Best Stopover Cities

HONG KONG

This World City is an intense, at times almost overwhelming, experience and the perfect introduction to Far Eastern destinations. Orient yourself with incredible city views by taking the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak. The harbour and city views from the Star Ferry ride across to Kowloon are equally magnificent. Then plunge in to the maelstrom of street markets, food stalls, and historic sites. For a sense of serenity amidst the mayhem, visit the Chi Lin Nunnery and nearby Nan Lian Garden.

REYKJAVIK

Break up your transatlantic trip to Europe with a stop in Reykjavík, Iceland – one of the most captivating capitals of the world. Reykjavik is just 40 minutes from the airport and, once there, it’s eminently walkable. See the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, the waterfront Harpa Concert Hall, the Icelandic parliament and Tjörnin lake. Leave time for a soak in the world-famous Blue Lagoon too.

DUBAI

If your long-distance flight takes you through Dubai, plan a day or two to stopover here and explore. Futuristic Dubai includes The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building; the Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping malls; the glittering 3.2-kilometre-long Dubai Water Canal; and the remarkable artificial island of Palm Jumeirah. To experience traditional Dubai, take a cultural trip into the desert to meet Bedouin people. Here you can enjoy their gracious hospitality and perhaps learn about falconry and the importance of camels to life in the desert.

ZÜRICH

As one of the most centrally positioned major airports in Europe, a layover in Zürich is a natural break. It’s just a few minutes from the airport to the city centre by the efficient Swiss train service. Look for walking tours through the picturesque Old Town. Don’t miss the coffee and chocolate shops and a stroll along the Lake Zürich promenades. With more time, you can take a ferry ride on the lake, a trip up the neighbouring summit of Uetliberg and, of course, sample Swiss cuisine such as fondue.

SINGAPORE

While Singapore is often not the Far East traveller’s final objective, its airport, Changi, still consistently ranks as the best in the world. This city state is an exotic cultural mix of Asian peoples. To sample this heady brew, head to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, the peaceful Lian Shan Shuang Lin Buddhist monastery, the colourful Sri Mariamman Hindu temple and the huge Sultan Mosque. All this contrasts wonderfully with the ultra-modern Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, floating 200 metres above the city.