On August 12, 2026, mainland Europe will see its first total solar eclipse since 1999. The path of totality crosses the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, making solar eclipse cruises a hot ticket, but it will also be visible from both Iceland and Spain. This gives landlubbers a welcome opportunity to watch the rare celestial event alongside local experts while bookending it with cultural immersion and an unforgettable trip.
Here are some of the top land-based tours for eclipse-viewing that are still accepting reservations.
Spain
Smithsonian Journeys
If you like your eclipses paired with a glass of vino, the "Basque Country to Leon tour" departing on August 8 hosts a specialty wine tasting on the day of the eclipse at the Bodegas Gordonzello wine collective, where astronomy experts will also be present to lecture and answer questions prior to the 7:33 p.m. eclipse commencement. The rest of the trip offers architectural wonders in Burgos (the medieval capital of the Kingdom of Castile) and San Sebastián in the heart of the Basque Country.
The "Madrid and Old Castile" tour, also departing August 8, focuses on the Ribera del Duero wine country, with stops in the World Heritage sites of Segovia and Ávila and the ancient royal city of Valladolid. Eclipse day itself will be celebrated at the Bodega Finca Torremilanos, a 100-year-old biodynamic vineyard, alongside wine-tastings and astronomer talks. Astronomy buffs will love the Madrid stop, which features a celestial-themed tour of the Prado art museum and a tour of Madrid's Royal Observatory with an astronomer.
Mountain Kingdoms
If you've always wanted to trek the Camino de Santiago, this nine-day tour, departing August 8, takes the famous trail to the Santiago de Compostela cathedral, offering an easy pace through rural Galicia and on one of the lesser-walked pilgrimage ways to Santiago. On the eclipse night itself, guests stay at the Parador de Vilalba, a converted medieval tower that's now a four-star hotel. To document your journey, you'll get an official Pilgrim's Passport (or credencial), a booklet that lets you collect stamps from destinations along the route and can serve as proof of walking the minimum 100 km (62 miles) to receive the official Compostela certificate commemorating the journey.
Pura Aventura
For a mix of land and sea, this 12-day tour (leaving August 4) traverses the Picos de Europa mountains, the coast of Northern Spain, and the foothills of La Rioja, which serves as home base for five of the days. The totality itself will be witnessed on the summit of the 1,738-meter-tall (5,702 feet) Alto de la Agenanza, a gentle climb which gives a full panoramic viewpoint. Eclipse night ends with a fiesta in the village, followed by two days in the Basque Country's biggest city, Bilbao, and its famous Guggenheim Museum, which features the works of contemporary Spanish artists.
Iceland
Indus Travel
The geological wonders of Iceland complement the solar ones on this short four-day tour, departing August 9. The "2026 Solar Eclipse in Iceland trip" focuses on the exploration of the Reykjanes Peninsula, including stops at Gunnuhver, Iceland's largest mud pool, and a soak in the famous Blue Lagoon, followed by celebrating the eclipse itself in the capital of Reykjavik with a short walk outside the city and a glass of Champagne.
Kensington Tours
For those looking for a bespoke tour that allows them to pick their own August departure date, the "Fire & Ice: 2026 Solar Eclipse Adventure" sample itinerary includes exploring the Langjokull Glacier and descending into the Thrihnukagigur Volcano. The eclipse itself can be observed at the geothermal Sky Lagoon pool, with the included Solar Eclipse Ser Pass, a pool add-on that includes the signature seven-step Skjól Ritual (featuring a hydrotherapy circuit and body scrub) and eclipse glasses to watch when the sun and moon align.
Fifty Degrees North
Food lovers looking to experience some of Iceland's cuisine before and after the eclipse can book this five-day tour, departing August 10. The itinerary includes a city tour of Reykjavík featuring local cafés and boutiques, a trip to the famous Blue Lagoon thermal hot spring, and a "Hot Spring Taste" experience that includes Icelandic rye bread baked in geothermal heat. The eclipse itself will be viewed at a South Iceland spot chosen for maximum visibility.
Adventure Women
For women looking to go all-in on the outdoors in Iceland, this active seven-day tour departing August 10 includes a walking tour of Reykjavik, an ATV ride overlooking the Blue Lagoon, sea kayaking across Breiðafjörður Bay, and riding an Icelandic horse. The day of the eclipse itself showcases the lava cave Víðgelmir and the Hraunfossar waterfall cascading over lava fields, and a chance to view the eclipse in Snæfellsjökull National Park, named for the still-active volcanic and glacier peak that towers 4,750 feet above sea level.
Abercrombie & Kent
The "Iceland: All-Action Summer Adventure" and "North Iceland Summer Adventure" expeditions let you customize the number of days you want to spend in each part of the country, from Reykjavík to Southern Iceland and the Reykjanes Peninsula. Suggested at five to seven days, the bespoke tours can include add-on experiences like a helicopter tour and diving to get up close and personal with geothermal vents, and tour guides who can help pick the best spot for viewing the totality.
Arctic Adventures
If you want to see the complete Ring Road (a national highway that circles the entire island) with the eclipse as the cherry on top, this six-day tour departing August 7 takes the full circle journey around the country, which includes a glacier hike and whale watching in the Eyjafjörður Fjord. Guides will scout out the ideal eclipse location, which could be either West Iceland or the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, depending on conditions.
Natural Habitat Adventures
Looking to hone your photography skills? This 11-day expedition has three departure dates (August 2, August 4, or August 6), which conclude with eclipse viewing in prime spots while guides give professional tips on how best to photograph the phenomenon. Plus, the wildlife-friendly tour (an official WWF partner) offers plenty of opportunities to capture puffins and Icelandic horses on film throughout a journey around the country.