Exploring the flavors of Portugal and Spain was yet another successful and unforgettable trip that I had the pleasure of organizing.
Collette, a third-generation family-owned travel company, offers unique adventures worldwide, and this tour was no exception. With a small group of just 24 passengers, we enjoyed an intimate travel experience filled with incredible moments and memories to last a lifetime.
From Sept. 29 to Oct. 14, our journey took us through breathtaking UNESCO sites, indulged us in delicious food and wine, immersed us in amazing local culture, and provided plenty of fun and adventure. We began in northern Portugal and wrapped up in northern Spain’s Basque region, with every stop offering something unique and special.
We started in Lisbon — or Lisboa, as the locals call it — the capital of Portugal. After arriving, we set out the next morning on a walking and tasting tour through some of the city’s most historic neighborhoods and the Praça do Comércio, one of the largest squares in Europe.
A highlight was visiting the Tower of Belém, a UNESCO site and fortress along the Tagus River. This area is also home to the world’s leading Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute and Hospital. The riverfront was alive with activity, and the funiculars made it easy to navigate the steep hills, which were dotted with charming cafés and restaurants.
One of my favorite stops was Ericeira, a delightful seaside town and fishing village not far from Lisbon. Known for its surfing, sandy beaches, and fresh seafood, it was absolutely charming despite the foggy, misty weather during our visit. It’s a place I would definitely return to.
Linda Johansen and her tour group visit a cathedral in Spain.
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We also explored the fairy-tale village of Sintra, including the magical Monserrate Palace and Gardens. The lush gardens were stunning, though the steep paths and walkways were a bit of a challenge to navigate. Reaching the palace, however, was worth every step. The serene beauty of this spot left us all in awe.
From Lisbon, we headed to Tomar to visit two of Portugal’s historical treasures: the Templar Castle and the Convent of Christ, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Walking through the Templar Rotunda gave us a sense of what life might have been like for the warrior monks who once lived there.
Our journey continued to Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, after a scenic drive through pine forests. Porto is rich in culture and history, with must-see sites like the São Bento Railway Station and the Bolsa Palace, a 19th-century Neoclassical masterpiece.
We also enjoyed a Port wine tasting at the Burmester Cellar and had one of the most memorable evenings of the trip — a farm-to-table dinner hosted by a local family in Mindelo. The meal was lovingly prepared by a lawyer, his brilliant daughter, and his kind mother-in-law. Their hospitality, combined with delicious food, wine, and heartfelt stories, made for an unforgettable night.
The next day, we explored the Minho region, famous for its green wines and religious landmarks. We visited the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary and enjoyed a wonderful lunch overlooking Braga, a city known for its many churches.
Later, we headed to the Douro Wine Region for a scenic river cruise aboard a traditional wooden Rabelo boat, soaking in the beauty of the landscape.
Linda Johansen and her tour group visit Portugal and Spain.
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Our stay at the Wine House Hotel in the Douro region was both unique and amusing — some of us stayed in rooms designed like large wine barrels!
While it was fun, navigating the limited space with luggage was quite the adventure. We all laughed about it and shared a wonderful time, including nightly games of Left Right and Center, gambling with $1 bills, which has become a staple of our trips.
We also participated in a cooking class where we learned to make petiscos (Portuguese tapas), and I was so impressed with the culinary skills of our group!
Leaving Portugal, we entered Spain’s Rioja Wine Region and visited the stunning San Fermín Winery in the heart of Basque country. We spent the night in Salamanca, a historic city over 2,000 years old, known for its golden sandstone architecture.
In Pamplona, we explored the city’s traditions, including the famous Running of the Bulls. One of the highlights was visiting a private bullfighting museum, where we learned about the history and controversies surrounding the tradition. The day ended with wine tasting and tapas, which everyone enjoyed.
Our final destination was San Sebastián, a beautiful coastal city along the Bay of Biscay. With its beaches, vibrant culture, and historical significance, it was a stunning place to wrap up our journey.
During our stay, 12 of us walked a portion of the Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of Saint James. While we were told the trail would be flat, it turned out to have steep hills and slippery paths — but the breathtaking views made it all worthwhile. We finished the hike in the quaint villages of Zumaia and Getaria, where we enjoyed a delicious lunch and some “green wine.”
Two of my clients, Carla and Jim Colton, continued hiking the Camino for eight more days, covering almost 25 miles daily. They earned a beautiful signed map certificate at the end of their journey — a remarkable accomplishment!
Our trip concluded with a visit to Bilbao and the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, an architectural masterpiece. The old town of Bilbao was alive with history, bustling markets, and lively Spanish squares, making it a perfect ending to our “Flavors of Portugal and Spain” tour.
As much as I love exploring the world, I’m always happy to return home to our beautiful valley. I was especially thrilled that the commission from this trip supported important causes, including the Solvang Lutheran Church, the Solvang Senior Center, and the Jubilee House in Nicaragua, where 120 at-risk youth receive life skills and computer training to help break the cycle of poverty.
Collette Travel will be offering a September 2025 tour of South America, including Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Iguazú Falls — one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
In February 2026, a journey to Thailand and Cambodia will also take place. Space still is available for both trips.
Those interested in learning more can join Johansen for a travel seminar on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 2:30 p.m., at the Buellton Parks and Recreation Center, Room A.
For more information, get on a mailing list for future trips or reserve a spot, contact Linda Johansen at lindyjo2003@yahoo.com.
All net commissions are donated to local nonprofits.