Thrillophilia Review: Aashi Verma’s Europe Trip With Her Mother
For Aashi Verma, this journey to Europe with her mother was a quiet promise finally fulfilled.
She had grown up hearing her mother speak of Paris, Rome, and the snow-capped Alps with wistful longing. Life, as it often does, had pushed those dreams to the margin. But in the summer of 2024, the conversations changed, and wishes became plans. Aashi and her mother boarded a flight that would take them across 10 countries.
Thrillophilia had crafted the perfect itinerary for them. Aman from the team stayed connected throughout, and their guide, Rahul, was organised and composed.
Landing in Paris
Their plane touched down in Paris on a warm summer evening. Aashi’s mother had always held a soft spot for the City of Lights, and as they were driven to their hotel on the outskirts of the city, her eyes never left the passing scenery.
They dined at a cosy little Indian restaurant that night. The aroma of familiar spices somehow soothed the fatigue of travel, and they returned to their hotel feeling comfortable and ready.
The next day, they went on to explore Paris. They stood under the Eiffel Tower with wide eyes. Her mother’s eyes shimmered with the reflection of the metal giant above. Moreover, they explored the Louvre Museum, where they gazed at the Mona Lisa. The Seine River Cruise in the evening brought a silence filled with surprise between them.
On the third day, they opted out of Disneyland. Instead, they wandered the Parisian streets, poked their heads into boutique stores, shared pastries, and sat at street cafes to watch the world go by. It was a soulful kind of adventure for them.
A Tapestry of Streets and Stories in Belgium and the Netherlands
Day four brought a shift in pace. They crossed into Brussels, where the Grand Place stunned them with its elaborate facades and historic charm. At the Mannekin Pis statue, Aashi’s mother laughed and said, “He is even smaller than I imagined!” They captured photos of the attractions and each other while laughing constantly.
The charm continued with a visit to St. Michael’s Cathedral and a glimpse of the futuristic Atomium. The scent of fresh Belgian waffles drew them in before they drove onward to Amsterdam.
That evening, the canals greeted them with reflections of twinkling lights. The hotel was again on the outskirts.
The next day was a choice between Keukenhof Tulip Gardens, or Zaanse Schans and Marken. They chose the latter. There, they watched artisans make wooden clogs, tasted creamy Dutch cheese, and marvelled at windmills that looked straight out of a childhood drawing.
The canal cruise and city tour in the evening gave them time to sit and absorb the graceful rhythm of Amsterdam. Her mother held Aashi’s arm tightly on the boat and soaked in the views.
Cathedrals, Chocolate, and the Swiss Alps
On Day 6, they visited the tall Cologne Cathedral in Germany. Aashi stood surprised as her mother whispered prayers inside the ancient sanctuary. “These walls have listened longer than we have lived,” she said softly.
They spent the night in Frankfurt and prepared for one of the most exciting parts of the trip to Switzerland.
While driving through the Black Forest on Day 7, the lush pines and foggy horizons gave fairytale vibes. At Rhine Falls, Aashi’s mother walked to the edge and let the spray cool her face. “This… this feels alive,” she said with a smile.
Then, they visited Mount Titlis. While riding the Rotair cable car, which offered a panoramic spin as they climbed, the snowfields unfolded around them slowly. Her mother giggled like a child when she threw her first snowball. They crossed the Cliff Walk hand-in-hand, exhilarated and just a little scared.
In Lucerne, the historic Chapel Bridge, the mournful Lion Monument, and a serene lake cruise painted the day with hues of contentment.
Castles, Crystals, and Cities on Water
On Day 10, they passed through Vaduz on a small tram that looped through the postcard-perfect city. Their next stop was the Swarovski Crystal World in Austria, which dazzled them with installations that danced with light.
In Innsbruck, they stood at the Golden Roof and watched buskers perform and children chasing bubbles in the square.
But nothing could prepare them for Venice.
Arriving in the romantic water city on Day 11, they boarded a Vaporetto to the island and were instantly surrounded by the city’s dreamlike charm. The Bridge of Sighs, Doge’s Palace, and St. Mark’s Basilica were etched in history, and now in their memory too.
They skipped the gondola ride, but it did not matter. Just walking through narrow alleys, hearing water lap against stone, and watching pigeons in St. Mark’s Square gave them all the joy they needed.
The Last Chapters
On Day 12, they travelled to Pisa, where the Leaning Tower delighted them with its quirky posture. “Let us try the touristy photo,” Aashi smiled, and they joined the crowd pretending to hold it up.
The drive to Florence led them to Piazzale Michelangelo, where the city was covered in the golden hour sun. The view was breathtaking. “This is the Italy I saw in old Bollywood films,” her mother whispered.
Their last day brought them to Rome. Exploring Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica moved them in unexpected ways. Aashi noticed her mother close her eyes a little longer before each sculpture and soak in the art and the spiritual presence.
While driving through Rome, they passed the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, and the Roman Forum. Her mother said, “It feels like we are moving through a living museum.”
They packed slowly in their hotel room that night, but neither of them was ready to say goodbye.
Read More: Thrillophilia Europe Reviews