The Perfect Bucket List Trip: Swaswati’s Italy Trip with Thrillophilia
From gazing over Paris from the Eiffel Tower to cruising Venice's canals, skiing in Switzerland, and tossing a coin in Rome's Trevi Fountain, Europe had always topped my bucket list. And, last year that dream vacation turned into reality when my husband proposed the idea while scrolling through his cousin’s Instagram stories.
At first, I couldn’t believe my ears and thought I misheard him, but he was not kidding! I was over the moon with excitement and that very night, I started planning and decided to head directly to Thrillophilia's website. They have always been my go-to team for unforgettable trips and they did not disappoint me this time as well. Together, we curated a personalised itinerary that included the best of Italy, Switzerland, and France.
In the Middle of Beauty & Bliss - Italy!
Rome was like a film set in history. Walking through the nearby cobblestone paths of the famous Colosseum, I felt like I was travelling back in time and reliving history. The ancient ruins and the sheer grandness of the place were breathtaking. But the truly magical place in Rome, personally for me, was the Trevi Fountain! I tossed a coin in the fountain and made a wish for many more adventures and trips like this. We sat there for a bit and I told my husband, “This all feels like a romantic movie.”
Rome was romance and history, and our next destination, the Vatican City, was all peace and spirituality. The sacred beliefs and monuments that hold up the city of the Vatican took me in awe. The moment I entered St. Peter’s Basilica, I was speechless. The grandness of it all, the ceiling, the artwork- it was nothing like I had ever seen before. I had always heard about Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, but standing under it in person was another experience entirely. Our tour guide walked us through the history and architectural features of the city, and it was truly fascinating.
Our next stop was Florence and my husband and our travel group were all spellbound by the beauty of the city. The art, the architecture, and the food - a paradise of all things combined. Our guided tour of Florence was exceptional; we explored all the iconic attractions, and my favourite was undoubtedly Duomo Square and Palazzo Vecchio. And, of course, how can I forget trying the famous lemon ravioli while exploring the Straw Market? It was mouthwatering and delicious!
Our last stop in Italy was Venice and we glided through the canals of this dreamy city, awestruck with its culture and architectural beauty. I will forever cherish the gondola ride in Venice which was no less than magic!
Adventure in Heaven - Switzerland
When they say Switzerland is heaven, it’s not just a saying—it’s the truth. The snow-capped peaks, the lush floral pathways, the pristine cleanliness, and the serenity of nature are nothing short of paradise. Our Swiss adventure was unforgettable, but before we arrived, we had a brief yet memorable stop in Innsbruck, Austria. The city’s charm was undeniable, and though our time there was short, we made the most of it by wandering through the city centre, savouring delicious pasta, and sipping wine in a cosy corner café.
Upon reaching Zurich, we couldn’t resist visiting the famous Lindt Chocolate Factory. It was like stepping into a dream world of cocoa! Our sweet tooths were in full swing, and the pure joy of being surrounded by endless varieties of chocolate made me feel like a kid in a candy store. I exclaimed to my husband, “It is like a different universe, a universe of chocolate. I can live here!”
The next day, we travelled to Lucerne for a skiing adventure in the mountains. My husband was a pro and got the hang of it very easily and I fell a lot at first, but once I got to balance it, skiing through the snowy wonderland became truly unforgettable. The adrenaline rush, breathtaking views, and fun moments with our travel group were the cherries on top.
Our next city was Bern, a short halt but totally worth it! The mediaeval architecture, charming streets, and vibrant culture made every corner a delight to explore. In Bern, we ate the finest pastries and desserts in Europe, and to date, the sweet taste makes me nostalgic.
Love is in the Air - Paris
Our last country and the most happening one in Europe was France. Our Paris visit was truly unforgettable as we went on the city tour with our guide and explored the magnificent Versailles Palace and its grandeur. It was so royal and lavish, an iconic symbol of France’s rich history! One of the most memorable moments was the funicular ride to the Montmartre district and the panoramic views of the city. We toured the boulevards, passing iconic landmarks while our guide shared fascinating stories about Paris' rich history, vibrant culture, and the artists who mesmerised the entire world.
Our second day in Paris was the most romantic of all. We ascended to the top of the Eiffel Tower and took in the breathtaking views of the city. As we held hands and posed like the happiest people in love, my husband suddenly knelt down and proposed to me once again. Paris truly fills you with romance and joy. Overwhelmed with happiness, my eyes welled up with tears and I said yes, on top of the Eiffel Tower (dreamy or what?!)
Our trip concluded with the perfect dinner at the Seine River cruise. We drifted past landmarks like the Louvre, Orsay Museum, and Notre Dame, all bathed in the soft evening light.
The trip imprinted in our hearts forever and with lifetime memories to cherish, we bid adieu to our new group of friends and to Europe!
Read more: Thrillophilia Italy Reviews