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We take you where no one else dares to go ...
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Dear Travelers,
As the winter holidays are in full swing, we are reminded of the importance of reflection, gratitude, and hope. This season offers a special opportunity to cherish our blessings and the meaningful moments shared with loved ones.
At Spiekermann Travel, we wish to express our sincere appreciation for your continued support and loyalty. May this festive season bring you joy, warmth, and peace, and may it pave the way for a healthy and prosperous year ahead. Thank you for being a valued part of our community.
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Team Update
Many of you have already heard that Amy Grace, an integral part of our team for the past six years, has decided to resign this month due to personal reasons. We will greatly miss her dedication and contributions. As we work diligently to transition the projects she managed, we kindly ask for your patience and understanding.
We are actively and carefully pursuing the recruitment of new team members and look forward to introducing them to you soon. Spiekermann Travel has been thriving and growing for over three decades, adapting thoughtfully as team members move on to new chapters in their lives. Through it all, our mission, values, and distinctive style remain steadfast.
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Yemen: A Journey Through History and Resilience
February 11–18, 2026
Yemen is a land steeped in ancient history and cultural richness. Its diverse landscapes range from majestic mountains and fertile highlands to stunning coastal plains along the Red Sea and Arabian Sea.
With a history dating back thousands of years, Yemen was once a vital hub of ancient trade routes. The city of Shibam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its remarkable mudbrick towers and intricate geometric patterns—often referred to as the “Manhattan of the Desert.”
Yemeni culture reflects a vibrant blend of Arab, African, and Islamic influences. Traditional music, dance, and cuisine—featuring beloved dishes such as mandi and salta—bring this rich heritage to life.
Despite the challenges it has faced, Yemen remains a destination of profound historical significance and beauty. The resilience of its people and their dedication to preserving their heritage continue to inspire travelers seeking meaningful and authentic experiences.
This journey may be combined with the extraordinary island of Socotra (February 2–11, 2026), famous for its otherworldly landscapes and iconic Dragon’s Blood trees.
Our most recent travelers returned deeply moved by their experiences. Two heartfelt comments from esteemed clients include:
“I loved our local Yemen team. They were so kind, generous, and fun. For me, travel is about the people you meet and the connections you make—and Yemen was exactly that.” Darlene D
“Your Yemen team is the best I have ever experienced on any tour in my life. Honest, sincere, dedicated. Socotra and Yemen are trips of a lifetime.” James F
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The Treasures of Eastern Turkey
April 19 - May 4, 2026
Led by Dr. Barbara Porter
If you haven’t yet made plans for the season when flowers burst into bloom and the mountains turn lush and green, consider joining us for a journey through one of the Mediterranean’s most captivating regions, Eastern Turkey. For those who have already fallen in love with Turkey’s rich culture, exquisite cuisine, deep history, and legendary hospitality, this is your chance to discover the other side of the country, the East. Unlike the well-trodden paths of Western Turkey, the East remains refreshingly authentic and untouched by mass tourism, yet it holds countless marvels waiting to be explored. This journey is an adventure into a lesser-known world, where we visit remote ancient sites and immerse ourselves in the often misunderstood but profoundly rich Kurdish culture.
We offer this exceptional tour twice a year, in spring and fall — and warmly invite you to join one of these departures if you’ve yet to experience “the other Turkey.” Our travelers consistently return delighted — enchanted by the beautiful boutique hotels, the delectable Turkish cuisine, the perfect weather and stunning landscapes, and, above all, the extraordinary historical treasures that both dazzle the eyes and stir the soul. A special highlight of this trip is our expert Turkish guide, Ms. Aysel, widely regarded as one of the best in the industry. Her knowledge, warmth, and passion are key to the continued success of our Turkey journeys.
Join us on April 19 - May 04, 2026, for an unforgettable experience led by the remarkable Dr. Barbara Porter. Discover the heart of Eastern Turkey, a land where history, hospitality, and natural beauty intertwine to create a truly magical adventure.
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Greenland Is Officially a “GO”
June 20–28, 2026
We are delighted to announce that our new Greenland expedition is officially confirmed given that we already have a sufficient number of participants onboard! This journey has been carefully timed to coincide with Greenland National Day (June 21)—a powerful celebration of cultural identity and pride.
Greenland is a land of contrasts: towering glaciers and green valleys, ancient Inuit traditions and modern life, endless daylight and profound silence. National Day offers travelers a rare opportunity to witness the country at its most vibrant and meaningful.
With increasing global interest and United Airlines now offering direct flights from Newark to Nuuk four times weekly, Greenland is a destination to experience now—before mass tourism takes hold.
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Algeria
April 13–25, 2026
Led by Iain Shearer
Algeria enchants with its immense landscapes and layered history—from the Mediterranean coast and Atlas Mountains to the vast Sahara. Highlights include the Roman cities of Timgad and Djemila as well as the Roman ports of Cherchell and Tipaza and the Kasbah of Algiers (UNESCO), Ghardaïa of the Mozabite people renokwn for their unique “ladies in white gowns and one eye showing” and the breathtaking City of Bridges and Dramatic Cliffs: Constantine.
This exceptional journey through North Africa’s cultural heart offers rare access to ancient civilizations, living traditions, and unforgettable scenery. The country is home to some of the world’s best preserved Roman cities and sites.
This trip can also be combined with our Mauritania tour (April 5-12, 2026) and our Tunisia extension tour (April 25 - May 5, 2026).
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Mogadishu, Somalia: A Historic Milestone
We are thrilled by the success of our first tour to Mogadishu, marking a historic and inspiring achievement for our team. Travelers experienced the warmth, hospitality, and resilience of Somalia’s capital, forging meaningful connections along the way.
Due to growing interest, we now offer a 3-night Mogadishu extension before or after several African tours, with convenient air connections via Addis Ababa and Nairobi.
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Egypt ... The Land of the Pharaohs
March 17 – April 1, 2026
Led by Iman Nagy
Egypt has entered a thrilling new era of discovery with the long-awaited opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)—the most ambitious archaeological museum ever built. Set just outside the Giza Plateau, the GEM offers an unprecedented encounter with ancient Egypt, presenting iconic treasures (including the full Tutankhamun collection) in a spectacular, modern setting. This March, Spiekermann travelers will experience this landmark moment firsthand as part of a richly layered journey through Egypt, where newly revealed perspectives deepen our understanding of one of the world’s most enduring civilizations.
Led by renowned Egyptologist Iman Nagy, this expertly paced itinerary weaves together the essentials and the extraordinary—from the Pyramids of Giza and the temples of Luxor to immersive days along the Nile River. With insider access, scholarly insight, and the camaraderie Spiekermann journeys are known for, this trip balances intellectual depth with genuine adventure. Join us for an unforgettable exploration of ancient wonders and modern revelations this March.
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Iraq … Mesopotamia & The Jewels of Assyria
April 12 – 26, 2026
Led by Miklos Sarkozy
Step into the heart of ancient Iraq, where the world’s earliest cities, empires, and ideas first took shape. This carefully curated journey invites Spiekermann travelers to explore legendary landscapes of Mesopotamia, from the ruins of Babylon to the vibrant streets of Baghdad. Along the way, guests will encounter awe-inspiring archaeological sites, living traditions, and a depth of history that few destinations can rival—all guided by expert lecturers who bring Iraq’s extraordinary past and present vividly to life.
Equally compelling is the warmth and hospitality of the Iraqi people, whose pride in sharing their culture transforms this journey into a truly human experience. From historic citadels to serene river landscapes, this trip balances intellectual discovery with genuine adventure, offering rare access to one of the world’s most fascinating—and least visited—countries. For a closer look at the full itinerary, highlights, and departure details, explore the full Iraq journey here.
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Supporting Sudan’s Endangered Heritage
As the war in Sudan enters its third year, many of you will remember traveling through Khartoum and visiting its remarkable museums and Nubian sites.
The Sudan National Museum, after being occupied for nearly 18 months, was recaptured earlier this year. Our own tour leader, Dr. Geoff Emberling (University of Michigan), is advising the Sudanese Department of Antiquities as they struggle to document losses and protect what remains at sites such as Meroe, Jebel Barkal, and Kerma.
If you would like to learn more or consider supporting these heroic antiquities professionals—many of whom have lost everything—please contact us or email Dr. Emberling directly at geoffe@umich.edu.
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Looking Ahead
All 2026 tours are now live on our newly launched website, and our 2027 journeys are already being carefully crafted. If a destination sparks your interest, we invite you to have your name penciled in—brochures will be shared as soon as they are ready.
We welcome your feedback on our new website and truly value your comments, suggestions, and critiques.
Finally, if you’ve enjoyed traveling with us, we would greatly appreciate your support by leaving a review and following us on Facebook, helping us to share the joy of travel with more explorers.
From our family to yours, we wish you joy, peace, and love this holiday season—whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or the New Year. May 2026 bring you inspiring journeys, treasured memories, and abundant blessings.
Warmest wishes,
The Spiekermann Travel Team
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Spiekermann Travel LLC
18421 E. Nine Mile Rd.
Eastpointe, MI 48021
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