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Short Breaks

Short Rail Tours

A small taste of culture and a sampling of adventure, short breaks are your chance to relax and recharge. These quick getaways, ranging from 2 to 6 days, are ideal for embarking on new travel experiences and soaking in the delights that a change in scenery can bring.

In the United States, short break holidays can take you to stunning protected parklands, including Glacier National Park, or natural wonders of the world, such as the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls. Fans of city breaks appreciate samplers of some of the nation's most extraordinary locales while on getaways that feature New Orleans or Chicago and New York City.

Amtrak's well-connected railway system sets the tone for unforgettable long weekend breaks. Join the California Zephyr in navigating the great American landscape, venturing from Chicago, through the Rockies, to San Francisco. The Coast Starlight's incredible route along the Pacific Seaboard showcases California's beauty while traveling between Seattle and Los Angeles. For one of the more luxurious short breaks by rail, consider joining America's newest luxury train, Rocky Mountaineer, on its epic Rockies to the Red Rocks route from Denver, CO, to Moab, UT.

Imagine discovering Europe's unbelievable history on Euro city breaks. Though it may seem impossible, there are plenty of tour options that introduce the centuries-old architecture, local cuisine, and nuances of regional culture in one charming little package. Venture through the Scottish Highlands, explore Switzerland's charming alpine towns, or visit traditional Christmas Markets along the Rhine. Whether you are looking for short spring break trips or quick retreats into the varied countries that compose the European landscape, the continent's far-reaching railways make it possible. Some of Europe's most luxurious railways also offer a platform for adventure, even on a limited timeline. Consider short holidays that feature the Royal Scotsman or the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for a classic overnight route between Venice and Paris.

Start planning your short break with these imaginative itineraries ideal for a short getaway.

34 results matching: Short Breaks

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Cabin Emerald at Lake Yoho National Park
NEW
Independent
2024JunJulAugSepOct
2025MayJunJulAugSepOct
Independent
6 days from
$3,891 pp
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6 days from
$3,891
per person
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Tour map
  • AccommodationRail
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Kancamagus Highway During Foliage Season
Last 100 Spaces
4.3 stars(56 reviews)
Escorted
2024Sep
2025SepOct
Escorted
6 days from
$2,795 pp
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6 days from
$2,795
per person
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Tour map
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
South Rim of the Grand Canyon
Heritage Tour
4.3 stars(153 reviews)
Independent
2024JunJulAugSepOct...
2025JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
6 days from
$1,188 pp
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6 days from
$1,188
per person
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  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Glacier Express in the Goms Valley
Most Popular
Save $100
4.6 stars(23 reviews)
Independent
2024JunJulAugSepOctDec
2025JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
6 days from
$1,925 pp $1,825 pp
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Save $100
6 days from
$1,925
$1,825
per person
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  • DestinationSwitzerland
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Niagara Falls Aerial View
4.2 stars(17 reviews)
Independent
2024JunJulAugSepOct
2025MayJunJulAugSepOct
Independent
4 days from
$736 pp
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4 days from
$736
per person
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Strathspey Railway
4.3 stars(32 reviews)
Escorted
2024JulSepOct
Escorted
5 days from
$1,395 pp
View Details
5 days from
$1,395
per person
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Tour map
  • DestinationScotland
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Red Rocks Park At Sunrise Near Denver Colorado
4.5 stars(10 reviews)
Independent
2024JunJulAugSepOct
2025AprMayJunJulAug...
Independent
2 days from
$1,699 pp
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2 days from
$1,699
per person
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California Zephyr
Heritage Tour
4.2 stars(29 reviews)
Independent
2024JunJulAugSepOct...
2025JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
5 days from
$713 pp
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5 days from
$713
per person
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  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
View from the Amtrak Coast Starlight
4.5 stars(22 reviews)
Independent
2024JunJulAugSepOct...
2025JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
4 days from
$625 pp
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4 days from
$625
per person
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  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Empire Builder Between Chicago and Seattle
4.2 stars(21 reviews)
Independent
2024JunJulAugSepOct...
2025JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
5 days from
$694 pp
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5 days from
$694
per person
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  • AccommodationRail
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Colorful Sky Over Bow Falls
4.8 stars(14 reviews)
Independent
2024JunJulAugSepOct
2025MayJunJulAugSepOct
Independent
5 days from
$3,243 pp
View Details
5 days from
$3,243
per person
View Details
5 days from
$1,404
per person
View Details
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  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Our customers love our Short Breaks tours
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure
14 May 2024
Frederick McManus
5 stars
“Pricey, but totally organized and worth the price. All the little pieces - rail, hotels, transportation, meals, were covered and well-coordinated. The documents we received made it a breeze to be in the right place at the right time, and the trip was one of our most memorable ever. The only sour note was that our train left Chicago over three hours late and arrived in Arizona over six hours late. We missed almost all the scenery we were hoping to see by traveling Amtrak instead of flying, but we did see it on the return trip.
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure - Los Angeles
28 Apr 2024
cindy galindo
5 stars
“Great adventure. Exciting way to see the countryside. New perspective
Collected by Trustpilot
Classic Coast to Coast by Rail
16 Apr 2024
BEDWARD DUNLAP
5 stars
“This can be expensive for some people. Maybe you should offer discounts to older travelers.
Collected by Trustpilot
Aurora Viewing at Bettles Lodge
03 Apr 2024
Chit Aquino
5 stars
“Bettles Lodge had a homey, family ambiance. Staff were very friendly and entertained us with their personal stories. I was so happy that the Aurora Borealis did not disappoint me. I will definitely recommend this adventure at Bettles Lodge.
Collected by Trustpilot
Zermatt & St. Moritz featuring Glacier Express
10 Mar 2024
Bryan Case
5 stars
“It is a trip of a lifetime when done in winter. Everything that we were looking for visually. Made some new friends and a bunch of memories.
Collected by Trustpilot
Winter Escape to the Grand Canyon - Chicago Round-trip
10 Jan 2024
ALLYN RICCI
5 stars
“It was a wonderful quick getaway for me, my husband, and 2 kids. They loved the train and we all experienced the Grand Canyon for the first time together. We will definitely be using Vacations by Rail for another adventure!
Collected by Trustpilot
New England in a Nutshell
21 Oct 2023
Stephanie Koch-Prest
5 stars
“Christine very personable and Vincent very attentive driver.
Collected by Trustpilot
Excursion to the Canadian Rockies
16 Oct 2023
RN
5 stars
“We had a great time! We were one of the youngest couples on the train in our car but the crew made us feel very welcomed. It was nice to sit back and relax and take in the scenery and not have to rush! Our parents loved our pictures and stories from our trip they are planning theirs! Maneli, Ema and Marina were amazing hosts!!!
Collected by Trustpilot
Rockies to the Red Rocks - 2 Day Rail
12 Oct 2023
Sharon Ball
5 stars
“Unfortunately I developed altitude sickness in my stay in Denver and had a very hard time enjoying my trip to the fullest. I ended up eating grapes and crackers instead of the delicious meals that were prepared for me. My friend thought we moved to slowly and I had to explain to here it was a sightseeing train. I loved the ride. Hopefully I will be able to take this trip again in the future and do a gradual climb before the journey. Thank you.
Collected by Trustpilot