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. Will you share it with Spice Escapes?

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 for our Solar Eclipse week and he will be in residence for your stay at Agara, 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 will deliver two talks during the week on “Life in the Universe” and “The big Bang” as well as talk about the eclipse itself. 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.

El plan, paso a paso

1
What to do
2
Solar Eclipse day is the focal point of the week and that is Wednesday 12 August. Totality is expected around 8.30pm but given that crowds are inevitable we will be heading to our viewing spot earlier in the day so you will need to be prepared with sun cream, hats, and a packed lunch will be provided. Of course you also need to be aware that we cannot guarantee the weather - we certainly hope for clear skies though given the time of year!
3
Further afield, you can head for the coast where there are some stunning beaches. There is the natural park of Oyambre with the villages of Comillas and San Vicente de la Barquera 20 minute drive away. Comillas is famous for its huge university buildings built on the cliff and for its “Capricho de Gaudi” (a building designed by the famous architect Antonio Gaudi who built mostly in Barcelona). San Vicente is a great place to sample fish at one of the many restaurants on the quay. There are also street markets to visit in both towns. Further afield Santander is 50 minutes away by car with its many beaches, restaurants and galleries.
4
We have mini-vans and we will be proposing trips out to some or all of these places, depending on weather and the interests of the group.
5
If you fancy something a little more active during your time here, the area is a mecca for walking and cycling. The house has a number of bikes (enough that you should be able to find one that suits you) and helmets. If you want to walk there are a number of self guided routes available but you will need boots and all other sensible equipment for a days walking in changeable weather.

Incluye

International Flights if selected
Transfers
7 nights accommodation
7 continental breakfasts, 7 light lunches*, 6 evening meals
Local wine, beer and spirits in the hotel just help yourself
Tea/coffee available in the house throughout the day
Transport by minibus
Expert public astronomer on hand

Extras opcionales

Room supplement if selected
Personal Travel Insurance
Optional excursions
One evening meal
Lunches if you wish to sample the local restaurants
Personal extras

Comida y bebida, día a día

Included in your trip is a continental breakfast, light lunches (available if we are at the property or a picnic lunch if we are out and about) and evening meal everyday. Also, there will be complimentary tea/coffee available for you to help yourself to. Locally sourced spring water will be available in the house so you won’t need to worry about getting bottled water unless you really want to. Finally, local wine, beer and spirits will be available between 6-12pm every day (we will ask your favourite tipple before you travel to make sure we are well stocked!). Sample Menu (based on a 7 night stay - shorter trips will feature part of the menu) Breakfast Alternates between boiled eggs one day and fried eggs and bacon the next supported by yoghurt, muesli, cornflakes, toast, marmalade/marmite/peanut butter, fresh orange juice and endless tea and coffee. Dinner

Día 1tapas and Cava/Prosecco round the fire followed by roasted salmon with buttery new potatoes.
Día 2Homemade courgette soup spiced with Ethiopian Berbere followed by Duck confit with duck fat roasted potatoes and wilted greens.
Día 3Fresh asparagus followed by curry choices. Chicken masala, curried chestnuts and spinach curry. All with rice and homemade lime pickle, mango chutney, green tomato chutney and yoghurt accompaniment.
Día 4Tomato and mozzarella salad followed by seared tuna and new potatoes with a choice of salads.
Día 5Avocado and smoked salmon followed by Cantabrian Mountain stew (Pork and butter beans in a rich gravy)
Día 6Melon and Serrano ham followed by Tudanca beef joint (Tudanca being a local breed of cow).
Día 7Grilled Sardines followed by slow cooked Pork belly with roasted potatoes and baby leaf spinach.

We work hard to cater for all types of allergies and preferences. Oat milk is always available and gluten free is also possible if we know in advance. If most of the group prefer less fish then we will adjust the menu (and we can do the reverse too!). Roast Salmon or Tuna might be substituted for slow roasted leg of mutton with herbs and garlic, as an example. We also work hard to cater for vegetarians and vegans and to date all the guests have offered really positive feedback on the food we provide. Its hearty and nutritious with an informal presentation – that’s Agara! NB - If you flights are evening arrivals the meal on arrival will be a light snack.

Qué llevar

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