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
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.
Have questions about this journey to Spain with the Natural History Museum? Please email Fiona Mokry with questions at fiona@elevatedestinations.com.
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.
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.
You are welcome to explore the city independently on your own and we will gather for a welcome lunch tomorrow at the hotel.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, followed by a free morning in Madrid.
In the afternoon, come together with NHMLA staff and fellow travelers for a Welcome Lunch at the hotel. After lunch, take a 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.
Following the museum visit, the rest of the day and evening is at your leisure to enjoy Madrid.
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and travel approximately 3 hours to the Atapuerca archaeological site, one of Europe’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Accompanied by colleagues of Dr. Luis, a Natural History Museum paleontologist, 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.
After the site visit, lunch is in Burgos before continuing the drive to your hotel in Gijón, about a 3 hour drive. You will check-in to the hotel upon arrival and have some time to settle in and freshen up before this evening’s group dinner at the hotel.
After breakfast, gather in a private space in the hotel for a talk with Dr. Luis.
Afterwards, depart for a guided visit at the Jurassic Museum of Asturias, enjoying approximately two hours exploring remarkable fossils and scientific discoveries that reveal the geological history of the area. After the tour, return to Gijón and have lunch on your own.
After lunch, we reconvene at the hotel to begin a guided tour of Asturian Art, also known as Pre-Romanesque Art, which stands as a remarkable chapter in the cultural history of medieval Europe.
Return to the hotel after the tour for some rest time before dinner. Gather as a group this evening for dinner with cider (‘sidra tirada’).
The day begins early, after breakfast and checking out from the El Moderne Hotel Gijón, the group will depart and drive towards the National Museum and Research Center of Altamira, to visit the replica of the famous Altamira Cave, one of the most remarkable prehistoric treasures of the Iberian Peninsula, with one of the site's archaeologists.
Afterwards, continue to Bilbao for lunch.
In the afternoon, you will explore the Guggenheim Museum and 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.
Return to the hotel and relax before you enjoy dinner on your own this evening.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing San Sebastián for a scenic drive to Gernika, the historic town that inspired Picasso’s celebrated masterpiece. Upon arrival, 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.
Following the museum visit, enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant, where regional flavors and traditional dishes highlight the authenticity of Biscayan cuisine.
After lunch, return to San Sebastián for a free afternoon to unwind at the beach, stroll the charming old town, or simply enjoy the city at your own pace.
This evening, come together again to enjoy a walking Pintxos Tour for dinner, 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.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you check out and drive for about 45 minutes to Zumaia where you set off 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. The calm pace and striking coastal scenery create a thoughtful and scenic start to the day.
Once back on land, continue to the Chillida Leku Museum, a unique open-air space where Eduardo Chillida’s monumental sculptures interact with nature.
Following lunch, travel into the celebrated La Rioja region, known for its rolling vineyards and warm hospitality. Check into your hotel, the renowned Marques de Riscal. The remainder of the afternoon is left entirely free for personal enjoyment. Whether it’s unwinding at the hotel, taking a stroll through the countryside, or simply savoring the slower pace, the day ends with time designed to be enjoyed.
Rejoin in the evening for a private wine tasting at the hotel, 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. Dinner will be served at the hotel restaurant this evening.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning.
After breakfast, the day begins with a visit to one of La Rioja’s wineries in the countryside, for a guided tour and a relaxed lunch overlooking the vineyards. Here you will experience the region’s renowned winemaking traditions and offer a delicious menu paired with local wines for an authentic taste of La Rioja.
In the afternoon, the journey continues with a guided visit to the Monasteries of Suso and Yuso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a cornerstone of Spain’s cultural heritage. Explore the origins of the first written words in the Spanish language and admire the peaceful setting and remarkable architecture that have shaped the region’s spiritual history.
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. You will have time to freshen up before this evening’s group dinner.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
Today’s journey will begin with a visit to the Enciso Paleontology Museum. During the tour, you will 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 visit, there will be time for a quick independent lunch in the village.
In the afternoon, 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.
When you arrive in Cuenca, you will check in to the Parador de Cuenca, and settle in before dinner.
After breakfast, gather for a conversation with Dr. Luis.
Afterwards, a visit to the Museum of Paleontology of Cuenca, 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. After the visit, enjoy lunch in the village.
In the afternoon we'll have a guided visit to 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.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
You will return back to Madrid and start off with 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.
Afterwards, check into the hotel and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. Lunch is also on your own today for you to explore the incredible restaurant scene in Madrid.
In the evening, come together for a special farewell dinner to celebrate and reflect on your journey in Spain where you’ve had the unique opportunity to experience, firsthand, the Museum's worldwide connections and partnerships.
Enjoy a final breakfast in Spain before checking out this morning. An airport transfer will be arranged for you based on your departure time.
$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
Refund Policy: Travelers payments are non-refundable.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
USI Travel Insurance Services
Email: info@travelinsure.com
Phone Number: (800) 937-1387
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.
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.
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.
CDC Website - US
Government of Canada - Canada
Travel Pro - UK
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.
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.
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.
