Day 5: Journey's End: From Milan's Heart to the Homeward Bound
- wanderingazuki
- May 27
- 7 min read
Table of Content
🌺 Introduction 🫘
"Every journey has its final steps, but the memories we gather along the way remain timeless." - Unknown
Our last morning in Milan arrived all too quickly, and we made the most of the time we had left. With the Duomo right at our doorstep, we were treated to beautiful morning and evening views, perfect for capturing some final photos before we left. We had an early start, as we needed to head to the airport, and I couldn't help but feel a little gutted that we couldn't stay in Milan longer and enjoy the hotel more.
☕ Breakfast at Starbucks Reserve Roastery 🥐
After getting up early for our final day of the holiday, we were faced with the familiar question: where to have breakfast? The answer came easily. We had spent time at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery the night before, and it had left such a strong impression that I was genuinely excited to return for breakfast. I couldn’t think of a better way to start our day.
As soon as we stepped inside, we were once again enveloped by the lively energy of the space. The rich scent of freshly brewed coffee hung in the air, blending with the soft chatter of early risers and the gentle clatter of baristas preparing drinks with practiced ease. The roastery’s open, thoughtfully designed layout—with its towering copper roasting casks and warm wood accents—made it feel more like a cathedral of coffee than a café. It was inspiring to just be there.
The pastry counter was overflowing with temptation, and to my delight, there was a lovely tea selection too. I ordered a soothing black tea, the perfect antidote to an early morning, and picked out two pastries: a chocolate and coffee fagottino and a custard veneziana. I had originally planned to eat just half of one and save the rest for the airport—but the first was so delicious that I couldn’t stop myself. Buttery, flaky, and filled with rich flavour, each bite was impossible to resist. I devoured the whole thing and didn’t regret it for a second.
We lingered for a while, soaking in the calm before the day took off. I had hoped to see the roastery in full swing—watching beans tumble and roast in those massive copper casks—but it looked like the machinery hadn’t started up yet. Still, the setting alone was more than enough. There’s a certain magic in the quiet hum of a beautiful space, filled with people starting their day.
It was the perfect send-off: comforting, energizing, and utterly memorable. If you’re ever in Milan, don’t miss the chance to visit the Starbucks Reserve Roastery—it's not just a coffee stop, it’s a destination.
Tip💫: We arrived around 7–8am and stayed until 9am, but didn’t catch the roasting equipment in action. It looked like the staff were still setting up, so the roasting might start around 10am. Still, it’s absolutely worth visiting—the only Starbucks Roastery in Europe, and one of the most beautifully designed cafés I’ve ever been to.
Cost Summary💰:
Golden Monkey loose leaf tea: €6
Chocolate and coffee fagottino: €5.50
Custard veneziana: €5.50
🛍️ Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping ⚽
With a little time to spare before check-out, we decided to take one last relaxed stroll through Milan’s lively streets. The city was already humming with energy—locals going about their day, the scent of fresh pastries drifting from cafés, and the soft chatter echoing through the air. We wandered in and out of charming boutiques, picking up a few souvenirs to remember our trip by.
As per tradition, I was on the hunt for football shirts for my little nephew. I couldn’t decide between the AC Milan and Inter Milan jerseys—so in true indecisive auntie fashion, I got both. They were official merchandise, so no discount was offered—sad face—but I knew he’d be thrilled either way, and I couldn’t wait to give them to him.
We took our time, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere one last time. The elegant storefronts, the stylish locals, and the mix of modern buzz and historic charm made every step feel special. Milan’s unique blend of old and new never fails to impress, and this quiet wander through its streets was the perfect send-off.
The crisp morning air, the distant hum of Vespas, and the city slowly coming to life around us—it was the kind of moment you want to bottle up and keep. Peaceful, joyful, and full of heart. A lovely end to a beautiful adventure.
🚆Packing Up the Memories 🍟
We checked out of the hotel in the morning, feeling a mix of excitement and reluctance as we left the comfort of our Milan accommodation. The metro ride to Milano Centrale was smooth, with the city’s energy buzzing around us as we made our way to the station. Once we arrived, we headed straight to the ticket counter, where we purchased our train tickets to the airport. The reality of our departure was setting in, but there was still time to squeeze in a few last moments of Milan before we left.
Hunger quickly crept in, and we decided to stop by McDonald’s for a quick snack before boarding the train. The fast food chain was a comforting and familiar choice amidst the rush of the station.
Once our snack was finished, we headed to the platform and were relieved to find that we were able to snag seats on the train with luggage space. The train ride to the airport was long, and it felt like a small victory to settle in, knowing we could relax a little before the flight. The rhythm of the journey and the gentle hum of the train gave us a chance to reflect on the trip as we made our way to our final destination in Milan.
Tip💫: Keep in mind that ticket inspectors are likely to appear on the train, especially when heading to the airport. To avoid any issues, make sure to validate your ticket as always before boarding.
Cost Summary💰:
1 night in Maison Milano: £249.13
City tax for 2 people: £8.54
2 metro tickets to Milan Central: €4.40
2 train tickets to the airport: £22.19
🛄 Smooth Travels and Reflections: Wrapping Up the Adventure ✈️
Though there was a slight delay during boarding, the rest of the journey went surprisingly smoothly. Once we made it past the initial wait, the airport experience was refreshingly stress-free. Security was quick and straightforward—no long queues, no complications—which made everything feel like a breeze. The flight itself was uneventful, which, when it comes to travel, is often the best kind of flight. Smooth skies gave me a chance to unwind and reflect on the trip.
We’d picked the window and aisle seats again, hoping the middle seat would stay free. Unfortunately, a gentleman ended up with that spot. He kindly asked if we wanted to sit together, and I did pause for a moment to consider it. But ultimately, I decided to stay put—I like having my aisle space, and honestly, I appreciated the room to stretch and rest. I felt a little bad, but in the end, I slept for most of the flight and wouldn’t have been much company anyway. I’m proud I honoured what I needed instead of folding out of politeness.
After landing, disembarkation was smooth and efficient. Immigration was straightforward, luggage arrived without issue, and before long, we were heading toward the exits. There was a bittersweet moment when my friend and I had to part ways—she was catching a train while I was heading to the coach station. Finding the coach stop was a bit confusing at first, but I retraced my steps and followed the signs. Despite multiple coach services operating from the area, the staff were helpful and pointed me in the right direction.
There was no seat allocation, so I was lucky to find an empty row. Eventually, someone sat next to me, but I was glad to have claimed the window seat. The coach ride back to Stratford was calm and comfortable—spacious enough to stretch out, quiet enough to think. As the scenery rolled by, I let my thoughts drift through all the memories we’d made: the spontaneous adventures, the unexpected joys, the little childhood dreams that had come to life in their own magical way.
Looking back, the whole trip was a whirlwind—fast-paced, spontaneous, and full of surprises. And yet, that’s what made it so special. There was a freedom in not having everything planned out, in letting the journey unfold as it wanted to. It was fun, at times chaotic, but incredibly meaningful. This trip gave me more than I could’ve hoped for—and I know I’ll carry its memories with me for a long, long time.
🌕 Day’s reflection 🫶
As our final day came to a close, I found myself surprisingly at ease—not just because the journey home went smoothly, but because I felt content. I had shown up for myself throughout this trip—whether it was choosing rest over rushing, honouring my needs on the flight, or simply soaking in the last few hours without pressure to do more. That felt like growth.
There’s always something a little emotional about the return leg of a trip. You leave with a suitcase full of memories and a heart full of moments you didn’t even know you needed. This trip reminded me that sometimes the best adventures are the ones where things don’t go perfectly—but you adapt, stay curious, and find beauty in the in-between. Milan gave me magic, joy, and spontaneity in equal measure, and I’m walking away with gratitude for every little moment.
🧳Your Turn to Wander In🧋
What was the most eventful last day of a trip?
Have you ever made a travel decision just for yourself—even if it felt awkward or uncomfortable at the time?
What’s one “imperfect” travel moment that turned into a cherished memory?
When was the last time a trip surprised you in a way you didn’t expect?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories and experiences!
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