Total Solar Eclipse: Northern Spain and Portugal

About the Study Leader

Michael Strauss, Chair, Department of Astrophysical Sciences

Michael Strauss joined the Astrophysics faculty at Princeton in 1995; he is now the chair of the department. He and his colleagues carry out surveys of the sky, mapping the cosmos to catalog the myriad of stars, galaxies, asteroids and quasars to answer fundamental questions about the universe. He is particularly interested in the evolution, properties, and large-scale distribution of galaxies. He and his colleagues have discovered some of the most distant quasars known, which we are seeing at a time when the universe was 5% of its present age. He teaches a variety of courses, from introductory astronomy for non-majors to graduate-level cosmology. He is co-author, with Neil deGrasse Tyson, J. Richard Gott, and Bob Vanderbei of the best-selling books, Welcome to the Universe: An Astrophysical Tour, and its companion, Welcome to the Universe in 3D (Princeton University Press).

This will be Strauss’ third time as a Princeton Journeys study leader. It will also be his third time seeing a total solar eclipse. As an astronomer, he thought he knew what to expect during his first eclipse in August 2017, but was completely awed and blown away by the spectacle.

About the Journey

Join your fellow Tigers to experience the Total Solar Eclipse of 2026 as it sweeps across the Iberian Peninsula. You will be plunged into total eclipse darkness for one minute and forty seconds, and with 2026 marking the peak solar activity in the sun’s eleven-year cycle, the extent of the elusive solar corona may be at its stunning best.

The program begins in the Spanish capital of Madrid. Explore the city’s elegant squares, Plaza Mayor, and historic district, and indulge in local tapas and a flamenco show. Continue via Segovia, home to an iconic ancient Roman aqueduct, to the beautiful city of León, your base for the eclipse festivities.

View the Total Solar Eclipse, ending with a marvelous sunset view of the moon’s “last bite” of the sun, from the comfort of the Leyenda del Paramo Winery. Then witness the peak night of the Perseid meteor shower, the strongest of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, during a stargazing experience amid the dark skies of your rural location.

Conclude the adventure in Porto, Portugal, one of the oldest cities in Europe, wandering the UNESCO-designated historic center, palace, and market.

Please note: While this program is exclusive to Princeton, Princeton Journeys travelers will be joined at the eclipse viewing site by those from Harvard, Yale, and MIT, including the faculty leaders from each organization.

View photos from Princeton Journeys’ 2024 Total Solar Eclipse journey in Texas and 2019 Total Solar Eclipse journey in Chile.

Accommodation

Hotel Wellington Madrid, Spain
Located in the heart of one of the most sought-after areas of Madrid, the 5-star Wellington Hotel & Spa Madrid is also one of the most historic hotels in the Spanish capital. Recently renovated, the hotel offers comfortable and exclusive guest rooms, as well as a state-of-the-art sports and wellness club with an outdoor swimming pool.

My Palace Hotel León, Spain
The centrally located My Palace Hotel is adjacent to the medieval old town, near the riverside park, and within walking distance of some of the city’s top restaurants. Hotel amenities include a fitness room, spa, and lobby bar with fireplace.

The Yeatman Porto, Portugal
One of the city’s finest hotels, The 5-star Yeatman Hotel is situated on a hillside overlooking the river and the historic city center, steps away from the famous Port wine headquarters. The hotel is set within seven acres of land and features a tranquil spa, Michelin-starred restaurant, and outdoor and indoor swimming pools, each with a panoramic view.

Reservations

Please register online or contact the Princeton Journeys team at journeys@princeton.edu / 609.258.8686 with questions.

Trip Details

Dates

August 06 - August 15, 2026
Activity Level

Moderate
Cost

$9,990 per person, double occupancy; $12,980 per person, single occupancy
Deposit

$2,000 per person
Contact

journeys@princeton.edu
609-258-8686