Dubai - Singapore Festive holidays in the magic of exotic coasts

In Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, luxury meets tradition and avant-garde architecture meets magnificent mosques. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque, whose dazzling white domes and intricate mosaics are among the most impressive sights in the entire country, is an absolute highlight. The futuristic face of this metropolis is reflected in the glass facades of the Etihad Towers, while spectacular buildings such as the Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace and the Emirates Palace hotel are reminiscent of a modern dream from the Arabian Nights. The Heritage Village museum offers fascinating insights into the lives of the Emiratis before the oil boom in the 1960s, taking visitors on an extraordinary journey through time. Art lovers will be delighted by the Louvre Abu Dhabi with masterpieces from various cultures, and those seeking relaxation will find it on the city’s fine sandy beaches.

Khasab is the gateway to exploring the Musandam peninsula, an exclave of Oman known for its spectacular landscapes. Use the time for exciting excursions* into the hinterland: majestic fjords and steep cliffs characterise the breathtaking beauty of the “Norway of Arabia”. Traditional dhows glide leisurely across the vast blue expanse, where, with a bit of luck, dolphins may also make an appearance.

Welcome to Muscat in a scenic location at the foot of the Hajar Mountains. The capital of Oman has its own unique way of blending tradition with modernity. Enjoy the view of the glittering yachts in the harbour as you stroll along the Corniche, then immerse yourself in the colourful offerings of the Mutrah souk, which has been the bustling heart of the city for centuries. Thanks to the seductive scents of spices, perfumes and herbs as well as the colourful selection of fine fabrics and handmade jewellery, a stroll here promises to be an experience for all the senses. The enormous Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the largest religious buildings in the world, is also an unforgettable sight – a masterpiece of modern architecture. The lay time is generous, allowing you to gather many impressions.

Countless palm tress, wide sandy beaches and crystal-clear water – enjoy some wonderfully relaxing hours in the natural paradise of the Maldives just as you wish. Wander across the fine sand, take a dip in the pleasantly warm sea or simply let your mind drift as you relax on the beach. The reefs and lagoons are home to a colourful underwater world and perfect to discover while snorkelling. The ship will stay overnight – perfect for enjoying your time to the fullest.

Colombo, the vibrant capital of Sri Lanka, awakens your spirit of discovery with its diverse possibilities. During colonial times, the Fort district was the heart of the city. Today, alongside the famous Old Clock Tower Lighthouse and the Victoria Memorial Eye Hospital, you will find modern shops and restaurants. The atmosphere in the Pettah district is characterised by lively hustle and bustle: narrow alleys lead through bazaars and markets with a colourful selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, handicrafts, jewellery and, of course, tea. Another eye-catching feature of this lively district is the Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque, an architectural masterpiece in red and white. Colombo’s magnificent beaches promise perfect relaxation after eventful hours, tempting you to do sweet nothing as you enjoy the golden sand and lush green palm trees.

The south coast of Sri Lanka is your gateway to the island’s wild side: Hambantota, the centre of the district of the same name, is the perfect base for exploring the impressive wilderness and natural beauties of Sri Lanka. Nearby is Yala National Park, famous for having the highest concentration of leopards in the world and for its fascinating animal kingdom. You can follow in their tracks on a photo safari. Udawalawe National Park around the shores of Udawalawe Reservoir has a large elephant population – in the adjacent elephant orphanage visitors can learn interesting facts about these gentle giants. Bundala National Park offers plenty of variety: around 200 species of bird spend the winter here. Take your time to soak up the impressions – thanks to the long lay time.

In southern Thailand, Phuket welcomes you as one of Asia’s most desirable locations. The country’s largest island combines exotic nature and idyllic beaches with a vibrant culture and culinary diversity. The island’s capital city of the same name invites visitors to explore and enjoy its colourful architecture and numerous authentic restaurants. In the surrounding area, countless dream beaches with a wide range of water sports options promise sunny favourite spots for every taste. A visit to Phang Nga Bay, famous for its spectacular limestone formations, will also create unforgettable memories. As the EUROPA 2 will remain off the coast of Phuket until late in the evening, you will have plenty of time to explore.

Langkawi, the main island in an archipelago of around 100 limestone islands, is an inviting place to explore dream beaches and spectacular nature. Rainforests, plantations, rice fields and romantic waterfalls will ensure you soon forget your everyday worries. For a special kind of adventure, take a ride on the SkyCab cable car, which swings over the thick jungle and impressive rock formations, offering breathtaking views over the turquoise sea and surrounding islands. Langkawi offers the ideal combination of relaxation and nature.

From Port Kelang, you can embark on a discovery tour of exciting Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. KL, as the city is known, offers a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition. The majestic Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world, dominate the skyline, while there are plenty of exotic discoveries to be made in the narrow streets: markets, Hindu temples and districts such as Little India and Chinatown, which reflect the diversity of Malaysian culture. Kuala Lumpur is an ideal destination for explorers looking for a combination of modern architecture and cultural heritage.

Singapore combines modern glamour with deeply rooted traditions. The smallest city in Southeast Asia, whose name means “Lion City”, boasts an exciting mix of futuristic buildings, historic districts and green oases. The city’s landmark, the Merlion, stands guard over the harbour, while its skyline is dominated by the impressive Marina Bay Sands and its breathtaking SkyPark – featuring one of the longest swimming pools in the world. Singapore is a great place for strolling along the busy Orchard Road, discovering long-standing traditions in Chinatown and experiencing the future of urban nature in the Gardens by the Bay. Take your time to soak up the atmosphere, as the ship will stay overnight.