Travel the World with us

Dear traveler,

As Easter and Passover approach, many take this time to reflect on the significance of the season. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of perseverance and resilience in navigating through uncertainties. This period encourages us to appreciate the sense of rebirth and bypassing any hardships we faced. As we celebrate these holidays and look ahead to brighter days, we are reminded of the importance of cherishing each moment and embracing the joy of travel. Thank you for choosing Spiekermann Travel as your partner on your journey, and we look forward to helping you create new and unforgettable memories in the future.

The year 2024 begun on a promising note for us, marked by successful tours that unfolded gradually. From the captivating colorful culture of Africa’s west coast in Nigeria and Ivory Coast to the enchanting allure of Egypt, Afghanistan, Libya, Pakistan, Iraq, Kurdistan, Gabon, CAR, DRC & Congo, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Morocco & Western Sahara along with the Spanish Enclaves, Horn of Africa, and Ethiopia, each of those journeys offered our guests enriching experiences. As we eagerly anticipate the forthcoming adventures in April-May to Eastern Turkey, North Africa, Syria, Lebanon and more journeys to Libya and Afghanistan, we embrace the spirit of exploration and hope to improve and enhance on our trips based on the recommendations and comments of our clients.

We would like to advise that the majority of our tours for the year 2025 have been uploaded to our website. We invite you to visit our website regularly to explore the new brochures that we update every couple of weeks. Stay informed and discover exciting travel opportunities with us.

We are pleased to share our excitement with you - the success of our past tours to Zambia, Malawi, and Comoros in May 2023 and the sold-out May 2024 trip featuring the captivating regions of Malawi and the historical marvels of Zimbabwe, including the iconic UNESCO site of Greater Zimbabwe, have encouraged us to repeat this combo tour in May 2025 which will be led by Michel Behar. This overwhelming response has sparked our enthusiasm to invite you to mark your calendars for May 11 - May 25, 2025, and join us as we set out on a quest of discovery in Malawi & Zimbabwe. It promises to be an unforgettable expedition that intertwines the essence of these vibrant destinations, offering a rich blend of experiences awaiting your exploration. 

In the heart of southern Africa, Mozambique, Eswatini (the ancient Kingdom of Swaziland), and Lesotho offer captivating experiences for those seeking unique cultural encounters and natural beauty.  Mozambique, known for its stunning coastline along the Indian Ocean, boasts pristine beaches, diverse marine life for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, and a rich Portuguese-influenced culinary scene. Inland, the bustling markets and vibrant music scene showcase the warmth and resilience of its people. Eswatini, the former Kingdom of Swaziland, is a land-locked monarchy renowned for its traditional ceremonies, intricate handicrafts, and stunning mountainous landscapes. Immerse yourself in the country's rich cultural heritage through dance performances, craft markets, and the royal residences. Lesotho, often referred to as the "Kingdom in the Sky" with its rugged terrain and remote villages offer a glimpse into traditional Basotho life, complete with colorful blankets, horseback riding, and breathtaking vistas from the Drakensberg Mountains. Each of these destinations provides a unique blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty, making them ideal choices for travelers seeking authentic and off-the-beaten-path experiences in the heart of Africa. Join us on this tour which can be combined with Zimbabwe and Malawi tour from May 25 - May 30, 2025.

Remaining in the captivating continent of Africa, you must experience the vibrant culture of Chad and Cameroon and immerse yourself in their ancient and thriving traditions, renowned art forms, and flamboyantly colorful festivals of tribal Africa. Witness mesmerizing mask dances and explore the dazzling ethnic mosaic that makes these destinations unique. In Chad, experience the Gerowol festival, one of the last genuinely authentic festivals in the world, known for its mesmerizing body and face paintings. Continue your journey to Cameroon, a pinnacle of African destinations, where you will discover a treasure trove of colorful tropical gems waiting to be explored. Join us on a fantastic cultural odyssey to the remote and seldom-visited countries on the following dates: Oct 10 - Oct 25, 2024, Feb 04 - Feb 16, 2025 and Oct 10 - Oct 24, 2025.

Join us on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting Indian Ocean islands from Sep 11 - Oct 03, 2024! Following the success of our 2023 tour, we are excited to offer this exceptional opportunity once again.  Stretching across one-fifth of the world's ocean area, the Indian Ocean is famed for its mesmerizing beauty and cultural richness. From the Eastern shores of Africa to the western shores of Asia, this region beckons travelers with its diverse island nations and vibrant histories. Embark on a voyage to discover the wonders of the Indian Ocean, a body of water that has witnessed the footsteps of explorers throughout centuries. From the ancient Egyptians to the European navigators of the 16th century, the allure of these islands has captured the imaginations of adventurers across time.

Our meticulously crafted itinerary includes visits to some of the most breathtaking islands in the Indian Ocean, such as the Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Réunion, Mayotte and Comoros. For those seeking to dive deeper into this blend of nature and culture, an optional extension to the ecologically unique Island of Madagascar is available. One of the most alluring aspects of Madagascar is its rich biodiversity, with a significant portion of its flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth. This makes the island a paradise for wildlife lovers, providing an opportunity to discover unique species like lemurs, chameleons, and a vast array of endemic plants. Secure your spot on this extraordinary journey and set sail to explore the hidden gems of the Indian Ocean.

Heading to Asia, we start with the most incredible tour to Afghanistan this program covers the gems and highlights of this fascinating country: The Valley of the Giant Buddhas of Bamiyan, the Turquoise lakes of Band e Amir as well as the religious center of Mazar e-Sherif with its astonishing shrine of Imam Ali and the ancient city of Herat along with Kabul of course. The most lasting memories of this legendary land are those on the human scale, such as sipping tea with the Taliban or flying kites with children in villages, walking the bazaars, and interacting with the population, which has always been hospitable to its guests. Join us on one of the following tours and do not miss the opportunity: May 22 - Jun 05, 2024 OR Nov 12 - Nov 26, 2024 (which so far has a couple of spots remaining and  I will be joining a portion of it).

At Spiekermann Travel, one of our standout destinations that continues to captivate our clients is none other than Pakistan. Unveil the wonders of this vibrant nation through our meticulously crafted tour that showcases the best of both its northern and southern regions. In the north, traverse the legendary Karakorum Highway and behold the majesty of the Hindu Kush Mountain range. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Pakistan, with a visit to the enchanting Hunza Valley that promises unparalleled natural beauty.

Journeying to the southern part of the country, explore the ancient civilization of the Indus Valley. Embark on a cultural odyssey that begins in Karachi along the Arabian Sea and culminates in the historic city of Lahore. Along the way, marvel at a plethora of architectural marvels, sacred sites, and traces of Hindu and Buddhist heritage that dot the landscape.

For those seeking a novel experience, don't miss our exclusive May tour to the Kalash Valley in Western Pakistan. Explore the fascinating traditions of the region and participate in the vibrant Chitral festival, where you can witness the colorful rituals of the indigenous pagan tribes. You can choose our May 09 - May 24, 2024, followed by the North tour May 17 - Jun 02, 2024, OR Oct 20 - Nov 14, 2024.

We are delighted to announce that our Mosaic of the Balkans tour in 2023 was a resounding success, prompting us to offer this journey again in 2024 and 2025. Albania stands out as the true hidden gem of the Adriatic region and the Balkans peninsula. This captivating country harmoniously blends various civilizations, embodying the marvels of Greece and Turkey.  The Balkans region's rich combination of cultures and diverse ethnic heritage, paired with its historical significance and natural allure, invites you to uncover the beauty of Europe's lesser-explored destinations such as Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Kosovo, and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

The picturesque coastline boasts tranquil villages nestled along turquoise bays, while the rugged inland mountains are adorned with ancient Christian monasteries, churches, captivating lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Enjoy the historical treasures of the region, from Roman ruins and medieval churches to colorful Turkish bazaars, Ottoman citadels, mosques, and elegant Austro-Hungarian towns. Many of these architectural marvels have earned prestigious UNESCO World Heritage status. Unveil the secrets of the Balkans by joining us on one of those two dates: Sep 27 - Oct 13, 2024 OR Sep 19 - Oct 03, 2025, which will be led by our encyclopedic Tour Lecturer, Prof. Norman Jones.

Now to the middle east, we cannot talk enough about Saudi Arabia, a land shrouded in secrecy for centuries, is now unveiling its treasures to the world. Led by Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, fondly known as MBS in the West, the country is embracing change and extending a warm welcome to foreign travelers. The once complex visa process has been streamlined, making it easier than ever to explore the Kingdom's diverse offerings. From ancient rock carvings to grand historical sites, Saudi Arabia captivates with its astonishing beauty. Marvel the prehistoric petroglyphs, colossal ancient tombs, and thriving medieval oasis villages. The culinary scene is a delight for the senses, offering a taste of traditional and modern flavors. Amidst futuristic skyscrapers, one can immerse themselves in the rich blend of Saudi life - from vibrant markets to serene mosques.

Notable attractions, like the captivating "Madain Saleh," often referred to as the Petra of Arabia, showcase the country's historical significance. Travelers can now tread where non-Muslims were once forbidden, including the revered Prophet's Mosque in Medina. This openness reveals a new chapter in Saudi hospitality, inviting visitors to witness the majestic landscapes and cultural nuances that define this evolving nation. The date for the upcoming tour is: Oct 05 - Oct 18, 2024, which is led by our capable tour manager David William. 

One of the MUST-SEE countries is beautiful Syria. Due to high demand and our April 2024 trip being sold out, we have our planned tour scheduled to take place from Oct 08 - Oct 17, 2024. You must act soon if this interests you because there is only one spot left! This destination claims to be the cradle of civilization, and Syria deserves this recognition. It is a county of fertile plains, high mountains, and deserts. It is also home to diverse ethnic and religious groups, including Syrian Arabs, Jews, Greeks, Armenians, Assyrians, Kurds, Circassians, Mandeans, and Turks. Experience the warmth of the people, the tastes of the cuisine, the aromas of the souks, and the majesty of the past, and explore some of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Near East. After a long hiatus, we recently resumed tours to Syria as soon as we heard that Americans could easily attain visas for the first time in years. Our first groups that went in latter 2022 and twice in 2023 shared some beautiful experiences and astonishing photos along the way with us. Not even the best pictures can do Syria justice. In 2025, our tour dates are Apr 18 - Apr 27, 2025 and Oct 08 - Oct 17, 2025.

Syria tour can be paired with Lebanon, as travel requires you to land in Beirut before being taken to the Syrian border by car the next day. The dates for Lebanon are Oct 01 - Oct 09, 2024, Apr 11 - Apr 19, 2025 and Oct 01 - Oct 09, 2025. Everyone knows the reasons of the allure of Lebanon: its amalgam of ancient ruins, majestic sites, cedar forests, glorious beaches, and a world-famous culinary Mecca, Lebanon is a compact but stunning destination. 

As you know, we offer endless stunning destinations to visit in all corners of the world. We prefer not to pack all of them in one newsletter, but we try and focus on a few here.

Please let us know if there is any way we can assist you in planning your next adventure. We look forward to serving you soon. 

“Travel is like an endless university. You never stop learning.” -Harvey Lloyd.