Kunal’s Family Trip to Italy with Thrillophilia

They say Italy doesn’t just touch your soul- it envelopes it, much like the warm embrace of a long-lost friend. For us, it wasn’t just a vacation; it was an invitation to step out of our structured Helsinki lives and tumble into a dream.
It began on a chilly morning back home, with our little one squealing as she was playing with LEGO blocks saying she wanted pasta for lunch. “Should we go to Italy to eat authentic pasta?” I said while showing them the tickets I booked to Italy- my big surprise.
Rome-ing Through Time
Our first brush with Rome was cinematic- ancient ruins juxtaposed with mopeds zipping through cobblestone streets. Our daughter, clutching a guidebook like a treasure map, declared herself the "official historian," narrating stories about the Colosseum that only an eight-year-old’s imagination could conjure.

At the Spanish Steps, she bounded ahead, her laughter echoing in the chilly December air. From that vantage point, Rome sprawled below us, golden and timeless. “What do you think they wished for?” she asked, pointing at the people tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain. “A never-ending gelato supply,” I joked, but her furrowed brow suggested she wasn’t convinced.
Later, over dinner at a bustling trattoria, we dived into bowls of cacio e pepe. My wife, ever the adventurous eater, ordered Carciofi alla romana- artichokes so tender they felt like a revelation. Our daughter, however, declared pizza margherita her muse, smacking her lips dramatically after every bite. It was over these meals that we learned the true essence of Italian culture: to savour not just the food but the moments surrounding it.
Tuscany’s Whispered Secrets

Florence welcomed us with its medley of artistry and grandeur. As we stood before the Duomo, our daughter tilted her head, trying to sketch its intricate facade in her notebook. “Looks like frosting,” she finally declared, and for the rest of the trip, the iconic cathedral was affectionately nicknamed “the cake.”
The Tuscan countryside unfolded like a painting- golden hills dotted with cypress trees, vineyards stretching endlessly, and villages that seemed frozen in time. In Siena, a local shopkeeper handed our daughter a small bottle of olive oil, explaining its heritage like one might describe a family heirloom. “This is made with love,” he said, a phrase that echoed in my mind as we tasted Chianti wine later that afternoon.
One of our favourite moments was at Monteriggioni, a medieval walled town straight out of a fairytale. My wife and I shared a quiet moment atop the walls, the Tuscan wind tousling our hair. Below us, our daughter chased pigeons in the square, her giggles carrying upward like music. It was one of those rare, perfect instants where time seemed to hold its breath, allowing us to soak in the sheer magic of togetherness.
Venice Dreams

Venice was a labyrinth of wonders, its canals winding like secrets waiting to be unravelled. Our gondola ride was pure enchantment, with our daughter trailing her fingers in the water as she hummed a tune she’d picked up from a street musician. “Venice feels like a dream,” my wife whispered, and I couldn’t agree more.
The highlight, however, was our visit to Murano and Burano. Watching the glassblowers in Murano felt like witnessing alchemy. Our daughter was transfixed, her eyes wide as she marvelled at how sand transformed into shimmering masterpieces. In Burano, she picked out a lace handkerchief for her grandmother, a small token laden with thought and love.
Milan was a fitting finale, its energy a sharp contrast to the serene beauty of Venice. As we stood before the Duomo di Milano, I found myself reflecting on the journey. From Rome’s historical grandeur to Florence’s artistic heart, Tuscany’s rustic charm, and Venice’s ethereal beauty, Italy had given us not just sights but stories.

Our final day took us to Lake Como, where a private boat ride felt like the perfect metaphor for our trip- a journey filled with wonder, surrounded by beauty, and anchored in love. Our daughter dozed in my arms, her tiny hand clutching a pebble she’d found on the shore, a small keepsake from a big adventure.
A Farewell, but Not Goodbye
Italy didn’t just meet our expectations; it exceeded them in ways we couldn’t have imagined. The charm of its people, the depth of its history, and the sheer joy of its cuisine wrapped around us like a comforting quilt.
If there’s one thing we took away, it’s this: travel isn’t about checking places off a list. It’s about the connections you make- with the land, the culture, and, most importantly, with each other.
As our plane ascended, I glanced at my wife and daughter. “What was your favourite part?” I asked. My daughter thought for a moment before replying, “All of it.” And I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Italy may have been a destination, but it became a story- one we’ll cherish and recount for years to come.
Read more: Thrillophilia Italy Reviews