Using a Hub Hotel: The New and Easy Way to Tour Europe (Plus seven great European cities to make a hub) –

One of the biggest challenges of European travel is the constant movement—checking into a new hotel every night, hauling luggage through train stations, and spending too much time in transit. But savvy travelers have discovered a smarter way: using a hub hotel. This is the best way to fit into our 2025 travel theme of “Slow Down and Cozy Up”.

A hub hotel is a centrally located hotel in a region that serves as your base for 4-7 nights while you take daily excursions to nearby attractions. Instead of packing and unpacking every day, you settle into one place and explore the area stress-free.

Benefits of a Hub Hotel Approach

Pack and Unpack Once –Forget the hassle of repacking every morning. Settle in and enjoy your trip without living out of a suitcase.
Less Travel Fatigue – Long days of moving from city to city can be exhausting. Staying in one place provides a more relaxing experience. This year, my motto is Slow down and Cozy up. No more go, go, go. Travel should be easy and memorable. 
More Time for Sightseeing – No need to spend hours checking in and out of hotels or waiting for transportation. More time for attractions, dining, and cultural experiences.
Better Accommodations –Instead of settling for small, inconvenient one-night stays, you can book a higher-quality hotel with better in amenities.
Cost Savings –Many hotels offer discounts for extended stays. Plus, avoiding high-speed trains or flights between cities can save money.
Flexible Day Trips – With a hub hotel, you can explore multiple nearby cities or attractions at your own pace. Take a short train ride, rent a car, or join guided tours.
Easier Dining and Shopping –Staying in one place lets you find your favorite cafés, bakeries, and local restaurants. It also allows for better souvenir shopping without worrying about extra luggage.

8 Best European Hub Hotel Locations
Here is my curated list of 7 great European cities that make a great place to use a Hub Hotel.

Florence, Italy – A great base for visiting Pisa, Siena, Lucca, and the Tuscan countryside. I also use medieval towns like Montone and Umbria as an amazing hub for visiting what I call the “Real Italy”.
Barcelona, Spain – The perfect hub for exploring Catalonia’s history, coastline, and culture. Just outside the city, Montserrat offers stunning mountain views and a famous monastery, while Girona boasts medieval architecture and a well-preserved Jewish quarter. Wine lovers can visit the Penedès region for world-class cava, and Sitges offers a lively beach escape with vibrant nightlife. From historic sites to coastal retreats, Barcelona is an ideal base for diverse day trips.
Munich, Germany –This is one of my favorite hub cities with easy access to Neuschwanstein Castle, Salzburg, Nuremberg, and the Bavarian Alps. I also use Munich for special tours like the “Sound of Music Tour”.

Nice, France –The perfect Riviera hub for exploring Monaco, Cannes, Antibes, St. Paul de Vence, Eze, and Villefranche-sur-Mer and even Monte Carlo and the Italian Riviera.
Athens, Greece –Great for day trips to Delphi, Corinth, Hydra, and Cape Sounion. Also, this is the cruise and ferry hub to the islands of Santorini and Mykonos.
Brussels, Belgium – Easy train access to Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, and even Paris.
London, England – A fantastic hub for exploring historic towns and scenic countryside. Just a short journey away, visitors can experience royal heritage in Windsor, the academic charm of Oxford and Cambridge, and the Roman and Georgian splendor of Bath. History lovers can marvel at Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral, Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, and the iconic Canterbury Cathedral. For a picturesque escape, the Cotswolds offer charming villages and rolling hills, while coastal adventures await in Brighton, Dover’s White Cliffs, and Leeds Castle’s fairy-tale setting in Kent.

Montone, Italy -Last but not least, Montone is a charming medieval, walled city in the Green Heart of Italy that is almost perfectly in the center of Italy. By staying in either www.VillaDestinoItaly.com or at the soon to be remodeled charming 31 room boutique hotel, Hotel Fortebraccio you have the perfect base camp to not only hit the big three of Rome, Florence, and Venice but also the small towns of Assisi, Perugia, Orvieto, Spello, Gubbio, Cortona, Siena, and San Gimignano. Wow! Makes me want to get up and go!

By choosing a hub hotel, you travel smarter, not harder, maximizing your experiences while minimizing stress. Consider this approach on your next European adventure!

Portugal for Everyone – June 14-25 – Come Along!
Portugal is on many people’s bucket lists, and we are thrilled to invite you on an extraordinary tour, a unique journey! This is your chance to explore over 500 miles of golden beaches, charming villages, soulful Fado music, and a rich history shaped by the Celts, Romans, Moors, and more. From Porto to Lisbon, you will travel in a small group (with a maximum of 25 like-minded travelers) and enjoy exclusive stays in selected 4- and 5-star castle hotels. Highlights include visits to a Barrosã breeding farm, cork plantation, wineries, salt flats, and Port wine cellars. Whether you love history, agriculture, or gourmet food and wine, this tour is guaranteed to be for you! CLICK HERE for the detailed tour brochure – we only have eight spots left! Call or email our friendly group department today to secure your spot(s) today at 888.549.1186 / GroupDepartment@executivetravel.com

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Need information on any of the above?
Call our friendly travel advisors…
Lincoln – 402-358-8888 Toll-free 800-737-0582