Travel the World with us

Dear traveler,

As we celebrate this special month, we want to take a moment to wish you a Valentine's Day filled with joy, love, and heartfelt connection. Whether you're surrounded by your cherished loved ones or embracing the beauty of self-care, we hope your day is filled with peace, warmth, and love. May your heart be blessed with happiness, your spirit with health, and your life with the comfort and support of those who matter most. Take this time to cherish the special people in your life, creating beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. Happy Valentine's Day! 💖

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of escorting a small group of travelers to the incredible destinations of South Sudan and Burundi. It was an unforgettable journey that turned out to be nothing short of spectacular. We had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and exhilarating adventures that these two remarkable countries offer. While much of our time in South Sudan was spent navigating some of the world’s most rugged, bumpy roads, the shared experience with such a wonderful group of people transformed those moments into some of the most fun and memorable of the trip.

Reflecting on January, I can’t help but feel immense pride in how successful the month turned out to be. We hosted nearly 60 guests across a variety of African tours, each one full of unique experiences and rich discoveries. As we look ahead, we’re already working hard at crafting 

Our 2026 tour kicks off with an unforgettable journey through the captivating West African countries of Ghana, Togo, and Benin. The recently completed 2025 tour was nothing short of extraordinary, and we are thrilled with the feedback from our group. These nations, steeped in rich history and brimming with vibrant cultural experiences, provided us with a truly immersive adventure.

A standout moment of the tour was attending the annual Voodoo Festival in Ouidah, Benin—a dynamic celebration of tradition, spirituality, and the intriguing world of Voodoo. The festival, filled with powerful rituals, lively music, and colorful processions, gave us an in-depth understanding of the profound cultural significance of Voodoo in the region. It was a truly eye-opening experience, leaving us with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for the diverse and rich heritage of West Africa.

Mark your calendars for Jan 07 - Jan 21, 2026, as we embark on this incredible journey once again. This tour will be led by our capable lecturer, Michel Behar!

Before we dive into 2026, I want to highlight a program that has truly flourished for us in recent years. Mozambique, Eswatini & Lesotho are often overlooked gems of Africa, each boasting stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and warm, welcoming people. Our one-week program in these remarkable countries was such a hit last year that we’re thrilled to offer it again this year with not one, but two additional departures, conveniently scheduled before and after our Angola tour: May 25 - June 02, 2025, & Jun 15 - June 23, 2025.

The May tour, led by the incredible Michel Behar, is nearly full with just one spot remaining, but don’t worry, there are still a few spaces available on the June tour for those eager to explore these hidden treasures of Africa.

We want to take a moment to highlight two extraordinary destinations that truly deserve repeated mention: Pakistan and Iran. These captivating countries are brimming with beauty, offering a unique blend of stunning art, architecture, and some of the most welcoming, hospitable people you will ever meet. Pakistan, our upcoming trip to the Northwestern frontier and the colorful Kalash Festival in May 09 - May 24, 2025, will be a once in a lifetime experience. Few destinations capture the love of our clients, as Pakistan does, in a way that lures them to visit it again and again. Therefore, if you have not been to this country yet, I strongly recommend you consider doing so now. This trip is also ideal for you in case you have been to Pakistan before but restricted your visit to the magical north with its mountain peaks or the colorful south with its shrines, mosques, markets and palaces. The Northwestern frontier and the Kalash Festival stand an unrivaled experience. Moreover, this tour will be the crowning finale of your exploration of this country. We still have a few spots open, and the visa is easily obtained electronically without sending your passport anywhere.

Iran in particular, is a hidden gem that should undoubtedly be on the bucket list of anyone who hasn’t yet experienced its wonders. After reopening to tourists on January 1st, 2022, Iran has once again become an accessible and incredibly rewarding destination. The upcoming tour, scheduled for Oct 13 - Nov 02, 2025, will be led by our tour leader and knowledgeable Nancy Weber, ensuring an unforgettable experience as you explore the rich history and vibrant culture of this incredible country.

Our highly anticipated inaugural tour of the Atlantic Ocean Islands—Madeira, the Canary Islands, and the Azores—is set to embark this June. This unforgettable journey also includes exciting post-trip extensions to the stunning islands of Cape Verde and São Tomé. With only a few spots left for this tropical island adventure, which is scheduled to take place from June 03 - June 20, 2025, now is the perfect time to secure your place. If you're interested in one of these final spots, we encourage you to reach out to us as soon as possible!

We cannot talk enough about Saudi Arabia—a land once shrouded in mystery for centuries, now unveiling its incredible treasures to the world. Under the visionary leadership of Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman (MBS), the Kingdom is embracing transformation and extending a warm welcome to international travelers. The once complicated visa process has been streamlined, making it easier than ever to explore the country's diverse and breathtaking offerings. From ancient rock carvings and colossal tombs to thriving medieval oasis villages, Saudi Arabia is a marvel of astonishing beauty. You will be mesmerized by prehistoric petroglyphs, explore grand historical sites, and indulge in the culinary delights that blend traditional and modern flavors. Amidst cutting-edge skyscrapers, travelers can immerse themselves in the vibrant pulse of Saudi life, from bustling markets to tranquil mosques.

Notable attractions like "Madain Saleh," often called the Petra of Arabia, highlight the country's deep historical significance. For the first time, visitors can experience areas previously closed to non-Muslims, including the revered Prophet's Mosque in Medina. This new openness marks an exciting chapter in Saudi Arabia's hospitality, inviting visitors to witness the majestic landscapes and rich cultural traditions of an evolving nation. Our upcoming tour, scheduled for Oct 22 - Nov 04, 2025, will be led by our expert tour lecturer and professor Miklos Sarkozy, who will provide invaluable insights into the history and culture of this extraordinary destination.

One of the tours we are particularly proud of right now is our Horn of Africa tour, which explores the fascinating regions of Eastern Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somaliland, and Eritrea. Our October 2024 tour was led by our new guide, Nahome, who expertly guided a group of six seasoned travelers through these captivating destinations. Then, in January 2025, the same tour was once again led by Nahome—this time with an added special touch: a few days immersed in the vibrant Timket Festival in Addis. The tour was another tremendous success, with guests raving about the experience.

Visa processes have become more straightforward, and our guides are incredibly passionate about leading this unique adventure. We are thrilled to announce our next Horn of Africa tour, scheduled for Oct 22 - Nov 07, 2025. This time, we are excited to have Historian Ian Shearer at the helm. Ian is perfectly suited to provide an in-depth look at the rich history and culture of the region. Many of you have had the pleasure of traveling with Ian before and have shared glowing feedback about his engaging personality, enthusiasm, extensive knowledge, and flawless efficiency.

We are excited to announce that our Libya tours for April and October are now officially sold out. However, we are pleased to let you know that spots are still available for our 2026 tours, offering you the chance to experience the captivating wonders of Libya. In addition, we are thrilled to offer a unique opportunity to explore Eastern Libya, an area rich in history and stunning landscapes. Visa arrangements for both tours are facilitated through our trusted agent in Tripoli, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for all travelers. Don’t miss out on these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities—reach out to us today to secure your spot and embark on an unforgettable adventure in one of the world’s most fascinating destinations." The dates for 2026 are Apr 22 - May 02, 2026 and Oct 30 - Nov 09, 2026.

In recent years, Egypt has undergone an extraordinary transformation, rapidly emerging as an economic powerhouse in the region under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. This remarkable progress has extended to the fields of antiquities and tourism, where the country is seeing unprecedented growth and revitalization. Neglected sites that had been forgotten for decades are now receiving much-needed attention, with infrastructure around them being completely revamped to enhance accessibility and visitor experience.

Restoration efforts have been underway on a wide range of monuments—Coptic, Islamic, and even Jewish—to return them to their original splendor. New museums are springing up across the country, each adding to the richness of Egypt’s cultural landscape. Most notably, we’ve just received exciting news that the highly anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is set to officially open in the first week of July 2025. This will be followed by a week-long series of grand celebrations and spectacular events, marking the dawn of a new era in Egyptian tourism.

"Exciting news! Our Egypt Solar Eclipse tour from Jul 29 - Aug 07, 2027 is rapidly filling up, and there are only 4 spots remaining! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles in one of the world’s most iconic destinations. If you’ve been considering joining us, now is the perfect time to secure your place. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable adventure, contact us today to reserve your spot before it’s too late!". Please note that there is a special Reservation Form for this trip that must be completed in order to secure your place. 

As many of you are already aware, the highly anticipated tour of Mali and Burkina Faso from Feb 06 - Feb 15, 2026 is completely sold out. However, we have exciting news! We are currently exploring the possibility of adding a second tour for those still on the waitlist. If you are interested in joining this additional iteration, which is likely to take place one year from now, we encourage you to reach out as soon as possible to secure your spot.

You can also Join our Niger tour, Feb 16 - Feb 23, 2026 that follows our Mali & Burkina Faso tour, a land where tribes and expansive vistas meet, offering a rare insight into life beneath the African sun. Led by the experienced Mohamed Halouani, this expedition takes you through a country shaped by ancient Saharan trade routes, which have seamlessly blended Arab and African traditions. Niger is home to many ethnic groups, including the nomadic Tuareg and Fulani tribes. In Niamey, the vibrant capital and largest city, explore bustling open-air markets where you can observe the Tuareg, Sonuri, and Fulani tribes engaging in the lively trade of colorful fruits and vegetables. A visit to the Niger National Museum, one of West Africa’s finest, allows you to immerse yourself in a rich collection of cultural, ethnological, and archaeological artifacts, alongside traditional dwellings that showcase the region's diverse heritage. Discover the grandeur of the Grand Mosque, offering panoramic views of the city from the top of its soaring minaret.

Travel to Kouré, where you can witness the last herds of an endemic giraffe subspecies unique to West Africa. Glide down the Niger River aboard a stylish pinnace, keeping an eye out for hippos while drifting past traditional pottery villages that line the riverbanks. In Agadez, a 15th-century market town that flourished as a vital trading post during the trans-Saharan caravan routes, you’ll experience one of Niger’s most iconic Tuareg cities. Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic city center, home to striking mud-brick architecture, including the towering 88.5-foot-high minaret. Explore the labyrinthine streets and embrace the allure of this ancient city where history and tradition converge.

This news may come as a surprise, but I’m thrilled to announce a very special program centered around my hometown of DETROIT over Labor Day weekend in 2026 — strategically timed to celebrate the 35th anniversary of my company! We’re planning an unforgettable four- to five-day experience filled with exciting activities, including visits to many of this city’s stunning landmarks and hidden gems. Detroit is a city brimming with rich culture, history, architecture, music, art, sports, and incredible dining options. We can’t wait to share all of it with you.

To make this experience even more extraordinary, I will be inviting some of our top guides and expert lecturers from around the world to join us for this special weekend. So, be sure to mark your calendars now — we’d love to reunite with as many of our amazing followers as possible. It’s our way of showing gratitude for your loyalty over the years.

Stay tuned - we will be sharing more details about the program this summer!

"We had the incredible opportunity to watch Iman’s insightful talk on Cairo’s UNESCO World Heritage site, Historic Cairo. She took us on a fascinating journey through the city’s medieval urban layout, discussed the early preservation efforts that helped protect its timeless beauty, and highlighted the challenges it faces in modern times. We would love to share the video with you, so you can experience this enlightening presentation firsthand."

https://nyu.zoom.us/rec/share/4ajhW7cO4f4mBerg1Efwzmeh6KmFMB6aISDDmwKQDhVT5kIIt8zHXte8tJDN2m0Q.WMCFnmY6Y0c2XSyq

We have too many amazing adventures to offer you, which cannot all be listed here, in our newsletter and hence we invite you to revisit our 2025-2026 Catalogue and let us know where you would like to go next. 

We would like to encourage you to give us a hand by posting your “positive” reviews on GOOGLE Reviews. Reviews help us tremendously in our efforts to grow our community of new travelers and those wishing to seek an adventure. By emphasizing confidence in our services and our products, your positive reviews are our best asset in opening the minds of new people planning to do business with us.  

Don’t forget to also share our Facebook page with your friends who may be as adventurous travelers as you are:

https://www.facebook.com/SpiekermannTravel/

Sincerely,

Ihab Zaki, Managing Director

and Spiekermann Travel Team