Western Mediterranean CME Cruise

August 15-27, 2025

Earn 27.0 Mainpro+ credits

Earlybird tuition $1,695 CDN (tax-free)

Register now & save $200

• $1,695 earlybird tuition until August 14, 2025
• $1,895 tuition aboard ship on August 15, 2025

Make this summer something to look forward to! Join us in exploring five European countries: the Netherlands (Amsterdam), France (Paris), Portugal (Lisbon/Sintra), the UK (Dover & Gibraltar), and Spain (Bilbao, Cadiz/Seville, Mallorca, and Barcelona).  You & your loved ones will return home with a bucket full of magical memories of the Mediterranean. 

PsychUpdates respect your time. The collections are certified at the very highest level (THREE-credits-per-hour) by the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Our 3:1 CME saves you much time (& therefore money) over even ostensibly "free" 1:1 CME. You owe yourself a quick peek at the relative value calculations. 

The Royal College accepts Mainpro+ credits as equivalent (1:1) to MOC credits for Section 1 (i.e., Group Learning). As such, this nine-hour, three-credits-per-hour CME counts for 27.0 credits in MAINPORT.

Vacation CME has many advantages over local CME. See what your colleagues are saying, and explore the case for it being four-credit-per-hour CME. 

No shirt, no shoes, no CME (regardless of how you identify). However, what you do during non-CME hours is entirely up to you. The CMPA now refers to physician well-being as "the missing quality of care indicator", because it so powerfully predicts patient outcomes. Physician, recharge yourself! 

Lead instructor Greg Dubord, MD is the CME Director of CBT Canada, and the prime developer of medical CBT. He has presented over 500 workshops, including over 50 for the College of Family Physicians of Canada, and is a University of Toronto CME Teacher of the Year. 

Assistant instructor Olivia MacLeod, MD is the Medical Director of Mental Health Outpatient Services for CHEO (the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario). She leads a large team of psychiatrists, pediatricians, and others in providing tertiary mental health care for children & adolescents at the UOttawa teaching site. 

CBT Canada has given over 100 workshops in collaboration with most Canadian medical schools, including Dalhousie, McGill, McMaster, Memorial, Queen's, UofA, UBC, UofC, Université de Montréal, UofS, University of Toronto, and Western (UWO).

CBT Canada won the National CME Program Award from the CFPC for providing "exceptional learning experiences". CBT Canada was also the first organization to be authorized by the CFPC to provide three-credits-per-hour CME. One accreditation reviewer wrote, "Two words: superlative & exemplary".

Many physician leaders have been trained by CBT Canada over the past 25 years. Alumni include CFPC presidents (both national & provincial), department chairs, residency training program directors—and even a few doctors who are comfortable using drills & saws. For a compilation of testimonials, click here. 

The CME will be held only during our three "sea days" of Monday, August 18, Wednesday, August 20, and Monday, August 25. The CME hours are from 8:00AM to 9:30AM and from 9:45AM to 11:15AM on those three days, for a grand total of 9.0 hours and 27.0 Mainpro+ credits. 

Day 1. Amsterdam combines old-world charm with cutting-edge modernity. The city has world-famous canals, iconic historic buildings, and a bustling cultural life. The classic way to get oriented is with a canal tour. To explore further, consider renting a bike—Amsterdam is one of the most bike-friendly cities on earth.

Visit the city's terrific museums, including the Anne Frank, H'ART, Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk, and Vincent van Gogh. Wander through the lively Albert Cuyp Market to sample Dutch delicacies like stroopwafels, poffertjes, and kroket. Check out the A'DAM Lookout for panoramic views and the thrilling "Over the Edge" swing. Head over to the NEMO Science Museum, housed in a striking green building, and interact with exhibits that are fun for ALL ages. Wrap up with a visit to the Red Light District, which combines history (e.g., Oude Kerk), nightlife, and Amsterdam's ultraliberal culture.  

Day 2.  The White Cliffs of Dover are an icon of England's strength and character. Begin with a climb up the great Great Tower for some stunning views of the English Channel (and sometimes even the coast of France). Explore Dover Castle, which dates back nearly two millennia, and is riddled with underground military tunnels. Take in old English opulence with a tour of Leeds Castle, whose stately grounds and grand chambers housed a half dozen medieval queens. Get in your 10,000 steps (and a cup of tea at St. Margaret's Bay) on Saxon Shore Way, which traces the edge of Dover's white cliffs. Consider visiting the charming village of Deal (20 minutes away), with its extraordinary Deal Castle and vibrant seafront. Venture further afield to Canterbury (40 minutes away), and you'll return with many tales from a truly extraordinary medieval town.

Day 3.  Paris has unparalleled allure and romance, with famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Champs-Élysées. Paris boasts countless world-renowned museums, including Centre Pompidou, Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Musée Picasso, and Musée Rodin. For a pleasant stroll check out the Tuileries Garden along the Seine, the Luxembourg Garden on the Left Bank, or the Parc Monceau in the 8th arrondissement. 

NOTE: For a splendid introduction to the city's enchanting atmosphere, check out Woody Allen's "fantasy romantic comedy" Midnight in Paris (2011), starring Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Adrien Brody, Michael Sheen, Carla Bruni (i.e., Nicolas Sarkozy's wife) et al. The film won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.  

Day 5. Bilbao, located in Spain's Basque region, is home to the Museo Guggenheim, a stunning piece of contemporary architecture. To orient yourself to Bilbao, take the Artxanda Funicular up 300m Mount Artxanda. From there stroll through Casco Viejo (Old Quarter) to find yourself immersed in the 14th-century. Be sure to visit the Bilbao Cathedral,  an important stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail. Explore the vibrant heart of Bilbao at Plaza Nueva to enjoy the delicious Basque appetizers called pintxos and sample the local Rioja wines. The Mercado de la Ribera is another must-visit, offering a vibrant atmosphere with a wide variety of local delicacies. End with a walk along the Nervión River, enjoying the views of the city's blend of old and new architecture. A note to oenophiles: Bilbao is the gateway to Haro and the renowned Rioja wine region. A note to Tolkienophiles: Keep an eye out for Bilbao Baggins.

Day 7. Lisbon is an ancient city, predating the Roman Empire. Begin your visit by walking along the beautiful mosaic sidewalks to the Monument to the Discoveries. Ride the Santa Justa Lift, a unique vertical tram providing amazing views of Lisbon's skyline. Take a trolley to the Baixa District, a bustling area full of life and history. Wander the narrow streets of the Alfama District, with traditional Fado music in the air, and visit the impressive São Jorge Castle for panoramic views.

Discover the charm of Graca, with tiled buildings and mansions, and Chiado, Lisbon’s arts district, filled with galleries, boutique shops, and theaters. Don't miss the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Stroll along the Tagus River Promenade for picturesque views. Check out the LX Factory, a trendy arts and culture hub with many shops and restaurants. For culinary delights, visit the Time Out Market to sample a wide range of Portuguese dishes. Lastly, no visit to Lisbon is complete without trying Port, the fortified red wine popular throughout Portugal. NOTE: We're in Lisbon overnight. 

Day 8.  Lisbon area, Part II. In the unlikely event that you've toured all of Lisbon, consider experiencing the enchanting beauty of Sintra. Located just a 40min train ride away, Sintra is known for its stunning palaces, lush gardens, and rich history. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is nestled in the foothills, and has been a favored retreat for Portuguese royalty for many centuries.

Start with the Pena Palace,  with its intriguing blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline styles. Explore its lavish interiors and meandering garden pathways, home to many exotic plant species. Check out the Quinta da Regaleira, an estate renowned for its gardens, tunnels, and the mysterious Initiation Well. Quinta da Regaleira is a very atmospheric place, filled with symbolic elements from alchemy, Masonry, and the Knights Templar. The 8th century Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros), is another must-see in Sintra. Perched high on a hill, the ramparts provide breathtaking views. Sintra is pure magic, but just be sure you're back at the ship by 4:00PM! 

Day 9.  In the port city of Cádiz, start your exploration at the stunning Catedral, with its golden dome gleaming under the Andalusian sun. Climb the Torre Tavira for panoramic views of the city. Visit Plaza de España and the Constitution of 1812, celebrating Spanish democracy. Explore the ancient Roman Theatre, dating back to the 1st century BC, to get a glimpse of Cádiz's rich history. Don't miss the Museo de Cádiz, with its diverse collection of Phoenician artifacts. Head to Mercado Central to experience the vibrant local life and sample regional seafood delicacies. Take a leisurely stroll along the Alameda Apodaca promenade, lined with lush gardens and fountains. Unwind at La Caleta Beach, a charming spot flanked by two castles, perfect for a refreshing swim.

Seville is located just 90 minutes from Cádiz. Begin your exploration there at the awe-inspiring Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic structure in the world (and the tomb of Christopher Columbus). This UNESCO World Heritage Site features the iconic Giralda Bell Tower, with breathtaking views of Seville. Next, explore the enchanting Real Alcázar, a royal palace blending Christian and Moorish architecture. It has lush gardens and opulent rooms with intricate tilework. To immerse yourself in Seville's charm, stroll through the historic Santa Cruz District, with its narrow alleyways and picturesque plazas. The district is an excellent place to sample some Andalusian delights at its many tapas bars. Check out the incredibly photogenic Plaza de España, which has been featured in movies from Lawrence of Arabia to Star Wars. The plaza has over ten acres of curved tiles, and many canals and bridges. 

Day 10.  The Rock of Gibraltar, located at the very southernmost tip of Europe, is where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. The Rock's unique location has made it one of the world's most important military strongholds. Begin your tour with a visit to the Great Siege Tunnels, carved into the Rock during the 18th century. Marvel at the historic artillery pieces and learn about the many pivotal battles that took place here. Don't miss the St. Michael's Cave, a stunning natural grotto used as a hospital during World War II. The cave's stalactites and stalagmites create a mesmerizing underground landscape, and it's a modern concert venue. For a dose of maritime history, visit the Gibraltar Museum, which offers fascinating exhibits on the region's rich past. Finally, ascend to Gibraltar's summit and hang out with the local Barbary macaques, the only wild monkey population in Europe. You'll enjoy breathtaking views of three countries: the United Kingdom (which you're in), the famed Costa del Sol of Spain, and the African coastline of Morocco. 

Day 12.  Palma de Mallorca, the jewel of the Balearic Islands, offers a captivating mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Start your day by exploring the magnificent La Seu,  a Gothic Cathedral with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Stroll through the old town's narrow, winding streets to discover hidden courtyards, charming squares, and the Almudaina Palace. Take a leisurely walk along the Paseo Marítimo, the scenic waterfront promenade, and soak in the views of luxury yachts and bustling cafes. Don't miss the vibrant Mercat de l’Olivar, where you can sample sobrasada, ensaïmada, and other local delicasies. Consider a trip to the nearby Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic cliffs and lush valleys. End your day with a visit to Bellver Castle, a unique circular fortress offering panoramic views of Palma and the surrounding bay.

Day 13.  Everyone loves Barcelona! Sample tasty tapas and watch the gifted buskers of Las Ramblas. Visit the Columbus Monument and Maritime Museum. Tour Antoni Gaudi's architectural masterpieces, including Parc Güell, Casa Batlló, the newly-opened Casa Vicens, and the soaring Sagrada Familia. Marvel at the extraordinary creativity of Picasso. Stroll through the narrow alleyways and vibrant squares of the Gothic Quarter to explore ancient Roman and medieval architecture. Check out the stunning Barcelona Cathedral and the bustling Plaça Reial. For a taste of local life, visit the Boqueria Market for fresh produce & seafood, and a wide variety of gourmet Catalan specialities. Lastly, take a relaxing walk along the beaches of Barcelona, such as Barceloneta, where you can soak up the sun, enjoy beachside dining, and take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea.

Traveling solo?  If the cruise line's "single supplement" is deterring you, Arlene may be able to help. Call (877) 466-8228 x 333 or email vacation@cbt.ca for details.