Spiekermann Travel Service

12/17/2023

Happy Hanukkah to
All my friends around the world .. agents , guides, lecturers and clients … May the blessings of the season fill you with joy and prosperity

10/05/2023

What an achievement : finally being in Libya 🇱🇾after years of hurdles and obstacles 😎
Libya and its magical sites amazed my travelers and the few days here are going to be eternally memorable after the adventure to make it into Tripoli.
12 people who have been dreaming to make this journey in their lifetime are now over the clouds .. and three of them fulfilled a dream and a goal of finishing the 195 countries of the world -:) what a joy to help them Reach their milestone and I
Am Proud to say that spiekermann travel helped a record number of 22 people achieve that goal so far🏆 👏

09/03/2023

I loved Balkh a lot when I saw it ten years ago and can’t wait to revisit again in November 🏝️🙏🏻

08/02/2023

As we find ourselves in the midst of summer, we are thrilled to share the latest updates from the world of travel with you.https://conta.cc/45dWvLd

07/26/2023

Imagine embarking on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting lands of Northern Greece, Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Romania. This diverse and captivating region offers an unparalleled mix of history, natural beauty, and vibrant cultures. It is not too late to join, check the link for the detailed itinerary https://www.mideasttrvl.com/n-greece-macedonia-romania-bulgaria-sep23

07/03/2023

Happy 4th of July!
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06/30/2023

Join us on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant tapestry of Morocco and the Spanish Enclaves! From the bustling medinas to the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert, we're set to immerse ourselves in the captivating beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality of this North African gem. Get ready to wander through labyrinthine souks, savor aromatic spices, ride camels at sunset, and indulge in the rhythmic beats of traditional music. Together, let's create lifelong memories and share the magic of Morocco with our wanderlust souls! Visit the link in the description for more information.

MOROCCO & WESTERN SAHARA

06/27/2023

Spiekermann travel would like to wish all our Muslim friends, agents, guides and clients around the world a blessed Eid full of health and happiness.
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06/22/2023

Guess where this picture was taken. Comment down below!

It’s from Lahore Pakistan. The Badshahi Mosque is an iconic Mughal-era congregational mosque in Lahore. The mosque is located west of Lahore Fort along the outskirts of the Walled City of Lahore, and is widely considered one of Lahore's most iconic landmarks. The Badshahi Mosque was built between 1671 and 1673 and by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The mosque is an important example of Mughal architecture, with an exterior that is decorated with carved red sandstone with marble inlay. We have a few trips planned for Pakistan Next year, visit the link down below for more information on the trips.
https://buff.ly/3CGp7kj
https://buff.ly/42WwNJV
https://buff.ly/3XtCFJp

06/19/2023

Spiekermann Recently sent a group to Afghanistan. They visited the city of Herat, once a great medieval center of Islamic learning and culture. They explored the legendary mountain caves of Bamyan and the spectacular lakes of Band-e-Amir. Tour the historical town of Mazar-i-Sharif, famous for its blue-tiled mosques. We want to give a special thank you to Sherri Donovan for providing the photos! We have more trips headed for Afghanistan visit the links down below if you are interested in seeing this fantastic destination.
https://buff.ly/444gV99
https://buff.ly/43KEzrf
https://buff.ly/3XgZWOP

06/15/2023

Embarking on an epic adventure through the enchanting lands of Northern Greece, Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Romania! From ancient ruins to breathtaking landscapes, join us as we delve into the rich history, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable experiences. Come along as we uncover hidden gems, indulge in delicious cuisines, and embrace the beauty of these countries. Get ready for a journey of a lifetime! Visit the link down below to book your trip

https://buff.ly/3Jg1SRK

06/12/2023

On a beautiful Sunday, Spiekermann Travel invites 18 of our travelers in the greater DC area for a special dinner at a Georgian restaurant. We spent three joyful hours parting and talking about so many adventures, and it was amazing to see so many people who turned out they knew each other and travelers together and also see newly forged friendships amongst such an exciting bunch of people -:) I wish I can visit so many cities and invite our good clients for dinner to thank them for their devotion and loyalty personally -:)

06/09/2023

Traveling to Ethiopia is an experience unlike any other. It imparts the thrill of discovery and offers the intrepid spirit something enthralling and unique. It is a country where religion plays a prominent role, and celebrating holy days is a way of life. Ethiopia is truly a land of contrasts and extremes, remote and wild places. It is a land where ancient historical traditions and rituals have been preserved. One of these ceremonies is Timket, or the feast of the Epiphany, arguably the most colorful festival in Africa. Visit the link down below for more details on this incredible trip.

https://buff.ly/3CkXexX

06/06/2023

The Trip to Syria got a lot of positive feedback; here’s what though about it:

I have been doing handstands for the last 58 years of my life as my signature greeting in every unique place I’ve been. This has included both Geographic Poles, 18 of the tallest buildings, rivers, canals, deserts, mountains, ancient ruins, atop of the great pyramid and many others. It also included all the countries of the world except SYRIA. Although I tried for the last 5 years, Syria remained the only sovereign state I was not able to enter. Until I found Spiekermann Travel in 2020. And then COVID-19 shut down that planned trip in March, 2020. Finally! my quest was realized this week when Syria opened up to Americans again via Spiekermann Travel. At 75 years old, I did my handstands in Syria in spite of the arthritis, cancer three times, torn rotator cuff and dislocated shoulders, and worn out back. Just in time, I think. So, there were three of us and our superb Syrian/American guide, Ghiath. He got us into Syria by van from Lebanon and drove through some 58 check points over about 800 miles all over the Syrian part of the Fertile Crescent. We stopped to explore some 25 points of interest. Syria is part of the cradle of civilization, dating back as far as you like in recorded history and before. We saw the ancient Roman and even older ruins in Palmira, Apamea, Ebla, Aleppo, Damascus, and others along the way. We visited very old Christian and byzantine churches and convents, citadels, Roman baths, viaducts & water wheels, mosques, tombs, catacombs, and more. On one side of the relatively modern roadways would be totally destroyed building from the last decade of war; on the other side the main cities had been defended and were intact. The country was still struggling to recover from war and sanctions but the people were extremely helpful and happy to see us. They were busy and productive and some newly renovated restaurants and hotels were doing impressively well. The variety of foods were local and served with panache. Outstanding. The bazaars in Damascus and Aleppo were very busy with local folks and we tourists were welcomed in all the shops. Everything was inexpensive, but you had to use Syrian Lira, which we had to get in small quantities from our guide. If I had more Syrian lira, I would have bought lots more of textiles, perfumes, artifacts, and foods to take home. I did buy a replica of the Damascus Sword that didn’t fit in to my suitcase, but the hotel packed it so I checked it for free separately. In summary, Spiekermann Travel enabled me to complete my life-long quest to do handstands in every country, before I am physically unable to see the world upside down. In addition, the tour they arranged was so spectacular that now Syria is one of the most memorable countries I have ever seen. And now, I’ve seen them all.

We still have spots on our October 2023 trips while April 2024 is already sold out so those who have not yet experienced this amazing country Visit the link down below
https://buff.ly/3OTtNKV

06/02/2023

Recently we had a group travel to Syria. They visited several cities like Damascus, Palmyra, and Hama. They saw several sites around the country, from the East Gate from Roman times down the street from their hotel, the waterwheel in Hama, and the Archeological ruins and theater at Palmyra. Thank you, Tamara, for supplying the photos. If you are interested in visiting Syria yourself, we have a trip planned.

05/31/2023

The Horn of Africa should be on the bucket list of any adventure traveler. There are always various corners to explore in Somaliland, Djibouti, or Ertria, from the caves with drawings from 1500 years ago. Get to swim with whale sharks. Explore cities that most Westerners never get to see. Visit the link down below

https://www.mideasttrvl.com/horn-of-africa-jan24

05/27/2023

Spiekermann recently had a group in the mesmerizing beauty of Zimbabwe and Malawi! These two African gems have stolen our hearts. Join us as we explore the vibrant cultures, encounter incredible wildlife, and soak in the breathtaking landscapes and historical sites that make these countries magical. This trip is an unforgettable journey through the heart of Africa! We only have ONE spot left. Visit the link in the description to get the opportunity to these countries.

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05/26/2023

Remembering those who served. Happy Memorial Day!
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05/25/2023

Spiekermann is happy to celebrate Africa Day 2023🌍. The theme for this year is 'Our Africa, Our Future.' This is the 60th anniversary. The end of World War II saw exceeding efforts from Africans over the process of decolonization of the African continent for more political rights and independence from colonial rule; thus, between 1945 and 1965, a significant number of African countries gained independence from European colonial powers, Africa Day is a day to celebrate the rich history and cultural diversity of Africa, as well as to reaffirm the commitment to African unity and development. We cover many African countries; if you are interested in visiting any of them, visit the link in the description.

05/23/2023

Spiekermann has a lot of incredible destinations we help people get to. One of the areas that most travelers don’t consider traveling to is Central Africa. Gabon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic are some countries with impressive natural scenery, impressive art, and sites most people never get to see. This trip also includes an extension to Sao Tome and Equatorial Guinea. There are only two spots left for this trip. Visit the link in the description for more details.

https://www.mideasttrvl.com/gabon-drc-congo-carfeb24

05/19/2023

Judy Chovan recently took a trip to Iraq with us. This is what she had to say about her expirence:

“The staff at Spiekermann Travel arranged an extraordinary private tour of Iraq for myself and a friend. We had a guide and driver and visited the archaeological and historic sites from Basra to Mosul driving north along Tigris and Euphrates Rivers – the Cradle of Civilization. We visitedUNESCO World Heritage Sites including the ancient ruins of Ur, Bablyon, and Samarra and ateach an archaeologist was hired to provide site specific, detailed information as to the history, research and preservation work that was going on. We also visited religious sites such as the Shrine of Imam Ali in Najaf, the Great Mosque of al-Nuri in Mosul and Umm A-Qura Mosque in Baghdad. In addition, we visited bustling bazaars, towering monuments, and museums rich in artifacts. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and conscious of our interests and needs. He unflappably managed to guide us through the numerous security checkpoints and was flexible to deal with changes, usually additions, to our itinerary that we wanted to see. The driver safely
saw us to each of our destinations. I encourage everyone to visit this amazing country with its 6,000 years of history and I cannot recommend highly enough the staff at Spiekermann Travel, specifically Amy, and the work they did to provide this rich experience.”

Have you have a positive experience with us too? Send us a positive review and we will feauture you too.

05/17/2023

Papua New Guinean art has a long, rich, diverse tradition. In particular, it is world-famous for carved wooden sculptures: masks, canoes, and storyboards. Papua New Guinea also has a wide variety of clay, stone, bone, animal, and natural die art. One of the primary areas where locals express their beliefs through wood carvings is the East Sepik Province. East Sepik Province is home to some of the most untouched villages in the region. This is one of July's many stops on our Papua New Guinea Trip. For more information on other stops and trip details, visit the link.

https://www.mideasttrvl.com/papua-new-guinea-jul23

05/15/2023

The Ivory Coast of Africa is an exhilarating and eccentric part of Africa’s West Coast. Full of incredible art pieces and cultural wonders. Home to some of the greatest mask dancers in the world, the country is known for it is not only its masks, but sculptures as well. A land of fascinating culture heritage Discover villages that have had little interaction with foreign visitors. This trip is an exceptional program for those looking to dive deep into African culture. Visit the link down below for more details.

https://buff.ly/3IaCNHa

05/14/2023

From all of us here at Spiekermann Travel we want to wish you a happy Mother’s Day to you and your family.

05/11/2023

Currently, Spiekermann has a trip on the ground in Algeria. They have visited several historical sites while in the country. Some of these include the Cistern and aqueduct from Hadrian 134 BCE. They saw the Temple of Mithras, baths, forums, and cisterns. The site of Tanit; Tanit was an ancient Carthaginian goddess. She was the goddess of fertility and motherhood, the chief goddess of Carthage, a prominent city in the ancient Mediterranean, and the Mosque of Emir Abdelkader and the beautiful Opera House. The trip is led by renowned historian Mr. Mohamed Halouani, who has led multiple archaeological and cultural trips for several prominent organizations.

Thank you, Josh Katzman, for supplying the photos.

05/08/2023

These are some highlights from West Africa’s Atlantic Coast . Home to a variety of landscapes – from beaches and inland lagoons and along savannas and grassy plains to dense tropical forests and lush green mountains. Between Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea Conakry , and Guinea Bissau we have several sites of historical significance to the region and exciting stops for our trip there in January and February of 2024. Visit the link in the description below to book your trip to this incredible part of Africa. Remember that you can also add The Gambia and Senegal as an extension after this tour.
https://buff.ly/3HlfHgO

05/05/2023

This is just a tiny bit of what Ihab could see when he was in Libya. The trip was full of beautiful sites in glittering cities and vast deserts. The main highlight of the trip for him was Leptis Magna. Situated on the Mediterranean overlooking its clear blue waters, Leptis Magna was once the terminus of a trade route to sub-Saharan Africa, one of about 600 colonial settlements on the coast of North Africa that fed the empire's talent pool. By 200, one-third of the senators in Rome were from North Africa, and a native son of Leptis Magna, Septimus Severus, was proclaimed emperor. The partly reconstructed arch near the site's entrance was built to commemorate his visit home in 203 BC. Even if it’s been many years since Ihab has visited Libya, he’s incredibly excited to go back. Did you have fun on one of our trips? Let us know! We would love to feature you.

Only one spot left for our trip to Libya in October. Visit the link down below to claim them and visit for yourself. Hurry before those spots are gone.

https://buff.ly/3MMzfht

05/03/2023

Can you guess where this picture was taken (Leave your guess down in the comments down below)
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If you guessed Chefchauoen Morocco, you would be correct. The city is full of straights and alleyways painted in various hues of blue. When Spain colonized Morocco in the 1920s, blue paint became common. The most popular theory is that after WWII, when the Jewish community in the area grew as people fled N**i persecution, blue was painted on the walls, floors, and steps as a religious practice to represent the color of the sky and connect the city to heaven and God. Other theories say that the walls were painted to keep mosquitos away or reduce heat in the summer. If you want to see this beautiful part of the world, click the link below to schedule a tour with us today!
https://buff.ly/3AvPvMG

05/01/2023

Journey with us to Paupa New Guniea. Enjoy exclusive cultural experiences and stunning natural beauty on this adventurous exploration of a little-visited land. The area is full of mountains, jungles, and wetlands, which has helped preserve the wide variety of languages and cultures integral to the nation's fabric. It is also the home of one of the nation's most famous groups of indigenous people- the "Huli Wigmen." We have a trip heading there in July; if you are interested in that trip this year or next year visit the link down below.

https://buff.ly/425yoNA
https://buff.ly/3oW2DIu

04/28/2023

Right now, Spiekermann Travel has a group traveling in Iran. They have visited several sites in Tehran. Some of which were Golestan Palace - a masterpiece of the Qajar era and a UNESCO site. The National Archaeological Museum, as well as the Glass and Ceramics Museum. They also visited Anzali and got to see the beauty of the Caspian Sea on the route to Tabriz. Renowned historian Miklós Sárközy is leading the trip. Above is Marina and Earl Buckley on the ground after first arriving. We have another trip planned for Iran in October. You can visit the link down below to reserve your spot today!

https://buff.ly/3Haxx6e

04/26/2023

Here is a repost from one of our friends Judy Chovan

In order to wrap up my travelog, sadly I have to combine all of the sights and activities of Lahore into one post. The Taj Mahal is one of the most recognized buildings in the world. It’s builder, the Mogul Emperor, Shah Jahan, also built a palace, mosque, fort, hammams (baths), and the Shalamar gardens in Lahore. Like the Taj Mahal, these are all decorated with marble inlaid with precious stones in floral patterns, elephants, angels, and scenes of polo matches. We were accompanied during our visit by one of the conservators (and artist), Fakhar. The Aga Khan Foundation is funding the restoration of these UNESCO world heritage sites along with a myriad of other projects in the Islamic world.

Our days touring historical sites were followed by the excitement of attending the Pakistan/New Zealand T20 cricket match (we lost) and the Wagah border closing ceremony. Kat Talley-Jones has a great video of the ceremony on her FB page. The excitement in the air was palpable. The movements by the soldiers of both countries were highly choreographed and included intricate high kicking steps (ala Monty Python), a mustache twirling gesture ala Snidely Whiplash, and one arm flip that has to be the universal gesture of FU. Due to Ramazan, the Pakistan seats were not as full as the Indian bleachers but we made up for it in enthusiasm. Google a video of the ceremony if you’ve not seen it. The best time!

All of the images and content you can find on Judy’s page. Thank you for such a beautiful post on Pakistan!

04/24/2023

These are some highlight photographs from one of our last trips to Ghana, Togo, and Benin. This part of Africa is bursting with culture and gorgeous landscapes, from its bustling bazaars and eccentric wood carvings to the lush jungles full of wildlife. There are many sites to see while you are there, and we have a trip planned for January 2024. Visit the link down below or our website to book a trip today!
https://buff.ly/3L4HJxV

04/19/2023

Can you guess where this picture was taken (Leave your guess in the comments down below)
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If you guessed Doha Qatar, you would be right. On one of our last trips to Qatar, our group visited the Islamic Center for Art. An incredible architectural masterpiece outside. On the inside, it is full of Islamic patterns, jewelry, and textiles from three continents, making up its vast collection, with some items dating from the 7th to 19th century. We have a trip planned to Qatar and some other Gulf States. Visit the link below to book your trip today.
https://buff.ly/3mMAzXb

04/17/2023

For the last 12 years, Libya has been a difficult lace to send people to. However, they have started recently allowing people to visit this beautiful country. From the stunning views of the sea to the vast desert, rich history, and countless activities within the cities, Libya truly is a hidden gem in North Africa. We are all ready for our trip in May, but we still have a few spots available for our travels in September and October. Visit the links below to book your trip to Libya today before the spots are gone.

https://buff.ly/3A34OfB
https://buff.ly/3omsBEN
https://buff.ly/3MMzfht

04/07/2023

Wishing you and your family a Happy Easter!
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03/22/2023

Ramadan Kareem, wishing that these days be filled with a lot of peace, happiness and Blessings.
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02/19/2023

It’s been a totally unexpected adventure -:) I thought Yemen does not have those intense WOW places but was just a nice country with kind and smiley generous people but have I been so wrong🙃 Our group of 8 marvelous and fun has been exploring day after day some stunning villages and seeing amazing architecture (which is unique in the world of course ) and we have a local DREAM team of guides, drivers, cooks and even security guards … this stunning region must be on everyone’s bucket list for sure 👌

12/25/2022

Wishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas!
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12/07/2022

It was a beautiful event with our staff and some of our dear tour managers and leaders celebrating Xmas after a 3 years hiatus .. I wish we could have all our dear clients too with us 🎅🏼🌲🍹