There isn’t a higher excuse to journey than to see a complete photo voltaic eclipse, and the subsequent one occurs on Aug. 12, 2026. Though a complete photo voltaic eclipse is an unforgettable expertise, totality lasts only some minutes. So what do you do earlier than and after the eclipse?
Boredom will not be an issue for the 2026 whole photo voltaic eclipse, with some actually spectacular areas and in style trip areas in or near the trail of totality. From Greenland to Spain, there are myriad distinctive experiences and off-the-beaten-track itineraries that provide way more than nature’s biggest spectacle.
Associated: Finest whole photo voltaic eclipse 2026 cruises for the final word journey
1. Astrophotography and an eclipse chase
With a complete photo voltaic eclipse and the height of the Perseid meteor bathe occurring the identical evening, Aug. 12, 2026, is poised to be a big day for astrophotographers. The core of this tour, led by British astrophotographer Ollie Taylor, is centered round astrophotography, with professional tuition offered the place wanted — and novices are welcome. Happening from Aug. 10 to Aug. 19, 2026, the tour will view the eclipse between Madrid and Zaragoza — wherever there’s a clear sky — earlier than visiting the Cantabrian Mountains and the coast for sundown shoots, extra astrophotography and, as soon as on the northern coast, seascapes and lighthouses.
2. Totality from a geothermal pool
With an eclipse, the height of the Perseid meteor bathe and the potential for northern lights, Aug. 12, 2026, is all concerning the sky in Iceland, the place heat geothermal waters and volcanic landscapes may present the best backdrop. Guided by Canadian astronomer and astrophotographer Stéphane Picard at Cliff Valley Astronomy, this small-group tour from Aug. 10 to 16, 2026, explores southwestern Iceland, providing the chance to witness the eclipse from the Blue Lagoon on the Reykjanes Peninsula, adopted by the Perseids from the countryside close to Vík.
Evenings characteristic stargazing classes and expert-led astronomy briefings, accompanied by day journeys to basic Icelandic landmarks, together with Thingvellir Nationwide Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the black-sand seashores of Reynisfjara.
3. A sundown eclipse with Invoice Nye “The Science Man”
The eclipse in Spain occurs near sundown, which makes mountainous terrain dangerous, until an astronomer has checked out the sight traces upfront. Nonetheless, from Spain’s Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca, Formentera and a few smaller islands) within the Mediterranean Sea, there’s one thing else on provide: a sundown eclipse. Sure, there might be clouds on the horizon, as seen from the west coasts of those in style trip islands, however a uncommon golden corona is the prize.
Comparatively few excursions go to these islands, however Betchart Expeditions is an exception. The corporate is providing an adventure from Aug. 3 to 13, 2026, with The Planetary Society’s Invoice Nye (“The Science Man”). It begins off on mainland Spain, with visits to Madrid’s historic Royal Observatory, the Castile La Mancha Science Museum in Cuenca, and the Metropolis of Arts and Science Heart in Valencia, earlier than transferring to Mallorca (additionally spelled Majorca) to focus on a complete photo voltaic eclipse at sundown.
4. Whales and uncommon wildlife in northern Spain
Ranging from Plymouth within the U.Okay., Naturetrek’s 10-day journey from Aug. 9 to 18, 2026, affords a novel mix of astronomy and wildlife watching. After crusing throughout the Bay of Biscay to Santander — with alternatives to identify fin and minke whales, dolphins and shearwaters — the group will journey inland to the Cantabrian Mountains to go to Las Loras Geopark and Palentina Mountain Pure Park.
On Aug. 12, totality will probably be skilled from a rigorously chosen web site close to Peña Ulaña, with 1 minute, 42 seconds of totality seen simply earlier than sundown, adopted by post-eclipse stargazing below darkish mountain skies in the course of the peak of the Perseid meteor bathe. The journey will then attain the dramatic limestone peaks of the Picos de Europa, residence to Alpine choughs, griffon vultures, and elusive wall creepers.
5. Iceland’s distant Westfjords
With Greenland the protect of cruise ships for this eclipse, the primary folks on land to expertise totality will probably be in Iceland’s lonely Westfjords area. Organized by Betchart Expeditions and led by astronomer Joe Llama of the Lowell Observatory, a particular expedition to Iceland from Aug. 8 to 16, 2026, will observe totality close to Ísafjörður, climate allowing, with preparations and images arrange on-site. On all sides, there will probably be an in-depth take a look at Iceland’s volcanic geology and mid-Atlantic tectonic setting, with the itinerary additionally together with Lake Mývatn’s lava fields and the rift between the Eurasian and North American plates.
6. Totality from the plains of Spain
It is one of many least-visited areas of Spain — no less than for worldwide vacationers — however the north central plains of Spain are the very best and driest of all the eclipse observe. This short trip from New Scientist Discovery Excursions, from Aug. 10 to 14, 2026, relies solely in Burgos, a medieval metropolis that is residence to Burgos Cathedral and the Museum of Human Evolution. Count on talks from astronomers John Mason and Martin Griffiths, in addition to non-public eclipse viewing from a secluded web site west of Burgos, close to the centerline of the trail of totality. The eclipse will probably be adopted by a celebratory dinner earlier than the height of the Perseid meteor bathe.
7. A journey by way of the Basque Nation
Straddling the border between France and Spain within the western Pyrenees, the Basque Nation is the main target of this Aug. 9-13, 2026, journey with Wilderness Travel by way of tradition, gastronomy and astronomy. The tour begins in Bilbao, with visits to the long-lasting Guggenheim Museum and a cruise on the Nervión River, adopted by a drive south to Burgos (which isn’t within the Basque Nation however moderately the autonomous neighborhood of Castile-Leon) for a tour of the town’s Gothic cathedral.
Totality will probably be skilled on the Seventeenth-century Parador de Lerma, straight on the centerline, with astronomy talks and guided viewing from veteran astronomer and eclipse chaser Alex Filippenko, a professor of astronomy on the College of California, Berkeley. A plethora of mountain climbing add-ons are attainable, together with throughout the French-Spanish border alongside the Camino de Santiago, visits to prehistoric dolmens, and time to discover San Sebastián.
8. Valencia and an inland eclipse
This reasonably priced week-long tour, from Aug. 7 to 13, 2026, with eclipse tour specialist Astro Trails begins with 4 nights in coastal Valencia earlier than a prepare journey to Madrid and a visit to the medieval city of Sigüenza to witness totality for 1 minute, 38 seconds from the ramparts of the Twelfth-century Sigüenza Fort.
9. Mountain climbing and astronomy within the Picos de Europa
If every day walks to discover glacial valleys, excessive plateaus, shepherd trails and limestone gorges — with just a few cheese and cured-meat tastings alongside the best way — appears like your factor, take into account this eight-day mountain climbing and astronomy-focused tour from Explore primarily based within the coronary heart of the Picos de Europa. Individuals keep on the family-run Casa Cipriano, identified for its hearty native delicacies and mountain hospitality, within the distant village of Sotres. The spotlight is a guided hike to Pico de la Tabla for a high-altitude view of the full photo voltaic eclipse on Aug. 12, with almost two minutes of totality because the solar units over the rugged peaks. Astronomer Rebecca Fernández will probably be readily available for eclipse interpretation and night-sky viewing with a telescope.
10. Madrid, Toledo and Valladolid
Simply south of the eclipse observe, Madrid — with its worldwide connectivity — is a good base for unbiased vacationers. This Special Interest Tour relies for 4 nights in Madrid (together with a strolling tour, a flamenco present and an Ibérico ham-carving workshop), takes day journeys to Toledo and Ávila, and spends two nights in Abadía Retuerta Le Domaine winery near Valladolid. This area has a great opportunity of clear skies for a totality of 1 minute, 35 seconds. The group will probably be accompanied by astronomer Bob Berman, who will give lectures and function a information to the evening sky.
