Day 11: Madrid

Our final day was spent exploring the vibrant streets of Madrid, a city that feels both grand and full of life. From elegant plazas and lively markets to charming tiled corners and sunny terraces, every stop was a reminder of Spain’s irresistible spirit.

SNAPSHOTS OF MADRID

Our guide stopped at Puerta del Sol to show us a small bronze plaque on the ground — Kilómetro Cero, the very center of Spain, marking the point from which all distances in Spain are measured. She said that if you step inside the circle, it means you’ll return to Madrid one day. Of course, we couldn’t resist stepping in — just to make sure! 

A brief walking tour with our guide led us to Mercado de San Miguel — a feast for the senses! 🍤🧀🍷

From juicy tapas and fresh seafood to irresistible pastries and sangria, every corner of this historic market was pure temptation. If only I could taste everything in one visit! 

LUNCH @ CASA DE VALENCIA

Our last meal in Spain

This handsome waiter brought out a huge pan of steaming paella for us to admire — and of course, we all wanted photos! As we took turns posing, he muttered with a hint of impatience, “It’s heavy, you know.” 😅 Still, the golden rice and sizzling seafood were worth every second of his effort — and ours! 🍤🥘

 

All good things come to an end…

Our last day in this sun-drenched corner of the world was bittersweet. After weeks of wandering through tiled streets, sunlit plazas, and storybook towns — and countless pastéis de nata and churros from hotel breakfast buffets every single morning (always telling myself “just one more”) — it was finally time to say adiós and até logo.

With lunch behind us, our tour leader thoughtfully planned a stop at El Corte Inglés, Spain’s iconic department store — perfectly timed for a red-eye flight back to Kuala Lumpur. Some of us went in search of last-minute treasures, while others relaxed in the comfort of the VIP lounge, grateful for a quiet pause before the long journey home.

Now the bags are packed, the souvenirs safely tucked away, and my heart feels full — of laughter, tapas, sangria, and a thousand little moments I’ll never forget.

Spain and Portugal have a way of growing on you — and I hope I’ll be back someday. ❤️