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8718

20 Days / 19 Nights

Availability : Jul 28 August 16, 2026

Lisbon, Portugal

Barcelona, Spain

Overview

2026 Spain Rioja Solar Eclipse Tour – Informational Overview

A Rare Celestial Spectacle: Total Solar Eclipse on August 12, 2026

On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will grace the skies — an extraordinary astronomical event not to be missed. One of the best viewing locations for this eclipse lies in the heart of Spain’s renowned Rioja region, known for its open landscapes, clear skies, and world-class vineyards. This combination makes Rioja the perfect setting to witness the eclipse in all its glory.

Solar Eclipse Technical Details

Date: August 12, 2026 (Wednesday)
Type: Total Solar Eclipse
Phases of the Eclipse:
- Partial eclipse begins: 19:26 (local time)
- Total eclipse begins: 20:33
- Maximum eclipse: 20:35
- Total eclipse ends: 20:37
- Partial eclipse ends: 21:42
Maximum Duration of Totality: Approx. 2 minutes and 18 seconds
Sun Elevation: Approximately 15°–20° above the horizon — ideal for observation
Visibility Path: The eclipse path will begin over North America, cross the Atlantic Ocean, and pass over northern Spain. Rioja lies directly in the path of totality, making it a prime location for observation.

Tour starts at

Lisbon, Portugal

Tour ends at

Barcelona, Spain

Price Includes

One international flight from Lisboa, Portugal to Casablanca, Morocco
19 Nights Hotel Accommodation in double occupancy
Expert astronomer tour leader
All entrance fees
All transportation
Daily breakfasts at the hotels
Lunches and dinners as mentioned in the itinerary as [L] and [D]
Private special tent for Eclipse Traveler and hot/cold beverages and snacks served during eclipse
English speaking local tour guide
Eclipse celebration party
Travel documents kit
Gilbatrar Strait Ferry Crossing from Tangier to Tarifa
Boat Ferry to Spain

Price Excludes

International flights
Arrival and departure airport transfers.
Any Personal Expenses
Gratuities for your guide and driver
Travel Insurance
Anything not mentioned in Itinerary

Itinerary

Lou Mayo

Astronomer Lecturer

Lou Mayo is a planetary scientist with over 40 years experience supporting NASA planetary research, space missions, and space science data centers. He was a member of both Voyager and Cassini IR Science Instrument teams for 12 years through the NASA Goddard Laboratory for Extraterrestrial Physics, led the operations for the National Space Science Data Coordinated Archive, Space Physics Data Facility, Planetary Data System (management node) and the Astrophysical Data Center through the Goddard Space Science Data Operations Office, and is currently Chief Scientist for GAMA-1 Technologies and professor of astronomy at Marymount University. Lou is also president of ARIES Scientific, a small not for profit dedicated to astronomy education. Through ARIES, he played key roles supporting the NASA HQ Heliophysics Division for the 2023 annular eclipse and 2024 solar eclipse, providing science content, national outreach, and numerous media interviews.

Lou’s primary research interests have been in outer planetary atmospheres, focusing on understanding the atmosphere of Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, developing radiative transfer models of aerosols and molecular species in Titan’s atmosphere.

Lou is also heavily involved in astronomy outreach and public communication and lectures on a wide spectrum of topics in astronomy internationally. For over a decade, he led NASA’s team to bring heliophysics mission science and discovery to the country, including both Venus Transits and the 2017 solar eclipse across America. For NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, over the last 20 years, he has spearheaded astronomy education programs for Girl Scouts, Amateur Astronomers, university professors, and K-12 educators. He was a columnist for Mercury Magazine (sample article attached) and is long term featured panelist on the YouTube show, Space Oddities which streams live every Tuesday at 3pm EDT.

David Eicher
Astronomer Lecturer

David John Eicher (born August 7, 1961, in Oxford, Ohio) is a prominent American editor, author, and science communicator, best known for his leadership in the field of astronomy. Eicher developed a passion for astronomy during his teenage years. At the age of 15, he founded Deep Sky Monthly, a magazine dedicated to deep sky observing, which laid the foundation for his future career in science communication. He pursued his higher education at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. In 1982, Eicher began his professional journey with Astronomy magazine as an assistant editor. Over the years, he advanced through various editorial roles, ultimately becoming the editor-in-chief in 2002 . Under his leadership, the magazine has continued to be a leading publication for astronomy enthusiasts worldwide. Eicher has authored, coauthored, or edited over 20 books on astronomy and science, including notable titles such as The New Cosmos: Answering Astronomy’s Big Questions, Comets! Visitors from Deep Space, and Mission Moon. He is also known for his engaging presentations and has spoken at institutions like Harvard University, the Starmus Festival, and the American Museum of Natural History In recognition of his contributions to astronomy, the International Astronomical Union named asteroid 3617 Eicher in his honor in 1990 .

Day 1: Tuesday, Jul 28 Arrival: Lisbon (Portugal)

Arrival to Lisbon please arrange your own transportation to your hotel. Accommodation in hotel HERITAGE LISBOA PLAZA 4*

Day 2: Wednesday, Jul 29LISBON (B/D)

Buffet b/fast at hotel Lisbon city tour 4 hours with local guide. Included entrances to Heronimes monastery, and National Coach Museum. Local dinner Accommodation in hotel HERITAGE LISBOA PLAZA 4*

Day 3: Thursday, Jul 30 LISBON – CASABLANCA ( B/L/D)

Buffet b/fast at hotel Private transfer to airport and flight to Casablanca Local lunch Casablanca city tour included Hassan II mosque Dinner & accommodation in HOTEL SOFITEL 5*

Day 4: Friday, Jul 31 CASABLANCA – MARRAKECH ( B/L/D)

Buffet b/fast at hotel Departure to Marrakech Marrakech city tour included Koutoubia mosque,, Bahia Palace, lunch, Fna square, medina. Local lunch Dinner & accommodation in HOTEL RADISSON BLU 5*

Day 5: Saturday, Aug 1 MARRAKECH ( B/L/D)

Buffet b/fast at hotel Marrakech FULL DAY city tour included Koutoubia mosque,, Bahia Palace, lunch, Fna square, medina. Lunch in local restaurant Dinner & accommodation in HOTEL RADISSON BLU 5*

Day 6: Sunday, Aug 2 MARRAKECH – RABAT – FEZ ( B/L/D)

Buffet b/fast at hotel Departure to Rabat At arrival, Lunch in local restaurant Rabat city tour in included Mhamed V mausoleum, Departure to Fez Dinner & accommodation in MARRIOTT JNANE PALACE 5*

Day 7: Monday, Aug 3 FEZ (B/L/D)

Buffet b/fast at hotel Fez FULL DAY city tour included Palace, El Bali, Al Karaouine Mosque, Medersa coranic school, leather souq. Lunch in local restaurant Dinner & accommodation in MARRIOTT JNANE PALACE 5*

Day 8: Tuesday, Aug 4 FEZ – CHEFCHAOUEN -TANJER ( B/L/D)

Buffet b/fast at hotel Departure to Chefchaouen and city tour Lunch in local restaurant Departure to Tanjer Dinner & accommodation in HOTEL HILTON CITY CENTER 5*

Day 9: Wednesday, Aug 5AUG TANJER – COSTA DEL SOL – SEVILLA (B/D)

Buffet b/fast at hotel Boat Ferry to Spain Departure to Sevilla Dinner & accommodation in HOTEL H10 CASA DE LA PLATA 4*

Day 10: Thursday, Aug 6 AUG SEVILLA (B/D)

Buffet b/fast at hotel Sevilla city tour included entrances to Maria Luisa park, Plaza españa and Cathedral/ Giralda Dinner & accommodation in HOTEL H10 CASA DE LA PLATA 4*

Day 11: Friday, Aug 7 AUG SEVILLA – GRANADA (B/D)

Buffet b/fast at hotel Departure to Granada Granada entrances to Alhambra palace and generalife gardens Dinner & accommodation in HOTEL LUNA DE GRANADA 4*

Day 12: Saturday, Aug 8 GRANADA – TOLEDO (B/D)

Buffet b/fast at hotel Departure to Toledo ( UNESCO HERITAGE CITY ) Toledo city tour included entrances to Santo Tome church, Cathedral and Sinagogue Dinner & accommodation in PALACIO DE BUENAVISTA 5*

Day 13: Sunday, Aug 9 TOLEDO - MADRID ( B/D)

Buffet b/fast at hotel Departure to Madrid Madrid city tour with local guide 3hrs including Prado museum entrances Dinner in a local restaurant Accommodation in HOTEL CATALONIA ATOCHA 4*

Day 14: Monday, Aug 10 MADRID (B/D)

Buffet b/fast at hotel Madrid free morning Afternoon tapas tour dinner ( visit a traditional tavern and 1 oldest mesons in Madrid ) Accommodation in HOTEL CATALONIA ATOCHA 4*

Day 15: Tuesday, Aug 11 MADRID – RIOJA (B/L/D)

Buffet b/fast at hotel Departure to Rioja ( winery area ) On the way, visit Ribera del Duero area and lunch in local restaurant Dinner and accommodation in PARADOR

Day 16: Wednesday, Aug 12Eclipse Day in RIOJA (B, L, D)

Buffet b/fast at hotel Visit a traditional winery and capital of Rioja wine Lunch in local restaurant Afternoon visit monastery of Suso Eclipse day Dinner and accommodation in PARADOR

Solar Eclipse Technical Details

Date: August 12, 2026 (Wednesday)

Type: Total Solar Eclipse

Phases of the Eclipse:

Partial eclipse begins: 19:26 (local time)

Total eclipse begins: 20:33

Maximum eclipse: 20:35

Total eclipse ends: 20:37

Partial eclipse ends: 21:42

Maximum Duration of Totality: Approx. 2 minutes and 18 seconds

Sun Elevation: Approximately 15°–20° above the horizon — ideal for observation

Visibility Path: The eclipse path will begin over North America, cross the Atlantic Ocean, and pass over northern Spain. Rioja lies directly in the path of totality, making it a prime location for observation.

Day 17: Thursday, Aug 13 RIOJA - ZARAGOZA - BARCELONA ( B/D)

Buffet b/fast at hotel Departure to Barcelona Visit in Zaragoza and free time for lunch Arrival to Barcelona Paella sea food dinner served in a restaurant on beach Accommodation in hotel 1898 4*

Day 18: Friday, Aug 14 BARCELONA (B/D)

Buffet b/fast at hotel Barcelona city tour 4 hours modernism tour Included entrances to Sagrada Familia and Olimpic stadium Local dinner Accommodation in HOTEL 1898 LA RAMBLA 4*

Day 19: Saturday, Aug 15BARCELONA (B)

Buffet b/fast at hotel Barcelona free day Accommodation in HOTEL 1898 LA RAMBLA 4*

Day 20: Sunday, Aug 16BARCELONA (B)

Buffet b/fast at hotel please arrange your own transportation to the airport.

Hotels

LISBON - HERITAGE LISBOA PLAZA 4*
CASABLANCA - HOTEL SOFITEL 5*
MARRAKECH - HOTEL RADISSON BLU 5*
FEZ - MARRIOTT JNANE PALACE 5*
TANJER - HOTEL HILTON CITY CENTER 5*
SEVILLA - HOTEL H10 CASA DE LA PLATA 4*
GRANADA - HOTEL LUNA DE GRANADA 4*
TOLEDO- PALACIO DE BUENAVISTA 5*
MADRID - HOTEL CATALONIA ATOCHA 4*
RIOJA - PARADOR BOUTİQUE HOTEL
BARCELONA - HOTEL 1898 LA RAMBLA 4*

Rates & Booking Info

Per person in Double room: $ 10,985

Single Room: $ 14,895

Payment Schedule:

Deposit: $3,500 per person is due at the time of booking along with a completed Booking Form.
2nd Payment: $2,500 per person due by May 1, 2025
Final Payment due by Sep 1, 2025

Final Payment Policy

If the final payment is not made within 7 days of the specified due date, Eclipse Traveler reserves the right to cancel your entire tour without any refund of payments already made. Final payments must be made exclusively via bank transfer; credit cards and checks are strictly not accepted.

Cancellation Terms:

Cancellations must be in writing by email, fax, or mail. Cancellation Penalties are as follows:

Booking date –August 1, 2023: 25% penalty
August 2, 2023 – May 1, 2024: 50% penalty
May 2, 2024- May 1, 2025: 80% penalty
Sep 2, 2025 – Trip date: 100% penalty

Important Notes from Eclipse Traveler

Eclipse Traveler makes every effort, in collaboration with our astronomers, local meteorological offices, and regional astronomers, to adhere to the planned itinerary. However, please note the following important considerations:

Itinerary Changes:
The itinerary is subject to change due to alterations in local flight schedules, weather conditions, or other meteorological factors that may affect the visibility of the eclipse. Viewing a solar eclipse is inherently weather-dependent. In the event of unfavorable weather, Eclipse Traveler reserves the right to change the itinerary, re-route, or cancel the tour, while offering suitable alternatives to guests in a timely manner.
Flight Bookings:
We strongly advise all guests not to book or purchase international flight tickets without first consulting Eclipse Traveler staff, to avoid conflicts with potential itinerary changes.
Tour Pricing:
Eclipse Traveler reserves the right to increase pricing for upcoming Total Solar Eclipse tours if local partners at any destination raise their rates. Additionally, if local carriers impose new surcharges, it may impact the final cost of the tour.

Photos

Additional Info

Take Part in The 2026 Portugal, Morocco & Spain Solar Eclipse Tour

Famous street shopping, exotic cuisine, and breathtaking scenery are only a few of the reasons to consider expanding your worldview with our Portugal & Spain eclipse tour! At Eclipse Traveler, we’ve reimagined family-friendly adventures with comfortable amenities, the best local astronomy guides, and exciting itinerary planning that provides our travelers with memorable and enriching experiences to look forward to every day.

Plan Your Next Adventure Today

Excited to learn more about our all-inclusive solar eclipse tours? Get in touch with our expert astronomers to begin planning for the most amazing trip of your life!

Sign Up Today for This Once-In-A-Lifetime Tour

While learning, exploring, and becoming immersed in the local cultures, our 2026 Portugal & Spain solar eclipse tour packages have been harmoniously organized to include everything from transportation and entrance fees, to luxury hotel accommodations and flavorful local dining opportunities. We do our best to create a seamless experience for our guests, and with our friendly local guides assisting with every detail of the trip, you can expect to take in the scenes, relax in style, and focus on the fun as we simplify the logistics and travel accommodations on your behalf.

Our Eclipse Tour Covers Travel & Transportation

What Comes With This Tour?

All Domestic Flights

18 Days Filled With Adventure & Fun

All Transportation

All Entrance Fees

& More

Ready To Learn More About Your Next Adventure?

Benefit From Knowledgeable & Helpful Local Guidance

Our experienced Malaysia eclipse tour team has hand-selected some of their favorite destinations in the hopes of sharing the best flavors, views, and cultural events with you on a personal level. While benefiting from the expertise of our local guides, you can expect to discover interesting historical landmarks, museums, artisan excellence, and enjoy an unforgettable blend of local and astral events that will transform your perspective of the world and expand your horizons.

While exploring beautiful countries with our accommodating 2023 East Timor & Indonesia solar eclipse tours, you will discover local secrets and gain an insider’s perspective on the cultural richness that is easily overlooked without a local’s guidance. True exploration is at the heart of our 2023 eclipse tour, and we do our best to take you off the beaten trail, connect you with the untapped beauty of these wonderful regions, and support every aspect of your adventure with local astronomy guides who are focused on catering to your needs and supporting you in any way possible.

2026 Portugal, Morocco & Spain 19 Nights Eclipse Journey

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