Join us in northern Spain in 2026 to experience a Total Solar Eclipse as it sweeps across the Iberian Peninsula. Our exclusive-viewing location atop a hilltop winery aligns with the eclipse’s centerline. Chosen in collaboration with esteemed eclipse meteorologist, Jay Anderson, it promises the finest weather and sweeping views across the flat Meseta Norte—we should be in for a visual treat. Because the Total Eclipse will occur low on the horizon just one hour shy of sunset, look forward to a number of effects being different from when totality is high overhead. Intensified atmospheric scattering should greatly enhance the colors of the surrounding horizon, and the sun will be seemingly magnified by the “moon illusion.” Throughout the program, enjoy insightful talks on eclipses and cosmic wonders, curated by our distinguished lecturer, Dr. Alex Filippenko, Professor of Astronomy at UC Berkeley.
After the eclipse program, designed to accommodate 120 participants, you’ll embark on your choice of one of the tours below, each limited to 12-15 participants—there’s something for every type of traveler! We hope you’ll join us, but don’t wait too long—space is limited. Visit the weblinks below and download the Detailed Itineraries of the Post-Eclipse Adventures for more information:
Arrive in Bilbao, and gather together for a welcome reception and dinner to the tune of a live Basque Jazz Quartet
Full day exploring Bilbao, walking the city streets, cruising down the Nervion River, and touring the Guggenheim. Our Astronomer, Dr. Alex Filippenko, will begin his series of talks on eclipses and other celestial phenomena, and Professor Alberto Santana will regale us with stories of the Basque people.
Traveling from Bilbao to Lerma, we'll visit one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in Europe, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Atapuerca, where Europe's earliest known hominins were discovered. In charming Burgos, we'll walk the historic old town and visit the famed cathedral “Our Lady of Burgos,” known for its imposing Gothic architecture. Our home base for the eclipse is the historic Parador de Lerma, the 17th century Ducal palace that is today one of the most important historical buildings in the region.
There will be time to explore Lerma on your own before heading to our private eclipse-viewing site on a hilltop winery overlooking the Meseta Norte. You'll have plenty of space and time to find your preferred viewing spot. Refreshments will be available, and if you'd like, you can take a winery tour and indulge in a wine tasting. After the eclipse, we'll gather for a celebratory dinner in the winery dining room.
This morning you'll depart for one of the following six tours we've paired with the eclipse to enrich our experience in this diverse region:
At time of reservation: $1,000 per person Due 180 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost Due 90 days prior to departure: Balance
Please note that this differs from our standard policy.
Cancellation & Transfer Schedule
Minimum cancellation fee: $500 per person 365-181 days prior to departure: $1,000 per person 180-91 days prior to departure: 25% of trip costs 90 days or less prior to departure: 100% of trip costs
We reserve the right to treat the reservation as canceled if payments are not received when due.
Included
Presentations by Guest Speakers
Expert Trip Leaders and local guides on post-eclipse tours
All accommodations based on double-occupancy
All meals as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites
Gratuities during the Eclipse Program portion of your journey
Not Included
Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
Airport transfers if not arriving or departing on scheduled dates
Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
Optional gratuities to local guides, drivers, Trip Leaders, or other staff on the post-eclipse tours
Optional travel insurance
Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Hotel Carlton
Bilbao, Spain
Days 1-2 (2 nights)
The Hotel Carlton, built in 1919, is an impressive Beaux Arts monument in the grand style of its era. It is centrally located in the Old Town on Plaza de Federico Moyúa and just a short walk to the Guggenheim Museum. The hotel was the seat of the Basque government...
Built in the 17th century atop a medieval castle, this former Ducal Palace was built by the Duke of Lerma as a place of lodging, rest, and general enjoyment for his close friend, King Felipe III. The palace has a central courtyard surrounded by stately columned galleries, and features interiors...
Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.
