Saksham’s European Adventure in Switzerland and Beyond with Thrillophilia
“Europe, here we come!” I said, looking at her face that lit up as I listed the places we had only seen in movies or dreamed about visiting one day.
She looked at me with sparkling eyes. “Wait, are you serious? Like, a real European honeymoon?” Her voice was a mix of excitement and disbelief.
“Why not? It is our honeymoon. We could have pasta in Rome, take a gondola ride in Venice, see the Eiffel Tower at night…” I could see her smile growing, and that was all the encouragement I needed. “Besides, I know you are secretly dying to try all those Italian pastries.”
“Secretly? That is very public knowledge,” she laughed, already picturing herself savoring a croissant at a café in Paris.
Planning the trip was easier than we expected, thanks to Thrillophilia. After a few calls and emails, our itinerary was set. As I wrapped up the final details, I could not resist a bit of dramatics: “Are you ready to step into our very own movie? Europe awaits.”
When we boarded the flight, the reality of it all started to sink in. I glanced over and saw her already flipping through a guidebook on Rome, her excitement bubbling over. “What is the first thing you want to do when we land?” I asked.
She smirked, “Easy. Find a bowl of pasta as big as possible.”
Laughing, I replied, “And here I thought you would go for the Colosseum or the Vatican!”
“Oh, those are on the list, too,” she said, her voice softening. “But mostly, I just want to wander around and… be together, you know?”
And that is exactly what we did. From the moment we landed, we immersed ourselves in a journey through ancient history, romance, and unexpected wonders. Europe became the backdrop for our story, with each city weaving in a new chapter that felt straight out of a fairytale.
The Eternal City of Romance
Stepping into Rome felt like going back in time. Every corner, every stone seemed to hold a story of its own. As we wandered through the cobbled streets of Via Cavour, I could not resist asking, “How does it feel to walk through history?”
She looked around with wide eyes and whispered, “Like I am in a fantasyland.”
That night, we found ourselves at a cosy Italian restaurant, sharing a dish of cacio e pepe and sipping red wine with the hum of the city around us.
We were really excited about the grand tour of Rome, from the Vatican to the awe-inspiring Imperial Forums. So, the next day, we set out to explore the iconic treasures of Rome. Standing in front of the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica was surreal.
Moving forward, we strolled through the lively Trastevere district. Street musicians filled the air with soulful tunes, and the narrow lanes were decorated with fairy lights. We even found a little cafe hidden in an alley, where we ordered Pizza Margherita, and Tiramisu. “To Rome, and to us,” I toasted, clinking glasses as we soaked up every moment.
From Swiss Peaks to Venetian Streets
Leaving Rome was tough, but Switzerland promised peaceful lakes and majestic mountains. As we travelled through the Swiss countryside, the landscape changed - green fields, snow-capped mountains, and the clear waters of Lake Lucerne.
Stepping off the train felt like walking into a fantasyland. "Can you imagine living here?" she asked, looking out at the serene lake surrounded by mountains and the old town by the shore.
"I wouldn’t mind trying," I said, smiling. We hopped onto a boat and sailed across the lake, with Mount Pilatus towering in the background. Our captain, a friendly local, steered the boat smoothly. “Feels like a dream, doesn't it?” he asked, grinning. The moment felt perfect - her hand in mine, the fresh mountain air, and the crystal-clear water.
We walked through Lucerne’s old town, stopping by a glassblowing shop where artists shaped colourful glass. “Imagine owning something like this,” she said, holding a delicate glass bird.
“I’d rather keep this memory,” I said, wrapping my arm around her.
The next day, we left for Venice. The Alps faded into rolling hills, and soon we arrived in Venice, where the canals greeted us.
We hopped into a gondola, cruising along the Grand Canal. Wandering along the narrow streets of Venice, getting lost in the maze of alleyways and bridges, the city felt alive. We also found a small shop selling Murano glass, and inside, artisans worked their magic, creating delicate sculptures and colourful jewellery. "I can't believe how beautiful this is" she whispered, picking up a tiny glass flower.
As the sun set over the canals, we sipped espresso and watched the golden light reflect off the water. It felt like we had stepped into a dream, with Venice’s beauty and charm wrapping around us, making it impossible to leave.
A Parisian Farewell
The final chapter of our journey brought us to Paris. After days of enchanting landscapes, Paris seemed like the perfect grand finale. The city was filled with winter glow, and with the festive season just around the corner, lights twinkled everywhere, adding a touch of magic to the air.
Our visit to Montmartre was one of the most whimsical parts of our trip. We took the funicular up to the hill, and as we reached the top, we were greeted with a view of Paris stretching below.
“It is even better than I imagined,” she said in a voice filled with wonder.
“Let us find a cosy cafe and just soak it all in,” I suggested.
And soon we were tucked away at a little corner table, sipping coffee and watching the world go by.
Then came our much-anticipated visit to the Eiffel Tower. Standing at the top and looking out over the City of Lights, I felt a little overwhelmed by how perfect it all was. “It feels like the city is ours,” I said, glancing over at her.
She smiled, leaning her hand on my shoulder. “I wish we could stay here forever,” she murmured. And in that instant, I too wished that we could hold onto this moment, this city, forever.
Read more: Thrillophilia Switzerland Reviews