IF YOU want to waltz in Vienna, shop in Salzburg or hunt for Nessie, there's an inland cruise just for you, says ANNA SELBY

MUSIC ON THE DANUBE
Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest are some of Europe’s top destinations for culture vultures. On Noble Caledonia’s MS Johann Strauss, a three-deck vessel with 90 spacious cabins, some with private balconies, you’ll have the chance to experience traditional dance and music in a packed excursion itinerary.

In Imperial Vienna with its ornate opera houses and grand palaces, you’ll experience a Strauss waltz evening with professional dancers showing how it’s really done and spend a night at the opera.

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Bratislava, with its fondant-coloured houses in pretty squares, is the perfect city for shopping before relaxing in a café where you can indulge in the local speciality, hot chocolate with marshmallows.

Budapest has a jewel box of an opera house and grand boulevards. Here in the Hungarian capital you can see classic ballets such as Giselle.

Noble Caledonia (020 7752 0000/ www.noble-caledonia.co.uk) offers seven nights from £895pp (two sharing), full board. Price includes return flights from Gatwick to Vienna. Departs Vienna, July 5 2011.

STOCKING FILLERS IN EUROPE
From November Christmas markets appear all over central Europe and have a magical atmosphere.

Here is a good excuse to get into the festive spirit early. Expect stalls selling traditional wooden toys, gingerbread, tinsel angels and mulled wine. 

Christmas Time Cruise crosses borders including Regensburg in Germany, known for its medieval centre; Salzburg,
famous for The Sound Of Music; and Linz with its cutting-edge architecture along the Danube.

On board expect musical performances by pianists and champagne breakfasts.

● AMAWaterways (0808 223 5009/www.amawaterways.co.uk) offers seven nights from £1,197pp (two sharing), full board. Price includes return flights from Gatwick to Nuremberg. Departs Nuremberg, November 29 and December 6, 13, 19, 20 2010.

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NESSIE AND THE HIGHLANDS
Strictly speaking this is not river cruising but inland cruising, taking in the Great Glen, three famous lochs and the Caledonian Canal.

The eight-passenger Scottish Highlander gives you a real taste of Scotland with its tartan soft furnishings and landscape paintings. Fine dining includes a menu offering the best of regional specialities such as salmon and venison and plenty of single malt whiskies.

Along your Highland route you’ll see the great castles: Urquhart, Cawdor and Eilean Donan; and the battlefi elds of
Glencoe and Culloden.

Take an organised excursion to Macbeth’s castle or visit one of the many whisky distilleries.

There is also, of course, the chance to spot Nessie. The Highlander is equipped with radar and a “fish finder” which picks up any sign of life below.

● European Waterways (01784 482439/ www.gobarging.com) offers six nights from £1,950pp (two sharing), full board. Departs Inverness weekly until October 2010.

PLEASANTRIES IN PORTUGAL
An Iberian River Journey on board the 45-passenger Douro Prince cruiser glides through the breathtaking scenery of
Portugal’s mountainous vineyards, stopping off at the great quintas.

Dine at a mountainside quinta and an 11th-century Benedictine convent. Sample vintage port and wine and visit medieval villages and palaces such as Mateus, built in the 18th century.

In Salamanca, Spain, flamenco lessons are one of the many highlights. Or make the most of the sundeck and view the patchwork landscapes of vineyards and olive groves.

● Voyages Jules Verne (020 7616 1000/www.vjv.co.uk) offers seven nights from £972pp (two sharing), full board.
Price includes return flights from Gatwick or Stansted to Porto. Departs Porto weekly until November 2010.

ENGLAND’S FINE TRADITION
In the spirit of quintessential Englishness the Magna Carta meanders along the western reaches of the Thames.

This converted old Dutch barge with its sumptuous decor offers just four luxury suites.

The cruise, from Hampton Court Palace to Henley-on-Thames, visits some of England’s most important historical sites such as Henry VIII’s Hampton Court and Windsor Castle.

An afternoon at a luxury spa is included and provides the perfect end to a morning of sightseeing.

● European Waterways (01784 482439/www.gobarging.com) offers six nights from £2,120pp (two sharing), full
board. Departs Hampton Court weekly until October 2010.