DISCOVER EUROPE ON THE DREAMY DANUBE

The Danube is the only major European river to flow from west to east and meanders from its source in Germany's Black Forest through nine countries including Slovakia, Hungary and Croatia on its way to the Black Sea.

On this eight-day voyage with Viking River Cruises (0800 319 6660/www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk) on the new Viking Prestige you'll explore some of the grand cities and picturesque villages and towns along the river's banks.

Click here now for amazing offers to Budapest!

Highlights include both sides of Hungary's capital, the traditional Buda and more cosmopolitan Pest, Vienna's imperial architecture and tours of riverside towns in Austria's Wachau Valley. In Germany, wander down charming cobbled streets lined with quaint half-timbered houses.

Viking Prestige is a hybrid state-of-the-art vessel which has two 310sq ft suites and 95 staterooms, all deluxe (except for the five single staterooms) with either French balconies or picture windows.

An eight-day Romantic Danube cruise from £1,795pp (two sharing), full board. Price includes flight from London to Nuremberg and return from Budapest. Departs Nuremberg, December 10, 2011.

DELIGHTS OF THE DOURO

Portugal's Douro River valley is one of Europe's most unspoilt areas and one of the world's oldest wine-making regions.

Terraced vineyards and charming traditional farms (quintas) cling to the steep valleys creating a beautiful backdrop to this seven-night Uniworld cruise (0845 678 8558 /www.uniworldrivercruises.co.uk) on the new Douro Spirit.

You will sample a variety of wines from village vineyards, visit lively and historic Porto and quaff plenty of port, the area's most famous export.

Want incredible Porto offers? Click here now...

Food and wine buffs will also enjoy locally celebrated dishes. Sample a traditional meal at the Alpendurada Monastery and a Spanish-style lunch complete with a flamenco show, or there's the chance to dine at an 18th-century quinta which overlooks the river.

Chic boutique ship Douro Spirit is beautifully appointed with river-view staterooms and suites with French balconies. There is also a sundeck with Jacuzzi and a small pool.

An 11-day Porto, Spain & the Douro River valley cruise from £2,575pp (two sharing), full board, including return flights from the UK and three-night pre-cruise stay in Lisbon. Departs Porto, November 3, 2011.

MAGICAL MEKONG

The Mekong is one of the most important rivers in South-East Asia linking together cultures and centuries-old traditions.

There's no better way to experience it than on the new luxury MS AmaLotus, from AmaWaterways (0808 223 5009/ www.amawaterways.co.uk).

It has 62 staterooms and suites all exquisitely decorated with traditional colonial touches and regional Khmer artefacts. All outside rooms offer stunning views of this fantastic river.

The week-long voyage makes its way from Cambodia's Siem Reap to Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City. There are calls at the Royal Palace, National Museum and the "killing fields" at Phnom Penh, the wetland area of Kampong Chhnang and Tonle Sap Lake en route.

Experience daily life with ox-cart rides and silk weaving in small rural villages. Visit bustling capital cities, Buddhist temples and floating markets.

A seven-night Vietnam, Cambodia & the Riches of the Mekong cruise from £1,060pp (two sharing), full board. Return flights from Heathrow to Singapore can be arranged from £825pp. Departs Siem Reap, January 16, 2012.

THE HISTORIC NILE

Take in the sights of Egypt and the ever-changing riverscape of the Nile aboard a comfortable air-conditioned riverboat.

The Adventure Company (0845 287 1198/www.adventurecompany.co.uk) explores this enchanting destination during a 10-day Nile Riverboat Adventure.

A highlight of the trip, which begins in Cairo, is a three-day Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor. Visit the legendary Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple which is situated in the heart of the city.

Other sights to savour include the temples at Edfu, which are the largest and best preserved in Egypt, and the town of Kom Ombo. Optional excursions include a Nile trip on board a felucca, an Egyptian traditional sailboat, or a desert camel ride.

An overnight train returns you to Cairo where a visit to the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, which is packed with exotic spices and leather goods, is a real must.

A 10-day Nile Riverboat Adventure from £1,199pp (two sharing). Price includes return flights from the UK to Cairo, transfers, four-nights hotel stay, three-nights riverboat stay, two nights sleeper-train and most meals. Departs London, November 20, 2011 and various dates throughout 2012.