The Spanish Total Solar Eclipse

Join UCLA Alumni Travel to view a total solar eclipse as it sweeps across a narrow path of the Iberian Peninsula – Europe’s first in 27 years. To experience this rare celestial event, we will be based in the heart of Spain in the Castile-León region – a sprawling land of ancient Spanish kingdoms, dotted with beautiful towns, each with its own castle and cathedral offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The path of the 2026 eclipse will reach Spain after a long journey down through the North Atlantic, gradually changing its direction from south to east. This eclipse will occur low on the horizon 50 minutes before the sun sets and will provide a different experience from when totality is high overhead. Our carefully chosen base for two nights is Peñafiel which lies in the path of totality with a total eclipse time estimated to be 1 minute and 38 seconds and a predicted low chance of cloud coverage. The tour begins in Madrid and will include a visit to the Royal Observatory Museum which houses an important collection of antique instruments and a library, which conserves one of the most ancient and extensive collections of documents on astronomical subjects. Drive through the rolling hills, vineyards, and ancient olive groves of the Spanish countryside to Avila, a UNESCO-listed city which boasts a rich history of Romanesque churches, medieval convents, and Renaissance palaces with one of the best preserved medieval walled enclosures in Spain. After traversing through a landscape rich in wine and history, head to Peñafiel. Our home for the next two nights is a village whose streets reflect its past, with sites like the Jewish quarter and the Plaza del Coso, a popular square with traditional wooden balconies. Spend a day exploring the area before watching the eclipse from our exclusive event – the Tr3smano Winery. Founded by three seasoned wine visionariesTr3smano blends traditional viticulture and cutting-edge winemaking in an architecturally striking estate. Their wines have won international acclaim. Our final two nights are in San Sebastian known for beaches framed by a picturesque bayfront promenade, and world-renowned restaurants helmed by innovative chefs.

Featuring Professor Jean-Luc Margot, Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences