Located in southern Iraq, the cities of Karbala and Najaf are among the holiest sites for Shia Muslims worldwide. Karbala lies approximately 114 kilometres south of Baghdad, while Najaf is around 177 kilometres away, offering a day trip opportunity to the beating heart of Shia Islam. Karbala's golden-domed shrine marks the resting place of Imam Husayn, Prophet Muhammad's martyred grandson, while Najaf's magnificent mosque entombs Imam Ali, the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law. The 80-kilometre pilgrimage route between the cities sees millions of faithful muslims annually retracing Imam Husayn's final journey in a procession. Walking this path represents both spiritual renewal and solidarity with Husayn's stand against oppression.

Mount Tallac is a challenging hike perfect for seasoned adventurers. Spanning 9.5 miles round trip, the trail ascends to Lake Tahoe's tallest peak at an elevation of 9,735 feet. As you make your way to the summit, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas, including stunning views of the lake, rugged ridges, lush meadows, and alpine lakes. The trail can be steep and rocky, so proper footwear is essential. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as the trek can take several hours to complete. Early morning hikes are recommended to avoid the afternoon heat and enjoy a quieter experience.

The Museum of Modern Art Vittoria Colonna is a small museum with a wide range of works by Italian and international artists. They have a permanent collection with paintings by Miró, Cascella, Michetti and Picasso, among others.

Samarra is a small yet historically rich city located approximately 125 kilometres north of Baghdad. Founded in 836 AD by the Abbasid Caliph al-Mu'tasim, it holds deep significance for Sunni Muslims and features some of Iraq's most iconic Islamic architecture. The easiest way to visit Samarra is on a day trip from Baghdad. Head to the Alawi garage to catch a shared taxi or minivan. A one-way journey in a minivan costs around 10,000 Iraqi dinars. Shared taxis are slightly more expensive but offer a faster and more comfortable ride. Samarra’s most famous landmark is the spiral minaret of the Great Mosque, which was once among the largest mosques in the world. The minaret stands at 52 metres and features a distinctive spiral ramp that winds its way to the top. Climbing the minaret is not always allowed and it is unclear when it's possible to climb it and when it's not. There's also another similar minaret nearby called the Abu Dulaf Minaret, located 28 kilometres from the Great Mosque. Samarra is also home to the Askariyya Shrine, an important site that is sacred to Shia Muslims due to the tombs of the tenth and eleventh Imams. Non-Muslim visitors are allowed inside, but modest dress, respectful behaviour, and compliance with local customs are expected. Due to the shrine’s religious importance, security is very tight and includes several checkpoints. As a predominantly Sunni city in a complex religious landscape, Samarra maintains strict security protocols, particularly for foreigners. If you're not part of an organised tour, expect to be the only foreigner on the journey. This may result in added scrutiny at checkpoints, including detailed passport checks and questions about your travel plans.