2026 Solar Eclipse Mediterranean Cruise
Totality in the Mediterranean with Clara Moskowitz
Highlights
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime Mediterranean cruise to witness the 2026 total solar eclipse. Begin and end in the glamorous city of Nice, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its glimmering beaches and tree-lined promenade. And enjoy ports of call in Barcelona and the sunny islands of Menorca and Mallorca, where optional shore excursions include walking tours, and a stargazing experience at a planetarium. When the sky darkens and the stars emerge on August 12, you’ll have one of the best vantage points in the world for experiencing the total solar eclipse – at sea, directly in the path of totality, with an unobstructed view of the moon as it passes between the Earth and the sun.
Your western Mediterranean cruise aboard the elegant MV La Belle des Océans provides an ideal balance: expert scientists who will offer fascinating lectures and insights into the astronomical phenomenon that occurs during an eclipse; the natural beauty and delicious cuisine of the Mediterranean.; and the opportunity to experience one of nature’s most spectacular shows from the deck of a small expedition ship.
Expert Guide: Clara Moskowitz
Clara Moskowitz is chief of reporters at Scientific American, where she covers astronomy, space, physics and mathematics. Clara got hooked on eclipses during 2017’s total eclipse over the U.S., which she watched from eastern Oregon; she fed the fever in 2024 when she experienced totality in Austin, Texas. Those experiences only made her more eager to catch another eclipse as soon as possible. Clara has been at Scientific American for more than a decade; previously she worked at Space.com. In addition to eclipses, Clara has reported live from rocket launches, space shuttle liftoffs and landings, suborbital spaceflight training, mountaintop observatories, and more. She has a bachelor’s degree in astronomy and physics from Wesleyan University and a graduate degree in science communication from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Scientific American has partnered with Academic Travel Abroad (ATA). Links from this brochure allow you to directly access websites operated by ATA. By clicking on these links, you will be leaving scientificamerican.com and directed to ATA. You can review their privacy policy here. Due to GDPR policies, ATA cannot accept customers from the EU, UK and Switzerland.
Itinerary
Friday, August 7: Bienvenue
Arrive on individual flights into Nice’s Côte d’Azur Airport. Spend the day at your leisure, transferring independently to the MV La Belle des Océans for embarkation at 5:00 PM. (Luggage may be stored on the ship earlier in the day.) After time to settle into your cabins, gather with your fellow travelers this evening for a celebratory welcome dinner as you cruise along the French Riviera at night.
Saturday, August 8: At Sea
Enjoy a day at sea aboard the MV La Belle des Océans. Relax on the sun deck, visit the fitness center, take a dip in the swimming pool, and converse with your fellow travelers over a beverage in the lounges and bars. In the afternoon, attend lectures by your onboard experts. Afterwards, enjoy the beautiful scenery as the ship sails towards Barcelona.
Sunday, August 9: Barcelona
Arrive in Barcelona early this morning. After breakfast, explore this capital of Catalonia on a guided panoramic bus tour. Those who wish may return to the ship for lunch. The afternoon is for independent explorations in Barcelona or to relax onboard the ship. In the evening, attend an exclusive after-hours visit to the Observatorio Fabra, the world’s fourth-oldest astronomical observatory still in operation and the perfect location for an evening of stargazing. Enjoy a private guided tour of the observatory, explore distant constellations with the assistance of local astronomy experts, and gather for dinner overlooking the city of Barcelona. Return to the ship and set sail for Menorca.
Monday, August 10: Menorca
A morning of sailing brings you to the island of Menorca. Spend an afternoon at leisure in Mahón, Menorca’s charming capital city. Stroll along the waterfront for views of one of the largest natural harbors in the world, explore the vibrant boutiques and galleries, and sample local specialties like a glass of gin or Mahón cheese, known for its distinctive orange rind. History buffs may choose to visit Santa Maria de Maó, a 14th-century gothic cathedral and home to a magnificent organ. Or take a short walk to Fort Marlborough, which offers insights into the island’s British influence. Return to your ship this evening for dinner and overnight in the port of Menorca.
Tuesday, August 11: Menorca y Mallorca
This morning, delve deeper into the natural beauty and fascinating history of Menorca on a guided walking tour. Return to the ship for lunch and cruise across to the island of Mallorca. After dinner on board, gather for a private star party at the Observatorio Astronómico de Mallorca, which has undergone extensive renovations and is scheduled to reopen in 2025. Hear from Observatory staff about current research and key discoveries, tour the building’s scientific domes and observational facilities, and enjoy a clear view of the night sky as seen through the lens of a powerful telescope. Overnight in the port of Palma.
Wednesday, August 12: Total Solar Eclipse
Start your day in the stunning city of Palma, Mallorca, on a guided small-group tour of La Seu Cathedral, the city’s iconic gothic church that was restored in the early 20th-century by Antoni Gaudi, and a stroll through Palma’s enchanting old quarter filled with historic mansions and bustling squares. Return to the ship for lunch and set sail for the path of totality. As the moon moves across the sun, the sky will darken into a surreal twilight over the shimmering Mediterranean. Feel the collective excitement build on deck as totality approaches and enjoy your unforgettable view of cosmic alignment.
Thursday, August 13: At Sea
Enjoy a day at sea aboard the MV La Belle des Océans. Relax on the sun deck, visit the fitness center, take a dip in the swimming pool, and converse with your fellow travelers over a beverage in the lounges and bars. In the afternoon, attend lectures by your onboard experts. As your ship sails towards Nice, raise a toast to your journey of sea and sun during a farewell dinner on board.
Friday, August 14: Disembarkation
Disembark after breakfast and transfer independently to the airport for flights home or onward.
Scientific American has partnered with Academic Travel Abroad (ATA). Links from this brochure allow you to directly access websites operated by ATA. By clicking on these links, you will be leaving scientificamerican.com and directed to ATA. You can review their privacy policy here. Due to GDPR policies, ATA cannot accept customers from the EU, UK and Switzerland.
Accommodations
MV La Belle des Océans
An elegant small ship designed for an intimate cruising experience, all 5 decks of this luxury vessel provide modern comfort and personalized service. Renovated in 2014, the 65 spacious cabins and suites offer exterior views, Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, a writing desk, and refrigerator. On board, travelers can enjoy a range of amenities including a sun deck, beauty salon, fitness center, swimming pool, and comfortable lounges. A casual grill restaurant near the pool provides a relaxed atmosphere in which to take in the magnificent views, while the main dining room serves contemporary Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The ship will be exclusively charted by Academic Travel Abroad. There will be up to three like-minded partner organizations on board each with their own expert and a travel director. On-board lectures will be coordinated to cover a range of topics that relate to the solar eclipse and will be open to all passengers.
What's Included
All accommodations for the duration of the tour
All meals
Unlimited house wine, beer, and standard alcoholic beverages while on board the ship
All sightseeing and visits as noted in each itinerary
Staffing: Expertise of an expert, travel director, and local guides throughout the tour
All gratuities for on-tour guides, drivers, hotel and restaurant staff as part of the group program
All on-tour transportation, unless otherwise noted
Listening devices to facilitate audibility on tour
The assistance of an ATA professional travel team to assist with pre-trip questions, travel arrangements, including flights and other services
Comprehensive pre-departure mailings and materials with information about the destination and what to expect on tour, including a suggested reading list
Emergency evacuation insurance
Scientific American has partnered with Academic Travel Abroad (ATA). Links from this brochure allow you to directly access websites operated by ATA. By clicking on these links, you will be leaving scientificamerican.com and directed to ATA. You can review their privacy policy here. Due to GDPR policies, ATA cannot accept customers from the EU, UK and Switzerland.