Sunsets, Sips & Sights: Chandini's Enchanting Spain & Italy Honeymoon with Thrillophilia
As we approached our hotel room, my husband handed over the keys and asked me to open the door.
The moment I stepped inside, rose petals rained down, creating the ultimate fairytale scene. I was completely caught off guard—my husband, such a romantic? I stood there, frozen in pure surprise, watching each petal gracefully fall to the floor.
Turning to him, I asked, “How on earth did you pull this off?”
With a playful grin, he said, “Wait, there’s more!”
I walked further in and discovered that the entire room was decorated beautifully. A “Congratulations” banner hung behind the bed and the air was filled with the sweet scent of roses scattered throughout. On the table, a bottle of champagne, a bouquet, a cake, a card, and two glasses were waiting for us.
I had no idea how my thoughtful husband managed to arrange all this, that too, here in Florence, far from our familiar world. Being completely overwhelmed by this beautiful surprise, my eyes filled up with tears of joy, not knowing how to thank him for this grand gesture.
Celebrating Love in the Heart of Spain!
The vibrant city of Barcelona marked the beginning of our honeymoon, and for two football lovers, it couldn’t have been a better start! Both of us were die-hard fans of Lionel Messi, in fact, this was one thing that brought us closer together. So, we had to visit Camp Nou first, the famous football stadium in Barcelona. Stepping into this iconic stadium was like fulfilling a lifelong dream and the thrill was unmatched!
Along with Camp Nou, our Barcelona sightseeing tour included architectural marvels like Casa Batlló, the Cathedral of Barcelona and Basílica de la Sagrada Família. This city made me fall in love with its breathtaking architecture, the warm-hearted locals and of course, its incredible food.
Our next stop was Madrid—a short visit to our "rival" city! But I can’t deny that the city was truly charming. It was the capital of Spain for a reason. From the grand Royal Palace of Madrid to the ancient Temple of Debod, the beautiful attractions of Madrid took our breath away.
We also took a quick day trip to Toledo to experience authentic Spanish culture. Another reason why Toledo was a must-visit for us is its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The peaceful scenery and soothing charm of this city felt like stepping into another world entirely.
Bella Italia..!
If you ask me to choose between Spain and Italy, I’d honestly be speechless.
Each one of these countries brought its own magic and charm into our honeymoon, creating memories that we will cherish forever.
Our Italian adventure started off in the beautiful city of Rome where it felt like we were stepping back in time. The iconic Colosseum, the vibrant Trevi Fountain, and the Roman Forum made us feel like we were living in an ancient story. My favourite memory is when we held hands, closed our eyes, made our wish, and then tossed a coin in the Trevi Fountain- a tradition that we were happy to follow.
Next, we arrived in Florence, a true Italian gem. Watching the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo, strolling through the lush Bardini Gardens, and savouring a wine tour were some highlights. It was right after this sightseeing tour that my husband surprised me back at our hotel room.
After that, we biked through Tuscany's captivating countryside, leaving Florence behind. We enjoyed the freedom of wandering along rural paths, discovering hidden lanes, and passing by tranquil lakes and rolling hills. It was a lovely day at leisure which we decided to spend simply admiring the pristine nature of Italy’s countryside.
In the end, we visited the much-awaited city- Venice! This city was nothing less than a paradise with vibrant buildings, picturesque canals and welcoming locals. Enjoying a boat ride in the scenic canals of Venice was a must-try, however, enjoying a fun gondola ride over the same canals was no less fun.
To Our Last Stop!
Our last stop on this beautiful honeymoon trip was Vatican City- a really small country that can be easily covered in a day.
Our first stop was the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica. The moment we stepped inside the church, we were left speechless by its vastness, breathtaking domes and intricate architectural designs.
Next, we visited the Vatican Museums, where centuries of art and history were displayed in every corner. We wandered through several halls and marvelled at Raphael’s Rooms along with countless other masterpieces. But the highlight was definitely the Sistine Chapel. Another remarkable masterpiece was Michelangelo’s famous ceiling which was a beautiful blend of Renaissance art and Christian mythologies.
Reminiscing the Trip!
“So, it was Ayush who set up that amazing surprise, right?” I asked my husband, thinking back about the unforgettable room decor.
“Ayush?” he asked, puzzled.
“Yes, the Thrillophilia representative from whom we booked the package!” I clarified.
With a slight annoyance, he replied, “Excuse me…it was me who arranged it all! Ayush just helped coordinate with the local decorators in Florence to make it all happen.”
I laughed, “Alright, alright! Thank you for the beautiful surprise. I never expected such a gesture, especially so far from home.”
He nodded and said, “Yes, Thrillophilia really came through, like always!”
Read more: Thrillophilia Spain Reviews