Constructed in the late 16th century, Charminar, or 'Four Minarets' is one of the most iconic landmarks of Hyderabad. It remains a central hub for cultural activities, with numerous markets and festivals organised in its vicinity.

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.

The Turning Torso is a neo-futurist skyscraper designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and built in 2005. At 190 metres, it was the tallest building in the Nordic region until September 2022, when it was surpassed by Karlatornet in Gothenburg, which is still under construction. The Turning Torso consists of nine cubes with a total of 54 floors, where winding from base to peak is 90 degrees. Today, the Turning Torso is a residential building with 147 apartments of various sizes, from one-bedroom studios of 45 square metres to threes bedroom flats of 190 square meters. During the summer you have the opportunity to visit its top floor.

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.