Lauren and Evan recently returned from Europe after a wonderful honeymoon on Windstar’s Wind Surf, the largest tall sailing ship in the world!  Our trip began in Rome for a 2 night pre-cruise stay.  We really enjoyed a golf cart orientation tour of the city on our arrival day with all the city highlights; the perfect start to our stay (Lauren’s 3rd trip to Rome and 5th to Italy) as we were tired after the long flight.  The following day we explored the Vatican with a small group tour.  The amount of people in The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel was beyond overwhelming, but we did enjoy the opportunity to climb to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica and witness an amazing 360-degree view of the city.  We enjoyed staying close to The Vatican at the newly renovated Starhotels Michelangelo with a beautiful view of The Basilica; a lit at night.  And we loved meeting our local Tuscan guide, Giancarlo, who joined us for dinner.  The cruise departed from Civitavecchia and we sailed around Italy and up through the Adriatic Sea ending in Venice.  We had a number of amazing and active experiences that any family would enjoy including a thrilling mountain bike ride on an old railway line near Rovinj, Croatia; a climb to a look-out fort on the side of the mountain in Kotor, Montenegro for amazing views and a walk around the walls of pristine Dubrovnik, Croatia.  Other highlights included a private wine tasting and lunch at a family winery on the side of Mt. Etna in Sicily, a driving tour to Budva, Montenegro with a local guide, a full day at sea to relax, taking the chair lift on Capri for the views and a private Jewish heritage tour of Split.  The Wind Surf sails with a maximum of 300 passengers and offered plenty of delicious and healthy dining options and freshly prepared meals.  You can even join the head chef in port to purchase provisions and learn about the local delicacies.  Amenities on board include a spa, gym with fitness classes, small pool and whirlpools, bike rentals, evening live music, casino, shop, board games and a well-equipped water sports program off a platform at the back of the boat (kayaks, stand up paddle boards, trampoline, sailboats, waterskiing /wakeboarding and more)!  Cabins are spacious for such a small ship with plenty of storage and a well-equipped bathroom.  On board were multi-generational families with young adult children and lots of couples ranging in their 30’s to 80’s!  During school breaks more families are on board.  Overall the trip was unique and special.  We met wonderful travelers from around the world and learned a great deal about the history, politics, culture and food of this beautiful region of Southern Europe.