CBT Baltics

May 21-June 2, 2014

18.0 Mainpro-C credits

Tuition $1,295 (tax-free)

The CME is a requested extended version of the CBT for Depression module and is accredited for 18.0 Mainpro-Cs. Join our group and learn a plethora of ten-minute techniques to help patients overcome depression, pain, and substance abuse. Updated for DSM-5.

This "bucket list" journey will take our group to some of the most intriguing cities on earth: Amsterdam, Berlin, Stockholm, Helsinki, Saint Petersburg, Tallinn, and Copenhagen. You & your companions will return with a deep appreciation for  progressive Scandinavia and majestic czarist Russia.

The Netherlands' capital of Amsterdam combines the enchanting atmosphere of a 17th-century city with the contemporary character of a modern metropolis. More than just tulips and coffee shops, this highly-walkable city of canals features distinctive architecture, Rembrandts & van Goghs, and famous blue & white porcelain. Highlights include the Rijksmuseum—recently reopened after a ten-year, €375 renovation—and the equally beautiful Aalsmeer Flower Auction, the largest in the world. You'll be clicking your clogs with joy!

The German fishing village of Warnemunde is doubtlessly charming, but for deep history and culture, make the day trip to Berlin. Walk under the Brandenburg Gate, the city's icon and symbol of reunification. Visit the Reichstag, the seat of the German Parliament, with its remarkable Bundestag viewing dome. Experience essential history at the new Topography of Terror museum, located on former Gestapo and SS grounds. Get your passport stamped at Checkpoint Charlie and your photo taken by the Berlin Wall.  Explore the Pergamon Museum, Germany's most visited, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

You'll fall in love with the magnificent city of Stockholm, filled as it is with palaces, parks, and museums. Stroll the enchanting cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan (Old Town). Enjoy Ekoparken, home to three royal residences (including the famous Haga Palace). Explore Skogskyrkogården (aka Woodland Cemetery), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit Vasa, the world’s oldest intact ship (1628) and Scandinavia's most popular museum. Learn about tall musical blondes at the ABBA Museum—or about inspiring smart people of all shapes & sizes at the Nobel Museum.

Helsinki. The Finnish capital (and home of Angry Birds) is easily-navigated and an architectural delight. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Senate Square in the city's heart. Tour the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, built in 1748 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Experience the iconic Rock Church and the Kamppi Chapel of Silence. Explore the South Harbour, with its impressive collection of historic tall ships. Marvel at the sparkling creativity of Helsinki's contemporary design. Relax at Sibelius Park, dedicated to the world famous composer. And try very hard to understand Finnish (it's linguistically highly-unique). 

Saint Petersburg is the cultural heart of Russia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll be awestruck by Catherine the Great's Hermitage, founded in 1764 and the world's largest art museum. Tour Peterhof Garden, a Russian Versailles adorned with statues of gold. Wonder at the ornate onion domes of the Church on Spilled Blood. Marvel at the magnificent Catherine Palace, the Pushkin summer residence of the Russian czars (even if you're not normally one for shiny things, you'll be blown away by the Amber Room—sometimes called the Eighth Wonder of the World). End the day with a boisterous toast and a vodka shot (or two). 

The walled medieval city of Tallinn has remained essentially unchanged since its founding in 1154. With its quaint cobblestoned streets and pastel-hued houses, Tallinn can often feel like a fairytale setting. You'll enjoy the medieval stone architecture of Viru Gate, Toompea Castle, Kadriorg Palace, Tall Hermann, and Fat Margaret. Yet much in Estonia has changed, especially since the extraordinary Singing Revolution of 1987. A European Union member since 2004, Estonia has impressive measures of education, press freedom, civil liberties, human development—and internet speeds.

The village the Vikings made in the 10th century is now exmplary Copenhagen. Today nearly half the population commutes by bike in this extraordinary green & liveable city. Begin your exploration with a walk past the Little Mermaid and Gefion Fountain, to the colourful 17th century waterfront of Nyhavn. Stop and play a little at Tivoli Gardens, reportedly the main inspiration for a man named Walter Elias Disney. Watch the tall Danish guards change at Amalienborg Castle. Sing a little at the inspiring Operaen, Copenhagen’s new half-billion dollar opera house. Test your courage with a breathtaking corkscrew climb up the Church of Our Saviour’s external staircase. You've doubtless heard Denmark is usually rated the world’s happiest country. Rest assured you'll likely be happy there too.

Inside cabins from $4,122
(including all taxes for two)

COMPANION CRUISES FREE

Call Pauline at (888) 739-3117