2026 AMA Waterways Danube River Cruise
Join Cindy Day and Allie Bennett in 2026 on the Gems of Southeast Europe AMA River CruiseCindy Day
Professionally trained meteorologist and pilot weather briefer with 40 years in radio, television, and print in the Eastern Ontario and Atlantic Canadian markets.
Extensive experience in writing and producing weather segments and reporting on climate issues.
Best-selling author (Grandma Says).
Owner-operator of home-based weather service: “CindyDay.ca"
A passionate community volunteer.
Fluent in both French and English
Allie Bennett
Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia native Allie Bennett is in his 49th year in the Canadian Music Industry. He has toured Canada, the U.S., Britain, Sweden, Australia, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. As a studio musician, Allie has over 150 album projects to his credit, and his name appears on over 1,000,000 units sold in Canada. He has worked with John Allan Cameron, Rita MacNeil, Stan Rogers, Murray McLauchlan, The Rankin Family, The Barra MacNeils, Mary Jane Lamond, Natalie MacMaster, Ron Hynes, Bruce Guthro, Dave Gunning, Howie MacDonald, Ashley MacIsaac, Raylene Rankin, Jimmy Rankin and many more. Allie was Musical Director for the 1995 East Coast Music Awards. He was also band leader for the 1997 and 1998 editions of the Cape Breton Summertime Review and the 2000 and 2001 productions of Howie’s Celtic Brew. In 2003 he was Musical Director of The Rise And Follies Of Cape Breton - The Second Coming. In 2004 Allie released a fiddle album, his first solo project aptly titled “It’s About Time”, and in 2005 he was presented with the East Coast Music Association's Musicians Achievement Award. He lives in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, where he operates a private music school teaching fiddle and guitar, as well as teaching at the Halifax and Bedford Long&McQuade Lesson Centres. Allie continues to work as a studio musician, as well as a solo performer. In the fall of 2013 he released a new recording called “Full Circle” which is mostly instrumental with some vocal tracks as well.
Gems of Southeast Europe AMA River Cruise
Private Chartered AMA Bella: Newly reimagined in 2021, the graceful AmaBella is a stunning river ship, unique in her own right. The intimate lounge is an inviting place to grab a cocktail and the thoughtfully redesigned reception area, adorned with charming pieces of contemporary art, provides a warm welcome after a day exploring ashore. Most staterooms feature our signature twin balconies so you can enjoy the views however you wish, as well as Entertainment-On-Demand and marble bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads. Elegant suites feature added enhancements, including a large sitting area and an expansive bathroom complete with a bathtub and separate shower. You’ll also find a massage and hair salon on board, a fitness room, specialty coffee station and a gift shop. An expansive Sun Deck with a heated pool offers special moments of pure relaxation. Mealtimes are a feast for the senses in the Main Restaurant and at The Chef’s Table where you will witness our chefs in action through our glass-walled kitchen. Our new “Café Bistro” is the perfect al fresco setting to play cards, mingle or enjoy a light lunch. Throughout your journey on the Danube, you may catch sight of AmaVerde, AmaBella’s “secret lover.” The two ships cross paths as they sail opposite directions, catching brief moments together as they rendezvous in select ports along the Danube River.
For Stateroom Details please click DECK PLAN
Sailing Dates: September 21 - 28, 2026 -CRUISE FROM : GIURGIU TO BUDAPEST
Touch history in Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, as you sail along the exotic lower Danube. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities, along with the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes and the Danube’s famed Iron Gates, showcase the best of eastern Europe. Nature lovers will relish the opportunity to bike through Belgrade’s sprawling Kalemegdan Park. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans in Croatia. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent.
September 21, 2026 - ARRIVE IN GIURGIU, ROMANIA
Embark the ship in Giurgiu for your Gems of Southeast Europe cruise.
September 22, 2026 - ROUSSE, BULGARIA
Experience more of Bucharest or visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to explore Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, or you may visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. (B,L,D)
Evening discussion with Cindy Day - Weather Lore/Grandma Says
September 23, 2026 - VIDIN, BULGARIA
Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. Wine-lovers can instead enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery, situated just outside of Vidin in the village of Negovanovtsi. Located on the vine-growing and wine-producing Danubian Plain, we will tour this boutique winery and end in the cellar for a tasting that includes traditional Bulgarian wines. (B,L,D)
Evening performance with Allie Bennett
September 24, 2026 - SCENIC CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES
The Iron Gates are some of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. After your scenic cruise, you will arrive at Golubac Fortress – one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe – for a tour. (B,L,D)
Evening discussion with Cindy Day - Weather Trivia
September 25, 2026 - BELGRADE, SERBIA
Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Nikola Tesla Museum, encompassing the world-renowned inventor’s life and inventions, as well as the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava, the largest such church in the world. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress. In the afternoon, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling a few types of Serbian brandy paired with delicious local appetizers, including Šlivovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO’s list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. Or explore Novi Sad, a city rich in tradition and culture, on “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour. Stroll through Stari Grad, the old town center; and explore Liberty Square, which is dominated by the Old Town Hall. (B,L,D)
September 26, 2026 - VUKOVAR, CROATIA
Enjoy an afternoon in Vukovar on a guided city tour where you will have a chance to visit Eltz Manor House and its collection of historic artifacts, paintings and clothing. Alternatively, you may explore Vukovar on an active bike tour. Wine connoisseurs will want to enjoy a Croatian wine tasting and tour in the Old Cellars, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. (B,L,D)
Evening performance with Allie Bennett
September 27, 2026 - MOHACS – PECS, HUNGARY
Visit Pecs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, and the UNESCO designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Szechenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pecs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. Or for wine connoisseurs, you’ll want to go to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. (B,L,D)
September 28, 2026 - BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship in Budapest and prepare for your flight home.
Or spend a few days post cruise and explore the magnificent City
What's Included:
SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies), Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations, Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area, Bottled water replenished daily.
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore, Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land packages, Internet and Wi-Fi access, Sun Deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track, Fitness room, massage services and hair salon, Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar, Daily entertainment including cultural performances.
AWARD-WINNING DINING
All onboard dining in a variety of venues, Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients, The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience, Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast, Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks, Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge.
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
Immersive tours in every destination, Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options, Bike tours and hikes, Special interest tours, Knowledgeable guides, Personal headset for easy exploration, Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
SS Suite: Violin Deck - 350 S.F with French & Outside Balcony - $ 9899.00/person (5 - Pink)
AA Cabin: Violin Deck - 235 S.F. with French & Outside Balcony - $ 8299.00/person (12 - Violet)
AB Cabin: Cello Deck - 235 S.F. with French & Outside Balcony - $ 7999.00/person (19 - Rose)
BA Cabin: Violin Deck - 210 S.F. with French & Outside Balcony - $ 7799.00/person (8 - Blue)
BB Cabin: Cello Deck - 210 S.F. with French & Outside Balcony - $ 7499.00/person (8 - Green)
C Cabin : Violin & Cello Deck - 170 S.F with French Balcony - $ 6799.00/person (10 - Purple)
D Cabin: Piano Deck - 170 S.F with Fixed Windows - $ 5399.00/person (13 - Orange)
E Cabin: Piano Deck - 170 S.F with Fixed Windows - $ 5099.00/person (6 - Yellow)
For Stateroom Details Please Click DECK PLAN
Prices do not include: $ 305.00 port charges and optional prepaid Gratuties of $ 207.00/person. Return airfare not included
Terms per person:
$ 1000.00/person non-refundable deposit on or before December 31, 2024.
Further 30% of cost due on or before March 15, 2026
Further 30 % of cost due on or before May 15, 2026
Final payment due on or before June 1, 2026.
Join Cindy, Allie, Sandra Gardiner of AMA Waterways and Absolute Travel on September 11, 2024 at Brightwood Golf Course, 227 School St Dartmouth - 7:00 - 9:00 PM for a full detailed presentation of this special event chartered River Cruise. RSVP to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For complete details call/text Elayne Pink - 902-456-7800 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND FINAL KITCHEN PARTY…. YOU ASKED WE LISTENED.
KITCHEN PARTY 2025
Hubbards September 12-14, 2025 at Anchorage HOUSE & Cottages
LIVE MUSIC: Friday Night, Saturday Matinee, Saturday Night
With: Jester J. Brown, Ian McLaws and the Persuaders with Maurice Aucoin
We are so excited for our 4th music weekend.
Prices STARTING AT $ 399.00 PER PERSON.
To book your cottage/room call/text Elayne Pink - 902-456-7800 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
SPRING IN THE ALGARVE PORTUGAL - April 21 - May 2, 2025
Award-winning chef, food educator, author and restaurateur, Craig Flinn invites you to join him in an all-inclusive culinary tour of the breathtaking Algarve Region of Portugal.
CRAIG FLINN: For those of you who do not know Craig he has been in the food education and restaurateur business for over 30 years. Craig established Chives Canadian Bistro and 2 Doors Down in Halifax Nova Scotia, was trained at the famed Savoy Hotel in London and is a veteran of European culinary tours. For more on Craig Flinn, visit www.craigflinn.com.
The 12 day tour will start and end here every day at the magnificent Villa Monte D'oira in Lagos Portugal. We are limiting the number of guests to 16 there will be no one else at the Villa.
Villa Monte D'oira
ITINERARY
April 21, 2025 - Arrival in Faro/Villa; With direct flights from Montreal and Toronto to Faro, London Gatwick or Heathrow we will pick up and deliver you to the Villa either from the airport or train station where we will entertain you with Portuguese Tapas which includes local fish, meats, cheeses and local wines/ beer or soft drinks. Curated by Craig.
April 22, 2025 - Monchique (40 minutes from Lagos); Monchique is the highest point in the Algarve and you will see the expanse of the area, it is also one of my favourites since it is unique and unlike any other village/town we will visit. Lunch at Luar da Foia will provide you with that tremendous view of the Algarve. Monchique is a very uniquely Portuguese town with church, stores, locally made liquor. Restaurant is an authentic Portuguese bbq restaurant. Guaranteed to be delicious. Light Dinner chez Craig, trust me you will not need more.
April 23, 2025 - Portimao (45 minutes from Lagos); Portimão is a port city in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. It’s known for its old quarter, busy marina and proximity to many beaches. Museu de Portimão is housed in a restored 19th-century cannery, with displays on local history. The Gothic-style Nossa Senhora da Conceição church has azulejo tiles. To the south are Rocha Beach, backed by ochre cliffs, and the medieval Fort of Santa Catarina de Ribamar. We will be visiting the museum, the dock and the beach. Dinner will be in Carveiro at Casa Algarvia. The cataplana is best which is a delicious Portuguese fish stew. The desserts are especially worthwhile.
April 24, 2025 - Estoi (60 minutes from Lagos): The visit will include the local Roman Ruins of Milreu plus Estoi Palace with restaurant, gallery, magnificent buildings plus gardens. The views are stunning from the restaurant. Dinner chez Craig
April 25, 2025 - Albufeira and the Benagil Cave (45 minutes from Lagos): Lunch at Tia Teresa authentic Portuguese meals (20 minutes from there to Albufeira and 2 hour boat ride to see dolphins in the ocean and Benagil Cave.Pizza night chez Craig
April 26, 2025 - Lagos: An easy day late departure for a visit to the local market, visit to the first Slave Market in Europe Museum, church , the Marina, beach and wandering the old town of Lagos. Lunch would be Luca's Rooftop in old Lagos or possibly by the beach. Dinner chez Craig
April 27, 2025 - Silves (40 minutes from Lagos): Silves has a huge Moorish influence with very interesting roots to Neolithic times with the museum in Silves great value, the church and Castle worth a visit. The Catholic Church is built on top of a mosque but the Catholic church do not mention this. Atelie 47 is a family run restaurant, mum in the kitchen, Dad keeping an eye on the guests and the son running between the guests and the kitchen as a waiter. He chose the wine menu and the owners are Carlos and Chantal see link Atelie 47 for lunch. Dinner chez Craig
April 28, 2025 - Our Lady of the Rock-Porches (45 minutes from Lagos): Our Lady of the Rock is a significantly spectacular sight where many weddings take place, particularly of fishermen and their spouses. There was a significant wedding while we were there one year, it was a youngish American couple. The bride arrived in a Rolls Royce and both she and her father did not look happy. There were a couple of hundred guests and while I did not see any ring kissing or anything untoward somebody, probably the Dad judging by the look of thunder on his face, spent a lot of money on the wedding. Not so much the service but the reception et al. Undecided on the restaurant for lunch but the evening meal will be at one or other of the Michelin star restaurants in Lagos. Either Don Sebastiao or Restaurante dos Artistas
April 29, 2025 - Tavira (90 minutes from Lagos ): This is the most Eastern point we will travel in the Algarve with a "Roman Bridge, castle, church with a hop on hop off train to view the town and the Islands. Truly is a magnificent spot known as the Venice of the South- according to the Tourist Guide a charming city not to be missed. Dinner chez Craig.
April 30, 2025 - Lagos and Faro: A visit to Ponta da Piedade just outside Lagos and a visit to the old town in Faro (60 minutes from Lagos) to visit the Temple of Bones and Faro Cathedral and cobbled streets. Wine Tasting - Quinta da Tor in late afternoon for authentic wines from the Algarve for those interested. As per the tourist guide. "Down in the southernmost region of Portugal lies the petite wine region of Algarve, basking in year-round sunshine—making it one of the country’s premier locales for exceptional wine production." Dinner chez Craig
May 1, 2025 - Luz and Sagres: Luz for the morning beach, sunshine, and lunch. Sagres from 3:30 onward which is the most Westerly point in Europe to see the Fort and the sunset and it is the closest point in Europe to Canada. Dinner will be in Sagres.
May 2, 2025 - Homeward Bound. As we depart for home or further on, with boxed lunch and gifts, we will return you to the airport or train station.
Notes: The cost of the trip is $6,950.00 CAD per person or based on double occupancy with all food, beverages, wineries, museums, boat rides, restaurants and transportation included. We will be traveling by coach. We are limiting this to 16 guests. You will leave with the experience of a lifetime and fabulous memories. Airfare to get to the Algarve will be on top on this and we can help you with this if needed. I have traveled to many parts of the world but I can assure you, you will fall in love with this part of Portugal. The people, the weather, the food and the scenery.
20% deposit within 10 days of booking or October 21st 2024 - $1,390.00 CAD per person balance by February 21st 2025. Payment by e-transfer or cheque
For more details please contact me: Chris: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Duane Lowe at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
My phone number is 902-456-5359 - Chris
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EXPERIENCE COSTA RICA BY TALL SHIP, STAR CLIPPER
Custom Tours of One or all of the Maritime Provinces
Let us help you explore the scenic East Coast of Canada the way you want.
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The following are testimonials from our Tour Clients.
"Lord Nelson Hotel was great, and perfectly located. We really enjoyed seeing Maud Lewis' tiny house at the Art Gallery. The next day, having lunch at The Red Shoe Pub in Mabou, the "Maudie" actor Ethan Hawke came in to eat with his family! We were able to speak with him for a bit.
Favourite restaurants: Bicycle Thief and Press Gang (we had "The Drill") in Halifax; Red Shoe Pub (we ate there twice); Windows on the Water in Montague; Georgetown Historic Inn; Piatto (great pizza) and The Merchantman Pub in Charlottetown; Main Street Restaurant and Bakery in Ingonish.
Cabot golf courses were amazing, I got my first-ever birdie on Cabot Links. The PEI courses were lovely, too.
Donelda's Puffin Boat Tour was great.
Glenora Inn was lovely, we enjoyed the distillery tour. My only complaint would be that our room was in the brand-new log cabin which is quite a distance from the Inn, so we had to get in the car all the time.
There was some confusion at the Oak Island Resort, the dinner package we had (4 course meal with bottle of wine) puzzled the dining room manager, she claimed they didn't offer that, but I had the invoice which mentioned it so she honoured it. The food there was somewhat disappointing.
We really enjoyed Charlottetown, did the double decker city tour as well as the Queens Square Walking Tour. In the evening, we went to Atlantic Blue, Tara MacLean's concert at the Guild Theatre, very good.
Lunenburg was beautiful. Visited the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic and did a horse-drawn buggy tour.
Mahone Bay was super-crowded, so we didn't stay long.
Peggy's Cove is a must-see but as you warned, so crowded. We did that on our last day, driving the coastal route to the airport. We escaped Peggy's Cove and ate lunch further north. We enjoyed the drive.
It was a very relaxing vacation, great food. I loved the ceilidhs in the restaurants, particularly The Red Shoe Pub.
The Hertz rental car was a Chrysler Pacifica, very roomy and a pleasure to drive."
Many thanks for putting together a fine vacation, Lisa and Don.
"Hello and thank you for checking back with us! We loved Nova Scotia! We were very pleased with your suggestion to do Halifax and Cape Breton. We loved the Marriott in Halifax. The room we were assigned at first overlooked the garage so we asked for one with a view, and we were able to get one for an additional $20 per night. It was much, much better. The breakfasts were great, and we ate dinner there once which was fine. Access to the parking garage from the hotel was excellent. We went to Peggy's Cove, Lunenberg, and the Fisherman's Village near Dartmouth. The Distillery was satisfactory but not particularly to our liking because of its remoteness, but we understand that hotel options in the Cape are limited. Being so far on the western side of the Cape, it was a long trek to get anywhere. We did the Cabot Trail which was beautiful and we found a nice restaurant on the water for lunch. We also went to the Highland Village which we loved. We would have liked to see more but anything else was too far to drive to. Our room at the lodge was a little too rustic for us (no closet, shower very small and was difficult to start, no phone to the desk) and we had to drive to the main building to get sodas, ice, water or anything else we needed. On the positive side, the TV and the heat/AC and internet were very good. Breakfast was very good, dinner in the pub not great, and we didn't try the dining room. Thank you for all your assistance, and we used your pamphlet to guide us which was very helpful. We hope to get back someday and do the south and north shores, and PEI. Everyone in your office was very helpful and we appreciate that. In fact, all Canadians we met were very friendly and courteous. We felt like we were in the USA." Sincerely,Ken and Pam
