Summary: Europe Tour – Discover how the Europe Dreams Tour with Flamingo Transworld became more than a holiday. Our Tour Leader Unnati Jariwala shares how this group tour was filled with laughter, culture, and the magic of strangers becoming family.
For many of us, a trip to Europe from India is a lifelong dream. But what if that dream tour was also filled with the warmth, laughter, and unbreakable bond of a family? That is the story of my recent Europe Dreams Tour with Flamingo Transworld.
I had the privilege of leading a group of 22 incredible people, a beautiful mix of families from Gujarat and Mumbai, from young couples with toddlers to a mother-son duo and friends travelling together.
This was not just a regular trip to Europe; it was something really special. We did not just look at famous places; we experienced them together. We even got to celebrate our Independence Day and Janmashtami while we were far from home, which made it even more meaningful.
“Unnati, keep telling us more stories!” – These words followed me everywhere during our 8-day Europe Dreams Tour from August 13-20. Leading this group through Paris and Switzerland was not just work for me – it became one of those trips where everything feels perfect, where people become family, and where every single day brings new joy.
I am Unnati, and this is the story of how our group of travellers became a family.
The moment we landed in Paris, I could see that everyone was excited but also a little nervous. You know that feeling when you have planned something big for months and it is finally happening? That is exactly how everyone looked.
After we arrived, we had lunch at an Indian restaurant. Flamingo Transworld always makes sure all our meals are at Indian restaurants because we know how important it is to have familiar food when you are far from home. After a delicious lunch, we checked into our hotel and got ready for the fun ahead.
Also Read: Best Indian Restaurants in Switzerland for Travellers!
We headed to explore Montmartre, the artistic hilltop quarter of Paris. Walking through those old streets, watching street artists paint and café owners welcoming people, felt like we were in a movie. The view from the top of Montmartre Hill was breathtaking – the whole city of Paris spread out below us looked absolutely magical.
At the top stood the beautiful Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a true symbol of hope. This beautiful white church with its big dome is one of Paris’s most important places. I told everyone how it was built as a symbol of hope and faith after a big war that France had long ago. The peaceful feeling inside and the amazing architecture impressed everyone.
Meanwhile, a few others wanted to soak in the glamorous vibe of the city. They went to the world-famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées, a street full of high-end shops and elegant cafes, a perfect dream for anyone who loves to shop. When we all met back at the hotel, everyone was glowing with happiness from living their Paris dream.
Our day started with a sweet surprise I had arranged, a special Indian breakfast for our Flamingo group at the hotel restaurant. Everyone was so happy to get Idli, Chutney, Poha, Upma, and Indian tea instead of just bread and coffee. These small things make such a big difference when you are travelling abroad.
Then we went for our Seine River cruise. On the way, I shared lots of interesting facts about France and Paris – about their history, culture, buildings, and why Paris is so important in Europe. Everyone really enjoyed listening to these stories and learning about this beautiful city.
Also Read: Sail Through and Explore the Best River Cruises in Europe!
After a tasty lunch, the big moment came: going to the top of the Eiffel Tower! We went all the way up to the third level, and the view was simply amazing. The whole city looked like a tiny, beautiful painting below us. The real magic, though, happened in the evening. Our Paris Illumination Tour was truly beautiful to see.
Driving through the glowing streets, I explained the significance of each landmark – from the grand Arc de Triomphe that honours French soldiers, to the elegant Champs-Élysées, the historic Concorde Square, the majestic Les Invalides, the stunning Alexander Bridge, and the cultural Opera House.
Every monument had its own story, and as Paris lit up, it felt like we were inside a living history book. The show ended beautifully with the Eiffel Tower glowing in thousands of sparkles. The whole group cheered together, and I saw everyone fall in love with Paris all over again. To make that moment even more memorable, we gave everyone a small Eiffel Tower souvenir to take home. It was a small gift, but it meant a lot.
If there was one day that truly made everyone feel like children again, it was Disneyland Paris. The excitement in the group was visible right from breakfast, people discussing which rides to try first, parents planning photo ops, and kids all charged to have a blast.
The group spent the first part of the day enjoying their childhood dreams at Disneyland Paris. Flamingo had packed two special meals for the group, so they stayed full of energy for the fun. Some of them went on the classic rides in Disneyland Park, while others explored the movie-themed attractions at Walt Disney Studios.
But what made this day really unforgettable was the evening. We all came together at our hotel, the Mercure Hotel CDG, to celebrate India’s 79th Independence Day. In the hotel’s breakfast area, all 22 of us stood together and sang our national anthem. Being so far from India but singing “Jana Gana Mana” together filled our hearts with so much pride and emotion.
A few guests had moist eyes; I did too. Traveling is wonderful, but carrying India in your heart is priceless.
We checked out after breakfast and began our scenic drive to Switzerland. To make the long drive even more special, I arranged a group activity. We all introduced ourselves, one by one. Everyone, from the young kids reciting poems to the adults sharing their life goals and achievements, took part. We talked about our work, our hobbies, and our dreams. It was a heartwarming and very special time for all of us. That session transformed our bus into a living room, comfortable, friendly, and safe.
At Vevey, we paused by Charlie Chaplin’s statue along Lake Geneva. I spoke about Chaplin’s life in Switzerland; the lake reflected the mountains like glass. We continued to Lausanne for dinner and check-in.
Every morning, I like to start our day with bhajans, Ganesh Vandana, and giving everyone small but important instructions.
Today was about a mix of sweet delights and rich heritage. We visited the Cailler Chocolate Factory in Broc, where all our senses were delighted. Everyone left with a smile and a happy sweet tooth!
After lunch at an Indian restaurant, we explored Bern on foot. Bern is Switzerland’s capital city and also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The walking tour through the old part of the city was really interesting. I shared lots of stories about Swiss culture, their amazing inventions, and how this small country became famous all over the world for making the best quality things. Everyone was impressed by how clean and well-organized everything was in Bern.
Later, we went to Lucerne to see the famous Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge. As a special treat, I got everyone a popular European cone ice cream, and we all enjoyed it together. It was the perfect mix of our homely Indian meals and a touch of local flavour. Both these places have a deep history behind them. Guests loved strolling along the lakeside, enjoying its charm, before we drove to Zurich for dinner.
August 16th was another day I will never forget. In the morning, while our coach was travelling through the Swiss mountains, we celebrated Janmashtami together. We sang bhajans and shared sweets, and for a few moments, it felt like we were back in India. It was a heartwarming reminder that with Flamingo, you never feel too far from home. We then arrived in Interlaken, a beautiful town known for adventure. Our Europe tour packages are designed to give everyone what they want. While some of our group chose to relax and shop, others went for thrilling activities. A few of the most adventurous members went paragliding, while a few others took the optional trip to Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe,” where they saw snow and glaciers in a truly magical setting.
This was one of the most exciting days of our trip. We went up to Mt. Titlis on the world’s first revolving cable car. The views of the Alps were incredible! At the top, we explored the ice caves, and for the brave ones, there was a walk on the famous Cliff Walk suspension bridge. The entire group had a blast on the Ice Flyer ride and enjoyed playing in the snow.
Watching families play in snow, couples taking romantic photos on the glacier, and kids experiencing real mountain snow for the first time – these moments made me so happy as a tour leader. After lunch on top of the mountain (even simple Indian food tasted amazing with those views!), we went to Rhine Falls – Europe’s biggest waterfall. The powerful rushing water was so impressive that everyone just stood there watching and listening to the thunderous sound.
With the mist on our faces and the force of nature around us, it was the perfect ending to our Swiss mountain trip.
Final breakfasts are always mixed with relief, pride, and a little sadness. We checked out and made our way to Zurich Airport. There were hugs, photo sharing, and the promises were made: “Next trip together.” For me, as the tour leader, that was the greatest reward.
Saying goodbye was hard; many promised to travel with Flamingo Transworld again. It feels wonderful to see a group become like family during the trip.
Taking Care of Each Other: On a tour, you quickly learn to look out for each other. When a lady in our group felt sick, I was able to help her right away with medicine from my first-aid kit. It was a simple moment that showed me the trust and care that had grown within our Flamingo family.
Stories That Make Places Come Alive: I shared fascinating stories about French history, Swiss inventions, and European landmarks. The group loved them so much, they kept asking for more! It made sightseeing feel much more meaningful.
Food That Feels Like Home: Every meal was at an Indian restaurant, so everyone felt comfortable. I also arranged fresh Paris pizza and Swiss potato rösti for local flavour. The perfect mix of Indian and European flavors!
Celebrating Our Culture Abroad: We sang our national anthem for Independence Day in Paris and celebrated Janmashtami surrounded by the Swiss mountains. These moments reminded us that our Indian culture travels with us everywhere.
When Strangers Become Family: 22 strangers became one happy family! Our bus activity, where everyone shared life stories, turned a long ride into a warm bonding moment that connected us all.
By our last day, almost everyone said they would choose Flamingo again for their future trips. We received wonderful feedback, like this from Mr. Dharmesh Shah from Ahmedabad:
“My family had an amazing 8-day trip to France and Switzerland. It was a perfect blend of city life, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Flamingo never fails in their efficiency, smooth connectivity, and detailed information sharing. Their effective management ensured that everything was hassle-free. A special mention to our Tour Manager, Ms. Unnati Jariwala, whose enthusiasm, knowledge, and long experience made the trip not just enjoyable but also insightful.“
This feedback, along with others, showed that our guests felt cared for and were happy with every detail, from comfortable hotels to smooth transportation.
You know what? Leading this amazing group taught me that a great trip is not about how many famous places you visit. It is about the people you meet and the connections you make.
Everyone in this group was just wonderful – always on time, smiling, and looking out for each other. It made my job feel less like work and more like travelling with family.
I watched 22 strangers slowly become one big, happy family. That is when I remembered why I love doing this job so much.
The coolest thing? It does not matter if you are in Paris or Switzerland – your Indian heart stays the same. We carried our culture and love for each other everywhere, and somehow that made every beautiful place feel even more special.
These memories will always make me smile, and I feel so lucky that these amazing people trusted me to be part of their dream trip. Being part of the Flamingo family that creates these magical moments? That is honestly the best job in the world.
Also Read: 7 Best Christmas Markets in Europe You Must Visit
I am Unnati, and I have had the joy of leading many group tours with Flamingo Travels. I love taking care of guests and making sure everyone feels comfortable on the journey. For me, every trip is about creating happy memories together. Traveling with me means enjoying the little moments that make a holiday special.
