NORTHERN SPAIN
2026 TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE
August 3–14, 2026
A rare celestial event set against Spain’s timeless landscapes.
Oviedo 2 nights • Fuente Dé 2 nights • Bilbao 2 nights • Vinuesa 4 nights
In August 2026, journey through northern Spain to experience one of nature’s rarest events, a total solar eclipse, set within a region rich in history, culture, and tradition. The journey begins along Spain’s dramatic northern coast, weaving through the green mountains and medieval villages of Asturias and Cantabria before turning inland toward the vineyards of Rioja and the historic cities of Castile. From the contemporary architecture and Old World charm of Bilbao to the tranquil stone village of Vinuesa, this carefully designed itinerary blends authentic Spanish character with celestial wonder. As the moon’s shadow passes over the Iberian countryside, you'll witness the eclipse from a hilltop setting just a few miles from the center line of totality, surrounded by landscapes shaped by centuries of tradition and time.
For travelers exclusively interested in the eclipse itself, we are also offering an abridged seven day version of this journey at an adjusted rate. Please refer to the PDF brochure for detailed itinerary information and alternate pricing.
See The Full Itinerary in the Brochure
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
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Witness a rare total solar eclipse from a carefully scouted rural location in central Spain.
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Begin in Asturias, exploring historic Oviedo and traditional fishing villages along Spain’s wild northern coast.
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Travel through Cantabria and the Picos de Europa, visiting mountain hamlets beneath dramatic limestone peaks.
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Experience Bilbao, from its lively Old Town to the Guggenheim, with an optional visit to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.
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Journey through Rioja wine country, photographing vineyard landscapes and enjoying a curated winery tasting and lunch.
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Settle into rural Castile & León, using a historic village base during the days surrounding the eclipse.
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Participate in eclipse and night-sky photography workshops with Temu Nana, tailored to all experience levels.
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Stay in character-rich boutique and historic hotels, selected for atmosphere, location, and access to landscapes.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
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Asturias: Green Spain & the Atlantic Edge (Days 1–3.5): Begin in northern Spain’s Atlantic region, exploring Oviedo’s historic center, coastal fishing villages along the Cantabrian Sea, and the landscapes of Covadonga and the Picos de Europa.
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Cantabria: Mountains & Stone Villages (Days 3.5–5.5): Travel east into Cantabria, staying near the Picos de Europa while photographing alpine scenery, stone villages, mountain viewpoints, and riverside towns such as Potes.
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Bilbao: Basque Culture & Modern Icons (Days 5.5–6): Arrive in Bilbao and settle into the Old Town, with evenings of pintxos and time to explore the city. An optional visit to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and a stop at the Guggenheim Museum round out the stay.
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Rioja: Vineyards & Villages (Day 7): Travel through Rioja wine country for a private tasting and vineyard lunch, then cross scenic mountain passes en route to the stone village of Vinuesa.
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Vinuesa & the Eclipse (Days 8–10): Base in rural Castile & León, photographing village life, nearby medieval towns, and working pastoral scenes. Join eclipse and night-sky sessions, culminating in totality from a carefully scouted viewing location.
Note: Travelers can join for the full journey OR start in Bilbao, for an abridged version that integrates into the core eclipse experience
TRIP LEADERS IN SPAIN
PATRICK CAMPBELL, TRIP LEADER - Patrick has worked with Open Sky Expeditions and led trips since 2023. Based in Austin, Texas, he is a travel and expedition photographer with a background in Geography and Sustainability, and has traveled to over 20 countries worldwide. In 2025, Patrick personally scouted this entire Spain itinerary, traveling the route to evaluate hotels, restaurants, transportation logistics, and multiple eclipse viewing locations. He will join the journey as your on-site tour manager, overseeing daily logistics and ensuring a seamless, well-paced experience throughout the trip.
TEMU NANA, PHOTO PRO & TRIP LEADER - Temu Nana is an astrophotographer and long-time Open Sky Expeditions trip leader who has led dozens of journeys to night-sky destinations around the world, including Chile, Norway, and Namibia. On this journey through Spain, Temu will serve as a dedicated photography leader and an invaluable resource for capturing the total solar eclipse. He will provide guidance before and during the event, helping travelers prepare their gear, understand eclipse-specific settings, and confidently photograph this rare celestial moment. Click here to see his photography.
Plus, Open Sky Expeditions owner & trip leader Alex Ros will join our group in Vinuesa for the final four nights & the eclipse.
A Taste of our Accommodations
From a boutique hideaway in Bilbao’s historic center to elegant rural stays and cozy mountain chalets, each property has been handpicked for its sense of style, intimacy, and connection to the landscapes that define northern Spain.
Why is Vinuesa our home base for the days leading up to the Eclipse?
Vinuesa is a quiet, stone-built village in the Soria highlands, far from the eclipse crowds of larger cities like Burgos and Soria. With only a handful of small hotels, it offers a peaceful retreat before and after the eclipse.
Located just a short distance from the center line of totality, Vinuesa gives us access to both the Castile and León and Soria regions within an hour’s drive — an area with some of the best chances for clear August skies in north-central Spain, especially compared to the often-clouded northern coast.
Through our scouting, we’ve identified multiple viewing sites within this radius, allowing flexibility if microclimates shift on eclipse day. While Vinuesa itself is not our viewing point, it serves as the ideal base: quiet, beautiful, and near a dark-sky designated area, making it excellent not only for comfort but also for astrophotography.
Our Eclipse Viewing Location
Our eclipse viewing site has been carefully selected in collaboration with an eclipse expert from the region and is positioned on a quiet hillside overlooking the landscape to the northwest, directly aligned with the path of totality. Located just a few miles from our home base in Vinuesa, the site allows for straightforward transportation and avoids the congestion possible on main highways in more crowded areas on eclipse day. Because the eclipse occurs low on the horizon close to sunset, this elevated vantage point is critical. The open hilltop setting provides unobstructed sightlines and extended visibility of the event, free from shadows or terrain interference, offering optimal conditions for both viewing and photography. Note: While we have one of the best chances for clear sky along the whole path of totality, we have also identified a few worthy alternative sites should the cloud forecast be reliably better within a few hours’ drive.
BOOKING THIS TRIP
Have More Questions?
We're happy to assist! Please contact us at info@openskyexpeditions.com, or call us at 1.844.OPENSKY or +1.212.441.0024.
Trip Requirements
To participate on this trip, you will need to:
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Passport: Carry a passport valid for at least 6 months after the trip ends
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Travel Insurance: Have travel insurance that at least covers emergency medical evacuation. This can be obtained after booking the trip. CLICK HERE to view details on the options offered via our partners Travel Insured International and Wanderwell.