Diriyah, the original seat of the Saudi dynasty and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies northwest of central Riyadh. Founded in 1446 along the banks of Wadi Hanifah, its historic At-Turaif district is a remarkable collection of mud-brick ruins that was the nation's first capital. The area now functions as a vast cultural and heritage destination, where visitors can explore restored palaces, museums housed within original structures, and walk ancient streets. Beyond the core historical site, the development offers parks, traditional markets and seasonal events, creating a multifaceted glimpse into the kingdom's origins.

Take one of the 22 kilometres of self-guided walk trails around this gorgeous park with sand dunes and scenic sea views. A prolific quantity of wildlife, bush flowers, fruits and seeds are constantly changing here from season to season.

First held in 1991, the Qingdao International Beer Festival has grown into Asia’s largest beer event. Every August, starting on the second Sunday of the month, the festival kicks off and runs for 16 days in the city’s Shilaoren National Tourism Resort. This sprawling 35-hectare 'Beer City' is built specifically for the occasion, where beer lovers from all over the world come together. While you can always grab a Tsingtao Beer in Qingdao, nothing compares to the carnival buzz of the festival. Expect a fun mix of live music, international brews, and plenty of opportunities to sample the local favourite—Tsingtao Beer, of course. One quirky Qingdao tradition to note: fresh beer is often sold in plastic bags. So, don’t be surprised when you see people strolling the streets with a bag of beer in hand. It's all part of the fun.

The island's main port and capital, Chora is the hot-spot for shopping, dining, and cultural pursuits. With its scenic cascade of white houses which dot the Venetian hilltop castle, windmills, museums, and a plethora of photo-ready locations, this is the epicentre of life on Astypalaia.