For our five year anniversary, our family took a three week trip to Italy – starting with 15 days on a Royal Carribean transatlantic cruise. My kids were 3 and 4 at the time, and we were lucky enough to have mom come with us. The day stops were fun adventures with a mix of old European cities and beautiful beaches, but being on the boat was just as fun with all the activities on board.

When we got to Italy, we explored the north by visiting Piza and Florence while staying at a Tuscan Farm (and celebrating my daughter turning 5!). Then we spent another few days in Rome proper, exploring the old sites, gardens, and churches. It just so happened that our Coptic Pope was there meeting Pope Fransis, so we go to celebrate a liturgy in the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran.

Our journey home was just as adventurous when my wife got denied boarding for a passport issue. In the end we had an extra day of exploring Villa Borghese as she got an emergency passport.