Experience Spain at its most spectacular on this unforgettable 2026 journey that blends world-class birding, incredible wildlife encounters, breathtaking mountain scenery, rich Spanish culture—and the rare magic of a total solar eclipse. From Madrid’s historic charm, we venture into wild landscapes where Iberian Wolves roam the Sierra de la Culebra and Cantabrian Brown Bears forage in lush Somiedo National Park. Each day brings new marvels: soaring vultures and bee-eaters overhead, enchanting medieval villages, serene glacial lakes in Picos de Europa, and forests alive with songbirds. This is Spain beyond the cities—raw, scenic, and wildly biodiverse.

Yet this adventure is not only about nature—it is also a deep dive into Spain’s heritage and way of life. We taste traditional dishes like fabada, explore sacred sites such as the Covadonga Sanctuary, stroll ancient cobblestone towns, and experience vibrant regional culture in places like Oviedo and Segovia. And then comes the grand finale: standing in the dramatic mountain landscapes of Montaña de Riaño, gathered together as the sky darkens and the August 12, 2026 Total Solar Eclipse sweeps overhead in a breathtaking two minutes of totality. With wildlife, culture, scenery, and a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event, this tour promises wonder at every turn.

Tour Highlights

  • Search for iconic wildlife including Iberian Wolf, Cantabrian Brown Bear, European Wildcat, and a stunning array of mountain birds across Spain’s most biodiverse parks.
  • Witness the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse from a prime viewing point in the dramatic mountains of Montaña de Riaño as day turns briefly to night.
  • Explore rich Spanish culture and history in charming medieval towns like Oviedo and Segovia, complete with castles, cathedrals, and Roman aqueducts.
  • Savor authentic regional cuisine from hearty Asturian fabada to traditional cider tastings in local sidrerías.
  • Journey through spectacular landscapes including rugged limestone peaks, glacial lakes, lush forests, and serene mountain meadows.
  • Enjoy guided birding and nature walks with expert leaders, spotting vultures, bee-eaters, wallcreepers, and other European specialties.

Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Mon., Aug. 3      Arrivals

Welcome to Spain! Please plan to arrive in Madrid today at your leisure. We plan to assemble as a group for dinner this evening. 
Accommodations at Hotel Agumar, Madrid (D)

Tues., Aug. 4       Madrid to Sierra de la Culebra

We wake up this morning in Madrid and enjoy our first lovely Spanish breakfast. Then, we pack up and transfer to La Sierra de la Culebra (home to the largest population of Iberian Wolves in the Iberian Peninsula) and check into our accommodations for the next two nights in Puebla de Sanabria in the region of Castilla y Leon, just near the northeast corner of Portugal. The village is beautiful, hosting cobblestone streets and stone buildings adorned with flowers; the castle, churches, and walls of the city lay within the boundaries of the Tera and Castro rivers, and a stroll through town feels like stepping back in time.

After lunch we go on an evening outing and lie in wait for a good chance to see Iberian Wolves. As we explore, we keep our eyes peeled for exciting birds like Black and White Storks, European Honey-buzzard, Eurasian Griffon, Short-toed Snake-Eagle and Booted Eagle, Red and Black Kites, gorgeous Eurasian Hoopoe, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Iberian Grey Shrike, ever-present Eurasian Magpie, and striking Eurasian Jay. European Stonechat, Northern Wheatear, Black Redstart, White and Gray Wagtails, and pretty Common Chaffinch add striking color to our bird list today.
Accommodations at Hotel Gran Casona de Sanabria, Puebla de Sanabria (B,L,D)

Wed., Aug. 5       Full Day Exploring Sierra de la Culebra

We awake and enjoy another delicious Spanish breakfast before departing for a full day focused on the observation of the fauna of Sierra de la Culebra, which includes striking Red Deer, Roe Deer, Wild Boar, Red Fox, and of course the Iberian Wolf. There is a rich culture here that has been created around this mammal since ancient times; we learn from our guides about the local customs and cultures. We also enjoy a workshop that allows us to interact with the skulls of wolves and other carnivores and herbivores of the region, as well as learning and studying the tracks of the local fauna. 

The Sierra de la Culebra, translated to Mountain of the Snake, is the natural border between this section of Spain and neighboring Portugal. As we look for and learn about the mammals of these mountains, we also watch for huge Cinereous Vulture, possible Golden Eagle, beautiful Western Marsh Harrier, Common Buzzard, jewel-like European Bee-eater, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Eurasian Kestrel, Eurasian Golden Oriole, and more.
Accommodations at Hotel Gran Casona de Sanabria, Puebla de Sanabria (B,L,D)

Thurs., Aug. 6      Sierra de la Culebra to Somiedo Natural Park

After breakfast, we journey north this morning toward Somiedo Natural Park in the region of Asturias. The region is renowned for its mountainous scenic beauty, wildlife, culture, and food. Asturias is known as “Green Spain” and we can see why. The Natural Park is one of the wildest in all of Spain and is home to all the big mammals of the Cantabrian Mountains, including more than 100 species of birds and a stable population of Brown Bear, which gives the park special importance to the conservation of these species.

We check into our cozy and locally owned hotel, enjoy lunch (perhaps trying the local specialty of “fabada”—a warm bean stew), and then enjoy a bit of a siesta or a stroll around the grounds before we head out this afternoon for our first chance to see Cantabrian Brown Bear, busily bulking up for the swiftly coming winter. This is truly wild Europe, where the human population is small and nature is queen. 

The park encompasses an impressive mix of rugged limestone peaks, lakes, and stunning beech and oak forests. At rushing mountain streams we look for White-throated Dipper, and above us it’s possible to see Egyptian Vulture. Multiple tit species, Yellow-billed Chough, Eurasian Jay and Eurasian Magpie, cute Eurasian Nuthatch, vocal Eurasian Wren, and iconic European Robin can all be found as we explore … and if we’re very lucky, we may have a chance to spot the butterfly-like Wallcreeper. This park is considered one of the most well-preserved mountain environments in the entire Iberian Peninsula. 
Accommodations at Hotel Flórez Estrada, Pola de Somiedo (B,L,D)

Fri., Aug. 7       Somiedo Natural Park

After tucking in to a fresh breakfast, we enjoy a short hike of about 2.5 miles this morning. As we hike we get a feel for the main habitats and heritage of the park. Birds on our list this morning could include strikingly bright Yellowhammer and European Serin, as well as the masked European Goldfinch. Stunning Eurasian Bullfinch, Gray and White Wagtails, Black Redstart, charming European Stonechat, Northern Wheatear, and hopefully glimpses of beautiful Blue Rock-Thrush are just a few of the species we may see this morning as we stroll through the forests and meadows. 

We enjoy a hearty lunch after our exertions this morning, then take a little siesta before heading out in the early evening for another chance to see Brown Bears, a charismatic icon of the region. 
Accommodations at Hotel Flórez Estrada, Pola de Somiedo (B,L,D)

Sat., Aug. 8     Somiedo Natural Park to Oviedo

We enjoy a leisurely morning before packing up and heading out, onward to the city of Oviedo, the capital of the Asturias province. Oviedo is well known as part of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, with its medieval old town center, a gothic style cathedral and of course, because it is the capital of cider in Spain, it boasts its own cider boulevard. The town is well known for its rich history, pre-Romanesque architecture, and impressively beautiful greens spaces. 

Upon arrival, we take a cultural tour to see the various monuments of Oviedo and end up in a sidreria (a traditional restaurant where cider is served in the old way) to taste the great variety of products of the region, including different meats, cheeses, sausages, cider, and more. 

The afternoon is free today for you to explore the city on your own, perhaps pick up a few souvenirs, and simply enjoy the lovely sights, sounds, smells, and essence of this lovely city. 
Accommodations at Gran Hotel España, Oviedo (B,L,D)

Sun., Aug. 9     Oviedo to Picos de Europa National Park: Cangas de Onis | Covadonga Sanctuary | Cosgaya

After an early breakfast, we leave for the town of Cangas de Onis to visit the famous Covadonga Sanctuary, a pilgrimage site set deep in the heart of the Picos de Europa mountains. The site is comprised of a gorgeous, pink-stoned basilica, a holy cave, a museum, the San Fernando Collegiate Church, and the Monument to King Pelayo. The site is where the first battle of the Reconquista took place in 718 between the Moors and the Christians and has been an important site in Spanish history since that time. We take a walk and enjoy the sanctuary and perhaps have time to visit the museum and do some further exploring. Birds we may see around us include Common Cuckoo, Eurasian Griffin, Common Buzzard, ubiquitous Eurasian Magpie, Eurasian Blue and Great, and Long-tailed Tits, Western House Martin and Eurasian Crag Martin, and possibly White-throated Dipper in the local streams.

From here we take a pleasant walk around the picturesque lakes of Covadonga; it’s a little under two miles between Lake Enol and Lake Ercina, but we take our time, taking in the scenery. These two glacial lakes were the original center of the national park, which was established in 1918. We have chances of Water Pipit, Wallcreeper, White-winged Snowfinch, Alpine Accentor, Northern Wheatear, Rufous-tailed Rock-Thrush, Common Raven, Red-billed and Yellow-billed Chough, Eurasian Kestrel, and Eurasian Griffon. 

We enjoy lunch on the way to the town of Cosgaya before checking into our hotel check in at the hotel, enjoying a little rest, and then tucking in to a delicious dinner.
Accommodations at Hotel Cosgaya, Picos de Europa (B,L,D)

Mon., Aug. 10    Picos de Europa National Park: Fuente Dé

Today we are visiting one of the most emblematic places in the National Park, Fuente Dé. This cable car has been around since the early 1960s and offers a really fun and unique way to view the surrounding mountains and park. Once we reach the top, we enjoy a nice hike of about 2.5 miles looking for the most symbolic fauna of this protected area, including Yellow-billed Chough, Alpine Accentor, White-winged Snowfinch, and the elusive Wallcreeper, to name just a few. If you prefer to stay at the lookout rather than hike, you can do that too! 

Lunch today is in the field, a picnic of local foods in an incredible location. We take the cable car down and head back to the hotel for some free time and perhaps a rest before dinner. Our hotel is locally owned and cozy, a nice place to relax and enjoy the incredible views.
Accommodations at Hotel Cosgaya, Picos de Europa (B,L,D)

Tues., Aug. 11     Montaña de Riaño Regional Park

After spending two days in Cosgaya and incredible Picos de Europa National Park, we move on Montaña de Riaño Regional Park at the Montaña Leonesa, one of the most renowned places in all of Spain to see European Wildcats and Iberian Wolves. Going through beautiful towns like Potes and mountain passes like Puerto de San Gregorio, we arrive at lunchtime to our hotel in Boca de Huergano, a beautiful sleepy and rural Spanish Village, a perfect viewpoint for tomorrow’s eclipse. 

We take lunch lunch and some time to rest before heading back out on an evening outing and for our first chance to see the first Wildcats hunting Montane Water Vole.
Accommodations at Hotel Tierra de la Reina, Boca de Huergano (B,L,D)

Wed., Aug. 12       Total Solar Eclipse: Montaña de Riaño Natural Park

Right after breakfast, we embark on an early birding outing to look for some by now familiar favorites and for a second chance at seeing Wildcats.  

After lunch, the countdown to showtime begins! We head towards the upper parts of Riaño, and settle down in the very the best place in the area to enjoy the highlight of the tour, the total solar eclipse. At 7:30 PM, local time, it’s time to put our eclipse glasses on as the start of this sheer spectacle unfolds and, at approximately 8:28 PM, the total solar eclipse is in full swing for two minutes. The surrounding mountain setting and the sun so low in the sky will make for an incredible viewing and leave memories to last a lifetime. We celebrate tonight!
Accommodations at Hotel Tierra de la Reina, Boca de Huergano (B,L,D)

Thurs., Aug. 13        Riaño to Segovia

Today is mostly a travel day as we make our way to our last destination of this special trip—Segovia. This city is well known in Spain as it has the most famous and best preserved Roman aqueduct in all of Spain. Our drive is about four hours today, but we have planned comfort stops to stretch our legs and enjoy some local birds.

Upon arrival in Segovia, we have time to check in and after lunch and a siesta, we enjoy a pleasant walk through the city to see the Roman aqueduct, and incredible feat of engineering with its 160+ arches and mortarless granite construction. Romanesque churches, medieval city walls, and a gothic cathedral are impressive highlights of this historic city. We enjoy a celebratory dinner tonight as well as our final bird list, recounting our favorite species, locations, and experiences of the trip. 
Accommodations at Hotel los Arcos, Segovia (B,L,D)

Fri., Aug. 14       Departures

We enjoy a final breakfast before departing for the Madrid airport, about a 2 hour drive. We say our farewells, full of great memories of an incredible wildlife and cultural experience in Spain. (B)

  • Birding Spain, Bird Watching Spain, European Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Picos de Europa National Park

  • Birding Spain, Bird Watching Spain, European Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Eurasian Griffon by Sharon Lynn

  • Birding Spain, Bird Watching Spain, European Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Great Spotted Woodpecker by Carlos Sanchez

  • Birding Spain, Bird Watching Spain, European Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Gran Hotel España, Oviedo (Asturias)

  • Birding Spain, Bird Watching Spain, European Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    European Robin by Mike Kershaw

  • Birding Spain, Bird Watching Spain, European Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Segovia, Spain Aqueducts

  • Birding Spain, Bird Watching Spain, European Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Iberian Ibex by Carlos Sanchez

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    Segovia, Spain

  • Birding Spain, Bird Watching Spain, European Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Somiedo Natural Park

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    Booted Eagle by Sharon Lynn

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    Accomodations at Hotel Gran Casona de Sanabria

  • Birding Spain, Bird Watching Spain, European Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Somiedo Natural Park

Cost of the Journey

Cost of the journey is $7590 DBL / $8265 SGL per person from Madrid, Spain, based on double occupancy.

Included: accommodations for 12 nights, meals as specified in the itinerary, professional guide services, local guides, local park and reserve entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses.

NEW! all tips other than your NJ guide (optional) and local guide are included (this includes tips for your driver, lodge and staff, day activities, meals and other services).

Not included: roundtrip airfare to or from Madrid, airport transfers, or items of a personal nature such as: laundry or drinks from the bar.

This tour was priced in Euros, on October 13, 2025. If a significant shift in this rate occurs, we will need to adjust tour pricing accordingly, up to the time that final payment is made.

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival and Departure Airport: Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD)

Arrival Details:  Plan flights to arrive August 3, 2026 at your leisure. The group will assemble for dinner.

Departure Details: Plan flights to depart August 14, 2026 after 3:00 PM.

Travel Tips: If you arrive early to rest up from your travels, we suggest booking an early night at our first night tour hotel, the Hotel Agumar. You can book this online and send us the confirmation number with the goal being you don’t have to switch rooms. There are also many hotels close to the airport if you wish to stay in that area after your flight. We have some recommendations below. If you are interested in exploring Madrid and want to stretch your legs after the long flight, consider a visit to Parque del Retiro, a large park in the center of Madrid. It features many walking paths, a large pond, and is also good for birding. Just a 5 minute walk from Parque del Retiro is the Prado National Museum, which has one of the largest art collections in the world featuring world renown European artists. And if you’d like to see the largest palace in Europe, the Royal Palace of Madrid is also in the downtown area. It has fascinating architecture, an extravagant interior, and an impressive collection of art and historical artifacts. The easiest method of transportation in Madrid is a taxi, although Uber is also available. 

Hotel recommendations near the airport: Hilton Madrid Airport or Madrid Marriott Auditorium

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

Spain

  • Stephen Grace

    Stephen is an award-winning author, natural history educator and conservationist. He has also contributed to documentary films, and his nature photography has been widely published. Over the past two decades, he has introduced groups of travelers to nature and culture in destinations as varied as Uganda, New Zealand and Alaska.

    After moving from Colorado to the Oregon coast, Stephen was captivated by the sight of a Tufted Puffin carrying fish back to its burrow, and the first time he heard a Swainson’s Thrush sing, he knew his life would never be the same. He has been studying birds and sharing their beauty with people ever since.

    Formative experiences during Stephen’s journey as a naturalist have included tagging along as a teenager with his grandparents in Madera Canyon, where he absorbed their love of Arizona’s sky islands; helping people with different ability levels experience the Yellowstone ecosystem when he lived in Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and sailing aboard a historic schooner to share the wonders of the Salish Sea with students.

    Now based in Port Townsend, Washington, Stephen explores the Pacific Northwest by backpacking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, biking, trail running, and skiing. His wide-ranging natural history pursuits include coring trees to count their growth rings, identifying bats by analyzing their biosonar signals, hunting mammoth tusks in Pleistocene bluffs, searching for the elusive Rubber Boa, preserving native prairie, raising awareness about plankton, and leading sea slug safaris.

    Other trips with Stephen Grace

Essential Information +

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have Read more

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

  • Make sure your passport will be valid at least six months AFTER the date of your scheduled return to the U.S.

  • Visas are not yet required of US citizens. See “Passports, Visas & Documents” section below. Expected changes to entrance requirements in Europe have been delayed until late 2026. More information is available at European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) website. 

  • Please check current CDC recommendations for travel to Spain and consult with your doctor about general travel vaccinations you should have as precaution for travel. See the “Health and Inoculations” section below.

  • Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is strongly recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance.

  • Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Passports, Visas & Documents

You must have a passport that is in good condition and is valid for six months AFTER your scheduled return to the U.S. You should have at least one blank page per stamp. The blank pages need to say “Visas” at the top; pages marked “Amendments and Endorsements” will NOT be accepted. If you are from another country, please contact the Spanish embassy websites for guidelines. Information for U.S. citizens can be found at:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html

It is recommended to check for changes 60-90 days before your tour departs but, at the time of writing, a tourist visa is not required of US citizens for stays of this length. Requirements requiring visitors from more than 60 visa-free countries (including the U.S.) to get a travel authorization when entering Europe for brief stays have been delayed until the last quarter of 2026 and should not affect this trip. Learn more at European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) website.

As a precaution for lost or misplaced documents you carry on your person during travel, we highly recommend you keep hard and digital backup copies on your phone (either photo or PDF scan), as well as a hard copy left with your emergency contact at home. The recommended important documents to copy include, but are not limited to; your passport ID page, travel visa, the front and back of your credit card(s), the airline barcode on your luggage. This will greatly expedite getting new ones if necessary – we hope everyone will always keep travel documents close so that losing them will not be an issue.

General Health & Inoculations Information – Be Prepared!

We will share your health information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important as we want to be best prepared in case of medical emergency. 

Vaccinations: The CDC recommends that all travelers be up to date with routine vaccinations and basic travel vaccines (such as Hepatitis A and Typhoid) before traveling to any destination. Please check with your doctor for recommendations at least 4-6 weeks before departing on your trip.  Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for other helpful information or reach them by phone at (800) CDC-INFO (800-232-4636). 

Common Ailments: Although general medicines may be readily available, travelers are advised to bring their own supply for the duration of the visit.  We recommend that you bring a travel-sized first aid kit and a supply of standard over-the-counter medications for common ailments (such as upset stomach, headache, motion sickness, diarrhea, etc.). 

Prescriptions and Allergies: You should bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications you use, a copy of the prescription and a list of generic names of your medicine as “back-up” in case it is necessary to purchase drugs while abroad.  It is a good idea to pack  any meds you take regularly in your carry-on luggage and an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses. You’ll want to keep medications in their original, labeled containers.  It is also a good idea to carry with you an up-to-date record of known allergies or chronic medical problems so that, if necessary, emergency treatment can be carried out without endangering your health.

Weather & Climate 

Expect warm, summer weather for August in Spain. In Madrid, average temperatures are between 66°F-89°F. Average humidity throughout the year is low. Temperatures could be a bit cooler in some of the other regions we visit, with average temperatures in Sierra de La Culebra between 53°F-80°F. Be sure to come prepared with layers of clothing. August is one of the driest months of the year for the regions you’ll be visiting, so we don’t expect much rain, but it’s never a bad idea to pack a light rain jacket that can double as a windbreaker. 

Food & Drinks

Spanish food is quite delicious! Food and water standards in Spain are comparable to those in the U.S. As with any travel, minor intestinal problems are possible, so we suggest bringing a remedy for traveler’s diarrhea. Please discuss appropriate medication with your physician.

Tap water is safe to drink, but if you prefer to drink bottled water, you can purchase it as it is readily available and inexpensive. The water is also okay to use for brushing your teeth. On particularly hot days be sure to increase your intake of fluids.

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

Please, pack light. And please, please pack your personal medication, airline tickets, passport, binoculars, camera, and other essential items in your CARRY-ON. Dress is very informal and comfortable throughout the trip. You may wish to change for dinners, but casual dress is suitable at all locations.

Dressing in layers is the best way to be comfortable. Lightweight, long sleeve shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing as they are more protective from sun and vegetation. But if you like to wear them, by all means bring some shorts. Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy and things that are comfortable and easy. A jacket should be enough in the cooler mornings and evenings. We may encounter hot days. Find a way to keep cool, such as using a spray mister or handheld fan. Sunscreen and sun hats are advisable for locations that offer no shade. 

Laundry services can be arranged at some of our hotels. Your guide will provide information when you arrive. You may wish to pack clothing that is easy to hand wash and fast drying for washing in your room.

Spending Money

The Euro (EUR) is the currency in Spain. For the current exchange rate, please refer to an online converter tool like www.xe.com, or your bank. We advise that you carry a mix of different types of payments, such as the local currency, an ATM card, and a credit card.

You may want to exchange money before your trip. You can do so through your bank or an exchange office. Possible locations are your departing airport in the U.S., a travel agent, or a AAA office. It might be helpful to arrive with some local currency just in case you run into an “out of order” ATM or a local bank holiday.

You can also exchange your money in Spain. The easiest way is to withdraw funds from a local ATM. The ATM will give you local money and your bank will convert that into US Dollars. Many banks charge a fee of $1 - $5 each time you use a foreign ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. Check with your bank for departure. You must be familiar with how to use your ATM card and PIN number ahead of the journey. If you plan to exchange cash in-country, bring large U.S. bills ($50 or $100) that will give you the better rate when exchanging to local currency.

Credit cards are widely accepted in Spain. We suggest you have more than one card available, if possible. You may want to bring more than one brand of card (Visa, and MasterCard are more commonly used; American Express and Diners Cards are used less frequently). Not every shop will accept every card. Some smaller shops and restaurants require cash, so it is always a good idea to ask before making a purchase. Also, we recommend that you advise your bank or credit card company that you will be traveling in Europe to avoid questions, card freezes, or charges.

Traveler’s checks are not widely accepted. They can be difficult to exchange. We do not advise you that you bring them as your main source of funds.

Gratuities

All tips, with the exception of your NJ guide (optional) and local guide, are included in the cost of this tour (this includes tips for your driver, lodge and staff, day activities, meals and other services). If you would like to show your appreciation to your NJ guide(s), it is entirely appropriate, though completely at your discretion. Note: If there is more than one guide, this can be split among them.  A standard suggested tip for your tour guide(s) is US $10.00 - $15.00 per day per guest. You may tip your guides in USD. Know that they appreciate anything you care to give and of course you can do more if you wish, just ask us if you'd like more guidance. 

*Please note that these suggested tips are quoted in U.S. Dollars. You will want to convert and tip in Euros.

Cell Phones & Internet Service

If you plan on using your cell phone on this trip, please check with your wireless provider to see if your phone and service will work in your destination country. Ask for “international roaming” to be activated on your phone.

If your phone can connect to Wi-Fi, you may be able to make voice and video calls free of charge. Please contact your cell phone provider for further details. Another option when you have access to Wi-Fi is to use smartphone apps like Skype, WhatsApp or Viber to send text messages and make voice or video calls. Many smartphones, tablets and laptops come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download for free. 

Make sure if you do NOT want to use your cell phone for calling that you turn off your cellular data. Keep it in airplane mode. This will decrease battery usage as well. You could incur huge charges if you are not on Wi-Fi. You can still use it for photos, ebird and everything else not requiring cell reception.

Your hotel and lodges provide Wi-Fi at least in their common areas.

Please refrain from taking or making cell phone calls in the vehicles when traveling with other passengers, unless there appears to be an emergency; this disrupts other guests.  Plan on cell phone call use on your own time.

Electricity

The standard voltage in Spain is 230V, higher than in the United States (120V), with frequency of 50 Hz. Electrical sockets (outlets) in Spain are "Type F".You will most likely need to bring a power plug adapter, and a voltage converter in order to use appliances or devices from the U.S. To be sure, check the label on your appliance. Helpful information can be found at www.power-plugs-sockets.com.

Time

Where you will be traveling in Spain is in the Central European Time (CET) Zone, which is 6 hours earlier than New York (Eastern Time). Spain observes Daylight Savings Time. A great website if you want to tell someone to check ahead of calling you is www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/spain.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys or telephone at our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey!

 

Pace & Protocols +

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of Read more

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain. It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Naturalist Journeys International Trips: Guide Role

Naturalist Journeys supports ecotourism and the development of excellent local guides. Once we know our international partners and guides well, we can send out small groups working directly with these trusted partners, adding a Naturalist Journeys guide to assist the local expert when we have a group of 6-7 or more. This helps us keep your costs down while retaining tour quality. The local guide is your main guide. You can expect your Naturalist Journeys guide to be well-researched and often they are experienced in the destination, but their role is not to be primary, it is to help to organize logistics, help you find birds, mammals, and interesting other species in the field, keep reports, help facilitate group interactions, and to keep the trip within Naturalist Journeys' style. Local guides live in the countries we travel to, know the destinations intimately, and are often the strongest force for conservation in their countries. They open many doors for us to have a rich experience.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

As a courtesy to each other, we ask that all travelers please rotate seating. On international trips we may all be in one small bus, on some trips we are in vans, particularly the roomy Sprinter Vans when available. Some areas require us to be in smaller 4-wheel drive or safari vehicles. Rotation allows you to sit with different drivers and alternate front and back seating.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives’ permission to record on photography film and/or video, pictures of my participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochure, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Travel Insurance

You are traveling in remote areas. Naturalist Journeys strongly recommends you have full medical and evacuation insurance from a company such as Allianz, for all international travel. If you do not have medical coverage or evacuation coverage on your existing travel insurance policy or for some reason elected not to take that out, we advise getting an evacuation plan with Global Rescue, World Nomads, Medjet, Allianz (they can do evacuation only) or a similar company. These plans are typically $300-$400 for a year for multiple destinations. This coverage may be a part of a larger Travel Insurance policy but can also be purchased on its own.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

 


Photo credits coming soon.

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