Exploring Dutch Wonders: Kanika’s Netherlands Trip with Thrillophilia
Hello everyone! I'm Kanika, a businesswoman, and one of the best perks of my job is travelling. I get to explore unique cities around the world, but beyond work, I'm also a passionate traveller and a big foodie. Before getting married, I asked my husband one important question: "Do you love travelling?" To my delight, I found the perfect life and travel partner in Aakash. He's a history lover and enjoys exploring new places and cultures. Every few months we plan a small getaway to new places.
After travelling extensively across Asia, we decided it was time to explore the wonders of Europe. Due to time constraints, we couldn't plan our own itinerary, but we found the perfect Europe package through Thrillophilia. Honestly, it saved us from a lot of confusion and hassle.
Exploring the Charming City of Prague
Our first destination was Prague, the Heart of Europe, and by its nickname, it truly captivated our hearts with its charming European vibe. On our first day, we explored the city on our own and reached the vibrant Old Town Square. The atmosphere was truly magical, with cobblestone streets lined with charming old houses, cosy cafes, and boutique shops. After wandering through the streets and savouring some delicious croissants, we made our way to Kinsky Palace, my husband’s pick. It was absolutely impressive, filled with incredible art and history. We spent some time shopping for souvenirs, then found a cosy corner cafe where we enjoyed the most delicious pizza, sipping wine and soaking in the enchanting lights of Prague. It was the perfect way to experience the city’s beauty and charm.
The next morning, we were off to explore the Castle Quarter and the walking tour was like a historical time travel. With its grand architecture, Prague Castle was awe-inspiring, but what truly left me speechless was the beautiful St. Vitus Cathedral with its charismatic and intricate architecture and sacred vibe. After an eventful afternoon, we were ready for a luxurious and relaxing Vltava River Cruise. The skyline of Prague looked absolutely breathtaking from the water. As we glided down the river, I couldn’t help but reflect on the overwhelming feelings of happiness and wonderment.
A Historical Tour of Pilsen City
The experience of the Pilsen walking tour was truly unforgettable. Aaksah was the happiest as we walked through the historical monuments and our guide beautifully shared the insights and tales of the city and monuments. The Great Square was our first stop, and we were amazed by its vastness and the stunning architecture surrounding it.
It was the perfect place to soak in the lively atmosphere of the city. Then, we made our way to St. Bartholomew Cathedral. The towering spires of the cathedral stood tall against the sky, and Aakash exclaimed, “Europe’s architecture and history is truly marvelous!” We were in awe of its intricate design and peaceful interior. It was a moment of quiet reflection amidst the busy city.
After a wonderful time in Rothenburg, we were transferred to Frankfurt and before dozing off, we decided to take a leisurely walk in the nearby streets and found a small shop making the famous Handkäse mit Musik and the foodie in me couldn’t resist the cheesy delight!
Our next adventure in Europe was the canal ride to explore Rudeshein. We boarded the cruise that glided in the peaceful Rhine River and it was very surreal and relaxing. The stunning views of vineyards, rolling hills, and quaint churches made the experience unforgettable. We stopped in Cologne and explored the city on our own. We visited the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and admired the architectural beauty of the Puente Deutzer. After a fantastic time in Cologne wandering its streets we headed to Amsterdam!
The City of Beauty, Fun, & Delicious Food
Our excursion started with visiting some quaint villages near Amsterdam starting with Zaanse Schans to see the iconic Dutch windmills. The sight of these historic structures against the backdrop of lush green fields was way more beautiful than what you see in pictures. A postcard moment to capture! Later, we wandered through the charming streets of Volendam, a traditional fishing village known for its colourful houses and friendly locals. We savoured a delicious lunch in the village and relaxed for a bit in the serene ambience.
The next adventure that awaited us was the scenic boat ride on Ijsselmeer Lake to the serene village of Marken. The calmness of the boat ride and the wooden houses along the ride added a unique charm to our exploration. In the evening we headed for a sightseeing tour of Amsterdam and it was indeed the most memorable time of our trip.
We explored Dam Square, the heart of the city, surrounded by grand buildings. The iconic canals of Amsterdam offered stunning views, and I enjoyed seeing the city from a different perspective. My tour concluded at the Museum Quarter, home to some of the most famous museums in the world. And in between all of this, we also stopped for the famous falafel wrap of Amsterdam!
We ended the day with some leisurely time at Rembrandtplein, a lively square filled with cafes and shops.
Our trip was a perfect blend of scenic beauty, rich history, and cultural experiences, leaving us in awe of Europe and longing to explore more cities in future.
Read more: Thrillophilia Netherlands Reviews