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Travel the World with us
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Dear Travelers,
Happy St Patrick’s Day to all the adventurous travelers out there! 🌍🍀As you explore new destinations this spring season, immerse yourself in the local traditions of exotic locales or sip a cold beer on a hot day in some faraway destination. We want to thank you if you are traveling this season with us.
Over the past couple of months, we have had an incredible series of tours that have successfully returned from Africa. Our traditional journeys to the Horn of Africa, alongside our multi-country adventure through Gabon, DRC, ROC, and CAR, as well as our Atlantic Coast expedition across Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and the captivating Mauritania and Western Sahara, have all concluded with fantastic experiences. Not to mention, we have had several tours to Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Equatorial Guinea, plus our Voodoo Festival combo trip through Ghana, Togo, and Benin, all of which were a resounding success.
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It was truly a blessing and a privilege to escort our South Sudan and Burundi tours in February, two destinations that completely enchanted me. South Sudan proved to be an exhilarating journey, full of vibrant and colorful tribes that offered a truly unique cultural experience. On the other hand, Burundi completely took me by surprise with its breathtaking natural beauty—lush rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque meadows and forests. I was also deeply moved by the UNESCO drummers of Gitega, whose rhythms echoed the spirit of this amazing country.
Though I am a bit behind in sharing my review of South Sudan, I have written about my time in Burundi, which I hope will inspire you to consider this hidden gem for your future travels. Burundi may be small and landlocked, but it is a safe and stunningly beautiful destination. I highly recommend considering our tour from Nov 15 - Nov 20, 2025. If those dates don’t fit your schedule, keep in mind that we can add Burundi as an extension to a variety of tours in nearby African nations. It’s truly a place worth discovering!
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As we gear up for our classical adventures to the Middle East, Europe, Central Asia and a few Southern Africa trips in April and May, we are entering our second busy season of the year! For those of you who haven't yet committed to a trip this season, we still have a few spots available on most of these incredible journeys. Many of these destinations don’t require complex visas in advance—just sign up and book your flights, and you are all set for an unforgettable experience.
We have several exciting departures coming up, including our Afghanistan (May 22 - Jun 05, 2025), or Malta, Cyprus, and Greece (Apr 27 - May 12, 2025) or Spain (May 09 - May 23, 2025) or Central Asia (Apr 06 - Apr 25, 2025). Each of our meticulously crafted itineraries promises a unique blend of wonder, culture, and adventure, ensuring memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're marveling at the ancient wonders of the Middle East, exploring the historical charm of Southern Europe, discovering the heart of Central Asia, or embracing the beauty and warmth of Southern Africa, our experienced guides and local experts will be there every step of the way to make sure your journey is seamless and enriching. So, if you are ready to take the leap into one of these incredible adventures, there’s no better time than now to join us!
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We are excited to announce the launch of several incredible adventures in the first part of 2026, all led by our esteemed scholar Michel Behar, whose expertise and passion bring an unparalleled depth to each of his tours. We are pleased to kick things off with our Atlantic Coast of Africa (Feb 23 - Mar 12, 2026), followed by a fascinating Morocco & Western Sahara tour (Mar 23 - Apr 06, 2026), and, in October 2026, Michel will lead our highly anticipated, newly successful trip to the "less-visited" parts of Indonesia & Timor Leste (Oct 04 - Oct 23, 2026).
Michel’s tours tend to sell out much faster than other trips due to their unique and captivating itineraries, so if you’re interested in joining any of these, we highly recommend signing up as early as possible to secure your spot. We expect to have all the brochures ready within the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned for more details and make sure you don’t miss out on these exceptional adventures. Michel’s in-depth knowledge and engaging approach will transform your journey into an immersive learning experience, ensuring that you not only visit these incredible destinations but truly understand their history, culture, &significance.
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We are thrilled to share exciting updates about our Indian Ocean Islands trip (Sep 10 - Oct 03, 2025)! We've optimized the itinerary to improve flight connections between the islands, ensuring a seamless travel experience. Spanning one-fifth of the world’s ocean area, the Indian Ocean is renowned for its mesmerizing beauty, diverse cultures, and rich history. From the Eastern shores of Africa to the Western shores of Asia, this stunning region calls to explorers with its captivating islands and vibrant traditions. A journey through these islands is like stepping into the pages of history, where the footsteps of ancient Egyptians and 16th-century European navigators can still be felt.
Our meticulously crafted itinerary takes you to some of the most breathtaking destinations in the Indian Ocean, including Comoros, Mayotte, Mauritius, Réunion, Seychelles, and the Maldives. These islands offer a blend of natural wonders, cultural richness, and unforgettable experiences. For those seeking to immerse themselves even further, we offer an optional extension to the ecologically unique Island of Madagascar. Madagascar is a wildlife lover’s paradise, with a rich biodiversity that includes species found nowhere else on Earth. From lemurs and chameleons to an incredible variety of endemic plants, the island offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover nature at its finest.
Additionally, based on the requests of our travelers, we have also arranged an extension to Zanzibar, allowing you to explore this iconic destination known for its vibrant culture and beautiful beaches. To accommodate varying schedules, we’ve created two departures for this incredible journey. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore the hidden gems of the Indian Ocean—secure your spot now for an unforgettable adventure!
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Join us for an unforgettable journey through Eastern Turkey (Sep 16 - Oct 01, 2025), a region rich in history and culture, and a hidden treasure for intrepid travelers. This fascinating area encompasses everything from the earliest farmers to the grandeur of ancient empires like the Hittites and Urartians, the expansion of the Romans, the rise of early Christian churches, medieval fortresses, and even some Ottoman gems. Bordering Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Iraq, and Syria, Eastern Turkey is a seldom-visited region that offers some of the most incredible and unique sights in the world. Visit the Göbekli Tepe, the world’s earliest known temple, with its 12,000-year-old carvings—a truly awe-inspiring site that rewrites our understanding of ancient history. Explore Hittite sites, with intricate carved reliefs and cuneiform inscriptions, and uncover the secrets of the Urartian capital at Tushpa.
Dive into the Biblical connections between Urfa and Harran (where Abraham is said to have lived), and visit the legendary Mount Ararat, believed to be the final resting place of Noah’s Ark. This is a rare opportunity to step back in time and explore one of the world’s most historically significant and culturally rich regions. Don’t miss the chance to uncover the wonders of Eastern Turkey with us!
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Another captivating destination in the Middle East is the Arabian Gulf (Nov 05 - Nov 17, 2025), a region brimming with dazzling locales, each offering a unique blend of modern luxury, rich culture, and timeless beauty. Begin your adventure in the ultra-glamorous city of Dubai, renowned for its stunning skyline and world-class accommodations. Be awestruck by modern marvels like the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, or indulge in a shopping spree at the lavish Dubai Mall, an iconic haven for retail therapy and entertainment.
For those seeking a deeper connection with Arabia's heritage, Abu Dhabi, the vibrant capital of the United Arab Emirates, awaits. Here, you can witness the majestic beauty of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a stunning testament to Islamic architecture, or take a peaceful stroll along the Corniche, offering spectacular views of the city’s skyline and coastline.
Your journey then leads to Oman, a hidden gem in the Arabian Gulf, where you can step off the beaten path and discover an unparalleled natural beauty, ancient traditions, and a warmth of hospitality that will leave you with unforgettable memories. From its rugged mountains to serene beaches, Oman offers an adventure unlike any other. Don’t miss out on our fall tour—a unique experience where every encounter promises to leave a lasting impression on your journey.
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We are excited to announce a special tour to the remote country of Bangladesh this fall, scheduled for Nov 11 - Nov 24, 2025. Off the beaten path and largely untouched by mass tourism, Bangladesh is a hidden gem that offers an incredible opportunity to explore unspoiled landscapes and rich, untold histories. This fascinating destination is home to long-forgotten relics of ancient Buddhist kingdoms, waiting to be discovered. The tour will take you to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, where you will encounter indigenous tribes and experience their unique cultures, many of which have remained hidden from the outside world for centuries. In addition to its cultural treasures, Bangladesh is also blessed with stunning, untouched beaches—perfect for those looking to unwind amidst nature’s beauty. This is a truly rare opportunity to experience a country that few travelers ever get to explore. Join us for an unforgettable journey through one of Asia’s most intriguing and least explored destinations!
Most importantly, interact with some of the most hospitable people you will ever meet. Being one of the world's least traveled destinations, you will be delighted at the absence of tourists, and locals are delighted to have you take their pictures and never ask for money. Our tour will be the perfect amalgam of highlights offered by this fascinating country. This country is a photographer's paradise with ancient architecture, ruined medieval cities, religious sites, grand mosques and haunting Hindu temples, beautiful lakes and rivers and shrines of Muslim saints, colorful bazaars, mega shipyards, and soothing rolling green hills.
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On the office front, we would like to inform you of a few changes in our staff. Michael Palazzolo, whom many of you have worked with over the past year and a half, has decided to resign at the end of February. He will be returning to a previous, more relaxed role at a specialty liquor store. While we will certainly miss him, we wholeheartedly wish him the best in his new chapter and thank him for his contributions to our team.
In the meantime, we are excited to share that our recent trainee, Ian Duverney, a talented and energetic photographer who joined us last September as a part-time staff member, is now handling his own repertoire of destinations and managing some of our private tours. Ian's enthusiasm and fresh perspective have already made a wonderful impact on our team. In fact, we sent him on his first assignment to Bangladesh last February, where he accompanied and shadowed Michel Behar. Our travelers had a fantastic experience with Ian, enjoying both his company and personality. We look forward to seeing Ian grow with us and are excited for the years to come as he continues to build his career here. We are grateful for the contributions of both Michael and Ian, and we are excited about the future as our team evolves and expands. Thank you for your continued support!
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Finally, we want to remind you of two important things: If you have enjoyed your tour with us please post a supporting review of us, on GOOGLE and follow us on our FACEBOOK page so that we can spread the joy of travel to more friends and followers.
From our family to yours, we wish you joy, peace, and love this holiday season whether you celebrate Christmas or Hannukah or only the new Year. May your hearts be filled with the warmth of cherished moments, and may 2024 bring you a world of new adventures, cherished memories, and abundant blessings.
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Spiekermann Travel Service Inc.
18421 E. Nine Mile Rd.
Eastpointe, MI 48021
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