Where to Go

4 European Itineraries To Explore Via Train

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The Vacationeer
A red train in the Swiss Alps

If you enjoy traveling the United States on the highway, then you’ll love traveling through Europe on the railway. Europe by train is the best way to explore big cities, small villages and the landscapes in between — all while relaxing in a comfortable train car that usually includes food and beverage service and free Wi-Fi.

Planning a European vacation by train not only offers the opportunity to see more of this diverse continent, but it also allows you to visit amazing Hilton Grand Vacations resorts tucked away from major cities.

Train exiting a tunnel in Cinque Terre, Italy 

Why Travel By Train?

Europe’s extensive rail network has many benefits, especially if you’re used to traveling to Hilton Grand Vacations properties by car or by plane.

  1. More flexibility: European train stations are conveniently located in cities, towns and villages, giving you the chance to see unforgettable European sites that are far from an airport.
  2. More freedom: Many train tickets permit you to travel on any train for your specific route; instead of rushing to catch a specific train, you can choose to travel the same route at any time on your ticket’s date.
  3. More fun: You don’t have to choose between Europe’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Train travel can connect you from a major city center to a charming village that combines spectacular sightseeing with a relaxed getaway.

Hilton Grand Vacations Membership also includes flexibility, freedom and fun, providing Members with a way to plan their dream vacations in Europe with their HGV ClubPoints.

Enjoy Your Hilton Honors Status In Europe

Eiffel Tower in Paris, France 

Your Hilton Grand Vacations membership opens up dozens of vacation opportunities across the Atlantic Ocean, one of the many perks of the Hilton Honors™ Program.

France

Start: Royal Regency Paris Vincennes | Paris, France

Moments from the center of Paris via metro, Royal Regency Paris Vincennes has comfortable Studios and 1-, 2- and 3-Bedroom Suites with a sauna and on-site laundry facilities.

Why go: A vacation to Paris never goes out of style. From admiring the Mona Lisa in the Louvre to drinking champagne at the top of the Eiffel Tower, Paris is an exciting destination that will please fashion lovers, foodies and every type of traveler in between.

Train journey: Paris Gare de Lyon to Cannes | Approximately five hours

Antibes, France in the French Riviera 

Paris Gare de Lyon sends trains from the capital to the Cote d’Azur without requiring a connection. Sit back and sip wine from the beverage cart while enjoying a scenic ride through the French countryside.

End: Le Club Mougins | Mougins, France

Featuring spacious Apartments only minutes from the gorgeous beaches in the South of France, Le Club Mougins welcomes you to enjoy the warm weather while engaging in outdoor amenities like a mini-golf course, tennis courts and a swimming pool.

Why go: Savor a retreat from the French Riviera in a forested commune. Only a 15-minute taxi ride from glamorous Cannes, home to the renowned film festival, Mougins is a laid-back commune. Take a stroll through the shady Parc de la Valmasque and dine at the Michelin-starred La Villa Archange in nearby Le Cannet.

Tranquil pond in Lichfield, England 

England

Start: Wychnor Park Country Club | Barton-under-Needwood, England

Far from the hustle and bustle of Manchester, Wychnor Park is an idyllic 55-acre country estate. Home-like 1-, 2- and 3-Bedroom Suites include full kitchens, private bathrooms and some Suites have private balconies. 

Why go: Experience a splendid English retreat between Lichfield and Burton upon Trent.

From shopping and art viewing at Barton Marina to watching live theater and visiting the ancient Roman sites around Lichfield, a slow-paced stay in Staffordshire lets you mix relaxation with recreation.

Train journey: Lichfield Trent Valley to Lancaster | Approximately two hours

Take a journey through the English countryside from Staffordshire to Lancashire, watching the hills roll by as you sip a cup of tea on this peaceful train route.

Thurnham Hall, a property managed by Hilton Grand Vacations in Upper Thurnham, England 

End: Thurnham Hall | Upper Thurnham, England

Combining centuries-old architecture with resort-style amenities including a spa and on-site fishing, Thurnham Hall offers laid-back luxury in a refined English estate surrounded by the quaint English countryside.

Why go: Unwind in seclusion with Lancaster’s city center only a short drive away. A dazzling castle, a grand theater, maritime history and much more await in Lancaster, one of England’s Heritage Cities.

Maximize Your HGV ClubPoints In Multiple Destinations

Make the most of your membership by converting your ClubPoints to Hilton Honors Points so you can explore more of Europe while experiencing the Hilton hospitality that makes you feel at home.

A hiker ascending the Alps near Schladming, Austria 

Austria and Germany

Start: Alpine Club | Schladming, Austria

No matter if you’re visiting during ski season or during the summer, Alpine Club’s spacious Apartments include amenities like an indoor swimming pool, a game room, an on-site restaurant and instant ski-in/ski-out access.

Why go: Breathe in the alpine air and feel at peace. The four interlinked mountains of Schladming create a four-season playground for outdoor enthusiasts to hike, ski and snowboard. This quiet ski resort is tucked away from major Austrian cities to provide a relaxed, yet still exciting, retreat.

Train journey: Schladming to München Ost | Approximately three hours and 30 minutes

Take the train through the Austrian and German Alps from Schladming and arrive in one of Germany’s most popular cities.

Square in Munich, Germany at sunset 

End: Hilton Munich City | Munich, Germany

Only a five-minute walk from the Deutsches Museum and next door to an S-Bahn station that connects you across Munich, Hilton Munich City is an upscale hotel with an Executive Lounge, 24-hour fitness center and cocktail bar.

Why go: Raise a glass to Bavaria’s history and culture. Munich’s beer, Bavarian pretzels and Baroque architecture are a feast for the senses, as are unique attractions like the BMW Welt campus and the river surfers in the English Garden.

Destination inspiration: Winter is a great time to visit Austria and Germany for more than just winter sports. Spend time wandering the enchanting Christmas markets that most cities host between late November and early January.

Palazzo Catalani, a property managed by Hilton Grand Vacations in Soriano Nel Cimino, Italy 

Italy and Vatican City

Start: Palazzo Catalani | Soriano Nel Cimino, Italy

A 17th-century estate in the medieval village of Soriano Nel Cimino, Palazzo Catalani is at the crossroads of Tuscany, Lazio and Umbria. Relax with amenities including an on-site spa, tranquil garden, activity center and bar area.

Why go: Take a well-deserved rest in this small commune. Dominated by the 13th-century Castello Orsini, Soriano Nel Cimino invites a vacation style that embraces slow strides through the art of Chigi Albani Palace and even slower sips of wine at the local restaurants.

Train journey: Viterbo Porta Fiorentina to Roma Termini | Approximately two hours and 30 minutes

All roads (and most rail lines) lead to Rome. See the Eternal City’s famous architecture and visit the world’s smallest country after treating yourself to a Tuscan-style getaway.

Rome, Italy 

End: Hotel De Ricci | Rome, Italy

Across the Tiber River from Vatican City, Hotel De Ricci is within walking distance of Michelangelo's famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. It’s a Member of Small Luxury Hotels and features an extensive wine cellar and pet-friendly Suites with balconies. 

Why go: Roam across the ruins of the world’s legendary empire. Rome has so much to see and do that you’ll need multiple vacations to truly experience it all. See famous sites like the Colosseum and the Pantheon before crossing into Vatican City to tour St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums.

Destination inspiration: Fall is an excellent time to visit Italy as the harvest season brings some of the best produce and wine to tables across the country.

Read “Your Go-To Guide On How Hilton Grand Vacations ClubPoints Work” to learn more about how the power of a Points strategy can help make your European dream vacation a reality.

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The Vacationeer

The Vacationeer is a collective of Hilton Grand Vacations storytellers whose goal is to inspire travelers to go further. We're always on the lookout for new destinations to explore, useful travel tips, and unique ideas to help you plan the most memorable vacations possible.

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