The start of the total eclipse as seen from our site in Pinahat, India October 24, 1995. Prominences, chromosphere and Baily’s Beads are visible. It is encouraging to know that 31 years later all of these phenomena should be visible and photographable at the 2026 eclipse. Paul D. Maley photo with Celestron 5 telephoto back in the days of film cameras.
This will be our 55th solar eclipse expedition as organized by Paul D. Maley of the NASA Johnson Space Center Astronomical Society. The total eclipse will be his 89th solar eclipse, the count includes partial, annular and total eclipses which has been one of the main focal points of his life.
We are at the sunset end of the path of the eclipse due to the poor weather prospects along the track from Greenland through the Atlantic Ocean to Spain. After looking closely at the weather, Spain offers the most optimistic cloud forecasts and we plan to be in a great position to intercept it near local sunset.
Map showing the beginning and end points of the tour and the base of operations for our group for the eclipse. Base camp is the location of where we will be headquartered before heading out to observe the eclipse.
Meals included are shown as B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner
ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Depart the US for Barcelona, Spain
Arrive in Barcelona and clear customs. If you booked your international flight with Direct Travel, shared transfers to your hotel will be provided. [A private transfer can be set up at extra cost.] Enjoy a day at your leisure. Tonight, meet your Eclipse Hosts, Tour Manager and fellow travelers for a welcome reception and group dinner. (D)
HOTEL: NH Collection Constanza Hotel, Barcelona
Breakfast at leisure in the hotel. Today you will embark on a panoramic tour of Barcelona, showcasing the Columbus Monument, Parc de Montjuic, Antoni Gaudi’s Batlló House and Casa Mila building (UNESCO). Up next, a visit to the CosmoCaixa science museum to explore its rainforest and planetarium rooms as well as various rotating exhibits. (B)
La Sagrada Familia basilica
Image of the CosmoCaixa Museum.
Breakfast at leisure in the hotel. Depart Barcelona in the morning for Zaragoza where you’ll have time on your own to explore the Plaza de Pilar (a great place to enjoy a leisurly lunch) or visit the stunning Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar. Afterward, continue to Burgos, your home for the next 4 nights. Enjoy dinner after checking in. (B, D)
HOTEL: Hosted by Direct Travel, Burgos
Example of modern architecture in Barcelona
Example of modern architecture in Barcelona
Example of modern architecture in Barcelona
La Rambla de Mar, Spain
After breakfast and another eclipse presentation, head to Bilbao and take a walking tour of Bilbao’s old town where you can find historic old churches, festive markets, and quintessential Spanish squares. Then visit the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, set along the Nervion River and hailed as an icon of architectural culture with its contemporary design. See some of the modern art housed inside its fascinating walls. Enjoy some free time before returning to Burgos for dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Today is the day – the total solar eclipse approaches this evening! Enjoy breakfast and a leisurely morning at your hotel before joining your eclipse hosts for a program complete with a Q&A session, group dinner, and a private viewing area.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
ECLIPSE DAY
Spain is on the GMT+2 time zone. The expected event times and angles are rounded as follows. If you review the contact timings here you will see that literally the entire eclipse from beginning to end can be seen with the end occurring as the Sun has just set.
C1=START OF PARTIAL ECLIPSE: …7:33PM SUN ELEVATION 18 DEGREES, AZIMUTH 273 DEGREES
C2=START OF TOTALITY:…………….8:28PM SUN ELEVATION 8 DEGREES, AZIMUTH 282 DEGREES
C3=END TOTALITY:……………………..8:30PM SUN ELEVATION 8 DEGREES, AZIMUTH 283 DEGREES
SUNSET:………………………………………..9:21PM
C4=END OF PARTIAL ECLIPSE……..9:21PM SUN ELEVATION -1 DEGREE, AZIMUTH 291 DEGREES
Depending on the weather we will either observe from the hotel or board our motor coach for an observation site in the area. We should expect to see up to 1 minute 44 seconds of totality. Dinner will either be in route after the eclipse or at the hotel. (B, D)
A large view looking down into the eclipse path on August 12, 2023 at eclipse time. You can see northern Spain is mostly clear.
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel at your leisure followed by an Eclipse Future Tour presentation. Then, travel to La Rioja, a region renowned for quality wines. After a group lunch, visit the Marques de Riscal Winery nestled in the heart of Spain’s beautiful Basque country. In the evening, the group gathers for dinner. (B, L, D)
Image of the Marques de Riscal Winery.
Start your day with breakfast in the hotel at your leisure. Depart Burgos forSalamanca, a city steeped in over two thousand years of history. A local guide will take you on a tour of the city’s stunning sandstone architecture, beginning with a visit to the Cathedral of Salamanca, where two churches from 12th-13th and 16th centuries were joined together. Next, stroll through the oldest university in Spain, the University of Salamanca. From there, travel to Madrid, Spain’s lively capital and largest city. (B, D)
HOTEL: Riu Plaza Espana, Madrid
Image of The Cathedral of Salamanca.
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel at your leisure. Today’s tour takes you to Madrid’s Paisaje de la Luz, or “Landscape of Light”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Royal Observatory of Madrid and El Retiro Park. An astrophysicist will guide you through the observatory to highlight its historic collections and fascinating research. Afterward, take your time to explore the serene El Retiro Park. Perhaps you’ll take a boat ride on the Estanque Grande, view an exhibition at Palacio de Cristal, or take a peaceful stroll to view the fountains and statues – this time is yours to get lost in the beauty of this natural space in the heart of the city (B, D)
Madrid’s Royal Astronomical Observatory
Palacio de Cristalis in the Buen Retiro Park
Start your day with breakfast in the hotel at your leisure. Then, embark on a tour of Madrid’s historic center visiting iconic sites like the Gran Via and Puerta de Alcala. A guided tour of the Prado Museum brings you up close to some of the world’s finest masterpieces by Velaquez and Goya. Following lunch*, continue your exploration with a visit to Madrid’s Royal Palace**, the official residence of the Spanish royal family. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner celebrating the end of your trip to Spain. (B, L, D)
Image of Royal Palace viewed from the Sabatini Gardens.
Breakfast at leisure in the hotel. Return home with memories of a beautiful country, diverse cultural heritage, and spectacular stellar skies. (B) Following breakfast check out, and if you booked your flights with Direct Travel, shared transfers to the airport will be provided for your return flight home. [A private transfer can be set up at extra cost.] Those going on optional post tours will be adhering to that schedule.
| Standard Double Room package | $7,680.00 |
| Suite* Double package | $8,180.00 |
| Grand Suite* Double package | $8,680.00 |
(US Dollars per person based on double occupancy)
*applies to 4 nights in Burgos only. Remaining nights are in standard rooms
We are in top locations, with all excursions, most meals, a guide, a host, and porterage with 4 nights in the viewing area.
Deposit & Registration: Registering for a spot on this program requires a $750.00 non-refundable deposit per person. The 2nd non-refundable deposit is due March 31, 2025 in the amount of $2,000 per person. If booking after this date, then the nonrefundable deposit due is $2,750 per person. Deposits are accepted by credit card only.
Final payment is due October 31, 2025. All monies received after this date become non-refundable.
Registrations are acknowledged in order received. Direct Travel handles all invoicing. For questions about registrations or billing contact Direct Travel by phoning +1 309-834-3739 or by email reservations@directtravelgroups.com.
Cancellations and Refunds: Cancellation fees are based on the date the written notice is received by Direct Travel. (Notification of cancellation must be received in writing.) A full copy of our terms can be found on the eclipsetours.com website. The $750 per person deposit is nonrefundable up to March 31, 2025. From April 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025 the cancellation penalty is $2,750.00 per person. From November 1, 2025 until trip departure the penalty to cancel is 100% of the trip cost.
Travel Insurance: We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation and delay insurance (cancel for any reason is recommended) and out of country medical insurance once your deposit becomes nonrefundable.
Program Itinerary: Please note that while every effort has been made to finalize this customized itinerary, it remains subject to potential adjustments or modifications. We strive to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants, and any changes will be communicated promptly.
Use the following link to register for this tour. A non-refundable deposit will be required to confirm your registration
