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A Message from Dr. Lori Bettison-Varga,

I am pleased to announce that we will soon embark on an incredible journey through Spain with world-renowned NHM paleontologist, Senior VP, Research & Collections and Curator, Dinosaur Institute, Dr. Luis Chiappe.

Spain is an ideal destination to demonstrate the Natural History Museum’s mission to inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility. As we travel through the country, we will explore the rich interplay of nature, history, and culture that has made Spain the remarkable place it is today.

While the Natural History Museum proudly calls Los Angeles home, we are also a truly global institution. Our interconnected world currently faces unprecedented challenges, as well as new opportunities to develop solutions through the study of our planet and share that knowledge widely. Our researchers are active all over the world, studying how Earth and its inhabitants shape one another. NHM Journeys is our chance to share that experience with you.

I hope you will join me for an unforgettable Spanish adventure in September 2026.

Dr. Lori Bettison-Varga

A Message from Dr. Luis Chiappe,

I am particularly thrilled to be leading this journey, as Spain combines so many of the elements that make paleontology magical: extraordinary fossil sites, world-class museums with vast collections, and dedicated scientists—all set within a country rich in history, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant and hospitable culture. 

Over the course of my career, I have been privileged to work in Spain with a number of very talented researchers, and this journey offers a rare opportunity to share that world with you. Together, we will visit a wide range of paleontological, archaeological, and historical sites, with behind-the-scenes access guided by my Spanish colleagues. They will show us remarkable discoveries that are seldom seen by the general public.

Along the way, we’ll visit the great cultural highlights of Spain while also venturing off the beaten path to uncover hidden gems, creating a truly distinctive and memorable Spanish adventure. 

See you all in Spain,

Luis

ABOUT

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The Journey & Highlights

Spain is an ideal destination to demonstrate the Natural History Museum’s mission to inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds. Our travels throughout the country will be a unique opportunity to explore the complex influences that have made Spain the incredible place it is today. In the evenings, we’ll relax at unique and historic hotels constructed across the many centuries of Spain’s long history, from the distant past to Frank Gehry. Our days will be filled with the best of Spanish cuisine, architecture, art, and more. All of this amazing Spanish culture, of course, rests above a paleontological and geological treasure trove. Dr. Chiappe will take us deep into Spain’s prehistoric past, unlocking the mysteries of dinosaur finds at sites like Asturias, Enciso, and Cuenca. We’ll go behind the scenes to see priceless fossil collections rarely shown to the public, explore human evolution, and read our planet’s history.

  • Join the leadership of the Natural History Museum, President & Director Dr. Lori Bettison-Varga and Dr. Luis Chiappe, Senior VP, Research & Collections and Curator of the Dinosaur Institute.

  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the replica of Altamira Cave and Atapuerca, renowned for their prehistoric cave art and archaeological significance.

  • Visit the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Frank Gehry’s iconic architectural masterpiece and stay at Gehry’s striking designed hotel set among the vineyards, based in the heart of the La Rioja wine country.

  • See the fossilized dinosaur footprints at Enciso made over 120 million years ago.

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Have questions about this journey to Spain with the Natural History Museum? Please email Fiona Mokry with questions at fiona@elevatedestinations.com.

THE TRIP LEADERS

Dr. Luis Chiappe - SVP of Research and Collections and Curator of the Dinosaur Institute. 

As the head of NHMLAC's Research and Collections Department, which he assumed in 2012, Dr. Chiappe oversees the research programs of more than 30 PhD scientists and the vast biological, geological, and cultural collections of NHMLAC. A vertebrate paleontologist as well as the Curator and past Founding Director of the Dinosaur Institute, Dr. Chiappe has conducted extensive research on the evolution of dinosaurs, from their reproductive behavior to their evolutionary connection with birds. He is considered to be one of the world's authorities on the subject. One other important focus of his is science communication, conveying the relevance of NHMLAC's scientists' discoveries to the media, the public, and Museum visitors.

Chiappe's commitment to public communication is reflected in the Museum's Jane G. Pisano Dinosaur Hall, an award-winning permanent exhibition that he curated about the nature of science and the lives of dinosaurs, in the newly added sauropod skeleton Gnatalie at the NHM Commons, as well as in his many popular books and articles. Chiappe¹s research has been published in over 200 scholarly articles. He is the author of Walking on Eggs, Glorified Dinosaurs, and Birds of Stone. He is also a J. S. Guggenheim Fellow, a Humboldt Awardee, a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern California, and a member of the Real Academia de Ciencias de España.

Dr. Lori Bettison-Varga - President & Director of NHMLAC 

Dr. Lori Bettison-Varga is President and Director of the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County, which includes the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park and La Brea Tar Pits and Museum in Hancock Park. Since her appointment in 2015, Bettison-Varga has led the museums with a unique blend of scientific rigor and liberal arts leadership, redefining the museum’s place in civic life and championing the public good as a guiding force. She oversaw the successful opening of NHM Commons, which has garnered critical acclaim and reflects her visionary approach to civic engagement and capital transformation. She is also spearheading the reimagination of the iconic La Brea Tar Pits Museum, a groundbreaking initiative that connects Ice Age fossil discoveries to urgent issues like biodiversity loss and ecological change, redefining how museums can bridge the past and future. Her tenure is marked by award-winning initiatives such as the Biodiversity Science: City and Nature (BioSCAN) project and STEAM Pathways programs, which position NHM as a vital civic and scientific hub.

Raised in Long Beach, California, Bettison-Varga earned her doctorate in geology from the University of California, Davis, and has held faculty and administrative positions at several esteemed institutions, including Pomona College, The College of Wooster, and Whitman College. Prior to joining the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County, she served as president of Scripps College, where she launched the college’s largest fundraising campaign and expanded access to scholarships. In 2022, Bettison-Varga was named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science for her distinguished contributions to undergraduate education and science communication. She is also an influential voice on several key boards, including the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Science and Technology Centers, where she is a leading voice for public engagement with science.

Julia Bowman - Director of Individual Giving

Julia Bowman is the Director of Individual Giving at the Natural History Museum, where she oversees the Fellows Program and Annual Fund and has led the relaunch of NHM Journeys this year. She joined NHM in 2023 after serving on the development team at the Milken Institute. Julia holds a BA from Whitman College and a master’s degree from the USC Marshall School of Business, with a focus on social entrepreneurship.

ITINERARY

Day 1 | Tuesday, September 22
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Arrive Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas International Airport

Bienvenidos a Madrid! Welcome to Madrid!

Private airport transfers will be arranged today based on individual arrival times. An English-speaking guide will meet you in the arrivals hall and connect you with your driver who will transfer you to the hotel, roughly 35 minutes away. As you arrive at the hotel, you will check in and have the afternoon and evening to settle into your rooms.

If you have any issues upon arrival, please contact your local guide, Joaquin, at +34-654-871-657 (on WhatsApp).

You are welcome to explore the city independently on your own and we will gather for a welcome lunch tomorrow at the hotel.

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Explore On Your Own This Afternoon

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Day 2 | Wednesday, September 23
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Welcome Lunch & National Museum of Natural Sciences

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Breakfast at the Hotel

7:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

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Explore Madrid at Your Leisure

9:00 AM- 12:00 PM: Set off to explore the beautiful city of Madrid on your own!

Check this list for restaurant and activity recommendations which have been specially curated for you.

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Welcome Lunch at Mercado de La Reina

12:15 PM: Gather in the hotel lobby and walk as a group to a Welcome Lunch at Mercado de La Reina to kick-off the journey ahead!

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National Museum of Natural Sciences (Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales)

2:30 PM: After lunch, take a private tour of the National Museum of Natural Sciences, one of Spain’s premier institutions for researching, conserving, and showcasing the planet’s biodiversity and geological history. 

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Return to Hotel

4:45 PM: Return to the hotel. The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy Madrid at your leisure.

Check the curated list of recommended restaurants in Madrid to guide your evening.

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The Principal Madrid Hotel

Day 3 | Thursday, September 24
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Atapuerca Archaeological Site & Travel to Gijón

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Breakfast at the Hotel

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

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Transfer

8:00 AM: Luggage Collection.

*Travelers must have bags packed and ready for collection by porters by 8:00 AM. Bags are to be left just inside your hotel room door.

8:15 AM: Gather in the lobby and travel to the Atapuerca Archaeological Site.

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Activity

12:00 PM: Visit Atapuerca Archaeological Site, one of Europe’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Enjoy an exclusive two-hour private visit exploring the excavations that have revolutionized the understanding of early human evolution. Located about 12 miles east of the city of Burgos, the Atapuerca Site is one of the most important archaeological and paleoanthropological sites in the world. 

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Group Lunch

2:30 PM: Enjoy a traditional Castilian lunch in Atapuerca before continuing your journey to Gijón.

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Transfer to Gijón and Hotel Check-In

8:00 PM: Arrival in Gijón!

Check-in to the hotel upon arrival and gather in the lobby to walk as a group to a nearby restaurant.

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Group Dinner

8:15 PM: Dinner at La Taberna Zíngara.

Day 4 | Friday, September 25
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Jurassic Museum of Asturias

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Breakfast at the Hotel

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

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Lecture with Dr. Luis Chiappe

8:30 AM-9:00 AM: Gather in a private meeting space inside the hotel for a discussion with Dr. Luis Chiappe.

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Jurassic Museum of Asturias & Playa de la Griega

9:00 AM: Gather in the lobby and depart for the Jurassic Museum of Asturias.

10:00 AM: Experience a guided visit at the Jurassic Museum of Asturias, with a behind-the-scenes look at remarkable fossils and the geological discoveries that shaped the region.

After the museum tour, visit Playa de la Griega to see real dinosaur footprints!

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Return to the Hotel & Lunch on Your Own

1:30 PM: Return to the hotel and head into Gijón for lunch on your own.

Check the curated list of recommended restaurants for today's options.

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Gijón Walking Tour & Group Dinner

6:00 PM: Gather in the lobby to begin a guided walking tour of Gijón, featuring the Roman Baths, Cimavilla (the old fishermen’s quarter), the Revillagigedo Palace, and Eduardo Chillida’s Elogio del Horizonte.

7:30 PM: The walking tour concludes at one of Gijón’s most iconic dining venues, Sidrería La Galana, offering an authentic introduction to Asturian gastronomy with unlimited cider tastings.

9:00pm: Return to the hotel

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EL MÔDERNE HOTEL GIJÓN

Day 5 | Saturday, September 26
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National Museum & Research Center of Altamira

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Breakfast and Luggage Collection

7:30 AM: Luggage Collection.

7:30 AM - 8:00 AM: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

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National Museum & Research Center of Altamira

8:00 AM: Gather in the lobby and depart for the National Museum & Research Center of Altamira.

10:30 AM: Visit the museum and replica of the famous Altamira Cave, one of the most remarkable prehistoric treasures of the Iberian Peninsula.

11:30 AM: Transfer to the city of Bilbao.

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Group Lunch in Bilbao

1:00 PM: Enjoy a group lunch at the Guggenheim Museum Bistro.

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Guggenheim Museum

2:30 PM: Explore the Guggenheim Museum through a guided tour. Discover its groundbreaking architecture by Frank Gehry and the contemporary art featured in its permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. The museum has become the city’s main symbol, transforming Bilbao from an old industrial port into a world-renowned destination for art and design enthusiasts.

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Transfer to San Sebastian

6:00 PM: Arrival in San Sebastian and hotel check-in.

Enjoy dinner of your own this evening. Check the curated list of recommended restaurants to guide your evening.

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San Sebastian Film Festival 2026

If you are interested in attending an event during the San Sebastian Film Festival, tickets go on sale on September 15 for September 26 programming (the day you arrive in San Sebastian). The official purchase website is linked here. 

*Please note Film Festival activities are not planned or managed by Elevate Destinations or NHMLA.

Day 6 | Sunday, September 27
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KP-G Boundary Boat Tour & Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum

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Breakfast at the Hotel

7:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

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KP-G Boundary Boat Tour

8:30 AM: Gather in the lobby and transfer to Zumaia for for a private boat tour of the K-PG Boundary.

The boat tour offers a close look at the geological layers that mark one of the most significant transitions in Earth’s history, viewed directly along the cliffs and shoreline. After the boat ride, make the short walk to the nearby Algorri Viewpoint, which offers one of the best panoramic views of the geological formations. The calm pace and striking coastal scenery create a thoughtful and scenic start to the day. 

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Group Lunch in Zumaia

12:30 PM: Enjoy a group lunch in Zumaia at a local restaurant.

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Balenciaga Museum

2:30 PM: After lunch, continue to the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum. Set in the elegant Palacio Aldamar in Getaria, the musuem celebrates the master couturier's genius through an exquisite collection of his original garments and design work.

6:00 PM: Arrive back at the hotel in San Sebastián.

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Pinxtos Walking Tour

7:15 PM: Gather in the lobby and begin a walking Pintxos Tour for dinner this evening.

A true highlight of San Sebastián’s culinary scene, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the city's pintxos bars, where delicious bite-sized creations await you. From fresh seafood to tasty local cheeses, each pintxo combines flavors and textures in perfect harmony. With an experienced guide, discover hidden gems and savor the best pintxos that San Sebastián has to offer.

Important to keep in mind, especially for any guests who may have mobility challenges, that the Pintxos tour is completely on foot.

9:00 PM: Return to the hotel.

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Hotel Zenit Convento San Martín

Day 7 | Monday, September 28
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Gernika, La Paz Museum, and La Rioja Winery

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Breakfast and Luggage Collection

8:00 AM: Luggage Collection.

8:00-9:00 AM: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

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La Paz (Peace Museum) Visit

9:00 AM: Gather in the lobby and transfer to Gernika, the historic town that inspired Picasso’s celebrated masterpiece.

11:00 AM: Visit the Museo de la Paz, a thoughtful and engaging museum dedicated to the themes of peace, memory, and the events that marked the town’s history. This experience offers both cultural context and a deeper understanding of the Basque identity.

12:00 PM: Travel into the celebrated La Rioja region, known for its rolling vineyards and warm hospitality.

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Lunch at Bodegas Javier San Pedro Ortega

2:00 PM: Arrive at Bodegas Javier San Pedro Ortega.

Here you will visit an exceptional winery and vineyard to experience the region’s renowned winemaking traditions. Indulge in a delicious lunch, paired with local wines for an authentic taste of La Rioja as you overlook the rolling vineyards.

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Transfer to Hotel Marquez de Riscal

4:00 PM: Arrive at Hotel Marquez de Riscal and check-in to your room. Spend the afternoon resting and enjoying the luxurious property.

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Group Dinner

7:15 PM: Gather in the lobby and transfer to dinner at Palacio de Samaniego.

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Hotel Marqués de Riscal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Elciego

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Day 8 | Tuesday, September 29
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Laguardia Tour and La Rioja Winery

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Breakfast

7:00-9:00 AM: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

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Morning Activity Options

Choose your morning activity:

  1. Explore the Medieval Town of Laguardia

    • 9:00 AM: Gather in the lobby and transfer to Laguardia.

    • 9:15-11:45 AM: Guided visit of the historic town with time to explore on your own after the tour.

    • 11:45 AM: Meet at the bus and transfer to lunch.

  2. Leisurely Morning at the Hotel

    • 9:00 AM: At your leisure.

    • 11:00 AM: Gather in lobby and transfer to Laguardia to meet the group.

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Lunch at Family Owned Winery

12:00 PM: Arrive at Bodegas Puelles, a family-owned winery, where a private chef prepares your lunch.

After lunch, transfer back to the hotel.

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Return to the Hotel & Rest

2:30 PM: Arrive at the hotel with time to rest before the evening activity.

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Wine Tasting and Dinner at Hotel Marqués de Riscal,

5:45 PM: Gather at the hotel for a private wine tasting, offering an immersive experience that traces the bodega’s history from its founding in 1858 to the present day, with the opportunity to enjoy the wines through all five senses.

8:00 PM: Dinner will be served at the hotel restaurant this evening.

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Hotel Marqués de Riscal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Elciego

Day 9 | Wednesday, September 30
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Enciso Paleontology & Cuenca

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Breakfast and Luggage Collection

8:00 AM: Luggage Collection.

7:00-8:30 AM: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

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Encisco Paleontology Museum

8:30 AM: Gather in the lobby and transfer to Encisco Paleontology Museum.

10:30 AM: Private tour at Encisco Paleontology Museum. Explore its fascinating exhibits, discovering the rich prehistoric heritage of the region and learning about the dinosaur fossils and ancient landscapes that once shaped this area.

After the tour, transfer to lunch.

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Group Lunch

1:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, Posada Santa Rita.

After lunch, transfer to Cuenca.

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Transfer to Cuenca

The journey continues toward the beautiful town of Cuenca. Along the drive, a brief stop will be made to stretch legs and enjoy the scenery before arriving in this remarkable city, known for its dramatic landscapes and historic charm. 

7:00 PM: Arrival at Hotel Parador Cuenca.

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Group Dinner

8:00 PM: Gather in the lobby and take a short walk to dinner at Casa de la Sirena.

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Day 10 | Thursday, October 1
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Museum of Paleontology of Cuenca

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Breakfast

8:00-8:45 AM: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

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Museum of Paleontology of Cuenca

8:45 AM: Gather in the lobby and transfer to the Museum of Paleontology of Cuenca.

9:30 AM: Visit Museum of Paleontology of Cuenca (MUPA) to explore exhibitions showcasing significant fossil discoveries and the evolution of species that once inhabited the region millions of years ago.

The visit will continue with an in-depth look at the Lo Hueco fossil collection led by partners of the Natural History Museum. The collection is one of Spain’s most important paleontological sites, renowned for its remarkable remains of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals.

12:45 PM: Transfer back to hotel

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Lunch on your own

1:00 PM: Free time to explore Cuenca and lunch on your own.

Check the restaurant guide for recommendations.

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Lecture with Dr. Luis Chiappe

5:00 PM: Gather in a private meeting space in the hotel for a discussion with Dr. Luis Chiappe

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Guided Tour: Cathedral of Cuenca

6:00 PM: Head out for a guided visit of the Cathedral of Cuenca.

This impressive monument, blending Gothic and Renaissance elements, offers a journey through time while revealing artistic and cultural details of great significance.

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Group Dinner

7:00 PM: Walk directly from the Cathedral to dinner Recreo Peral.

9:00 PM: Transfer back to hotel

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Parador de Cuenca

Day 11 | Friday, October 2
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Return to Madrid, Visit Museo Reina Sofia

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Breakfast and Luggage Collection

8:30 AM: Luggage Collection.

8:00-8:45 AM: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

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Transport

8:45 AM: Gather in the lobby and transfer to Madrid.

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Reina Sofía Museum

11:30 AM: Upon arrival in Madrid, take a tour of the Reina Sofía Museum, Spain’s premier modern art museum, featuring iconic works by Picasso, Dalí, and Miró, including Picasso’s famous Guernica.

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Return to Hotel Principal and Enjoy Lunch on your Own

1:00 PM: Check-in to the hotel and head out for lunch on your own in Madrid.

Check the restaurant guide for recommendations.

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Farwell Dinner

7:30 PM: Gather in the lobby and transfer to Café de Oriente for a special farewell dinner.

Celebrate as a group and reflect on your journey in Spain where you’ve had the unique opportunity to experience the Museum's worldwide connections and partnerships.

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The Principal Madrid Hotel

Departures

Day 12 | Saturday, October 3
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Depart Madrid International Airport

7:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before checking out this morning. An airport transfer will be arranged for you based on your departure time.

TRIP COST

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Trip Cost

  • $17,755 per person

  • $3,855 single supplement

  • $5,327 non-refundable 30% deposit of trip total in double occupancy (due at time of booking)

  • $6,483 non-refundable 30% deposit of trip total in single occupancy (due at time of booking)

Booking & Final Payment Deadline: May 13, 2026

What’s Included: 

  • Leadership of NHM curator Dr. Luis Chiappe and host Dr. Bettison-Varga, NHM President and Director, plus special colleagues of Dr. Chiappe

  • Shared accommodations

  • Ground transport and private airport transfers  

  • All meals that are noted in the itinerary, including beverages and alcohol

  • All activities on the itinerary including entrance fees, local guides

  • Full-time private trip manager

  • Gratuity for drivers, trip manager, local guides, restaurant staff

  • Evacuation insurance 

What’s not Included: 

  • Visas

  • International flights

  • Travel & medical insurance

  • Personal expenses (shopping, phone calls, laundry, etc.)

  • Gratuity for airport transfer drivers & housekeeping

  • Bank or credit card processing fees

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Refund Policy: Travelers payments are non-refundable.

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Service Fees: Please note that trip costs do not include credit card or bank fees, which will be added to your final trip cost (as “service fee”) and payment once you select your payment method. If you are paying by bank transfer, there are no additional bank fees.

Flights

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International Flight Guidelines

The program begins on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 in Madrid and ends on Saturday, October 3 in Madrid. Arrival and departure flights are booked by travelers independently.

Here are our recommended arrival and departure times:

Tuesday, September 22: Arrive at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport Madrid International Airport (MAD) anytime. You are welcome to explore the city independently on your own and we will gather for a welcome lunch September 23 at the hotel.

Saturday, October 3: Depart from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport Madrid International Airport (MAD) anytime. Check out time at the hotel is 12 PM.

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Flight Booking Assistance: If you would like assistance booking your flights, please complete this form and a flight booking specialist from our partners at AirSupply will contact you directly to assist with your booking. Under the line “Traveler / Group Name,” write “Your Name / Elevate Destinations.” Note that there is a $35 service fee per booking.

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Interested in extending your travels? If you would like to arrive in Spain before September 22 or stay after October 3, please email fiona@elevatedestinations.com to arrange any extra nights of accommodation or discuss options for extending your travels.

Hotels

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The Principal Madrid Hotel

The Principal Madrid Hotel stands in the heart of Madrid, offering easy access to cultural attractions and shopping. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views from the rooftop terrace and savor exquisite cuisine at the renowned restaurant. This historic building combines classic architecture with modern luxury, ensuring a memorable stay.
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of EL MÔDERNE HOTEL GIJÓN, ideally situated in the heart of Gijón, just a short stroll from the beach. Enjoy the modern design of the comfortable rooms and indulge in delicious local cuisine at the on-site dining options. With its unique blend of style and personalized service, this hotel promises a memorable stay.
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Hotel Zenit Convento San Martín

Experience the charm of Hotel Zenit Convento San Martín, located in the heart of San Sebastián. This beautifully restored convent offers a unique blend of history and modern comfort, with spacious rooms and stunning architecture. Enjoy on-site dining featuring local flavors and relax in the tranquil courtyard, all just steps from local attractions and the beach.
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Hotel Marqués de Riscal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Elciego

Experience luxury at Hotel Marqués de Riscal, located in the enchanting La Rioja wine country. This architectural masterpiece by Frank Gehry features a renowned wine cellar and exclusive vineyard wine tastings.

Experience the enchanting Parador de Cuenca, a former convent offering stunning views of the historic city and its famous hanging houses. This unique accommodation combines modern comfort with rich architectural history, along with an on-site gourmet restaurant serving local delicacies. Explore the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site and unwind in the beautiful gardens.

REQUIRED DOCS

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ETIAS IS NEW IN THE EUROPEAN UNION!

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a new online travel authorization that the EU is introducing for travelers from visa-exempt countries who want to visit most of Europe for short stays, including Spain. It is not a visa, but a pre-travel screening. Its purpose is to improve security by checking travelers before they arrive. ETIAS will apply to 30 European countries, mainly in the Schengen Area, plus Cyprus. The process would include applying online prior to your flight to Spain, paying a small fee, and receiving approval.

ETIAS is expected to start in late 2026. You will receive detailed instructions about completing ETIAS from Elevate Destinations if ETIAS is operational in September 2026.

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Documentation

Passport & Visa:

Check that your passport is current and valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip departure date, March 22, 2027. If your passport expires before , March 22, 2027, you will need to renew your passport. We recommend using A1 Passport & Visa Services. You can email them at info@a1passportvisa.com.

Check that your passport has at least 2 blank pages for the entry and exit stamps, or more. The last two amendment pages are unacceptable for visas and immigration stamps.

•  Visa: Citizens from the United States currently do not require a visa to enter Spain, but the ETIAS may be required come September 2026. We will keep you update as this evolves in the European Union.

Flights:

Upload your round-trip flight itinerary to your WeTravel account.

Insurance:

Elevate Destinations will purchase emergency evacuation coverage for you. This policy covers emergency evacuations due to medical, political, or natural disasters from September 22 - October 3, 2026. This policy also provides $5,000 of emergency medical coverage. More details about this coverage are noted in this brochure.

This coverage does not include trip cancelation or interruption benefits and also does not cover pre- or post-trip days of travel booked outside of Elevate Destinations. We strongly suggest you purchase additional coverage to cover your non-refundable expenses in the event you need to cancel your trip or have additional expenses incurred on the trip.

Elevate strongly recommends purchasing additional travel and medical insurance and Cancel for Any Reason Coverage (CFAR) to cover trip related expenses. Please note that some CFAR insurance options are time-sensitive. Please be ready to purchase an insurance policy within 14 days of making your first trip payment. 

Medical insurance that covers you in Spain is recommended for this trip. If you would like to purchase additional medical insurance in the country of travel, below are two insurance brokers that Elevate Destinations recommends.

  1. USI Travel Insurance Services
    Email: info@travelinsure.com
    Phone Number: (800) 937-1387

  2. Travel Insurance Center (Dan Drennen)
    Email:  dan@travelinsurancecenter.com
    Phone Number: (402) 343-3621 

Elevate Destinations is not equipped to answer specific questions on insurance. Please contact the insurance broker or company for specific information.

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UPLOADING TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: After completing a booking form and paying your trip deposit, you will receive an email with your WeTravel account information. Please click on the blue "manage your booking" button at the bottom of the email. Then navigate to "complete your info" which is where you can upload the following documents at your earliest convenience.

Health & Safety

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Medical Information

Prior to travel, Elevate Destinations strongly recommends that you look into other recommended immunizations for your time in Spain. Given that we are not a licensed healthcare provider, we cannot advise travelers on which immunizations they may need. We recommend that all travelers do the following:

  • Travel Doctor: Consult with a travel clinic or your primary care physician regarding immunizations or other precautions you may need to take in order to participate in this journey. You will need to do this well in advance of your trip as some vaccinations require time to take effect, and you may need to allow time between a series of shots.

  • Resources for Health Guidance: Please consult with a travel clinic or your personal physician and read through the following resources for information on immunizations and other health preparations and individual requirements to travel to Spain.

  • Medical Insurance: Elevate Destinations covers evacuation insurance for this trip. All travelers are recommended to also have health insurance that will cover them while abroad. Check that your health insurance covers you in Spain. 

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

We recommend that all travelers from the U.S. sign up for the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in case of an emergency. Enrolling in this program has enormous benefits in case of an emergency while abroad:

You will receive information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination.

  • Enrolling lets the U.S. Embassy in that country know that you are there and helps them contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family-related.

Travel Resources

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Country Guide & Packing List for Spain

COMING SOON: A downloadable Country Guide, which will contain comprehensive information about money, local customs, expectations for the trip and travel tips.

COMING SOON: A downloadable Packing List for traveling to Spain in September.

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Next Steps

To register for the trip, click “Book Now” at the top of the page and complete your registration form.

After you register, you will receive a confirmation email with a “Manage My Booking” and you can revisit your registration by clicking this button to upload any information you did not have available during the registration process.

Contact Us

Feel free to get in touch via phone or email as well:

Fiona Mokry: fiona@elevatedestinations.com or +1.508.618.1354
Jamie Briscoe: jamie@elevatedestinations.com or +1.508.618.1355

Elevate Destinations

Founded in 2005, Elevate Destinations specializes in planning group travel for philanthropic organizations. As international event planners, our team is equipped to handle all of your on-the-ground arrangements, from airport transfers to extra nights in-country to a post-trip excursion.

We welcome any questions you have about how to prepare for your trip, in-country arrangements, and cultural information. For questions about your international flights, including how to purchase tickets, cancellations or delays, lost items, or layover arrangements, please contact your airline or booking agency. For questions about travel insurance, please contact your insurance company.

Community

As one of the first companies to advocate for sustainability and “give back travel,” Elevate Destinations is a thought leader and innovator in the travel industry and continues to stay ahead of the curve in designing travel with positive social and environmental impacts.

Sustainability

In addition to centering community as an important part of our sustainability efforts, we also aim to support wildlife and the environment by selecting hotels and lodges that share our values and supporting local conservation efforts and organizations in the destinations our travelers visit. Learn more about Elevate's sustainability practices here.

We've also committed to carbon offsetting every trip from the very beginning by purchasing 3rd party validated carbon credits, which fund community based initiatives worldwide. We encourage you to offset your international flights through Native.Eco's carbon calculator!

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