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Travel the World with us
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Dear traveler,
As our busy spring season slowly comes to an end and most of our groups have safely returned from their enriching travel experiences, we are excited to begin our “slower” summer season. A few of our summer tours will soon be departing, including our unique North Caucasus expedition, the Central Asia grand tour “Clash of Empires,” and our journeys through Mozambique, Lesotho & Eswatini, followed by Angola and Namibia, all departing in June.
July and August are quieter months for us, allowing time to carefully prepare future programs, including the launch and promotion of our 2028 tours, while also getting ready for our next busy travel season beginning in September.
Around Memorial Day, it is important to take a moment to remember all the heroes who sacrificed their lives so that we may enjoy the freedoms we value today. To all those who serve, those who have served, and those who are no longer with us because of their service: we salute you and thank you.
| | Our own Ian DuVernay has just returned from an incredible adventure in Malawi and Zimbabwe, where he led a small and congenial group. As an expert photographer, Ian returned with stunning images of the impressive wildlife encountered in Malawi’s national parks. One of the great appeals of Malawi is that it remains relatively untouched by mass tourism compared to destinations such as Kenya, Tanzania, or South Africa. If you wish to explore the lesser-known corners of Africa, join our next Malawi & Zimbabwe tour departing May 9–23, 2027. | | |
FINAL CALL for a summer adventure!
If you have not yet made plans to go somewhere this summer, it's your chance now: The Baltic region, comprising Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Each country has its unique charm and draws visitors with a variety of attractions.
Join us from July 07-20, 2026, for an unforgettable journey through this remarkable region.
Poland’s diverse landscapes range from the sandy beaches of the Baltic Sea to the towering Tatra Mountains. The country is steeped in history, with cities like Warsaw and Kraków showcasing stunning architecture, cobblestone streets, and sites such as Wawel Castle and the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial. Poland's vibrant cities are also known for their culinary scene, featuring traditional dishes like pierogi and bigos.
Lithuania blends modernity with historical depth. The capital, Vilnius, boasts a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town filled with baroque buildings and medieval architecture. The country is known for its lush forests and picturesque lakes, with Trakai Castle offering a striking view set on an island. Lithuania’s unique traditions and local crafts provide a glimpse into its rich cultural heritage.
While Latvia is celebrated for its stunning art nouveau architecture, particularly in the capital, Riga. The city is a hub of creativity, boasting numerous museums and galleries. Beyond the urban setting, Latvia offers beautiful national parks and pristine beaches along the Baltic coast, ideal for nature enthusiasts. The country’s folk music and vibrant festivals reflect its cultural diversity and history.
End in Estonia that stands out with its blend of medieval charm and digital innovation. Tallinn, the capital, is famous for its well-preserved medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The country is a pioneer in digital governance, and its tech scene is burgeoning. With picturesque islands, such as Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, and a commitment to preserving nature, Estonia provides ample opportunities for outdoor exploration.
As you traverse these countries, be prepared to be captivated by the pristine landscapes of national parks, serene lakes, and picturesque coastlines. Enjoy each moment as you discover the unique blend of history, culture, and nature that defines the Baltics.
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We are also excited to once again offer Northern Ethiopia. Our special January 15–27, 2027 departure coincides with the mesmerizing festivities of TIMKET (Epiphany), featuring colorful and authentic processions unlike anywhere else in the world. This journey also includes visits to Ethiopia’s historic northern cities such as Lalibela, Gondar, and Axum, along with a short extension to Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, our newest destination offering.
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Explore remote forests and mountains where encounters with outsiders remain rare, offering a glimpse into hidden regions of Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. Cross rivers aboard barges, walk over liana bridges to isolated villages, and meet the revered “Birdmen” initiates. Gain insight into local customs through meetings with chiefs, notables, and village elders. Follow hidden trails to witness diamond diggers at work and journey along the pristine shores and islands of the Gulf of Guinea.
Led by our exceptional tour manager, Mohamed Halouani, this remarkable expedition promises unforgettable experiences and lifelong memories.
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Yemen is a country steeped in ancient history and cultural richness. Known for its diverse landscapes, Yemen features majestic mountains, fertile highlands, and stunning coastal plains along the Red Sea and Arabian Sea. Its history stretches back thousands of years, with archaeological sites reflecting its former importance as a major trade hub of the ancient world.
Cities such as Shibam—often referred to as the “Manhattan of the Desert” because of its towering mudbrick skyscrapers with geometric designs—showcase remarkable architecture and are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Yemen’s culture is a vibrant blend of Arab, African, and Islamic influences. Traditional music and dance remain central to Yemeni society, with lively performances celebrating historical and cultural narratives. Despite its challenges, Yemen remains a destination of immense historical significance and natural beauty, offering a unique experience for adventurous travelers. The resilience of its people and preservation of its rich heritage continue to inspire visitors fascinated by its story.
Join us for an unforgettable journey through Hadramout, Yemen’s safe and stable region, either November 11–18, 2026 or March 24–31, 2027, where history and nature intertwine in a captivating experience. We have also decided to launch our February 2028 Yemen tour early due to strong interest.
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We are delighted to announce that our October 2026 Libya trip will now be led by an outstanding lecturer and guide: Mr. Mohamed Halouani, our expert in Roman history and archaeology. Many of you may already know him from previous journeys through Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, or various West African tours where he also served as a renowned ethnographer and tribal historian.
Our Libya Fall Tour, taking place October 30 – November 9, 2026, offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore this fascinating North African nation. This 11-day journey covers both western and eastern provinces of Libya, providing a comprehensive exploration of the country’s most remarkable sites.
Discover the ancient ruins of Leptis Magna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site exemplifying the grandeur of the Roman Empire. Wander through the labyrinthine streets of Tripoli’s Old City and experience its bustling souks and remarkable architecture.
Join us to uncover the hidden treasures of a country few travelers have had the privilege to experience. The tour of Fall 2026 still has a few open spots and can also be combined with a unique tour of Southern Libya from November 9-17, 2026.
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One of the must-see destinations for 2026 is the beautiful and historic nation of Syria. We are extremely happy to see our fall departure (October 7–16, 2026) filling up quickly. Often referred to as the cradle of civilization, Syria richly deserves this title. It is home to some of the world’s oldest Christian communities, including Maaloula, where locals still speak Aramaic. Neighboring villages have served as centers of Christian life for centuries.
This remarkable country encompasses fertile plains, soaring mountains, and sweeping deserts, while hosting an extraordinary mosaic of ethnic and religious communities, including Syrian Arabs, Armenians, Assyrians, Kurds, Circassians, Greeks, Mandeans, Turks, and others.
Experience the warmth of the Syrian people, savor its cuisine, breathe in the aromas of bustling souks, and marvel at some of the best-preserved Roman sites in the Near East. Despite regional instability, Syria has remained calm, open for tourism, and endlessly fascinating.
This Syria tour can be seamlessly paired with our Lebanon program, beginning with arrival in Beirut followed by an overland journey into Syria. The Lebanon tour is scheduled for October 15–23, 2026
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Lebanon’s allure is legendary: a captivating blend of ancient ruins, cedar forests, dramatic mountains, golden beaches, and one of the region’s finest culinary traditions. Compact yet endlessly fascinating, Lebanon makes the perfect complement to your Syrian adventure. Albeit the frequent clashes in Southern Lebanon between Hezbollah and Israel, North Beirut and the entire north of the country is VERY safe and has not been seeing any damage or impact from the conflict that ensues every now and then in the south.
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When I visited South Sudan in February 2025, it proved to be an exhilarating journey filled with vibrant and colorful tribal cultures that offered a truly unique experience. Our two South Sudan tours are now guaranteed departures: November 3–9, 2026 and January 16–22, 2027.
Burundi, meanwhile, completely surprised me with its breathtaking natural beauty—lush rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, picturesque forests, and serene meadows. I was deeply moved by the UNESCO-recognized drummers of Gitega, whose rhythms beautifully capture the spirit of the country. Although small and landlocked, Burundi is a safe and stunning destination that I highly recommend. Consider joining our tours departing November 10–15, 2026 or January 23–28, 2027.
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We would also like to remind you that we can arrange private customized tours to your favorite destinations if our scheduled group departures do not fit your calendar. Recently, we have seen a strong increase in demand for private Egypt tours, especially as Egypt has remained stable and safe despite regional tensions over the past several months. Our own group tour of Egypt departs October 20 - November 7, 2026.
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You all probably know how the huge turnout came to be around our three planned Venezuela trips. I am personally heading there for a condensed exploration tour in mid-September to ensure that those tours will run smoothly and successfully. Our December 2026 tour is sold out and the June 2027 trip has only one spot left while our February 2027 tour with David William has but a few spots left. In case you can't join these trips, we are in the process of adding another departure for early December 2027 and will launch the dates in our next newsletter at the end of June.
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Like everyone around the world, we are feeling the impact of rising oil prices and the resulting inflation affecting nearly every sector of the economy. Unfortunately, the tourism and hospitality industries are no exception. Many of our suppliers and ground handlers across various countries have informed us that the rates initially offered for 2026 and 2027 are now being adjusted to reflect increased fuel, transportation, food, and hotel costs.
We are doing our best to absorb these increases whenever reasonably possible. However, in some cases, modest tour price adjustments may become necessary in order to offset rising operational expenses.
Thank you once again for your continued trust and enthusiasm for exploration. We look forward to traveling with many of you on these remarkable adventures in the months and years ahead.
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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
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Spiekermann Travel Service Inc.
18421 E. Nine Mile Rd.
Eastpointe, MI 48021
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