Solar Eclipse Over Spain: Basque Country to León

Arrive in Bilbao and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Take the afternoon to relax and settle in, or, if you wish, visit the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao to see the collection and get a closer look at Frank Gehry’s architectural masterpiece. In the evening, gather with fellow travelers and your Smithsonian Journeys Expert for a welcome reception and dinner. (R,D)

Today you may choose to remain in Bilbao to encounter more of its remarkable architecture on a city tour. Stroll through the Casco Viejo, or old quarter, see the 14th-century cathedral, and soak up the lively ambiance of plazas where old meets new. You’ll have the afternoon at leisure. Or drive along the coast of the Bay of Biscay to San Sebastián, the jewel of Basque country, and take a guided tour of its historic center, lined with Belle Epoque architecture. Ascend Mount Igueldo to take in views of the city and its long crescent-shaped beach. Whether you stay in Bilbao or visit San Sebastián, you’ll savor a tasting of traditional pintxos, or Basque tapas. (B,L)

Travel south to Burgos, once the capital of the medieval Kingdom of Castile. Visit the Museum of Human Evolution, known for its architecture as well as its collection of prehistoric artifacts—including many from the nearby archaeological site of Atapuerca, where Europe’s earliest known human settlement was discovered. On a guided tour, learn how these early humans used megalithic constructions to read the stars. Then head to the Cathedral of Burgos, a World Heritage site built over several centuries, and seek out the astronomical symbolism in its richly carved façade. Continue to Frómista, set along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Here, visit the Romanesque Church of San Martin and find out why the Camino is sometimes called “The Way of the Stars.” Settle into your hotel in either León or Astorga* and dine together tonight. (B,D)

*Groups will stay in either León or Astorga, and all groups follow the same itinerary.

Enjoy a leisurely morning to discover your surroundings on your own. If you stay in León, meander among the monuments of its historic center, including the Royal Pantheon, the striking Gothic cathedral, and Antoni Gaudí’s famous Casa Botines. Those staying in Astorga may explore the walled old city and visit another Gaudí creation, the neo-Gothic Bishop’s Palace. In the afternoon, head to Bodegas Gordonzello, a wine cooperative set in the plains south of León where a centuries-old viticulture tradition is undergoing an exciting renaissance. During a specially arranged event, tour the vineyards and the on-site museum, sample a variety of award-winning wines, and hear from your Smithsonian Journeys Expert and other astronomy experts. At 7:33 the eclipse begins, reaching totality about an hour later. As the summer sun sets, celebrate the celestial event with a festive dinner accompanied by live music. Return to your hotel tonight. (B,R,D)

Enjoy a relaxing morning before departing for Madrid in the early afternoon. Upon arrival, set off on an orientation tour including the Paseo del Prado and the Plaza de Cibeles, one of the city’s most beautiful squares. The evening is yours to discover Madrid’s dining scene on your own. (B)

Head to the world-renowned Prado for a specially curated astronomy tour that traces our evolving understanding of the universe as reflected in works in the museum’s vast art collection. Later, join an astronomer for a private visit to the Royal Observatory of Madrid, home to Spain’s National Astronomical Observatory and Central Geophysical Observatory. Here, you’ll see the Foucault Pendulum, used in 1851 to prove the daily rotation of the Earth, as well as a 25-foot telescope and an expansive collection of astronomy, geodesy, and geophysics instruments. Enjoy a final afternoon to explore the city, including perhaps the excellent Reina Sofia Museum, featuring works by Spanish greats Picasso and Dali. Then toast your journey into the path of totality at a farewell reception and dinner with views of Madrid. (B,R,D)

After breakfast, Depart for the airport in time for your flight home. (B)