Our Top Holiday Inspirations

Destinations

Holiday Styles

Airplane Wing with Mountains

The Best Flights with a Stopover in Europe

Author Image

By Siobhan Blest


Europe’s cities are not only perfect for long weekends away and leisurely city breaks, but they also make exceptional stopovers. Vibrant and full of culture and life, these destinations break up your journey in style, offering a mini adventure with great food, iconic sights, and local charm around every corner. With a wide selection of reputable airlines and exciting routes to choose from, it’s easy to build the holiday of your dreams - making the journey just as memorable as the destination.

Read on to discover some of our top Europe stopovers to elevate your next adventure.

Istanbul

One of the world’s leading global carriers, Turkish Airlines offers passengers a rich and memorable travel experience, combining warm hospitality with award-winning onboard dining inspired by Turkish flavours.


A proud member of the Star Alliance, Turkish Airlines flies to more countries than any other airline, serving an expansive global network of destinations. Those eligible for lounge access will not be disappointed - the airline’s impressive, spacious lounge ensures that connecting through Istanbul is always a pleasure.


Passengers flying on Turkish Airlines can benefit from a stopover in vibrant Istanbul for no additional increase in airfare. In fact, including a stopover in Istanbul can even offer a saving. 


Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul is home to a unique blend of cultures and historic landmarks. Stand in awe before the breathtaking beauty of Hagia Sophia, haggle for souvenirs in some of the world’s oldest bazaars, or take a sunset cruise along the Bosphorus, where continents divide. Istanbul is sure to kickstart your adventure.


Best for combining with: Most major destinations in Africa, Central Asia, South East Asia and the Far East


 

Great panoramic view of Istanbul from high terrace decorated traditional colourful ornamental pillows

Reykjavik

Renowned for its transatlantic routes and warm Nordic hospitality, Icelandair offers passengers a comfortable and seamless travel experience between Europe and North America.


With a well-established network across both continents, Icelandair makes it easy to explore multiple destinations, while its modern fleet ensures a smooth and efficient journey.


Passengers can enjoy a stopover in Reykjavík, Iceland’s compact and vibrant capital, without additional airfare.


Serving as the gateway to some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, Reykjavik offers access to dramatic volcanic landscapes, powerful waterfalls, geysers, and glaciers. Whether chasing the Northern Lights or relaxing in geothermal lagoons, a stopover here adds a truly unique escape.


Best for combining with:  Destinations in North America including New York, Boston, Orlando, Nashville and Vancouver


 

People bathing in Iceland's the Blue lagoon

Madrid

As Spain’s flagship carrier, Iberia provides passengers with a comfortable and seamless travel experience, consistently ranking among the most punctual airlines in the world.


As a member of the oneworld Alliance, Iberia connects travellers to an extensive global network spanning Europe, Latin America, and beyond, making it a reliable choice for both business and leisure travel. 


Iberia allows its passengers to break their journey in Madrid for no additional charge, giving travellers the opportunity to experience the vibrant culture, world-class gastronomy, and iconic sights of Spain’s capital along the way.


Sports fans are in for a treat, with the chance to experience Madrid’s legendary football culture and visit some of Europe’s most famous stadiums. Meanwhile, those who prefer a more relaxed pace can explore the city’s many galleries and picturesque parks or simply enjoy a break in their journey with a glass of Rioja in hand.


Best for combining with: Argentina, Chile, Peru, Brazil and Costa Rica


 

Madrid's Skyline with Santa Maria la Real de La Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace during sunset.

Helsinki

Finnair offers passengers a quintessential Nordic travel experience, enhanced by its signature complimentary blueberry juice served by some of the friendliest cabin crew in the skies.


A long-standing member of the oneworld Alliance, Finnair connects travellers to around 100 destinations worldwide, with plans to significantly expand its network in 2026. Its modern long-haul fleet is largely made up of the Airbus A350, designed for comfort, with quieter cabins, lower cabin pressure, and improved air quality.


Passengers can enjoy a stopover in Helsinki, with the opportunity to stay for up to five days without additional airfare.


Compact and stylish, Helsinki is easily accessible from the airport in just 30 minutes. Discover intriguing architecture, good food, waterfront markets, fascinating museums and a relaxed Nordic lifestyle, or immerse yourself in the city’s renowned sauna culture, a perfect way to unwind and experience local traditions.


Best for combining with: Japan and Lapland


Helsinki cityscape with Helsinki Cathedral in winter

Lisbon & Porto

As Portugal’s flagship carrier, TAP Air Portugal offers passengers a pleasant travel experience, combining warm, friendly service with affordability. Its modern, all-Airbus fleet ensures a comfortable journey, with a more spacious feel thanks to a generous seat pitch and a lower cabin altitude. 


A member of the Star Alliance, TAP connects travellers to a wide range of destinations across Europe, Africa, North America, and South America.


Passengers can enjoy not one but two stopover options - Lisbon or Porto - for up to five nights at no extra charge on long-haul routes, offering the perfect opportunity to explore Portugal’s rich culture, historic architecture, and world-renowned cuisine.


Effortlessly cool, Lisbon boasts charming streets, iconic trams, and stunning viewpoints scattered across the city, while Porto captivates with its picturesque waterfront and renowned port wine cellars. With both city centres under 20 minutes from their airports, they provide a great-value, seamless way for travellers to enjoy a memorable pause in their journey.


Best for combining with: Brazil, North America, West Africa


 

the new LX Factory in Lisbon

Amsterdam

One of the oldest airlines in the world, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines offers passengers a reliable and environmentally conscious travel experience, combining friendly Dutch hospitality with a strong global network. Their modern fleet is designed for lower environmental impact, supporting initiatives to reduce noise and carbon emissions.


A founding member of the SkyTeam, KLM connects travellers to destinations across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Its network is easily accessible, with regular flights to Amsterdam from regional airports across the UK and Ireland, making it convenient for passengers outside London and Dublin to reach global destinations.


Passengers can enjoy a stopover in Amsterdam at no extra charge on selected long-haul routes. 


An excellent choice of stopover destination, Amsterdam has a compact, walkable centre and a fast 15 minute, regular train connection from the airport. Travellers can explore canals, iconic architecture, and world-class museums with ease or relax at a canal-side café as they plan their adventure ahead. 


Best for combining with: North America, Asia, Africa, Central and South America


 

Amsterdam Netherlands canals with Christmas lights during December

For more inspiration for stopovers in Europe, take a look at our Stopovers pages.

Author Image

Written by Siobhan Blest

Siobhan is our Web Content Supervisor based in our Kensington head office.

Follow us on our socials

@trailfindersofficial

iconiconiconicon

You may also like...

Offers and News

Enjoy access to our latest offers, travel inspiration and news

Order the Europe Brochure

Europe

Get In Touch

Call our Europe specialists on
020 7084 6500