted dreamy tropical beach scenes in fiery colours.

Visit the Paul Gauguin Museum, which is dedicated to his work and his life in the islands.

A seven-night Tahiti & Society Islands cruise from £3,808pp (two sharing), full board.

Price includes return flights from Heathrow and transfers. Departs Tahiti, October 30, 2010.

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MUSICAL FAMILIES
If you fancy cutting a demo tape in a recording studio while sailing the Med look no further than the Costa Pacifica (0845 351 0552/www.costacruises.co.uk).

With the help of a sound engineer you can record a CD with a personalised cover during this cruise that takes in Malta and Barcelona.

You can also learn to play keyboard, guitar or drums, A seven-night cruise from £729pp (two sharing), full board. Price includes return flights from various UK airports. Departs Civitavecchia, October 17, 2010.

THE IMPRESSIONISTS
If you like Vincent Van Gogh join the four-day Impressionist Cruise through France this autumn.

This fascinating VFB Holidays (01452 716 838/www.vfbholidays.co.uk) riverboat cruise takes you to Auvers-surOise where you will see the artist's burial place and the church he loved to paint.

Upstream of Paris, the village of Auvers also attracted Cézanne, Monet, Renoir and Degas, so you can spot the iconic landscapes which appear in their work. The trip ends in Paris with priority tickets to visit the famous Musée d'Orsay and Musée de l'Orangerie.

A four-night Impressionist Cruise from £416pp (two sharing), half board. Price includes return Eurostar travel from London and transfers.

Departs Paris, October 30, 2010.

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HISTORY BUFFS
If mooching among World Heritage sites takes your fancy this cruise should suit.

Spirit of Adventure (0800 015 6984/www.spiritofadventure.co.uk) offers World Heritage Explorer cruises along the coasts of Italy and Greece, visiting Mount Etna, Pompeii, the Montenegrin town of Kotor and the ancient Albanian ruins at Butrint. There are on-board lectures from Egyptologist and archaeologist Peter Clayton and ex-Oxford University historian Professor Richard Crampton.

A 14-night World Heritage Explorer cruise from £2,774pp (two sharing), full board.

Price includes return flights and excursions.

Departs Barcelona, September 2, 2010.

PAINTING PASSION
Brush up your painting skills with Bales (0845 057 0600/www.balesworldwide.com) on board the Amber, a Victorianstyle Nile sailboat boasting just six cabins.

Join the small-group cruise through Egypt this autumn and get personal tuition from acclaimed artist Sherree Valentine Daines.

Starting in Aswan, the trip incorporates the Temple of Horus and the Valley of the Kings. There will also be opportunities to paint market scenes in Luxor and river views.

A seven-night Painting on the Nile cruise from £2,145pp (two sharing), half board.

Price includes return flights from Heathrow to Cairo, transfers, sightseeing excursions and daily art lessons. Departs Heathrow, November 6, 2010.