Travel the World with us

Dear traveler,



As summer continues, we're delighted to share several exciting journeys that are now open for reservations. From the ancient civilizations of the South Caucasus to the remote islands of the Indian Ocean and the hidden treasures of Bangladesh, these carefully designed programs offer the cultural depth, history, and authentic experiences that have always defined Spiekermann Travel. 

Now, let's take a look at what we've prepared for you!

Afghanistan: Ancient Wonders and Remarkable Hospitality

We are pleased to share encouraging news regarding Afghanistan. The country began offering a simple online eVisa application process that takes a couple of days to have it electronically !

Our newest itinerary now proudly includes the magnificent Minaret of Jam. Recent developments and tourism investments have made this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site more comfortably accessible to our travelers. A small brand-new inn is being built nearby, which encouraged us to revamp our itinerary to this marvelous country and incorporated a couple of extra days to visit the Minaret within the program rather than as a separate extension which should make the overall trip pricing very appealing.

This journey showcases Afghanistan’s greatest highlights, including the shrines of the Giant Buddhas of Bamiyan, the turquoise lakes of Band-e Amir, the architecturally-magnificent Shrine of Imam Ali in Mazar-e-Sharif, the stunning ancient city of Herat, and of course Kabul. Along the way, travelers will explore colorful bazaars and historic valleys while experiencing the extraordinary hospitality of the Afghan people.

We are also thrilled that our in-office travel specialist, Lura, will join our upcoming September 2026 departure. Having managed our Afghanistan tours behind the scenes, she looks forward to assisting travelers while experiencing the itinerary firsthand.

Upcoming departures:

• September 27–October 15, 2026, led by Didar Ali
• March 30–April 15, 2027, led by Iain Shearer
• May 24–June 9, 2027, led by Miklos Sarkozy

Bangladesh: Hidden Land and Its Natural Wonders

Few destinations remain untouched by tourism like Bangladesh. With departures on November 10–23, 2026, January 19–February 1, 2027, and November 9–22, 2027, this extraordinary journey offers a rare opportunity to explore one of Asia's best-kept secrets, a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty that remains largely undiscovered by international travelers.

Discover the forgotten remains of ancient Buddhist kingdoms, wander through colorful bazaars and medieval cities, admire magnificent mosques, Hindu temples, and shrines of Muslim saints, and journey into the Chittagong Hill Tracts to meet Indigenous communities whose traditions have been preserved for generations. Along the way, you'll experience lush tea plantations, peaceful rivers and lakes, beautiful beaches, and a country that offers endless opportunities for photographers.

Perhaps the greatest highlight of all is the people. As one of the world's least-visited destinations, Bangladesh offers remarkably genuine cultural encounters. Visitors are welcomed with extraordinary warmth and hospitality, and locals are often happy to share their lives, pose for photographs, and interact with travelers. Free from crowds and mass tourism, this remarkable country leaves visitors with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for one of Asia's most authentic destinations.

Nigeria: Ancient Traditions, Modern Energy & the Kano Durbar

We are excited to offer two unforgettable journeys to Nigeria in 2027. Travelers may choose our classic Nigeria program, departing February 1–10, 2027, or our newly finalized extended journey, departing May 11–22, 2027, which includes the legendary Kano Durbar Festival.

Our February departure introduces travelers to Africa’s most populous country, where ancient traditions merge with contemporary vibrancy. The journey begins in Abuja before continuing to the pottery village of Ushafa, the historic weaving quarters of Ilorin, the soapstone sculptures of Esie, and the sacred Osun Grove in Osogbo. Travelers will also climb Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, experience the energy of Lagos, and visit Badagry, with its poignant history connected to the transatlantic slave trade.

Our new May departure offers an even deeper look into Nigeria’s cultural heritage. The special tour includes the country’s key highlights alongside the spectacular Kano Durbar, a 500-year-old royal celebration featuring horsemen of all ages dressed in magnificent ceremonial regalia. Attended by the Emir and generations of the royal family, this remarkable festival is an unforgettable display of history, heritage, and pageantry.

From encounters with traditional Emirs to the raw intensity of Dambe wrestling and the fascinating Hyena Men, this extended journey reveals one of Africa’s most culturally rich and visually striking destinations. Above all, travelers will experience the warmth and hospitality of the Nigerian people, who are deeply proud to share their traditions and culture with visitors.

Pakistan: Three Unique Journeys Through a Nation of Marvels



Pakistan is a nation of unique contrasts, where towering mountain ranges, ancient civilizations, vibrant cultures, and warm hospitality come together to create one of the world's most rewarding travel experiences. We have long believed in introducing adventurous travelers to destinations beyond the ordinary, and Pakistan remains one of the places we are most proud to have reintroduced to our portfolio.

In 2027, we are pleased to offer three distinctive journeys, each showcasing a different side of this remarkable country. Begin with The Civilization of the Indus Valley (March 16 – March 30, 2027), exploring ancient archaeological sites, UNESCO World Heritage treasures, historic cities, and the legendary Karakoram Highway. Continue with Pakistan Revisited with the Chitral Festival (May 9 – May 24, 2027), featuring the colorful annual Kalash Festival, the breathtaking Shandur Pass, the Swat Valley, Peshawar, and Taxila.

Finally, experience North Pakistan (May 17 – May 31, 2027), a spectacular journey through the mighty Hindu Kush, Himalayas, and Karakoram mountain ranges, where dramatic scenery, remote villages, and centuries-old traditions create an unforgettable adventure.

Whether your passion lies in ancient civilizations, vibrant cultural festivals, or some of the world's most breathtaking mountain landscapes, our Pakistan programs offer an authentic and immersive experience unlike any other. For those wishing to explore even further, both the Indus Valley and Chitral Festival departures may also be combined with our Afghanistan tours, creating an even more extraordinary journey through this fascinating region.

Central Asia: The History of the Five Stans



Travel through the heart of the legendary Silk Road on our April 11 – April 30, 2027 journey across Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, where ancient civilizations, magnificent architecture, and centuries of cultural exchange come together in one unforgettable adventure.

Once at the crossroads of the Persian Empire and the great Silk Road, Central Asia has been shaped by merchants, empires, and religions for thousands of years. Explore spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites, dazzling mosques and mausoleums, bustling traditional bazaars, grand palaces, ancient caravan cities, and remarkable landscapes where history comes alive at every turn. This fascinating region has long served as a meeting place for Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, and Islam, creating a cultural legacy unlike anywhere else in the world.

This exceptional journey will be led by Professor Miklos Sarkozy, historian and Associate Professor of Iranian and Middle Eastern Studies at the Károli University of Budapest, Hungary. His extensive knowledge and passion for the history of Central Asia will provide travelers with a deeper understanding of one of the world's most remarkable and influential regions.

South Caucasus: Armenia, Georgia & Azerbaijan



For travelers looking to venture beyond Europe's familiar destinations, the South Caucasus offers one of the world's richest combinations of history, culture, and spectacular scenery. This fascinating journey explores three remarkable countries where ancient civilizations, dramatic mountain landscapes, and warm hospitality come together.

Discover the legendary Armenian Plateau, believed by many to be the landing place of Noah's Ark, and explore monasteries perched high on mountain cliffs, medieval fortresses, ancient khachkars, mysterious vishaps, and a beautifully preserved Silk Road caravansary. Continue into Georgia, where snow-capped peaks, celebrated wine traditions, and outstanding cuisine make it one of the Caucasus' true gems. Your journey concludes in Azerbaijan, where Persian, Turkic, and Caucasian influences have shaped a unique culture rich in history, architecture, and tradition.

Departing May 13 – May 30, 2027, this carefully crafted journey is experienced local guides and enriched by archaeologists and scholars who bring the region's remarkable past to life. For those wishing to explore even further, this tour can be seamlessly combined with our North Caucasus expedition (May 30 – June 18, 2027).

Indian Ocean Islands: Six Extraordinary Islands, One Unforgettable Journey

In less than two months, our 2026 Indian Ocean Islands expedition will set sail on another unforgettable adventure. As excitement builds for this year's departure, we are excited to announce that the journey will return once again from September 08 – October 01, 2027, giving travelers another opportunity to experience one of the world's most extraordinary island-hopping expeditions.

Spanning one-fifth of the Earth's ocean surface, the Indian Ocean has fascinated explorers for thousands of years, from ancient Egyptian and Arab sailors to the great European navigators. Today, it continues to captivate visitors with its spectacular scenery, remarkable biodiversity, and fascinating cultural heritage.



This carefully crafted itinerary explores the enchanting islands of Comoros, Mayotte, Réunion, Mauritius, Seychelles, and the Maldives. From Comoros' rich traditions and untouched landscapes to Mayotte's extraordinary marine life, Réunion's dramatic volcanic scenery, Mauritius' lush mountains and turquoise lagoons, Seychelles' unique wildlife, and the postcard-perfect beaches of the Maldives, each destination offers its own unforgettable character and charm.

Travelers may also choose to extend their adventure with an optional Zanzibar Extension (October 1–4, 2027) or Madagascar Extension (October 1–9, 2027), allowing for an even more in-depth exploration of this remarkable region.

We are also thrilled to share that our team member, Faye, will be joining this year's departure. She is looking forward to experiencing these extraordinary islands firsthand, allowing us to further refine an already exceptional itinerary by evaluating every aspect of the journey, identifying opportunities for enhancement, and ensuring that our 2027 departure offers an even more rewarding experience for our travelers.

Timor-Leste & Indonesia: Unexplored Wonders of the Asian World

Following the tremendous interest in this year's sold-out departure, we are delighted to offer this extraordinary expedition once again for October 02 – October 22, 2027.

Designed for travelers seeking destinations far beyond the ordinary, this remarkable journey showcases the incredible diversity of Indonesia while including the rarely visited nation of Timor-Leste. From the legendary Komodo Dragons and the fascinating Dani Tribe of Papua to the remarkable burial traditions of the Toraja Highlands, this expedition reveals a side of Southeast Asia that few travelers ever have the opportunity to experience.

Travel through vibrant cities, remote villages, lush tropical landscapes, and some of the world's most extraordinary natural environments, gaining a deeper appreciation for the region's remarkable cultures, wildlife, and traditions. The journey also includes a visit to Timor-Leste, one of Asia's youngest and least-visited nations, offering a rare glimpse into a country still largely undiscovered by tourism.



This unforgettable expedition can also be combined with our Brunei Extension (October 22 – October 25, 2027), providing the opportunity to explore yet another of Southeast Asia's hidden treasures.

A New Adventure Is Coming…

Get ready to discover what we have prepared for you next month! Our newest journey, departing September 12–23, 2027, will take travelers to an unforgettable experience, where South America meets the Caribbean, a world of mighty waterfalls, pristine rainforests, fascinating cultures, and even space exploration.

Can you guess the destination/s? Send us an email with your guess!

Stay tuned! Our next newsletter will reveal the destinations, complete with a brochure and all the details about this exciting new journey.

We have an abundance of incredible adventures waiting for you—far too many to fully capture in this newsletter! To discover all the exciting possibilities, we invite you to revisit our 2026-2027 Catalogue and explore the full range of journeys on offer. Once you've found the perfect destination, simply let us know where your next adventure will take you!

Wishing you all a Happy Summer, happiness and health.

Sincerely,

Ihab Zaki, Managing Director

and the Spiekermann Travel Team

Phone: 1 800 645 3233

 www.spiekermanntravel.com

info@spiekermanntravel.com