The now privately-owned Bird Island is the archipelago's northernmost, tellingly named after its incredible population of birds. The Bird Island Lodge provides eco-friendly accommodation and delicious meals, and further pursuits include snorkelling, dolphin-watching, and meeting the island's largest inhabitant - the 300kg tortoise Esmeralda.

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.

Guaranteed to get the whole family away from their screens, Chill Factore is the perfect real snow activity for all the family. Prepare for bumps of the Downhill Donuts, the twists and turns of the Luge Slip ‘n’ Slide, and the Snow Luge. What’s a fun day out without a bit of family competition? Choose your favourite sledge and race to see who’s king and queen of the slope!

Victory Arch or The Swords of Qadisiyyah, also known as the Hands of Victory, is one of Baghdad’s more striking monuments. It features two colossal statues of hands holding crossed swords that arch above the road. Erected during Saddam Hussein’s regime, it reflects the era’s characteristic style of monumental propaganda.