Visit Basra

Visit Mosul, a historic city in northern Iraq. Explore the ancient ruins of Nineveh (one of the oldest cities in the world, with archaeological sites dating back to 6000 BCE), see the Al-Nuri Mosque (famous for its leaning minaret and reconstruction after conflict), and walk through the old city markets (bustling with traditional crafts and local goods).

One of the oldest continuously inhabited sites.

The cultural capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, the Amna Suraka prison museum and the Zagros mountains.

The golden shrine of Imam Ali and Wadi al-Salam, the largest cemetery in the world.

Visit Baghdad, capital of Iraq. Explore the historic Al-Mustansiriya University (one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in 1227), see the Abbasid-era Al-Kadhimiya Mosque (a major Shia shrine with intricate tilework), stroll through the bustling Al-Mutanabbi Street (famous for its book markets and cultural heritage), and visit the National Museum of Iraq (home to artifacts from ancient Mesopotamia, including the Code of Hammurabi).

Visit Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands. Cruise the UNESCO-listed canal ring (17th-century waterways with over 1,500 bridges), see masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum, explore the Anne Frank House (historic hiding place during WWII), and wander the Jordaan district (picturesque streets with cafes and boutiques).

Visit Barcelona, capital of Catalonia in Spain. See the Sagrada Familia (Antoni Gaudí's unfinished basilica with intricate facades and towering spires), stroll down La Rambla (tree-lined pedestrian street with street performers and La Boqueria market), explore Park Güel (Gaudí's whimsical public park with mosaic-covered structures and city views), and admire the Gothic Quarter (medieval streets with the Barcelona Cathedral and Roman ruins).

Visit Bangkok, capital of Thailand. Explore the Grand Palace (home of the Emerald Buddha and intricate Thai architecture), take a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River (passing temples and local life), shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market (one of the world's largest markets with over 15,000 stalls), and sample street food like pad thai and mango sticky rice at Yaowarat (Chinatown's vibrant food scene).