The Red Sand Dunes around Riyadh present a dramatic landscape for desert exploration. Numerous operators run excursions to this area, typically including transport from the city. The core experience often involves dune bashing in a 4x4 vehicle, followed by more hands-on activities such as riding a quad bike over the sandy slopes. For a more traditional pace, a camel ride offers a different perspective on the vast terrain. These guided tours simplify the logistics, providing equipment and refreshments for a seamless adventure into the striking desert environment.

The Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a unique blend of nature and adventure. This intertidal zone, stretching across the North Sea coast, is a haven of biodiversity and natural beauty. Traverse its mudflats for a memorable experience, or explore the pristine darkness of a Dark Sky Park. Savour local flavours with fresh seafood and regional delicacies. For wildlife enthusiasts, the 'big five' of the Wadden Sea: seals, grey seals, white-tailed eagles, porpoises and European sturgeon, are a sight to behold. Birdwatchers can revel in a diverse array of species along the Uithuizerwad dyke.

Ushaiqer Heritage Village, located approximately 200 kilometres northwest of Riyadh, offers a journey into the architectural and cultural history of the Najd region. This labyrinthine settlement of ochre-coloured mud-brick houses, some dating back centuries, was once a vital stop for pilgrims. Its narrow, shaded alleys wind between traditional dwellings, many featuring distinctive triangular windows and carved wooden doors. While some buildings have been restored, others stand in a state of arrested decay, creating an atmospheric exploration of a bygone era. The site also includes a small museum displaying local artefacts, providing context to the evocative surroundings.

If you have your thoughts on a day trip, this is the perfect one. The medieval market town of Uzès is a treasure. Taken a round trip from Nîmes, including the Pont du Gard (just 20km away), and find yourself wander around antique shops and sit in shady squares sipping coffee. Make sure to see the old ducal castle and the Tour Fenestrelle, a local equivalent of Pisa’s Leaning Tower.