Solar Eclipse Over Spain: Madrid and Old Castile

Depart on an overnight flight to Madrid and transfer to your hotel upon arrival. Get acquainted with the city on a short orientation tour along the Paseo del Prado to the lovely Plaza de Cibeles. Gather for a welcome reception and dinner. (R,D)

After breakfast, head to the 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. Sit down to a traditional tapas lunch at a local restaurant. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Madrid. Consider a walk along the Gran Via or a visit to the Reina Sofia Museum to see works by Picasso and Dali. (B,L)

Travel northwest to Segovia, perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Castilian countryside. In the World Heritage-listed Old Town, visit the iconic Roman aqueduct and the Alcázar, a castle that was once the home of King Alfonso the Wise, considered a patron of astronomy for his work developing tables to calculate the position of the stars. Enjoy free time for lunch before continuing to the elegant city of Valladolid. Visit the planetarium at the Valladolid Science Museum to experience an exclusive simulation of the eclipse. If you wish, travel into the countryside to take part in a star party under the new moon after dinner tonight. (B,D)

During a leisurely morning, discover Valladolid at your own pace. Once a royal city, Valladolid saw the marriage of monarchs Isabella and Ferdinand as well as the death of Columbus. Journey to Bodega Finca Torremilanos, a 100-year-old biodynamic vineyard set on 500 acres in the rolling hills of the renowned Ribera del Duero—and perfectly situated in the zone of totality. Tour the vineyard and the barrel house, and taste a variety of award-winning wines. Attend discussions with astronomy experts before the eclipse begins at 7:33 pm. Observe nearly two minutes of totality at approximately 8:30 pm. Celebrate this celestial event with live music and a delightful dinner featuring fresh, local ingredients. Return to Valladolid for the night. (B,R,D)

*Note that visibility of the eclipse depends on weather conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

Venture into the medieval town of Ávila, a World Heritage site surrounded by thick walls and watchtowers built from the 11th to 14th century to ward off the Moors. Visit the town’s stunning cathedral, which forms part of the defensive walls, and enjoy free time for lunch and exploring on your own. Travel back to Madrid and gather in the evening for a farewell dinner featuring delicacies from a variety of regions in Spain. (B,R,D)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)

Depart on an overnight flight to Madrid and transfer to your upscale hotel on the stylish Gran Via upon arrival. Get acquainted with the city on a short orientation tour along the Paseo del Prado to the lovely Plaza de Cibeles. Gather for a welcome reception and dinner. (R,D)

After breakfast, head to the 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 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. Tonight, enjoy a sampling of Spanish specialties at a traditional tapas dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Venture into the medieval town of Ávila, a World Heritage site surrounded by thick walls and watchtowers built from the 11th to 14th century to ward off the Moors. Visit the town’s stunning cathedral, which forms part of the defensive walls, and enjoy free time for lunch and exploring on your own. Continue to the historic city of Valladolid, a royal hub for centuries where Isabella and Ferdinand were married and Columbus died. Visit the planetarium at the Valladolid Science Museum to experience an exclusive simulation of the eclipse. This afternoon, journey to Finca Torremilanos, a 100-year-old biodynamic vineyard set on 500 acres in the rolling hills of the renowned Ribera del Duero wine region—and perfectly situated in the zone of totality. After dinner together, seek out the constellations and sample wines at a star party under the new moon. (B,D)

Soak up the lovely ambiance of Torremilanos during a leisurely day. Go on vineyard walks or join a yoga session or a dance lesson. Gather for lunch and tour the winery and its cooperage, or barrel house, and taste a variety of award-winning wines. Enjoy discussions with astronomy experts before the eclipse begins at 7:33 pm. Observe nearly two minutes of totality at approximately 8:30 pm. Celebrate this celestial event with live music and a delightful dinner featuring fresh, local ingredients. (B,L,R,D)

*Note that visibility of the eclipse depends on weather conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

Travel to Segovia, perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Castilian countryside. In the World Heritage-listed Old Town, visit the iconic Roman aqueduct and the Alcázar, a castle that was once the home of King Alfonso the Wise, considered a patron of astronomy for his work developing tables to calculate the position of the stars. Return to Madrid and gather in the evening for a farewell dinner overlooking the city. (B,R,D)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)