Designed with eclipse seekers - also known as 'umbraphiles' - in mind, the tours will take place in Spain, Iceland and Greenland (Russia is the only other country where the total eclipse will be visible).

Michael Edwards, Managing Director of Explore Worldwide

“Whether this is your first time chasing the eclipse or you have hopes of joining the ranks of umbraphiles Glenn Schneider, Jay Pasachoff, and John Beattie (who hold the current world record having 33 total eclipses under their belts) make the most of this rare celestial event with a once-in-a-lifetime eclipse holiday with Explore Worldwide in 2026."

The Tours

Explorers hoping to catch a glimpse of the total eclipse in Spain have two options to choose from. The first is a food tour in Catalonia and the Basque Country, which swill swing by the limestone peaks of the Sierra de Prades mountains on eclipse day. Alternatively, an amended itinerary of the ever-popular Walking in the Picos de Europa will be optimised so you have the best chances of seeing the solar eclipse while trekking through breathtaking Spanish landscapes. 

For those hoping to set sights on the eclipse in Iceland, there's a special departure of Explore Worldwide's Land of the Midnight Sun tour, which will stop by the extraordinarily beautiful Snaefellsness Peninsula at the time of the eclipse. 

Umbraphillia for Beginners Q&A

What is a total eclipse?

A total eclipse of the sun is one of nature's most spectacular astronomical phenomena, caused when the moon passes in front of the sun, temporarily blocking out most of the light. They are so impressive because the Moon and the Sun appear almost the same size. In reality the Moon is about 400 times smaller than the Sun, but by an amazing coincidence, it is also more or less 400 times closer to us than the sun.

When is the solar eclipse 2026?

On Wednesday 12 August 2026, the first total solar eclipse for mainland Europe since 1999 will occur. Totality, when the sun is completely blocked, is predicted to last around two minutes and can be seen from parts of Spain, Iceland, Greenland and Russia.

Is the eclipse guaranteed?

Whilst the eclipse will definitely occur, the weather can never be guaranteed. As with all skygazing events, clear skies and minimal light pollution are desirable.  

Where is the best place to see the 2026 total solar eclipse?

The solar eclipse 2026 path of totality will cross Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain and Russia

Will the 2026 solar eclipse be visible in the UK?

Sadly the 2026 solar eclipse will not be fully visible in the UK, although a partial obscuration will occur.

How often is there a full eclipse?

On average, a total solar eclipse happens approximately once every 18 months. However, they're still considered a rare sight because they are only visible from a very narrow pathway, known as the path of totality. 

Where are the best places to see a total solar eclipse?

The best places to see any celestial event will be places far from light pollution for the best chance of good visibility. Then it's just a case of fingers crossed for little to no cloud cover, and clear skies! 

Full details of Explore Worldwide's eclipse trips can be found here.

• Trekking in Spain - Picos de Europa and Eclipse
  8 Days, Price from £1295 (Flights not included)
• Catalonia and the Basque Country and Eclipse
  8 Days, Price from £2795 (Flights not included)
• Iceland - Land of the Midnight Sun
  9 Days, Price from £3149 (Flights not included)
• Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland Solar Eclipse Departure
  15 Days, Price from £15215 (Flights not included)