Swaswati’s Story of Love and Dreams in Italy with Thrillophilia
For us travel was never just about ticking destinations off a list. It was about the stories hidden in cobblestone streets, the whispers of history in ancient monuments, and the shared laughter that echoed through foreign landscapes.
And when the idea of a European trip with Italy as the highlight surfaced during a quiet evening at home, Swaswati’s husband had asked, "Why Europe, why Italy?"
Her reply had been simple, yet determined: “Because it is where the past meets the present, and every corner feels alive with art, history, and romance. And, because it is a dream we deserve to live.”
It was not long before they had a meticulously planned itinerary in hand, thanks to Thrillophilia. Four countries - Italy, Austria, Switzerland, and France - were woven into nine nights and ten days of magic.
A Tale of Eternal Love in Rome
The journey began in Rome, a city where time seemed to fold in on itself. As Swaswati and her husband strolled along Via Cavour on their first evening, the aroma of Italian delicacies floated through the air. Swaswati felt as if she had stepped into the pages of a classic romance novel.
“Do you think the streets still remember Caesar?” her husband asked playfully, pointing at a street artist sketching the Roman Forum.
“They remember more than that,” she replied, her eyes sparkling as she admired the city. “They remember every love story, every secret.”
The next morning was a whirlwind of surprises as they explored the Vatican City. St. Peter’s Basilica, with its breathtaking architecture and serene ambience, left them with huge respect. Even the grandeur of the Sistine Chapel was hypnotic, and the intricate details of Michelangelo’s frescoes made Swaswati pause, lost in thought.
Later, wandering through Trastevere’s cobbled alleys, they stumbled upon a tiny trattoria. Sharing a plate of creamy pasta and a glass of Chianti, Swaswati admired the simplicity of the moment.
“This,” she said softly, holding up her glass, “is what happiness tastes like.”
The Artful Elegance of Florence and Venice
Leaving Rome was bittersweet, but the rolling Tuscan hills and artistic treasures of Florence quickly filled the void.
During their walking tour, Florence revealed its beautiful treasures. The intricacy of Duomo’s architecture, the appeal of Ponte Vecchio, and the bustling life of Piazza della Signoria painted a clear picture of Renaissance brilliance. At a small shop near the Straw Market, Swaswati bought a leather-bound journal.
“This is what I will write about today,” she told her husband. “Every corner here feels like poetry.”
After Florence, it was time to explore a city unlike others - Venice. As their gondola glided through the Grand Canal, the setting sun turned the waters golden. It was here amidst the whispers of lapping waves and the gondolier’s soft singing that Swaswati felt time paused.
“I never thought silence could feel so alive,” her husband remarked, watching the light dance on the water.
It was everything we could ask for. Italy was our dream destination, one we have been dreaming of for years and years, individually and then together as a couple. It was one of the things we clicked on- our love for Italy.
Later, a visit to the Murano Glass Factory revealed a different kind of artistry to them. They watched as molten glass was transformed into delicate masterpieces. The couple looked at everything with great concentration and then left with a tiny glass bird - fragile, beautiful, and uniquely theirs.
Innsbruck to Switzerland
The road to Switzerland wound through Innsbruck. Though their time there was brief, the charm of its old-town streets and snow-kissed mountains was memorable. They stopped at this place to savour pastries from an attractive café, laughing as the cold air passed through their cheeks.
However, Switzerland was a disclosure.
In Grindelwald, the rotating cable car ride to the summit left them both speechless. The valleys stretched endlessly below, while snow-capped peaks shimmered under the sun. Crossing the suspension bridge with its glacier views felt like walking on air.
Lucerne had its magic too. With its flower-lined walkway, the Chapel Bridge stood as a symbol of timelessness. As the couple shared a pretzel by the lake, Swaswati remarked, “Switzerland does not just show you beauty - it lets you live inside it.”
The Heartbeat of Romance in Paris
Paris was the apex of their trip - the city that felt like the personification of every romantic stereotype. Yet, as Swaswati discovered, stereotypes are often rooted in truth. Their journey began with Montmartre, where artists lined the streets to paint portraits and cityscapes. The view from Sacré-Cœur was also nothing short of magical.
They even visited the Eiffel Tower. And while standing on its second floor, the city unfolded beneath them like a living and breathing map. “Do you think we will ever see anything more beautiful?” she asked.
“Only if we come back,” her husband replied with a wink.
A Seine River cruise provided the perfect farewell to Paris. As their boat drifted past the Notre Dame and the Louvre, the city lights reflected on the water like scattered stars. Swaswati leaned into her husband’s shoulder and the warmth of the moment contrasted the evening chill.
Read More: Thrillophilia Italy Reviews