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Best of Spain Tour Extension

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31 July 2027 – 6 days from £4499 per person

Standard room £4499, Premier £5499, Premier garden view £5899, Premier side sea view £5999


Witness one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles: a total solar eclipse. On 2 August 2027, the moon’s shadow will sweep across the Mediterranean, creating the longest total solar eclipse visible from land for the remainder of the 21st century.

The journey begins with a dedicated day of insightful lectures covering a range of fascinating topics along with a detailed eclipse briefing, preparing you for the following morning’s total solar eclipse experience. On eclipse day, you will be transported to a handpicked rural viewing site offering privacy and a memorable setting from which to witness this amazing celestial event. Following the eclipse, you will explore the region’s rich history, culture and landscapes, with visits the historic cities of Cádiz and Jerez, combining remarkable heritage sites with the unique character of southern Spain.

You will be joined throughout this remarkable journey by expert astronomy, eclipse and science specialists. Through engaging talks, discussions and insights drawn from their knowledge and experience, they will explore the science, history and cultural significance of eclipses, enriching your understanding and appreciation of this amazing celestial event.

Your base for this experience is a peacefully secluded beachfront holiday hotel set above a beautiful sandy beach, east of Cádiz. This is very much a classic seaside holiday vacation hotel, particularly favoured by Spanish families enjoying time together on the coast. Overlooking the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, it provides the perfect setting to relax, enjoy the surroundings and prepare for eclipse day.

In partnership with Intrepid Travel.


Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Seville, meet the experts and welcome

Arrive in Seville and transfer to the Hotel Valentin Sancti Petri, beautifully situated above a a long sandy beach on the Atlantic coast. Surrounded by sweeping sea views and walking trails along the shoreline, the hotel provides the perfect setting from which to experience one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena. Currently, 86 of the 549 rooms are booked for our guests.

This evening, meet your New Scientist host, editor of New Scientist Catherine de Lange, and accompanying expert speakers over a welcome drink before gathering for dinner together. This is an opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers, hear about the fascinating programme ahead and begin exploring the science behind the upcoming total solar eclipse.

Day 2: Expert talks and eclipse preparation

Today is dedicated to deepening your understanding of the science behind tomorrow’s extraordinary event. Your accompanying experts will present a series of engaging talks covering topics ranging from astronomy and eclipse science to cutting-edge developments across the wider scientific landscape.

A highlight of today’s programme is a comprehensive pre-eclipse briefing, designed to ensure you are fully prepared to make the most of this rare celestial event. During this in-depth session, your experts will explain the mechanics of solar eclipses, what you can expect to observe during each stage of the phenomenon and how best to experience and photograph it safely. There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions and discuss the science in greater detail.

Guests on previous New Scientist eclipse tours have consistently found these briefings invaluable, enriching their experience and enhancing their appreciation of the spectacle to come. To break up the talks and allow for a relaxed, convivial atmosphere, tea, coffee and soft drinks will be served between the talks. Plus lunch and dinner is included at the excellent buffet restaurant.

Day 3: Witness the total solar eclipse

After an early breakfast, you will take a 40-minute drive to our private viewing site, where you will join with our two other eclipse groups (approximately 450 guests in total). It is a very large site, with plenty of natural shade provided by mature trees, seating for all and catering. There is plenty of space to spread out and you will be joined by our accompanying eclipse and science experts from all three of our eclipse groups.

Settled comfortably, you will be perfectly positioned to observe every stage of the eclipse in idyllic surroundings.

The eclipse begins with first contact at 9.40am, with totality commencing at 10.45am. As daylight fades and the sun’s corona emerges, experience one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles in the company of fellow enthusiasts and scientific experts.

Following the eclipse, celebrate the occasion with a glass of wine and brunch before attending a post-eclipse discussion and debrief, where you can share observations and gain further insights into what you have witnessed. The day continues in the late afternoon, back at the hotel, with further talks and a relaxing evening at leisure.

Day 4: Explore a winery and experience traditional flamenco in Jerez

In the morning, you will travel to Bodegas Álvaro Domecq in the heart of Jerez de la Frontera. You will enjoy a fascinating introduction to the traditions of local wine production. You will explore historical cellars and enjoy tastings that showcase the rich flavours and heritage of the region.

After this insightful tour, you will cross the road to enjoy a traditional Andalusian lunch at Puro Arte Jerez, followed by an unforgettable flamenco performance. Combining authentic cuisine, passionate music and expressive dance, this vibrant venue offers a wonderful introduction to the culture and spirit of Andalusia.

Returning to your hotel in the evening for dinner.

Day 5: Cádiz and farewell dinner

After breakfast, travel less than an hour to the port city of Cádiz, widely regarded as one of western Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements. During a guided walking tour, explore its atmospheric streets, elegant squares and historical monuments while learning about its rich maritime past and strategic importance throughout the centuries. Enjoy lunch featuring regional Andalusian cuisine in a traditional local restaurant before returning to the hotel.

Come together in the early evening for a farewell dinner with your New Scientist host, tour leaders and fellow travellers, providing a final opportunity to reflect on the remarkable experiences and scientific discoveries shared throughout the tour.

Day 6: Onward travel

After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow eclipse enthusiasts and the New Scientist team. Check out of the hotel and begin your onward journey, with a group transfer available to Seville Airport for those departing by air.


Best of Spain Extension Tour (5-10 August from £2399)

For those wishing to explore further, an optional post-tour extension offers a deeper journey into the history, culture and geology of southern Spain. Highlights include the dramatic clifftop city of Ronda, the architectural treasures of Córdoba, the magnificent Alhambra in Granada, the unique cave dwellings and geological landscapes of Guadix and a concluding stay in the vibrant Andalusian capital of Seville.

Full details can be downloaded here.

FAQs

Where does this tour start and end?

The nearest airport to the event is Seville International Airport. We will be running group transfers on the first and last day of the event for guests on our suggested flights. While our partner, Intrepid Travel, normally only assists with flights departing from the UK, an exception will be made for our total solar eclipse tours. Due to the larger group sizes, Intrepid will also assist US travellers by suggesting and booking flights to ensure travel logistics run as smoothly as possible.

What will the total solar eclipse experience be like?

A total solar eclipse is one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles, but it is also a natural phenomenon that can never be guaranteed. While every effort has been made to position the group in the best possible location based on historical weather patterns and eclipse predictions, cloud cover and local weather conditions are beyond anyone’s control. Even if the sun is partially obscured, though, the dramatic changes in light, temperature and the surrounding environment can still make for a remarkable experience. Our itinerary has been carefully designed to maximise the chances of witnessing totality, while also ensuring a rewarding and enriching journey regardless of the weather on eclipse day.

Can children join this event?

All guests must be 13 years of age or older. While the event is being held at a classic seaside resort hotel popular with families, the talks, activities and overall atmosphere will be designed primarily for an adult audience.

Can I upgrade my room?

Yes, we have four different room types available: standard room £4499, premier £5499, premier garden view £5899 and premier side sea view £5999.

How active is this tour?

When exploring Cádiz and Jerez, a basic level of fitness and mobility is required to enjoy these visits, as they will include walking on uneven surfaces. 

The itinerary will include some walking, occasionally on rough ground, in order to fully experience the historical sites. The walking will be at a gentle pace, but will not be suitable for guests with mobility issues. Walking shoes with ankle support and sturdy soles are highly recommended.

What will the transport be like?

For the airport transfers and excursions, you will travel on a comfortable, air-conditioned coach.

What will the weather be like in August in Spain?

August is typically the hottest month of the year in Cádiz, featuring hot, dry weather with an average daytime temperature of up to 30°C (86°F) and balmy overnight lows around 22°C (72°F), so please make sure you wear a sun hat and sun cream plus drink lots of water.

Is this tour suitable for solo travellers

All of our tours and cruises are perfect for solo travellers. If you want your own room, you will need to pay a solo supplement for this tour. However, if you are happy to share a room with a fellow guest of the same sex, we will do all we can to match you with another guest so you don’t have to pay the solo room supplement.

Booking information

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Best of Spain Tour Extension

Download the tour information pack

Booking administration

This tour is operated by our trusted partner Intrepid Travel on behalf of New Scientist Discovery Tours. Their dedicated, specialist team will be your main point of contact from booking until you return home, handling your reservation, payments, travel documents, pre-departure information and any questions about your tour or travel arrangements.

Highlights

  • Witness the longest total solar eclipse of the century from a private hillside rural viewing site
  • Receive an expert eclipse briefing ahead of this rare celestial event
  • Enjoy expert-led talks exploring astronomy, space, the cosmos and wider aspects of science
  • Stay at a beachfront holiday hotel overlooking a sandy cove and with Atlantic Ocean views
  • Explore Cádiz and Jerez
  • Discover southern Spain’s history, culture and stunning coastal landscapes
  • Experience a prime location on the path of totality for the 2027 eclipse
  • Combine astronomy, exploration and relaxation in a beautiful, beachfront setting

Meet the experts

This event will be include expert speakers plus a New Scientist host.

Catherine de Lange

Catherine is New Scientist’s editor. An award-winning science journalist, she has spent the more than a decade at New Scientist, working in numerous roles, including head of the features department and coronavirus editor, as well as editing features and news. Her specialism is biomedical science with a particular interest in nutrition, exercise, genetics, neuroscience and psychology. Prior to joining New Scientist, she worked as a freelance journalist, editor and video and audio producer. Her work has also been published in Nature, The Observer, The Telegraph, BBC Future, BBC Science Focus and more. She is the author of two books. Her latest is Brain Power: Everything you need to know for a healthy, happy brain. She has a BSc in human sciences from University College London and an MSc in science media production from Imperial College London.

Alexandra Thompson

Alexandra is one of New Scientist’s assistant news editors. She specialises in health, neuroscience and psychology, and has reported on everything from Parkinson’s disease and long covid to acne. She regularly talks about science on podcasts and radio and wrote 91ɫÇéƬy Habits While Working from Home. Alexandra has a biology degree from the University of Leeds in the UK.

Barry C. Smith

Barry is a professor of philosophy and director of the Institute of Philosophy at the University of London’s School of Advanced Study. He is also the founding director of the Centre for the Study of the Senses, which pioneers collaborative research between philosophers, psychologists and neuroscientists. 

He has written theoretical and experimental papers, publishing in Nature, Food Quality and Preference, Chemical Senses and Flavour. He collaborates with chefs and artists and consults widely for the food and drinks industry. In 2007, he edited Questions of Taste: The philosophy of wine.

Barry is also a frequent broadcaster, who has appeared on BBC One’s Masterchef, BBC Two’s Inside the Factory and on BBC Radio 4’s The Kitchen Cabinet. He is a contributor to The World of Fine Wine and wine columnist for Prospect Magazine.


Guest astronomer to be announced shortly.

What’s included

  • Five nights’ accommodation
  • Private viewing site for the eclipse
  • Several English-speaking tour leaders throughout
  • Talks from accompanying New Scientist Discovery Tours experts throughout
  • Five breakfasts, five dinners and four lunches
  • Beer and wine with meals on first and last night
  • Excursions
  • Eclipse viewing glasses
  • 24-hour support
  • Arrival/departure group airport transfers for those on the suggested group flights
  • All transport by air-conditioned coach

What’s not included

  • Travel insurance
  • International flights
  • Alcoholic beverages except where indicated
  • Private airport transfers
  • Visa/ETA (if applicable)
  • Single supplement – £1185
  • Optional add-on tour

Accommodation style

You will be staying at a modern, family holiday resort hotel, selected for its excellent facilities, comfortable surroundings and prime location close to the path of totality for the 2027 total solar eclipse.

Our programme activities are designed to provide a private, focused experience for our group. All talks will take place in dedicated, private, conference-style meeting rooms, and the eclipse viewing and two evening meals will also be held exclusively for our group.

During breakfast and lunch, you will dine in the hotel’s main restaurant alongside other resort guests, many of whom are young families. The pool and leisure facilities are shared hotel amenities, providing the opportunity to enjoy the full beachside resort experience alongside other holiday-makers.

Accommodation

Hotel Valentin Sancti Petri

Nestled within beautiful landscaped gardens on Spain’s Costa de la Luz, Hotel Valentin Sancti Petri enjoys a prime location beside the magnificent La Barrosa Beach. This welcoming four-star resort offers spacious accommodation, excellent dining, swimming pools, spa facilities and easy access to the cultural treasures, nature and coastline of Cádiz.