The Exploration of Empires- Swaswati’s Italy Trip Review

If there was ever a chance to build Rome in a day, would you do it?

She wouldn’t.

There lies a subtle significance of choices while speaking of making empires. It needs time and patience. If one hurries, the walls might fall. And to be honest, patience always pays off, just look at Rome now. Standing tall as one of the most sought-after destinations to visit in the world.

Likewise, she was patient about touring Europe with her beloved. It had been her lifelong dream to explore Europe and all its major places with him. So this year, she finally got the right chance and the right time to finally lay the foundation stones of her empire – their empire. They went on their honeymoon trip to Europe.

Their major focus was on Italy, although France and Switzerland were also included in their chosen Europe tour package from Thrillophilia. They included their service of visa assistance and decided to book the flights from their end.

The entire team of Thrillophilia helped them a lot regarding appointments, documents, and processes, sending constant reminders via emails and WhatsApp texts. Their help throughout the trip was very beneficial for a smooth journey.

The city of seven hills

The eternal city of Rome stands as an example of historical wonder, witnessing the fall and rise of several kingdoms and civilizations.

Its cityscapes still resonate with the intense energy that once reverberated within the city walls, casting a spell of magic in its surroundings. Interestingly, the famous Vatican City lies in the centre of Rome.

It is an empire of Christianity, small, yet so very prominent and influential. Being the smallest country in the world, it has earned a great name in tourism. And why not, the Vatican Palace perhaps has one of the best collections of historical and artistic masterpieces in its museum. Its walls speak volumes on the grandeur of the region. Also, they found the rules of the Vatican and its facts to be a bit strange, but chose to see the city as it was.

They visited this enchanting place on the second day of the trip. The transfer was comfortable, the entire batch of travellers was fitted in a coach, and they all set off together. The guide who accompanied them was so knowledgeable that they got to know so many things about each corner of the place that would otherwise remain hidden from their eyes.

Touring the place, they made a few friends from the group. One of them joined from Vietnam, there was one couple from Washington, and three other people from China. It was blissful interacting with so many people from all around the world, that too in an entirely different country.

This trip was an eye-opener for them. She and her husband discussed it that very night.

“It is so strange. These boundaries, these barriers, all these mean nothing. Ultimately we all are human beings with different perspectives and outlooks. Every country faces these differences even within themselves. Then what is the need for borders?”

“Power.”

“Makes no difference.”

“They don't. But this sense of being in power, of being in control perhaps has seeped into the human mind so much that our entire functioning has become dependent on it.”

“Can we help the situation in any way?”

“We can at least try not to treat or see others differently. We can treat them like fellow humans.”

They knew they had a hectic day ahead, so they retired to bed in hope of bright sunshine the next morning.

Firenze- the Italian for Florence

The dramatic scenes of Florence justify it being the birthplace of the European Renaissance.

The grand architecture, the ornamental designs, and the impressive structures that dot the cityscape of Florence made the destination just too beautiful. On top of that, the place is the storehouse of the major artworks of geniuses like Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo. Being a very rich destination in terms of cultural heritage and history, they spent a mesmerising time exploring the place.

Its position in the Italian region of Tuscany made them all the more curious. They wanted to see how the cultural amalgamation was working out, and they found it to be peaceful. They knew then that their last night’s conversation about boundaryless territories might just work if the world turned a bit towards utopia rather than dystopia.

The Piazzale Michelangelo, Ponte Vecchio, and Palazzo Vecchio stole their breath away. All the wall hangings, the embellished entrances, the spectacular sculptures and murals, it was all too good to be true.

The floating city

Also known as the city of canals (and water, masks, and bridges), Venice was the most beautiful and romantic part of the journey. The Renaissance architecture and buildings, the brilliant network of waterways, canals, and bridges that keep the entire city connected, and the aesthetically pleasing city lights, all enhanced their experience so much. They loved strolling around the markets shopping for silk garments and spices.

The land of Venice was not just about beauty, a thing they learnt on the trip from the guide. It has played a very crucial part in the Crusades and the Battle of Lepanto, making its wartime history something to catch up on.

But the floating market experience in Venice was so wonderful, followed by a cruise ride around the entire city, that they felt like staying for a few more days there. But that was not possible…

So, they made their way to Switzerland.

Dashing for the next trip

The rest of the journey was unexpectedly well-planned. Switzerland felt like a dreamland, where they had so many moments of romance and love that they decided to visit the place again in a few years. And Paris – just fantastic. It was indeed the City of Love.

The Alps, the Seine River cruise, and the amazing Eiffel Tower, it all seemed very dreamy and heart-warming, as if they were living a dream, or rather, a cinema.

All these destinations made them fall more in love with each other and with travelling. The group of friends that they made on the trip grew closer to each other. By the last night of their journey, they had all exchanged numbers and promised to be in touch.

The whole journey affirmed her faith in what she and her husband had discussed about humanity and borders, something she still holds close to her heart and mind. It was a powerful conversation they had.

And lastly, thanks to Thrillophilia for being there, for all the support and services, and for making their honeymoon an ultimate success.

Read More: Thrillophilia Italy Reviews