Southern Spain: Solar Eclipse
Dominated by a Mediterranean climate, Andalucia is the most biodiverse region in Spain and helps to make Spain the most biodiverse country in all of Europe. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will pass directly over the region, creating a spectacular backdrop. While the eclipse will be the main focus of the trip, we’ll visit surrounding parks in search of Iberian Lynx, Greater Flamingos, and more. We’ll also experience the culture and historical significance of the region, visiting wineries, Bronze Age burial sites, and Roman ruins. In the evenings you’ll have time to explore historic downtowns. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you don’t want to miss!
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart on overnight flights towards Spain, arriving in Seville in the mid-afternoon the next day.
Night: In the air
Day 2
After clearing customs, we’ll take a short walk through the Plaza de España and its beautiful gardens, Parque de María Luisa. Built in 1929 for the Ibero-American Fair, 52 mosaics line the square, while the gardens provide shaded relief on hot summer days.
Night: Seville
Meals: B
Day 3
Today we’ll visit the iconic village of El Rocío, in the heart of Doñana National Park. The village is famous for its Marian devotion, with over one million pilgrims visiting in the early summer each year. The year-round population is under 2,000! Very much an intimate look at the culture of Andalucia, the white painted buildings are the perfect gateway into the nearby national park.
Doñana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Ramsar Wetland, spans over 134,000 acres across diverse habitats including lagoons, marshes, oak forests, and coniferous forests. In fact, it’s one of the only places on Earth where all these habitats converge! Home to over 400 species of birds throughout the year, one of the biggest draws to the area is the large number of Greater Flamingos that inhabit the lagoons year-round! Depending on the weather, we’ll try either at sunrise or sunset to see the Iberian Lynx. This shy cat species was formerly classified as endangered, but conservation efforts have led to its redesignation as vulnerable.
Night: Seville
Meals: B
Day 4
In the morning, we’ll take a short visit back into Doñana National Park, visiting the eastern section known as Brazo del Este. Depending on water levels, we have a good chance of seeing a wide variety of species, including Greater Flamingo, Marbled Duck, Collared Pratincole, and Booted Eagle.
Later, we’ll head towards Tarifa, where we’ll be based for the next couple of days. Along the way, we’ll stop at a local winery in the town of Jerez, famous for its Xerry wines.
Night: Tarifa
Meals: B
Day 5
Today will be dedicated to exploring the area of Gibraltar. While we’ll keep an eye out for any birds we may see, we’ll visit the remains of Baelo Claudia, an ancient Roman town settled nearly 2,000 years ago. We’ll also visit Bolonia and its famous dune. Standing over 90 feet tall and 500 feet wide, this constantly shifting dune continues to reveal hidden ancient wonders underneath the sands.
Night: Tarifa
Meals: B
Day 6
Today’s the day! The eclipse begins in the morning, a little after 9:30 am, and reaches totality about an hour later. It then ends around noon. We’ll be sure to find the best spot to stake out and watch this breathtaking phenomenon, making sure not to miss a single second. After the eclipse ends, we’ll take a whale watch into the Strait of Gibraltar and travel as far as halfway to Africa.
Night: Tarifa
Meals: B
Day 7
We’ll slowly make our way back towards Seville, birding along the way. Our main target today will be the endangered Northern Bald Ibis. With under 150 breeding pairs in the wild, the status of this unique species is dire. Conservation efforts have slowly been reintroducing birds into the wild, and with luck, we should come across some. If time allows, we’ll also visit Vejer de la Frontera, a Spanish Cultural Heritage site well-known for its white walls.
Night: Seville
Meals: B
Day 8
Today we’ll travel north to El Torcal Natural Reserve, home to the Iberian Ibex. The reserve, an exceptional example of karst formations, is also home to bird species that include Eurasian Griffon, Eurasian Crag-Martin, and Blue Rock-Thrush. We’ll also visit the Dolmens of Antequera, a UNESCO Heritage Site that dates back over 6,000 years and centers around three ancient burial sites.
In the evening we’ll enjoy a flamenco show along with a tapas dinner, topping off both a wonderful day and trip!
Night: Seville
Meals: BD
Day 9
They’ll be optional morning owling around Seville, before picking up bags and heading to the airport, returning home, or continuing to the next journey.
Tour Leader
Matt Bell
EcoTravel Frequently Asked Questions
Why travel with EcoTravel?
We’re proud to offer small group travel in support of conservation, both locally and across the globe! By traveling with EcoTravel, you’re supporting environmental education and habitat management everywhere we go. When traveling internationally, we strive to use local companies who know the best places to visit, providing an intimate experience with the culture and wildlife.
What's included in the cost of the trip?
Most everything. Most every travel expense is included in one up-front price – airport transfers as specified in the itinerary, all hotel accommodations, birding/sightseeing with experienced guides, meals as specified in the itinerary, airport transfers, services of local guides, and more.
Most meals are included on EcoTravel journeys. All breakfasts are included, and some dinners. Occasional lunches in special locations may also be included. Although some dinners may not be included, suggestions for dining options will be offered by your tour leader. Many EcoTravel guests choose to dine together to share in new friendships and discoveries, but the choice is yours. Dining is a delightful and integral part of the EcoTravel experience – and that is why we select restaurants that offer a true taste of each region you visit. Most included meals offer limited choice menus, and some may be from a set menu or buffet. All appropriate gratuities for included meals are included.
For exact information of what’s included on a specific trip, please check the trip page.
What's not included in the cost of the trip?
Alcoholic beverages are not included, nor are meal gratuities for not-included meals, local guides, luggage handling, bellmen, doormen, and dining room servers. EcoTravel guides and driver gratuities are not included and should be offered individually, not as a group. Transfer driver gratuities are included.
Luggage service on EcoTravel tours is not included.
For exact information of what’s not included on a specific trip, please check the trip page.
What's your cancellation policy?
All trips are non-refundable.
Day Trips run as scheduled, and all participants are expected to be there. In the event weather postpones the trip and you can’t make the new date, or we don’t receive enough signups to run the trip, you’ll receive a non-expiring credit for the full value paid.
Overnight Trips can be partially refunded outside of 120 days before departure. Payment is due in full 120 days before departure, and no refunds are given. Exact details for each trip can be found in the terms and conditions on the Printable Itinerary.
What's the average group size?
Almost all of our trips are kept to single digits! We believe that small groups give a better experience to everyone. Day Trips and certain overnights may include up to 14 participants, with two guides.
Many of our trips run with just 4-6 participants!
What level of birder do I need to be?
All levels are welcome! While some trips are more intense than others, our guides are skilled at helping everyone see as many birds as possible while having a great time.
Do you sell travel insurance?
EcoTravel is an authorized agent of Travelex travel insurance. Please call the office for more information.
What happens if the tour doesn't fill?
Day Trips: Cancellation results in a credit for the full value that can be used for future trips.
Overnight Trips: Travelers are given the chance to rebook the same trip for a future year, or to move their money at full value to another trip.
What's the activity level of the tours?
It varies! Some tours have lots of walking, while others are more sedentary. For exact information on the activity level of a specific trip, please call the office.
How far in advance can I / should I book?
We encourage you to make your reservation just as early as possible – especially if you are limited to the time period in which you can travel. EcoTravel journeys are popular and tend to fill quickly.
Can EcoTravel help make arrangements for pre-tour and post-tour hotel nights?
Absolutely! Many guests choose to extend their stay and we’re happy to help. As a service, EcoTravel will make hotel reservations before and/or after your journey at select pre-/post-stay hotels offered for that tour. Rooms are reserved at the first or last night’s hotel property of any EcoTravel journey, so there’s no worry of having to change hotels or rooms at the start or end of your trip. Rooms are reserved on a space-available basis, and the cost will be added to your tour cost.
Arranging hotel accommodations in the city where your journey begins for the night preceding your EcoTravel itinerary not only gives you more time to explore on your own, allows your group to become better acclimated to time changes before your journey begins and helps to relieve stress from potential travel delays – important factors to consider! Guests wishing to spend more time in cities where our journeys end can extend their stay – a great way to make your vacation last a little longer.
Are transfers included to and from my pre-tour and post-tour hotels?
Complimentary transfers are included from the airport to your pre-stay hotel for the start of your journey and from your post-stay hotel to your departure airport.
Please Note:Transfers are included for EcoTravel-approved pre- and post-stay hotels. Non-EcoTravel hotel transfers must be approved prior to leaving on your tour.
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