Chasing the Eclipse
A full Solar Eclipse is a rare and wonderful sight to behold
A total solar eclipse is often a once in a lifetime experience and something many people never witness! An eclipse reveals parts of the Sun we can’t normally see, like the solar corona, and has helped scientists learn about gravity, the Sun’s atmosphere, and even led to discoveries in physics. During a solar eclipse daylight suddenly dims into twilight, temperatures drop, stars and planets can become visible, the Sun’s corona glows around the blackened Moon and it creates a surreal, almost magical atmosphere.
Eclipses bring people together. Communities gather, scientists travel, students learn, and millions watch at the same time. It’s a moment where curiosity and wonder seem universal. What's more, based where we are you will experience a much longer totality experience. Will you share it with Spice Escapes?
Your holiday includes
- International flights if selected
- Transfers
- 7 nights accommodation
- 7 continental breakfasts
- 7 evening meals
- Expert public astronomer on hand
Your holiday extras
- Room supplement if selected
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Optional excursions
- Some meals & drinks
- Personal extras
Resident Expert - Dr Matthew Bothwell, public astronomer at the Institute of Astronomy at the University of Cambridge
We have been lucky enough to secure the presence of Dr Matthew Bothwell again for our Solar Eclipse week and he will be in residence for your stay, ready and eager to answer any questions you may have around Eclipses and quite frankly wherever the conversation and debate take you during this week. The great thing is that given his background and position at the University of Cambridge Dr Bothwell is well used to discussions on many levels - curious observer, amateur astronomer to expert
Dr Bothwell was a big hit with our group in 2026 and you can expect free flowing conversation daily on every aspect of planets, our solar system, the universe, black holes Space X and more. This week should be a lot of fun, especially for those with an inquisitive nature!
Extract from the University of Cambridge website regarding Dr Bothwell
I am the public astronomer at the IoA, and an astrophysicist by training. I am in charge of public engagement activities at the IoA, which includes running our schools outreach programme, winter stargazing evenings, Cambridge Festival events, and more. I also support IoA researchers who want to engage the public with their research.
I am an experienced science communicator and science writer. I have published three popular astronomy books for both adults and children: The Great Alien Hunt (2025, DK), Astrophysics for Supervillains (2024, DK), and The Invisible Universe: Why There’s More to Reality than Meets the Eye (2021, Oneworld). I give public lectures (past venues include the Royal Institution, New Scientist, the Royal Astronomical Society, and the British Astronomical Association), and my science writing has appeared in New Scientist, The Daily Beast, Aeon magazine, The Guardian, Writer's Digest, and more.
Location & Itinerary
What to do
A Week in Andalucía – With a Once-in-a-Lifetime Eclipse
This is no ordinary week in Andalucía. Based in the beautiful whitewashed town of Vejer de la Frontera, we’ll combine the excitement of witnessing the total solar eclipse on 2 August 2027 with time to discover the wonderful culture, food and scenery of southern Spain.
The Total Solar Eclipse – 2 August 2027
The highlight of our trip will be the extraordinary total solar eclipse, with Vejer and the surrounding Cádiz province offering a fantastic setting to experience this rare natural phenomenon. We’ll make the most of this unforgettable day, with our plans centred around the eclipse and plenty of time to enjoy the atmosphere and excitement of being there together.
Jerez – Sherry & Flamenco
We can spend a day exploring Jerez de la Frontera, one of Andalucía’s most atmospheric cities and home to its famous sherry bodegas and flamenco traditions. We could visit a traditional bodega before experiencing the passion and energy of authentic flamenco.
Cádiz – A City by the Atlantic
We’ll also have the opportunity to visit Cádiz, a fascinating historic city almost surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Explore its atmospheric old town, beautiful squares and historic streets, stop for lunch or a drink and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze.
Discover Vejer with a Local Guide
Our own base for the week deserves some exploring too. We can arrange a guided walking tour of Vejer, discovering its history, Moorish influences, hidden corners and spectacular views while getting to know this beautiful hilltop town.
An Evening at Casa del Califa
For a memorable evening together, we could enjoy dinner at the popular Casa del Califa in the heart of Vejer. With Moroccan-inspired cuisine, an atmospheric setting and the possibility of live music, it would be a lovely way to experience another side of Andalucía.
More Than Just an Eclipse Trip
The eclipse may be the reason we’re heading to Vejer, but there will be so much more to enjoy. From historic towns and Atlantic coastlines to flamenco, sherry and fantastic food, this promises to be a week full of experiences, new discoveries and great company.
Travel & Stay
Step back in time at Hotel Tugasa Convento San Francisco, a beautifully restored former Franciscan monastery dating back to the 17th century, right in the heart of the charming Andalusian town of Vejer de la Frontera.
Full of character and history, the hotel combines traditional features such as original mosaics and religious frescoes with a peaceful, rustic atmosphere and wonderful panoramic views across the surrounding countryside.
The hotel’s restaurant serves delicious traditional Andalusian cuisine, while the 24-hour reception means there is always someone on hand to help.
During your stay, discover the authentic whitewashed villages of Andalusia, soak up the atmosphere of Vejer de la Frontera, or head to some of the beautiful beaches just a short journey away. It’s the perfect base for experiencing the real charm of southern Spain.
Provisional Flight Information
31/07/27 Stansted to Malaga Dep: 0800 Arr:1155
07/08/27 Malaga to Stansted Dep: 1250 Arr: 1445
31/07/27 London Gatwick to Malaga Dep: 0805 Arr:1200
07/08/27 Malaga to London Gatwick Dep: 1355 Arr: 1550
31/07/27 Birmingham to Malaga Dep: 0720 Arr:1125
07/08/27 Malaga to Birmingham Dep: 1225 Arr: 1430
31/07/27 Manchester to Malaga Dep: 0805 Arr:1210
07/08/27 Malaga to Manchester Dep: 1310 Arr: 1525
31/07/27 Edinburgh to Malaga Dep: 0630 Arr:1100
07/08/27 Malaga to Edinburgh Dep: 1155 Arr: 1420
20kg baggage included
Transfers will be as a single group approx 2 hrs 30 mins
Availability & Pricing
Build Your Quote| Accommodation | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Place in a double room (must be for 2) | £0.00 | Available |
| Place in a twin share room | £0.00 | Available |
| Place in a single room | £1199.00 | Available |
| Flights | Price | |
| Own flight without transfers | £2899.00 | Available |
| Edinburgh | £3469.00 | Available |
| London Gatwick | £3469.00 | Available |
| Birmingham | £3489.00 | Available |
| London Stansted | £3489.00 | Available |
| Manchester | £3529.00 | Available |
Not enough spaces left for you? Click here to join the waitlist
Passport validity
For UK passport holders your passport must be:
- Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
- valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.
EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will start operations on 12 October 2025. The Entry/Exit System (EES) will be deployed gradually across the external borders of the 29 European countries over a period of 6 months. These European countries will introduce the different elements of the EES in phases, including the collection of biometric data, such as facial image and fingerprints. This means that travellers’ biometric data (facial image and fingerprints) might not be collected at every border crossing point right away, and their personal information may not be registered in the system. Passports will continue to be stamped as usual.
This progressive implementation will last until 9 April 2026. From 10 April 2026, the EES will be fully operational at all external border crossing points of the European countries using the system.
Further information on the EES can be found on the following link - https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/ltr
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)
Starting in end 2026 UK citizens are required to have a travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries for a short stay. ETIAS travel authorisation is linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.
With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions.
NB - There is no official date for the ETIAS currently confirmed but when it is introduced it will be your responsibility to ensure that you have arranged this. We will update everyone when the ETIAS is required with information on how to apply for this online.
Travel Insurance
Please ensure that you have adequate personal travel insurance to suit your requirements in place before you travel.
A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the European Union (EU).
UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) are still valid and offer the same cover as GHICs in the EU.
Once your EHIC has expired, you’ll be able to replace it with a GHIC.
NB – A GHIC/EHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance!
FCO travel guidance for Spain
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain
Host & Everything Else
Solar Eclipse Viewing Safety
You should never look directly at the sun without the correct protection for your eyes! The article by the BBC's Sky at Night Magazine on the following link will help you know how to protect yourself - https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/top-astronomy-kit/best-solar-eclipse-glasses
Rob Thompson
You will enjoy a continental breakfast and evening meal each day of your stay.
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