Ashish’s Italian Escape: Gondolas, Gladiators, and Golden Memories
There was something surreal about visiting the European landscape through Italy.
Ashish Rastogi sat quietly in a gondola, and the wooden boat glided gently across the shimmering canal. His wife sat beside him, equally absorbed by the magical surroundings.
As the gondolier hummed a soft tune, the couple looked around. There were the pastel-coloured buildings with flower-draped balconies, and the laundry lines hung between windows.
Ashish does not take frequent holidays, but this journey through Italy was far more than a holiday. It was a dream-come-true experience of art, history, food, and emotion.
A Glimpse of Paris and a Breath of Switzerland
Their trip began in Paris, where they walked down Champs-Élysées and watched the city light up from the Eiffel Tower. The Seine River cruise gave them a whole new view of the city. The funicular ride to Montmartre was also special as it offered views from the front of the beautiful Sacré-Cœur.
From Paris, they travelled to Switzerland, surrounded by snowy mountains, clear lakes, and peaceful scenery. It was a memorable experience to ride the Rotair cable car, walk across the cliff bridge, and play in the snow at Mount Titlis. But it was magical when they reached Jungfraujoch. Ashish stood on the observation deck and enjoyed the views of the spectacular glaciers.
Later, they explored the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument in Lucerne. Even the Lake Lucerne cruise was pure magic, with still waters and reflections of mountains.
A Floating Journey in Venice
After exploring the beautiful landscape of Paris and Switzerland, Ashish and his wife went to Venice. There, they took a private boat tour at the Venice pier that swept them through the centre of the city. As they approached St. Mark’s Square, the Giudecca Canal shimmered in the midday light.
The couple also admired the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica, the Bell Tower, and the Clock Tower. The Bridge of Sighs was so captivating when we learnt about the sorrowful stories of prisoners having their last view of Venice.
A Murano glass demo also offered a close look at the delicate art that had become synonymous with Venetian craftsmanship. But the highlight, without a doubt, was the gondola ride. It was just romantic and timeless. As they moved through the narrow canals, Ashish felt as if they had slipped back in time.
Experiencing Art in the Cities of Florence and Pisa
From Venice, the journey took them to Florence, which is known for its domes, statues, and stories carved in stone. Ashish was particularly struck by the Florence Cathedral, with its tall Duomo, and the stunning Gates of Paradise at the Baptistery. Their guide took them through Piazza della Signoria, where they admired the Palazzo Vecchio and the detailed sculptures.
From there, they walked across the Ponte Vecchio, which is a lovely old bridge lined with shops. Each shop was steeped in gold, leather goods, and history.
Later, the couple reached Pisa. Despite its odd tilt, the Leaning Tower looked tall and majestic. Ashish laughed as tourists pretended to “hold up” the tower. He joined in, too, because some memories deserved a little silliness.
A Stay in Tuscany
When they reached Tuscany, they couldn't help but fall in love with the fields, hills, and a quiet atmosphere all around. Ashish and his wife liked that time moved slowly there. In Tuscany, they stayed at a countryside villa, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.
They also visited a small local vineyard where the owner proudly poured glasses of Chianti and shared stories passed down through generations. “This wine,” he said, “was bottled with love.” Ashish nodded as he could taste it.
The couple wandered through small Tuscan towns, came across roadside trattorias, and tasted fresh pasta, bruschetta, and a kind of gelato. The simplicity of Tuscany, its silence, its skies, and its warm people left a mark on their hearts.
The Grand Finale in the Eternal City of Rome
Their last stop in Italy was Rome. Their sightseeing itinerary began with the Vatican Museums, where the halls were filled with artistic beauty. Moreover, the Sistine Chapel was breathtaking, respectful, and deeply moving. As he looked up at Michelangelo’s masterpiece, he felt completely still.
While walking into St. Peter’s Basilica, the grandeur made them speechless. “How did they even build this?” he whispered to his wife. She was also surprised to see its grandeur.
Moving forward, they visited the Trevi Fountain. Ashish and his wife tossed a coin into the water and made a wish.
The last stop of their Italy journey was the grand Colosseum. It left Ashish feeling amazed as well as inspired at the same time. The tall stone arches reminded him of the fact that true greatness always lasts forever.
As the sun began to set and they could see their soft shadows on the cobbled streets, Ashish turned to his wife and asked, “Can we stay a little longer?”. She held his hand tighter and just soaked in the views.
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