Winter Wonderland Expedition - Part 1
Italy
Turning my cherished dream into reality, I embarked on a heartwarming journey with my parents across Europe in the enchanting winter of December 2023. Carefully crafting our itinerary, we aimed to savor the distinctive charm of various destinations in central Europe. Every moment etched into our memories during this meticulously planned trip feels like a treasure destined to last a lifetime. Witnessing the joy on my parents' faces as they immersed themselves in the allure of quaint towns and the panoramic beauty of snow-covered mountains was truly priceless. From traversing scenic train routes to gliding in gondolas over majestic peaks, each experience was a grateful acknowledgment of the precious opportunity to create unforgettable memories together.
It was indeed a dream come true
This is how the trip looked. We covered it all by train.
Each destination bespoke a distinct charm, perfectly attuned to the varied personalities within my family:
Rome and Pisa: A haven for history buffs and those ticking off their "world wonders" bucket list.
Venice: A dreamland for the romantics, with its enchanting waterways and timeless allure.
Salzburg: Immersed in the magic of Christmas, exuding festive charm and joy.
Alps: Nature at its pinnacle, offering breathtaking vistas and serenity.
Paris: An unmissable experience when in Europe, capturing the essence of romance and culture.
Versailles: A journey back in time, allowing us to experience a medieval empire at the peak of its glory.
Embarking on our journey, my wife and I kicked off with a Nightjet adventure—a collection of exclusive night trains operated by OBB, the Austrian rail company. This marked our inaugural overnight train experience in Europe, traveling from Munich to Rome in a scenic 13-hour journey. Prior to departure, with some time to spare in Munich, we explored the city center. Despite the Christmas market being closed on the 25th of December, we found ourselves captivated by the city's charm, enhanced by a stunning sunset.
The Munich cathedral bathed in the warm hues of the golden hour.
Anticipation filled us as we eagerly awaited the arrival of our family flying in from Delhi to join us in Rome. Our adventure truly began in the heart of Roma.
Roma
Rome may not have been built in a day, but it certainly conquered our hearts in a single day. The journey from the Colosseum to the Altare della Patria stands out as one of the most enchanting walking routes in any city. Each step is a journey through history, and we were mesmerized by the meticulous preservation efforts dedicated to maintaining the integrity of these ancient ruins. The city stands as a testimony to how one should preserve their history. We spent half the day in this part of Rome and were already conquered.
Colosseum in all its glory.
The enchanting allure of this part of the city is heightened by the presence of majestic pine trees. Undoubtedly, a significant draw to Rome lies in its delectable cuisine. Numerous eateries cater to various preferences. For a quick bite, head to the nearest "Forno," bakeries offering affordable slices of pizza for on-the-go enjoyment, sometimes with seating options. If you're a dedicated food enthusiast, opt for a local restaurant, though a bit of wait in line is expected. Our lunch at Cantina e Cucina, despite the wait, proved absolutely worthwhile. I highly recommend indulging in their fried artichoke and exploring the diverse pizza options—they are truly a delight for the taste buds. Also how could I forget the Rome classic, Cacio e pepe. Trust me, when I say that the cliched dishes are popular for a reason. It does matter where you eat them as well. Do your research before falling for a tourist trap. I always keep some places saved in google maps before travelling to any destination. The Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain were conveniently located near the restaurant, prompting us to weave through a bustling crowd to reach these iconic monuments. The Trevi Fountain, often swarmed by fellow tourists like ourselves, may offer a more serene experience if visited early in the morning. Consider venturing there at the break of day for a quieter and more peaceful viewing of this magnificent landmark. One thing about Rome is that you would end up walking a lot and best part you won’t realize it. We called it a day after finishing the ancient city tour and treated ourselves to a gelato, before heading home. We had booked an Airbnb for the seven us touring together and it was a blast.
The following day, we eagerly made our way to the Vatican City, where booking a guided tour of the Vatican Museums proved to be an invaluable choice. Our guide, a captivating speaker with a profound passion for art, history, and the masterpieces of Michelangelo and Raphael, made the experience truly enchanting. Amidst the bustling crowds, particularly busy just two days after Christmas, the Sistine Chapel emerged as a highlight of the tour. Our guide suggested that the optimal time for a museum visit is mid-January, allowing a more serene appreciation of the art. For art enthusiasts, a journey through time in the Vatican is bound to leave you spellbound.
Yet, the pinnacle of our Vatican visit was undoubtedly Saint Peter's Basilica. Let me transport you to a prior visit of mine—9 in the morning on a serene Sunday in the first week of March. The weather, sunny but not harsh, and a gentle, cool breeze set the perfect ambiance as I approached the Basilica. Stepping inside, a choir of angels rehearsing for the morning mass greeted me. The atmosphere was festive, with worshippers preparing for the service and musicians tuning the organs. This ethereal experience left an indelible mark. Our recent visit mirrored this enchantment, making our time in the Vatican truly exceptional.
When crafting our trip itinerary, my family insisted on including the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. Their enduring fascination with this architectural legend, a member of the wonders list, became evident as we moved from one marvel to another. Opting for an Italo superfast train from Rome, we temporarily stowed our luggage in Florence before boarding a smaller local train to Pisa. Despite the cloudy skies casting a slightly somber tone on our photos, the sheer marvel of the leaning tower left an unforgettable impression on us.
The leaning tower of Pisa
Venice
Boarding the swift Frecciarossa train from Florence, we found ourselves whisked away to the enchanting city of canals, Venice. After a quick check-in at our hotel, we ventured out for a night stroll, only four days into our journey. Craving a taste of home, we searched for an Indian restaurant and discovered that Venice at night exuded a comforting sense of safety, even in its more secluded pathways. Embracing the cool night breeze, we meandered through the canals with a profound sense of awe. As the night was young, and our time in Venice limited to the following afternoon, we opted for an early night, making the most of the morning by embarking on a vaporetto ride to San Marco. Seated on the deck, we marveled at the exquisite Venetian architecture lining the picturesque canals.
Water taxi in flight…
A comedy of errors unfolded during our afternoon train journey. Inadvertently, we had reserved 1st class seats with a second-class train pass. Fortunately, the train boasted a coach with unreserved seating. Gathering our luggage, our group amusingly shuffled to the opposite end of the rather lengthy train. Despite the chaos, the episode leaned more towards humor than stress. The crucial lesson was to maintain a calm demeanor, attentively listening to the ticket inspector and adhering to instructions rather than engaging in arguments that could sour the situation. Embarking on the next phase of our journey, we set out to immerse ourselves in the enchanting winter and Christmas ambiance of Europe. Come along and join us for the continuation of our Winter Wonderland Expedition in part 2.
