ITALY & CORSICA · JULY 17–26, 2027
Geat company. Exciting destinations.
A little adventure. A lot of connection. Discover the joy of sober travel with Joe and Penny-Claire Tilley, from Venice to a tall ship, then on to Rome.
STAY & SAILNine nights
2 in Venice · 5 aboard Star Clipper · 2 in Rome
YOUR PACKAGEAirfare, hotels & sailing
Plus a gondola ride, pizza-making experience, taxes and gratuities
FROM, PER PERSON$7,999 CAD
Double occupancy · Category 6 cabin
Economy airfare from Toronto or Montreal. Confirm final pricing, availability and package details with Joanne before booking.
Solo travellers welcome · Shared experiences · Time for yourself
THREE CHAPTERS. ONE MEMORABLE JOURNEY.
From gondola to tall ship to Roman wonders.
Share a table, discover a new port, or find a quiet corner on deck. Travel with a welcoming sober group, with room to make the experience your own.
01 · JULY 17–18 · TWO NIGHTS
A little Venetian magic.
Begin with two nights in Venice. A gondola ride, pizza-making experience and group welcome dinner are planned.
02 · JULY 19–24 · FIVE NIGHTS
Find your own rhythm.
Sail aboard Star Clipper from Civitavecchia to Bastia, Calvi, Lerici and Portoferraio, with time for connection and quiet moments at sea.
03 · JULY 24–26 · TWO NIGHTS
One more Roman chapter.
After disembarking, spend two nights in Rome. A Vatican visit is planned, alongside time to explore before travelling home.
Explore the full day-by-day itinerary
JUL 17–18
Venice, Italy
Two nights, with a gondola ride, pizza-making experience and planned group welcome dinner.
JUL 19
Civitavecchia, Italy
Board Star Clipper at the port for Rome. Joanne will confirm travel arrangements between Venice and the ship.
JUL 20
Bastia, Corsica, France
Discover the historic harbour, colourful streets and cafés of northern Corsica’s lively port town.
JUL 21
Calvi, Corsica, France
A marina, mountain backdrop and medieval citadel overlooking the bay.
JUL 22
Lerici, Italy
Explore the seaside setting of the Gulf of Poets on Italy’s Ligurian coast.
JUL 23
Portoferraio, Elba, Italy
Discover the island port associated with Napoleon’s exile.
JUL 24
Civitavecchia & Rome, Italy
Disembark and continue to Rome for the first of two post-cruise nights.
JUL 25
Rome, Italy
A Vatican visit is planned. Joanne will confirm the final sightseeing schedule.
JUL 26
Depart Rome
Travel home with a few more stories to tell.
Sailing: July 19–24, 2027. Itinerary, port times and hosted activities are subject to confirmation and change.
YOUR HOME UNDER THE STARS
A smaller ship.
A different perspective.
Four masts, teak decks and the simple pleasure of being at sea. Star Clipper offers an intimate sailing experience, with open-seating dining, two pools and an Edwardian-style library.
Planned group moments include meditation and 12-step meetings. The hosted schedule and any activity costs will be confirmed before departure.
YOUR TRIP PACKAGE
Nine nights, from Venice to Rome.
Included in your package
- Economy airfare from Toronto or Montreal
- Two nights in Venice
- Gondola ride and pizza-making experience
- Five nights aboard Star Clipper
- Two nights in Rome; a Vatican visit is planned
- Taxes and gratuities
What’s not included?
Travel insurance; optional shore excursions and personal expenses; airport, hotel and port transfers unless specified in the final package; and meals or activities not specifically listed as included.
Confirm final pricing, availability and package details with Joanne before booking.
A WARM WELCOME AWAITS
Meet Joe &
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.
A FEW GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you
come aboard.
Joanne can help you decide whether this trip feels right for you.
Can I join on my own?
Yes. Solo travellers are welcome. A single supplement applies; ask Joanne about current cabin options. Couples and friends are welcome too.
Do I need to know the hosts or other travellers?
No. You’re welcome to join without knowing anyone. The hosted group offers opportunities to meet people, with time to yourself too.
Is the entire ship alcohol-free?
This is a hosted sober-travel group and an alcohol-free ship. Ask Joanne about the hosted arrangements before deciding.
What does the hosted program include?
A group dinner or reception, a group excursion, onboard meditation and 12-step meetings are planned, alongside time to explore independently. Joanne will confirm the final schedule and any activity costs.
How much walking is involved?
Venice and historic ports include bridges, cobblestones and uneven surfaces. The Vatican visit may involve extended walking and standing. Star Clipper has stairs and limited accessibility. Discuss your needs with Joanne before booking.
Are flights and transfers included?
Economy airfare from Toronto or Montreal is included. Ask Joanne to confirm routing, baggage allowances and travel arrangements between Venice, the ship and Rome. Airport, hotel and port transfers are excluded unless specified in the final package.
Do I need sailing experience?
No sailing experience is required to travel as a passenger aboard Star Clipper.
What should I plan before travelling?
Bring comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for religious sites, where shoulders and knees may need to be covered. Travellers are responsible for valid passports and checking current entry requirements for their citizenship. Ask Joanne about travel insurance and any specific needs.
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS HERE
Sail somewhere new.Feel right at home.
Join Joe and Penny-Claire for nine nights of discovery and connection. Ask Joanne about cabin availability, flights and everything included.
VENICE · CORSICA & ITALY · ROME
JULY 17–26, 2027
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.