Badar's Family Adventure in Paris and Rome: A 15-Day Delight with Thrillophilia
As a software engineer, my life often revolves around screens, codes, and deadlines. But come May 1, 2023, I swapped all that for something far more exhilarating and fun, a 15-day European adventure with my family, courtesy of Thrillophilia. It was our first time booking a trip with them, and I can truly say that it was memorable!
I was travelling with my wife and two kids and I had my fingers crossed, hoping that Europe would captivate their young hearts just as it did mine. What unfolded was a blend of history, fun, and unforgettable moments that left us in awe.
Bonjour Paris
The moment we landed in Paris, I could actually feel the magic of the city enveloping us. I can safely say that Paris was where my heart truly found its rhythm. Our guide, Michel, made sure that our tour of the city was seamless and filled with fascinating stories. He made history come alive for all of us with his funny little anecdotes on everything we saw. He knew the place by heart, and that helped us learn a lot about Europe.
We started our tour with the iconic Eiffel Tower, and standing beneath it, I couldn’t help but marvel at how dreams turn into reality. We climbed to the top and the panoramic view of the city was simply breathtaking. Although my kids are still young, they seem to be able to grasp the beauty of this moment. They excitedly pointed out a few landmarks from above and truly enjoyed the spectacular view.
Next, we took a relaxing stroll through the charming Champs-Élysées which was lined with cafes that smelled of freshly baked croissants. My kids were delighted by the macarons they sampled, while my wife and I enjoyed quiet sips of coffee.
For the kids, the highlight of our Paris trip was Disneyland Paris. This enormous park was a whirlwind of fun and excitement right from meeting Mickey Mouse to enjoying thrilling rides like Space Mountain. The night parade and fireworks above the castle were like the cherries on top and without a doubt, it made for wonderful memories.
Art, Culture, and Wonders in Rome
After bidding farewell to the beautiful city of Paris, we flew to Rome. The Eternal City, with its rich history, felt like stepping into a timeless storybook. Michael, who doubled as our guide and chauffeur, was exceptional in his services. As he took us from one historic site to another he shared innumerable tales of emperors and gladiators that captivated my children. Honestly speaking, they shocked me too!
My son was completely mesmerised by The Colosseum, and he imagined himself as a gladiator while he explored the place. He continuously bombarded Michael with questions, who was happy to answer all his queries. The stories about the battles fought there left us all in awe. My daughter was stunned by the intricate details of the Pantheon, marvelling at how something so old still stood so tall with pride.
Another moment that we would all cherish for a long time was when we were tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain. We each made a wish and mine was a silent hope for many more adventures like this with my family.
Travelling with 45 Others: A Journey of Togetherness
Our family of four wasn’t alone on this trip. We were joined by an extended group of 45 fellow travellers. At first, I was apprehensive about the large group, but soon, it felt like one big happy family. We shared snacks, sang songs on the bus and enjoyed moments of fun and laughter along the way.
Michael was like the glue that held us all together. His in-depth knowledge of history and art, punctuality, and disciplined nature made every day smooth and enjoyable. It’s not easy keeping such a large group in sync, but he did it effortlessly, radiating his warmth and friendliness all around.
Stay and Food: A Mixed Bag of Experiences
Our accommodations were a mix of highs and lows. While some hotels were average, a few, like the one in Austria (yes, we had a stopover there!), were exceptional. The food, too, had its special moments. While I missed the spices of Indian cuisine, we happily indulged in European flavours and enjoyed buttery pastries, cheesy pasta, croissants, pizzas and so much more…
Special Thanks to Thrillophilia
I cannot wrap up this review without mentioning Adithi from Thrillophilia. From the very beginning, she was instrumental in making this trip happen. She helped us with our visas, and tickets, and even checked in on us daily during the trip. Her thoughtfulness added a personal touch to an already well-organised holiday.
A Journey of Cherished Memories
As I sit back now, months later, reflecting on our trip, I realise just how much it gave us as a family. From the wonderful and magical nights in Paris to the historic streets of Rome, this journey was about more than just sightseeing- it was about connecting, bonding, laughing, and creating memories that we will cherish for a lifetime.
Thank you, Thrillophilia, for making it all possible and for giving us 15 days of joy, wonder, and family connection. Until our next adventure!
Read more: Thrillophilia Europe Reviews