Spice up your Europe stopover with luxe stays and amazing experiences, from skydiving over the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai to stall-hopping at Taipei’s night markets.
They say life is all about the journey – and what better way to take advantage of an across-the-world flight than making the most of the destinations en route?
With so many flight paths and potential stopovers, the options are endless: elevate your travel with a luxurious city break in vibrant Hong Kong, en route to the heritage-rich streets of France, or soak up the sun on the pristine beaches of Abu Dhabi before carving up the slopes of the Swiss Alps.
Whether you're a culture lover, devoted foodie or simply after unadulterated luxury, here's our pick of the best stopovers between Australia and Europe.
Ready to book your next Europe stopover stay? Browse our collection of hotel and flight packages here.
Dubai, UAE: legendary luxury and jaw-dropping architecture
Indulge in high-end luxury, admire futuristic towering cityscapes, and tantalise your taste buds with a stopover in the gilded Dubai Gulf. In this magnificent metropolis, even a short stopover offers big thrills: surf the desert dunes on a 4x4 adventure, or take in the city from a new perspective by skydiving over the Palm Jumeirah. The perfect base for your adventures is the Grand Hyatt Dubai, located in the heritage heart of the city. With complimentary shuttle service to the iconic La Mer Beach, and downtown Dubai and the striking Burj Khalifa just a quick jaunt away by metro, you'll be perfectly poised to make the most of your time in this sparkling city.
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Singapore: botanical wonders and hawker fare
From the moment you touch down, Singapore is in full bloom. From the fantastical Gardens by the Bay – home to one of the world's tallest indoor waterfalls and a host of otherworldly horticultural displays – to the lush rainforests of Sentosa Island, there is an oasis around every corner. With Singapore Airlines flying daily to destinations such as London, Paris and Amsterdam, a stayover in the Garden City is a no-brainer. Settle into the JEN Singapore Orchardgateway by Shangri-La, and head out to explore the city’s rich heritage at the National Museum, or eat your way through hawker stalls at Maxwell Food Centre.
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Hong Kong: cosmopolitan buzz and ancient temples
Qantas' ‘no extra cost’ stopovers offer the perfect opportunity to make a detour to electric Hong Kong, either before or after your grand European escape. With a stay at the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, you'll have the city at your fingertips. Situated on a luxury shopping high street in the heart of town, this waterfront retreat offers breathtaking views of the magnificent Victoria Harbour. Witness the city come to life during the spectacular 'A Symphony of Lights' show every evening and surprise the little ones with a magical day trip to Hong Kong Disneyland.
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Abu Dhabi: where rich tradition meets adventure
Abu Dhabi’s year-round summer is the ideal setting for lazy days by pristine beaches, but if you’re still nursing a European sunburn, spend a day appreciating art in the air-conditioned chill of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. In the afternoon, retreat to the Observation Deck at 300 inside Conrad at Etihad Towers and toast to a short but sweet stay in the Manhattan of the Middle East. Already endowed with deluxe cabins and luxury in-air amenities, Etihad's offering of a sun-kissed multi-day stopover in the UAE capital for no extra cost makes the airline difficult to resist.
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Taipei, Taiwan: skyscrapers and street markets
If you consider yourself a foodie, Taipei’s famous night markets make this city a must-visit destination. Indulge in the mouth-watering Star Fried Chicken schnitzel at Shilin Night Market or savour heavenly street food at any of the eleven other markets scattered across the city. A stay at the opulent Mandarin Oriental Taipei, located near the Xinyi Shopping District, puts you just moments away from the elevated shopping experience at Taipei 101 tower and the breathtaking Elephant Mountain hiking trail. And with China Airlines' premium business class offering fully flat seats and access to the 777 sky lounge, you can travel to this gastronomic city in deluxe comfort.
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Ready to book your next Europe stopover stay? Browse our collection of hotel and flight packages here.
Planning an Abu Dhabi detour? Check out Five Things to Do in Abu Dhabi on a Stopover.
