A Solo Expedition to the Heart of Europe: Ajit’s Trip with Thrillophilia

"Life is not meant to be lived within four walls, but by exploring the world."
This quote has always inspired me, and it's a reminder I see every day at my office desk. Over the years, I have travelled extensively across India with my family and taken several solo trips to explore new places. But this year, my travel plans were different – I wanted to explore the boundaries beyond India, overseas to Europe!
To make this dream trip a reality, I spent months planning, saving up my holidays, and diving into travel blogs to curate the perfect European itinerary. Since I was travelling solo, I wanted everything to be well-organized, so I turned to Thrillophilia for help. With their expert assistance, I was able to book a 12-day tour across England, Scotland, and Ireland – a combination that promised adventure, culture, and unforgettable landscapes. From the bustling streets of London to the serene hills of Scotland and the rich history of Ireland, this trip was set to be pretty memorable.
London is Calling

Arriving in London, I was immediately taken by the city's vibrant energy and aesthetic buildings. My first day was packed with exploration, starting with a guided tour that introduced me to some of the city's most iconic landmarks. Walking by the Thames River, I marvelled at the majestic House of Parliament and the historic Tower of London.
The iconic Buckingham Palace was definitely the highlight, where I got to witness the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony. It was a proper “London experience” we usually witness in movies or television and I was actually watching it. As evening fell, I wandered through Leicester Square, Chinatown, and Soho. The streets buzzed with excitement, and the theatre lights added a nice charm.
The countryside was another beautiful adventure where I roamed around the Cambridge campus and visited the Roman cathedral in York. The tranquil beauty of the landscape, dotted with quaint villages, was a perfect escape into nature before we made our way to the historical destination. Durham was a captivating medieval town, brimming with life, where the stunning cathedral stood proudly in front of the majestic castle, creating a perfect blend of history and beauty.
Towards the Scenic Scotland

London is usually quite familiar to Indians, but Scotland was a completely new magical land. From the moment we crossed into the country, I was mesmerized by the stunning views of castles perched on hills and the vast stretches of green land. Our first stop was Alnwick, a charming town with a beautiful medieval castle that looked straight out of a fairytale. It was hard not to think of Harry Potter as I wandered through the gardens and around the castle grounds.
Next, as I arrived in Edinburgh, I felt like I had stepped back in time into some old and charming city. The monumental architecture, with its cobbled streets and historic buildings, took my breath away.
The Edinburgh Castle stood tall above the city, offering incredible views of the surroundings, and I finally understood why people boast about Scotland’s castles.

The Scottish Highlands were equally captivating, with high mountains and deep valleys stretching as far as the eye could see. A coffee stop in Pitlochry, a quaint village, gave me a chance to take it all in. The landscape of towering mountains, tranquil lakes, and the occasional snowfall made Scotland feel like a place out of a dream, full of mystery and beauty. My phone was already brimming with pictures and I couldn’t wait for my next adventure to unfold!
The Magical Country - Ireland
Ireland has been nothing short of enchanting and Dublin felt quite cosy like a home far away from home. I loved strolling along the River Liffey, soaking in the lively streets and historic buildings. Trinity College, with its beautiful campus, gave me a glimpse of Dublin’s rich past, and I couldn't resist walking around its charming university grounds.
One of my favourite stops was Powerscourt Gardens. The beauty of the 18th-century gardens was overwhelming, with stunning fountains, and peaceful Japanese lawns. I felt some kind of peace surrounded by such beauty, just soaking it all in.

Killarney was another highlight of my Ireland tour. The horse and carriage tour through the National Park was like something out of a movie, with the lush greenery and the serene beauty of Ross Castle by the lake. It was the perfect way to connect with the landscape, and the short cruise across the lake made it feel even more magical.
Ireland, with its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and friendly people, has been a dream. I have had the chance to explore at my own pace, meet new people, and experience life in a new way. This solo adventure was turning super amazing every day with new cities and new sites to experience.
Back to London
The last two days of the trip included a visit to Stratford, the birthplace of Shakespeare, where I wandered through its charming streets, soaking in the literary history of the town. Walking through the historic colleges, I could almost feel the knowledge and wisdom that filled the air.

On the last day, I was back in London, where the buzz of the city welcomed me once again. The journey had come full circle, and I felt a sense of fulfilment, having explored so many incredible places solo!
Read more: Thrillophilia London Reviews