June'2026 Newsletter

Travel the World with Us

Dear traveler,

The beautiful summer weather is finally here to enjoy. As we approach the Fourth of July holiday, Spiekermann Travel extends our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones.

The past several months have been especially challenging due to the conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran. We are encouraged to see the recent ceasefire and the easing of tensions, and we remain hopeful that stability and lasting peace will continue to return to the region. Unfortunately, the uncertainty forced us to cancel several of our flagship tours, including programs to Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iraqi Kurdistan, Syria, Iran, Lebanon, the Gulf States, and Oman. Looking ahead to the fall of 2026 and throughout 2027, we are excited to resume these remarkable journeys and once again introduce travelers to the rich history, culture, and hospitality of these destinations.

We are also pleased to report that our summer departures to Poland and the Baltic States, along with our September Indian Ocean Islands expedition, are operating as scheduled.

Over the past few months, it has been difficult to look beyond the events unfolding in Iran and the surrounding region. Above all, our thoughts remain with the people directly affected by the conflict, especially our friends, partners, and local communities who have endured uncertainty and hardship.

Beyond the headlines are ordinary people trying to go about their lives in extraordinarily difficult circumstances. Conflict inevitably puts travel into perspective. But we are now happy to see tourism rebound again to the region. That said, one thing we have seen repeatedly over the years, is that the Middle East has a remarkable capacity for resilience. Places can and do recover, often in ways that surprise outsiders.

One of the trips we are so pleased to see it back on track again is our captivating journey through Ancient Mesopotamia-Iraq, October 17-31, 2026, which is led by led by Dr. Barbara A. Porter. This tour is designed to offer comprehensive and immersive experience for history enthusiasts and archaeology buffs. This curated itinerary includes a visit to the prominent historical site of Girsu, an ancient Sumerian city that flourished around 2500 BC, as homage to the Sumerian civilization. As you walk in the footsteps of ancient Sumerians as well as Babylonians and Assyrians, you will be immersed in the rich history of remarkable cities and shedding light on the evolution of human civilization in the region.

Whether you are interested in religious history, cultural heritage, or simply experiencing the vibrant local life, this trip offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of Iraq's past and present. Take advantage of this opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating blend of history, architecture, and contemporary culture that these cities have to offer.

Last week, we welcomed home two of our Africa tours after another highly successful season. Our groups returned from Angola and Namibia, and both journeys were a tremendous success. If you missed them this year, we invite you to join us in 2027. As always, we have scheduled these two tours back-to-back, making it easy to combine them into one unforgettable adventure:

Angola – June 1–12, 2027

Namibia – June 12–25, 2027

Two more of our recent tours have also returned home to outstanding reviews. Our North Caucasus Republics of Russia tour, led by Professor Miklos Sarkozy, and our Clash of Empires journey, led by lecturer Chris Aslan, took travelers through Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Western China, and Northern Pakistan. Both tours received rave reviews from our participants.

The North Caucasus tour was one of our most popular programs, operating annually from 2015 to 2019 before being suspended due to COVID-19 and later the war in Ukraine. We are thrilled to have brought it back and to once again share this colorful and fascinating region with our travelers. Our own Ghiath Abdallah, whom many of you know from our Syria and other Middle East tours, joined the group during the first week and returned full of enthusiasm for the experience. Interest has already been strong for our next departure, May 30–June 18, 2027.

Whether you have explored other regions of Russia or this will be your first visit to this vast country, the North Caucasus promises an unforgettable journey filled with diverse cultures, outstanding cuisine, breathtaking landscapes, and the legendary hospitality of its people.

As for the Clash of Empires tour, we are planning to operate it again in the summer of 2027. While the exact dates have not yet been finalized, we are awaiting Chris Aslan's return so we can determine the best timing for him to lead the journey once again.

This expedition is perfect for travelers who are drawn to majestic mountain landscapes, remote wilderness, and adventures far from the usual tourist routes. The journey takes you to the "Roof of the World" in Tajikistan's Pamir Mountains, follows the ancient Silk Road through Western China, and continues along the spectacular Karakoram Highway in Northern Pakistan. If this extraordinary adventure interests you, let us know and we'll make sure you're among the first to receive the brochure as soon as it is ready

We wanted to give you an update on our Venezuela tours. As many of you have heard, the country was sadly struck by a strong earthquake last week, causing significant damage, particularly in Caracas and in some of the city's poorer neighborhoods where many buildings do not meet modern construction standards. We are encouraged to see the international community offering assistance, and we are hopeful that recovery efforts will progress quickly. Fortunately, events of this magnitude are extremely rare in Venezuela, with nothing similar occurring in nearly a century. Other countries, including Morocco and Turkey, have also experienced similar natural disasters in recent years.

Looking on the bright side, our Venezuela tours continue to generate tremendous interest. Our departures in December 2026, February 2027, and June 2027 are nearly full. We currently have one space remaining for December 2026, three spaces available for February 2027, and one remaining space for June 2027. We have also launched a new departure for December 2027, which will be the final tour offered at our current prices before our 2028 rates are adjusted to reflect increasing operating costs and inflation.

Our next great adventure this fall is Algeria, departing October 10–22, 2026. Algeria offers an extraordinary variety of attractions: remarkably preserved Roman ruins, elegant colonial architecture, historic Moorish cities, lush oases, majestic mountains, vast deserts, and ancient towns where life still feels medieval. Like Iraq, Algeria has only recently begun opening to tourism, making this the perfect time to discover one of North Africa's most fascinating and least-visited destinations.

If the fall departure does not fit your schedule, consider our Spring 2027 journey, April 2–30, 2027, which combines Algeria with a week in Tunisia and a rare opportunity to explore the little-visited nation of Mauritania.

Mauritania, the cradle of the powerful Almoravid movement that helped spread Islam across North Africa and into Europe, offers a truly raw and unforgettable experience. Discover ancient ksours (fortified villages), bustling desert markets, remote nomadic camps, medieval Berber trading centers, the spectacular Guelb er Richat—known as the "Eye of Africa"—and verdant oases featuring remarkable Neolithic rock art.

Tunisia, one of the Mediterranean's greatest treasures, showcases an extraordinary blend of Phoenician, Roman, Islamic, and French heritage. Explore the vibrant capital of Tunis, the magnificent ruins of Carthage, and Dougga, one of the finest preserved Roman cities anywhere in North Africa.

This unique journey through Mauritania, Tunisia, and Algeria offers a rare opportunity to experience the very soul of North Africa—its ancient civilizations, living traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and timeless cultures.

We are making one final mention of our upcoming South Korea. The Land of the Morning Calm journey, taking place October 22–November 03, 2026. For anyone interested in Korea’s history, landscapes, food, and living traditions, it may be the last time we offer this departure in its current form.

This program offers a well-rounded look at the country, beginning in Seoul with its royal palaces, traditional neighborhoods, markets, and a visit to the DMZ, one of the most historically significant sites on the Korean Peninsula. From there, the journey continues through some of Korea’s most important cultural regions, including Gongju, Buyeo, Jeonju, Andong, and Gyeongju, where ancient tombs, Buddhist temples, Confucian academies, hanok villages, and UNESCO-listed sites reveal the depth of Korea’s past.

The tour also includes the coastal energy of Busan, with its seaside temple, fish market, beaches, and lively shopping streets, before continuing to Jeju Island, known for volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, tea fields, folk villages, and dramatic coastal scenery. This trip is designed for travelers who want more than a surface-level visit and are interested in seeing both the modern and traditional sides of South Korea.

If you have been considering South Korea, we encourage you to contact us soon for more details.

We have been pioneering tours to the Horn of Africa for more than a decade and consistently receive outstanding feedback on how rewarding this journey is. The tour includes a visit to Somaliland, a self-governing and stable region that operates with a high degree of autonomy, while remaining internationally unrecognized as an independent state and distinct from greater Somalia.

A highlight of the program is a boat excursion in search of whale sharks, which are typically present between October and February, offering a rare opportunity to witness one of the ocean’s most remarkable natural migrations.

The Horn of Africa is a fascinating crossroads where African and Arab cultures meet. This bold journey also explores Djibouti, known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and otherworldly scenery, as well as Eritrea, which has emerged from decades of isolation and is home to important historical sites and the Art Deco–influenced capital of Asmara.

Join us on either our October 17–November 2, 2026 departure or our January 4–20, 2027 journey. The January departure is especially notable as it concludes in Addis Ababa, allowing travelers to experience the vibrant and colorful Timket celebrations.

An optional one-week extension is also available to explore Ethiopia’s historic Northern Circuit, including the ancient cities of Lalibela, Gondar, and Axum. In addition, we are pleased to offer a short extension to Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, marking our first time including this destination in our program.

Another unforgettable adventure takes you to Nigeria, departing February 1–10, 2027, Africa’s most populous country. Nigeria is a land where ancient traditions merge with contemporary vibrancy.

The journey begins in Abuja, the dynamic capital, where bustling markets and encounters with local communities set the tone for an immersive experience. Explore the pottery village of Ushafa, known for its intricate craftsmanship, before continuing to the historic weaving quarters of Ilorin. Discover the soapstone sculptures of Esie and wander through the sacred Osun Grove in Osogbo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in spiritual significance.

In Abeokuta, climb the towering Olumo Rock and admire the city’s distinctive Afro-Brazilian architecture. The journey concludes in Lagos, a vibrant metropolis alive with color and energy. Explore the National Museum and travel to Badagry, a coastal town with a poignant history tied to the transatlantic slave trade.

Throughout the journey, travelers will savor the flavors of Nigerian cuisine and experience the rhythms of traditional music and dance. This is an unforgettable introduction to Nigeria, where history, culture, and modern life meet in striking contrast.

We are also currently developing an enhanced Nigeria program that will include all of the country’s key highlights alongside attendance at the legendary Kano Durbar Festival, a 500-year-old royal celebration in northern Nigeria. During this extraordinary event, riders from young boys to elder horsemen in their 80s appear in full ceremonial regalia, representing their noble households, in a display of heritage and pageantry attended by the Emir and members of the royal family across generations.

From the spectacular Durbar Festival and encounters with traditional Emirs, to the raw intensity of Dambe wrestling and the fascinating Hyena Men, this extended journey offers a deeper look into one of Africa’s most culturally rich and visually striking regions. Beyond the festivals and traditions, the true highlight remains the people, warm, welcoming, and deeply proud to share their culture with visitors.

Another exciting journey is shaping up for Southern Pakistan, departing March 16–30, 2027, and we are pleased to confirm that the tour already has sufficient interest to operate. We would be delighted to reserve your place for this remarkable cultural experience.

The Southern Pakistan tour is ideal for travelers who wish to experience both the iconic highlights and lesser-known heritage sites of the country. It combines the sophistication of Lahore, the deep historical significance of Multan, and the coastal energy of Karachi, offering a well-rounded and memorable journey through one of South Asia’s most culturally rich regions.

In Lahore, visitors will explore landmarks such as the Lahore Museum, the magnificent Badshahi Mosque, and experience the vibrant Wagah Border flag ceremony. The city, once the capital of Punjab for nearly a thousand years remains a cultural, academic, and artistic hub of Pakistan, with highlights including Mall Road, Anarkali Bazaar, Lahore Fort, and more.

The journey continues to Multan, often described as reflecting the deep historical roots of the Indian subcontinent. Known for its striking shrines and spiritual heritage, including those of Shah Rukn-e-Alam, Hazrat Bahauddin Zakaria, and Shah Shams Tabrez, Multan offers two full days of exploration before continuing onward.

From there, the route passes through Bahawalpur, home to Noor Mahal, Derawar Fort, and the Tomb of Bibi Jawindi, before continuing toward Sukkur along the Indus River. The itinerary then proceeds via Mohenjo-daro, one of the most significant archaeological sites of the Indus Valley Civilization dating back to circa 2500 BCE, before arriving in Hyderabad, one of the oldest cities in South Asia and once the capital of Sindh.

The journey concludes in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and its commercial and cultural heart. Known as the “City of Lights,” Karachi offers a dynamic mix of history and modern life, with attractions including Mohatta Palace, the Quaid-e-Azam Mausoleum, Wazir Mansion, and Clifton Beach.

This thoughtfully designed Southern Pakistan itinerary offers one of the most comprehensive ways to experience the history, culture, and diversity of the region.

We are excited to share that our Eclipse Tour to Egypt, taking place July 29–August 7, 2027, is now almost sold out, with only one remaining space available for a female traveler willing to share accommodation with another female participant who is also seeking a roommate.

This is a rare opportunity to be part of a truly special journey, and we encourage anyone interested to contact us as soon as possible to secure this final spot.

We would like to remind you to check the "What's New" tab on our website regularly where you can browse the “Tour List” constituting a chronological summary of all our tours and dates. Also on this page, you will find the Newsletters archive which we recently added to chronicle our latest newsletters.

We would also like to invite you to an entirely new Catalog of Journeys which is accessible in both desktop and mobile views and provides a complete summary of our upcoming tours and dates. And if you haven't taken our travel survey yet, you should try it now so it can provide you with a dozen recommended destinations based on your trip preferences: Journeys Survey.

Thank you for your interest in our expeditions and we look forward to serving you.

Sincerely,

Ihab Zaki, Managing Director

and Spiekermann Travel Team