A Mediterranean Adventure for Sober Travellers
Travel with Joe and Penny-Claire from Venice to Rome, with ports in Corsica and Italy and time to connect with a welcoming sober-travel group.
9 Nights
2 in Venice · 5 aboard Star Clipper · 2 in Rome
From $7,999 CAD
Per person · Double occupancy · Category 6 cabin
Economy airfare from Toronto or Montreal
Hotel · Gondola ride · Pizza-making experience · Taxes and gratuities
A Curated Experience From Gondola to Tall Ship
Start with two nights in Venice, with a gondola ride and pizza-making experience. Then join Joe and Penny-Claire aboard Star Clipper for five nights, July 19–24. The sailing calls at Bastia and Calvi in Corsica, Lerici on Italy’s Ligurian coast, and Portoferraio on Elba. After returning to Civitavecchia, spend two nights in Rome, with a Vatican visit planned.
There’ll be time to share the experience and time to make it your own. Plans include a group dinner or reception, an excursion, onboard meditation and 12-step meetings, alongside time to explore independently. The hosted schedule and activity details will be confirmed before departure.
“We're sober, we're sailing and we're not a glum lot. Come aboard and celebrate the freedom of sober living!”
Meet Your Hosts
Joe and Penny-Claire Tilley
Joe Tilley is a former CTV News Toronto sports anchor whose path from Edmonton to a more than 30-year broadcasting career included standout achievements in boxing and a personal journey in recovery. A University of Alberta graduate, Joe faced early struggles with alcohol after leaving high school. He went on to win a Golden Gloves championship, become a three-time Alberta welterweight champion and earn bronze at the 1978 Canadian Championships.
A familiar face on CFTO/CTV for more than three decades, Joe was known for his energetic style and features such as “Swiss Picks” and “The Excellent Sports Adventure.” Today, he shares his passion for sports, storytelling and recovery through Joe Tilley’s Great Canadian Sports Show and Recovery Comes Alive on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, as well as Recovery Comes Alive with Joe and Jay. He continues to speak publicly and works part-time as a counsellor at Addiction Rehab Toronto, supporting others as they rebuild their lives.
With many years in 12-step recovery, Penny-Claire has come to appreciate the beauty of sober living, genuine connection and time to reflect and grow. An introvert who is open to new adventures, she looks forward to sharing the joy of travel, fellowship and meaningful friendships on a sober cruise.
Life Aboard Star Clipper
With four masts and space for up to 166 guests, Star Clipper offers a small-ship way to sail the Mediterranean. Between port calls, enjoy the teak decks, either of two swimming pools, open-seating dining and the ship’s Edwardian-style library.
The ship’s Edwardian-style library and lounge
Open-seating dining aboard Star Clipper
Teak decks and an open-air pool
A Preview of the Journey
A stay in Venice, five nights under sail, then time in Rome.
Venice
Two nights
Star Clipper
Five nights · July 19–24
Rome
Two nights
Explore the Itinerary
The land stay begins in Venice, followed by the Corsica and Italy sailing and time in Rome.
July 17–18 · Venice, Italy
Monday, July 19 · Civitavecchia (Port for Rome), Italy
Tuesday, July 20 · Bastia, Corsica, France
Wednesday, July 21 · Calvi, Corsica, France
Thursday, July 22 · Lerici, Italy
Friday, July 23 · Portoferraio, Elba, Italy
Saturday, July 24 · Civitavecchia and Rome
Sunday, July 25 · Rome, Italy
Monday, July 26 · Departures
Star Clippers’ sailing runs July 19–24, 2027. Port times and activities are subject to change.
Trip Pricing
Prices are in Canadian dollars, based on double occupancy, and include taxes and gratuities.
Included in the Package
- Two nights in Venice
- Gondola ride and pizza-making experience
- Five nights aboard Star Clipper
- Two nights in Rome; a Vatican visit is planned
- Economy airfare from Toronto or Montreal
- Taxes and gratuities
Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Optional shore excursions and personal expenses
- Airport, hotel and port transfers unless listed in the final package
- Meals and activities not specifically listed as included
Confirm the complete inclusions, exclusions and supplier terms before booking.
Is This Trip Right for You?
This experience may be a strong fit for travellers who:
Helpful Planning Notes
Venice and historic areas include bridges, cobblestones and uneven surfaces. The Vatican visit may involve extended walking and standing. Star Clipper has stairs and limited accessibility.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Modest attire covering shoulders and knees is required at many religious sites.
Economy airfare from Toronto or Montreal is included. Ask Joanne to confirm the departure airport, routing, baggage allowance and transfer arrangements.
Travellers are responsible for valid passports and checking current entry requirements for their citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I join on my own?
Do I need to know Joe, Penny-Claire or the other travellers?
Do I need previous sailing experience?
Are the hosted activities included?
How much free time will I have?
Is this trip suitable for travellers with mobility limitations?
Ready to Book?
Joanne can confirm cabin availability, flight details and the final package inclusions.
Important booking information
Package details, inclusions, itinerary and availability are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Please review the final terms and conditions with Joanne before making a reservation.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.