CME ENCHANTING RHONE
SOUTHERN FRANCE & PROVENCE RIVER CRUISE 2025
​CME River Conferences & WIMS Present
LEADERSHIP FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
2025 European River Retreat
Join us for a journey of empowerment and connection on the CME & WIMS® Leadership for Healthcare Professionals CME International Cruise along the serene waters of Southern France. Aboard our exclusive WIMs Only Boat, set sail and enjoy the beauty of Provence, immersing yourself in a tailored CME program that promises to enhance professional growth, inspire educational pursuits, and drive advocacy for gender parity in healthcare. This floating symposium is not just a meeting of minds, but a celebration of the shared aspirations of women in medicine. Whether you're planning to reconnect with classmates, planning a girl’s trip, enjoying a getaway with your significant other, or savoring some 'me time', this voyage is the perfect blend of motivational learning, gourmet dining, and awe-inspiring vistas. Embark on this luxurious river retreat, where camaraderie meets the charm of Southern France—complete with its captivating scenery and exquisite wines. All aboard for an unforgettable week of growth, networking, and relaxation!
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Join Special Guests & Educations
Dr. Shikha Jain MD, FACP
Associate Professor of Medicine| Division of Hematology and Oncology 
GI Oncology Integrated Practice Unit (IPU) Lead
Director of Communication Strategies in Medicine| University of Illinois Chicago
Associate Director of Oncology Communication & Digital Innovation| University of Illinois Cancer Center   
CEO, Co-Founder IMPACT
President & CEO Founder, Women in Medicine® NFP
Founder & Chair Women in Medicine Summit
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Dr. Don S. Dizon, MD, FACP, FASCO​
Don S. Dizon is a Professor of Medicine and Professor of Surgery at Brown University and serves as the Vice Chair of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Professional Integrity at SWOG Cancer Research Network, a member of the National Cancer Institute’s National Clinical Trials Network.
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Dr. Naomi Lawrence-Reid, M.D.
Dr. Lawrence-Reid holds degrees from Wake Forest University and the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and she completed her pediatrics residency at Children’s Hospital at Montefiore/Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY.
Dr. Erica Howe, MD, FSHM
Physician and Founder of the Women Physicians Wellness Conference
Dr. Howe is a board-certified Hospitalist and a nationally known educator, wife, and mother to three crazy kids. As a prolific speaker and lifelong advocate for improved wellness in medicine, she has given hundreds of talks both nationally and internationally on topics like conflict management and boundary setting.
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Rashmi Rao, Founder and Managing Director, rcubed | ventures; Founder and Board Chair, HLWFâ„ Alliance
Rashmi Rao is an entrepreneur and inventor with 40+ patents and demonstrated prowess in transforming ideas to lucrative tech and healthcare businesses generating $500M+revenue at Apple, Samsung, Qualcomm, and Philips Healthcare. She founded rcubed | ventures and non-profit HLWF â„¢ Alliance focused on women's health issues and strives to work at the intersection of technology, public health and public policy.
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Laurie K. Baedke
Founder and CEO of The Growth Edge. Ms. Baedke is a well-regarded keynote speaker at international conferences, an executive coach, and the host of a weekly leadership podcast, The Growth Edge.
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Dr. Vijayakrishna (VK) Gadi, MD, PhD
Professor and Associate Director of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology
University of Illinois Cancer Center College of Medicine.
Cecilia Zapata-Harms, MS, MHA
​Cecilia is a founder, an entrepreneur and executive.  She has held leadership positions in strategy, joint venture, startup development, program administration and experience with mergers and acquisitions.  Her career spans more than 30+ years in life science/biotechnology and healthcare industry.  
More Special Guests to Come!
OVERVIEW
CME River Conference & WIMS brings you a-once-in-a-lifetime travel experience as we sail the majestic Rhone through Provence, France. Experience exceptional comfort, unexcelled quality, and the highest levels of service in a classic and graceful atmosphere. Discover an unforgettable river cruise on Europe’s most storied waterway—from the comfort of your floating 5- star conference center.
CME River Conferences and the 5-star Emerald Liberte stand for the highest levels of hospitality and service and are devoted to satisfying your every wish and every need. Our reputation and years of travel conference experience guarantees you will feel pampered in every way and enjoy each and every moment, both on the river and on land.
Your all-inclusive luxury CME conference will include our special WIMS education programming, with tours and events at our ports of call.
THE JOURNEY
The Rhône is a beautiful river, wending its way from the Swiss Alps maritime through Provence, with port calls in the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Arles and Avignon, once home to the Papacy, tours of the Beaujolais wine region, visits to quaint villages like Tournon, Vienne, and Lyon, France’s culinary heart. Romantic settings, quaint villages, stunning scenery, French flavors and rolling vineyards are yours to discover on your river cruise from Lyon to Chalon-sur-Saône, then onto Avignon and Arles.
Our all-inclusive program includes delicious Haute cuisine, our unique CME education program featuring the worlds top educators in their fields of medicine, thought-provoking lectures, entertainment, along with local tours from Lyon to Arles that combine the culture and history of each locale.
Picture yourself watching the river flow from the window of your cabin or one of the decks as it takes you to new places and reveals storybook landscapes as you relax in total comfort. The sublime ambiance and personal service aboard your CME River Conference ship creates an oasis of relaxation that is simply unexcelled. Each one of the bright, airy cabins has unrestricted views of the scenery through panoramic, glass windows with French balcony (sliding glass windows / doors) that spans the cabin’s width. Experience European travel like you never have before with the sheer ease of river transport!
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Day 1 Sat, 29 March: LyonWelcome to Lyon, on the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. On arrival at the airport, you’ll be met by a member of our friendly greetings team and transferred to the contemporary surrounds of your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. Tonight, enjoy a WIMS welcome reception and dinner on board. Please book your flight to arrive into Lyon prior to 04:30 PM.
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Day 2 Sun, 30 March: Chalon-sur-Saône – BeauneChalon-sur-Saône is known for its art and history. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the area’s architectural heritage and peaceful surrounds as you travel to the quaint village of Beaune and visit the Hospices de Beaune. Originally a hospital for the poor, the Hospices de Beaune is now home to one of Burgundy’s most popular wine auctions. Included Excursion Visit to the Hospices de Beaune WIMS Onboard Programming CME Lecture Program Cheese and olive tasting reception
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Day 3 Mon, 31 March: LyonFrance’s third-largest city, Lyon is a former Roman capital, steeped in history and considered to be the gastronomic heartbeat of the country. Home to traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, you'll enjoy an array of exemplary culinary delights. Today, a guided city tour awaits you, including a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, part of the inscribed historic site of Lyon. Wander through the city and soak in its vividly illustrated history, as buildings from all time periods can be seen adorning narrow cobblestone streets. Alternatively, explore the highlights of the city on two wheels as part of a guided bike tour of Lyon. Included Excursion (choice) Guided walking tour of Lyon Guided bike tour of Lyon WIMS Onboard Programming CME Lecture Program
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Day 4 Tue, 01 April: TournonThe picturesque village of Tournon borders the gently meandering Rhône, dominated by a 16th century castle that overlooks the village and a number of iconic landmarks, including a set of ancient watchtowers. Your guided tour of the village will showcase its intangible cultural heritage, granting every opportunity for you to immerse yourself in your surroundings. Alternatively, embark on a hike through the local vineyards and marvel at the rows upon rows of grapes used to make some of the finest wines in Europe. Later, a guided bike tour to Glun will showcase rural life in the French countryside. Included Excursion Guided tour of Tournon Guided bike tour to Glun or Vinyards hike WIMS Onboard Programming CME Lecture Program Regional wine tasting
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Day 5 Wed, 02 April: ViviersArrive in Viviers, a town with much Middle Age flair and home to one of France’s oldest cathedrals. Your included walking tour will highlight many of the city’s numerous spectacular monuments, along with their ornate windows and lavish façades. Included Excursion Guided tour of Viviers WIMS Onboard Programming CME Lecture Program
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Day 6 Thu, 03 April: AvignonAvignon has a rich history, from Celtic beginnings to being the residence of seven successive Popes between 1309 and 1377. The city also played a major part central to the French Revolution. Your included walking tour will take you past the ornate beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes, as well as Pont d’Avignon, an ancient stone bridge crossing the Rhône. In the afternoon, the beauty of Avignon is yours to leisurely explore. This evening, you’ll enjoy a delightful Provençal dining experience on board, expertly prepared by France's Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale. Included Excursion (choice) Guided tour of Avignon Canoeing excursion in Avignon WIMS Onboard Programming Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale Musical Concert
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Day 7 Fri, 04 April: ArlesThe past is yours to uncover in Arles, a once-important Phoenician trading port that was captured by the Romans, who peppered the city with iconic monuments. Today, your included tour of the city will showcase some of its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments, illustrating how the city has evolved over the centuries. Visit the 2,000-year-old Arles Amphitheatre and follow in the footsteps of world-renowned artist, Vincent van Gogh. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure, where a stop at a local and quintessential café is a must before returning to relax on board your Star-Ship. Included Excursion Guided tour of Arles with arena visit WIMS Onboard Programming CME Lecture Program Farwell Gala
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Day 8 Sat, 05 Apr Arles – Marseille (B)After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the idyllic French countryside and delightful cuisine with you. Please book your flight to depart out of Marseille after 11:00 AM. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.
from$4750pp/dbl
8
days
March 29 to April 5, 2025
THE SHIP & CRUISE RATES
ITINERARY
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Day 1 Sa - Embarkation Lyon
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Day 2 Su – Chalon-Sur-Saône – Beaune
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Day 3 Mo – Lyon
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Day 4 Tu – Tournon
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Day 5 We - Viviers
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Day 6 Th – Avignon
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Day 7 Fr – Arles
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Day 8 Sa – Arles - Marseille: Disembark
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* Please note mooring and casting off times are only guidelines. We reserve the right to make changes to the itineraries and excursion programs. If due to low or high water or a defective ship a section of the river is closed to travel, the ship-owner reserves the right to transport guests along this section by bus, accommodate them in hotels and /or change the course of this part of the journey. In certain circumstances it may be necessary to transfer to another ship. These situations are rare but do happen from time to time and are all part of riverboat vacations. There’s nothing anyone can do to control mother nature.
THE EMERALD EXPERIENCE
Accreditation:
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CME Accreditation and Credit Designation Statement: TBA
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Because this is a dedicated medical education cruise, course participants will have unprecedented access to faculty to interact with them with inquiries both during and after the program.
TOTAL CME CREDITS: maximum of 5.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Creditsâ„¢
THE SHIP​
Experience the sleek beauty of the Emerald Liberte as we glide through the south of France. As soon as you set foot on the ship, its coziness and hospitable atmosphere will overtake you and you can relax. Make yourself comfortable in the lounge and drink in your surroundings. The restaurant, surrounded by tall glass walls, offers an unobstructed view of the river and its banks. Watch bucolic landscapes pass as you enjoy fine food and good company. The cabins on the Liberte offer guests a private retreat, with balcony views that take in the river and surrounding landscape. This new deluxe ship boast all balcony suites and a heated swimming pool complete with retractable roof - creating a brilliant onboard oasis for you to relax, whatever the weather. CME River Conferences doesn't just meet your expectations; we aim to create spectacular surprises that exceed what you would expect from an everyday CME Conference.
Embarkation & Disembarkation:
Embarkation (March 29 Lyon): Clients will be able to check-in and board in Lyon, France beginning at 16:00. Guests who arrive earlier may leave their luggage at reception beginning at 13:00 but will not be able to check-in or receive their cabin until 16:00. Lyon Airport is approximately 30 minutes travel to the pier. Scheduled airport transfers will be made available in the late morning and early afternoon.
Disembarkation (Arles): Clients will be required to disembark by 9:30a. Transfers from boat to Marseille airport will be available. Airport is approximately 1.5 hours from the pier.