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Travel the World with us
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Venezuela Reopens – A Long-Awaited Return
After more than 10 years, we are thrilled to share that the visa for Venezuela is finally open again for U.S. and Canadian citizens. With this long-awaited development, we are excited to launch one of our most extraordinary journeys, offering you the rare chance to experience this untouched Caribbean paradise.
At the heart of this adventure, Angel Falls, the largest waterfall in the world, hidden deep within Canaima National Park and reached by dugout canoe through dramatic jungle landscapes. Along the way, you will navigate the remote waterways of the Orinoco Delta, encounter indigenous communities, and experience a side of the world few travelers ever see. The journey is perfectly rounded off with time in the pristine Los Roques archipelago, where crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches provide a stunning contrast to the wild interior.
For those seeking something even more unique, a 3-day extension to Catatumbo Lightning offers the chance to witness one of nature’s most powerful and mesmerizing phenomena.
Departure dates:
Dec 7 – 16, 2026
Feb 8 – 17, 2027
May 31 – June 9, 2027
Our December departure has already sold out from the waitlist before officially launching, and interest remains very strong. If Venezuela has been on your list, this is the moment to secure your place.
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Dear Travelers,
The most exciting time of the year is here—when Michigan and the Northernn States begin to thaw, temperatures rise, sunshine becomes the norm, and a sense of warmth fills both the air and our hearts.
After spending four unforgettable days this April in Northern Morocco with a wonderful group of 11 travelers, I was reminded once again why I never tire of returning to this extraordinary country. Morocco offers a full spectrum of pleasures: deeply welcoming people, unforgettable culinary experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and historic sites that truly move the soul.
This is a land where vivid colors, ancient traditions, and diverse cultures blend seamlessly—from the golden sands of the Sahara Desert to the breezy shores of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Influenced by Berber, Arab, and European heritage, Morocco’s identity is richly reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and way of life. In the north, Andalusian elegance meets Mediterranean charm, where walled medinas and winding alleys whisper stories of the past.
Northern Morocco, in particular, has a different rhythm. It feels calmer, slower, and less theatrical than cities like Marrakech. Our journey from Tangier to Tetouan proved that the most memorable travel moments often come not from checking off landmarks, but from unexpected encounters and small, meaningful experiences.
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Tangier – Where Two Continents Almost Touch
Perched at the northern tip of Morocco, Tangier gazes across the Strait of Gibraltar toward Spain. At its narrowest point, Europe lies just 14 kilometers away—close enough to be seen on a clear day—creating the striking illusion that the two continents are quietly reaching toward one another.
One of the most memorable highlights of this journey was visiting one of Spain’s enclaves on African soil. These territories—most notably Ceuta and Melilla—offer a fascinating window into a complex historical and geopolitical relationship. In addition to these two principal cities, Spain also maintains several smaller, largely uninhabited enclaves used for military and strategic purposes.
Arriving in Ceuta feels like stepping into Europe while still standing on African ground. Compact yet rich in history, the city is encircled by centuries-old fortifications and adorned with elegant architecture, all easily explored on foot. Its lively pedestrian streets—where families stroll and daily life unfolds with a distinctly European rhythm—stand in sharp contrast to the atmosphere of nearby Morocco.
Melilla, equally captivating, presents one of the world’s most unusual borders. A Spanish city on the African continent, it has remained under Spanish control since 1497—long before modern Spain took shape. When Morocco gained independence in 1956, Spain retained both Ceuta and Melilla, a situation that continues to carry political sensitivity today.
Beyond politics, Melilla reveals itself as a true cultural mosaic, home to Spanish, Berber, Jewish, and Muslim communities. Its architecture reflects this diversity, from Moorish influences to one of Spain’s most impressive concentrations of Art Deco design. At the same time, as part of the European Union, the city has become a focal point for migration, with its heavily fortified borders often drawing international attention.
These enclaves are far more than geopolitical curiosities—they are living expressions of layered histories, cultural intersections, and the ongoing dialogue between nations.
After nearly 20 years of working alongside our trusted guide Driss, our relationship has grown far beyond professional collaboration into a genuine friendship—adding yet another meaningful dimension to every journey.
The next journey to Northern Morocco and the Spanish Enclaves departs on April 6, 2027.
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Another tour ending soon is our Eastern Turkey which currently is being led by Dr. Barbara Porter. This journey through one of the Mediterranean’s most captivating regions, Eastern Turkey, is open and still available from Sep 23 to October 7, 2026. 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. 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.
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The Mosaic of the Balkans – A Grand Circle of Cultures
Another of our most intriguing and captivating journeys in September is our Balkans Grand Circle, an immersive exploration through seven countries in one remarkable itinerary. Our Mosaic of the Balkans tour (Sep 26 – Oct 12, 2026) reveals a rich tapestry of cultures, where diverse ethnic traditions, deep historical roots, and breathtaking natural landscapes come together in perfect harmony.
This fascinating corner of Europe invites you to uncover its lesser-explored gems: Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, each offering a distinctive blend of heritage and charm.
Along the shimmering Adriatic Sea, tranquil villages rest beside crystal-clear turquoise bays, while inland, dramatic mountain ranges shelter ancient Christian monasteries, centuries-old churches, serene lakes, and cascading waterfalls. The Balkans unfold as a living museum of history: wander through Roman ruins and medieval fortresses, immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of traditional bazaars, and admire Ottoman citadels, elegant mosques, and refined Austro-Hungarian architecture.
Many of these cultural and historical treasures have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, underscoring the region’s global significance.
Join us in uncovering the enduring beauty and compelling stories of the Balkans—where timeless landscapes, layered histories, and warm hospitality come together to create an unforgettable journey.
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We would like to remind you that a limited number of spaces remain on our Solar Eclipse in Egypt journey (July 29 – August 7, 2027), timed to coincide with this rare, once-in-a-lifetime celestial event on August 2.
To mark this extraordinary moment, we have chartered two intimate luxury yachts on the Nile River, offering our private group a truly unique vantage point from which to witness the eclipse. Over the course of a five-day sailing experience along this timeless river, guests will enjoy an unforgettable blend of comfort, exclusivity, and awe-inspiring natural spectacle.
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We are thrilled to share some hopeful news in our current world that is experiencing a few geo-political crises here and there: the Afghanistan and Pakistan conflict that caused some cross border violence for several weeks is hopefully on the verge of resolution. Though fragile, peace talks are happening between the two nations and adding to this great news, we just heard that starting April 2026 Afghanistan has begun offering eVisa applications online. The process is quite simple and relatively straightforward. We actually tested it with the 2 people we currently have who are on their way to Kabul this weekend to start their 2-week journey in that magnificent country and had no difficulties.
Our new programs include an extension to a very special UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Minaret of Jam. We also heard more great news that someone is already building a small inn at the nearby location to the Minaret which will allow our guests in the future to sleep there rather than endure very long driving days to go and come back from Herat and to Kabul.
As always, our tour will showcase the highlights of this fascinating land, the Valley of the Giant Buddhas of Bamiyan, the stunning turquoise lakes of Band-e Amir, the spiritual hub of Mazar-e-Sharif with its awe-inspiring Shrine of Imam Ali, the ancient city of Herat, and of course, Kabul, the heartbeat of the country.
But what truly sets this experience apart are the personal, unforgettable moments—whether it is sipping tea with locals, flying kites with children in remote villages, wandering through the vibrant bazaars, or simply connecting with the Afghan people who have long been known for their unparalleled hospitality. Don’t miss the chance to explore Afghanistan like never before.
Choose from one of our upcoming tours: Sep 27 - Oct 13, 2026 led by Ian Shearer who is also leading the March 30 to April 15, 2027 tour as well. Additionally we launched a May 24-June 09, 2027 tour to Afghanistan led by another marvelous lecturer: Miklos Sarkozy. We already have a few signed up on all three tours and they are guaranteed to go, so go ahead and send us your reservation form if you'd like to experience this region.
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As the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region has temporarily brought several of our programs to a pause, we are closely monitoring developments and hopeful for a de-escalation in the near future. Once conditions stabilize, we look forward to resuming and promoting the many destinations currently on hold due to safety considerations or disrupted flight schedules, including the Arabian Gulf, Oman, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, and Iraq.
We remain optimistic that a return to normalcy is on the horizon. Our fall tours are still on the books, and we fully intend to move forward with them as soon as the situation allows. We hope that our next newsletter, around Memorial Day, will mark a true celebration of reopening and the long-awaited return to these extraordinary journeys.
In the meantime, we'd like to invite you to take a different kind of journey with us -- inwards rather than across the globe. We have designed a unique and personalized travel recommendation engine which we hope can help you discover future journeys worthy of your time and attention. Using the link below, answer a few questions and we'll recommend a dozen or so destinations which we hope will match your interests. Give it a try and take your personalized journey here!
| | “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” — Mark Twain | | |
Spiekermann Travel LLC
18421 E. Nine Mile Rd.
Eastpointe, MI 48021
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