DETAILS
Begin and end your journey 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. 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 La Belle des Océans provides an ideal balance of elements: an expert scientist 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.
- Pricing from
- $8,995
Limited Space Available!
- Trip Type
- International Ocean & Sea Voyages
- Departure Dates
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Aug 7, 2026 - Aug 14, 2026
ITINERARY
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day 1
En route from U.S.
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day 2
Arrive on individual flights into Nice’s Côte d’Azur Airport.– Embarkation
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 taking time to settle into your cabins, gather with Professor Rugheimer and your fellow travelers this evening for a celebratory welcome dinner as you cruise along the French Riviera at night -
day 3
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, Professor Rugheimer will offer a lecture on the science of solar eclipses — why they happen, what makes a total eclipse rare, and how to get the most out of your eclipse experience. She will go over a detailed explanation of the many optical effects to look out for during the partial and total phases of the eclipse, as well as eclipse eye safety. Afterwards, enjoy the beautiful scenery as the ship sails towards Barcelona.
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day 4
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. -
day 5
Menorca
A morning of sailing brings you to the island of Menorca. Enjoy 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.
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day 6
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.
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day 7
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.
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day 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 a lecture on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) by Professor Rugheimer and learn about the extraordinary findings of NASA’s most recent flagship mission. JWST can peer further back in our Universe’s history than ever before — it’s even the first telescope with the potential to detect life on another planet. As your ship sails towards Nice, raise a toast to your journey of sea and sun during a farewell dinner on board.
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day 9
Disembarkation
Disembark after breakfast and transfer independently to the Nice airport for flights home or onward.
Everything you need to know about the tour
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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. We will be sharing the ship with three other like-minded organizations. A program of on-board lectures by the three experts on board will be open to all passengers.
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