2026 Spain 9 Nights Total Solar Eclipse Journey

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.

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.

Per person in Double room: $ 6,300

Single Room: $ 9,275

Payment Schedule:

• Deposit: $2,500 per person is due at the time of booking along with a completed Booking Form.
• 2nd Payment: $2,000 per person due by May 1, 2024
• Final Payment due by May 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.

Fill out the Booking Form and e mail to info@eclipsetraveler.com or fax to +1 (888) 514-7070 along with your passport copies.

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
• May 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.