Vacations By Rail

Premier Small Group and Independent Tour Operator and the Trusted Authority on Rail

About Vacations By Rail

For more than 20 years, Vacations By Rail has been showing people the best of the world. Whether you are planning a getaway with a loved one, a guided city escape, or the trip of a lifetime, we curate experiences for every individual and every type of vacation. Our core belief has remained the same: the journey itself should be a part of the overall adventure. From the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer through the stunning Canadian Rockies to the awe-inspiring Swiss Alps aboard the Glacier Express, travelling with us allows you to discover incredible parts of the world from a unique perspective.

With our escorted rail vacations, river cruises, and independent vacations, we provide thousands of travelers each year with unforgettable experiences, various transportation choices, and amazing accommodations. While you choose from the biggest selection of rail vacations and cruises, our dedicated rail specialists are there to guide you through questions and bookings.

Are you ready to discover your next great adventure? Explore our packages or reach out to us for a journey tailored just for you.

Ways to Travel With Us

Independent Vacations

All of the excellent itineraries and immersive experiences Vacations By Rail is known for, but at your own pace, Independent Tours are perfect for the traveler whose spirit of adventure needs no guide.

Escorted Vacations

Capture the awe of destinations near and far, wrapping yourself in their cultures each step of the way and discovering how traveling alongside a group and Tour Manager can open your eyes to experiences like never before.

River Cruises

Revel in the romance of yesteryear while traveling exceptional rail routes and legendary waterways, the combination of which unveils culture-rich cities, breathtaking landscapes, and wonders you have only dreamed of previously.

Advantages of Each Tour Type: Independent, Escorted, River Cruise

The Vacations By Rail Experience

Expert Guidance As You Explore

Industry expertise leads the way when you book with Vacations By Rail. Our escorted vacations are led by a knowledgeable Tour Manager, allowing you to explore with complete peace of mind. Enjoy the personalized touch this adds to your excursions and a worry-free journey from start to finish.

Travel Your Way On Independent Tours

In addition to escorted tours, Vacations By Rail offers an extensive collection of independent vacations that provide the framework for a remarkable expedition with plenty of freedom to explore. Follow fresh, hand-crafted itineraries to destinations around the globe, and get to know them your way.

Even More Immersive Travel With Small Groups

Featuring fewer than 25 travelers on each departure, our small group tours offer another innovative way to uncover the world's treasures. These journeys are centered around unique and immersive experiences unavailable to larger groups and foster deeper connections in top-rated locations near and far.

Unforgettable Vacations Enhanced by Rail

The beauty is in the details, and our vacations stand apart with dreamy destinations, memorable excursions, and, of course, world-famous rail journeys. Each trip is backed by our expertise and that of our owner, UK-based Great Rail Journeys, an award-winning tour operator for more than 50 years.

Vacations By Rail is a Premier Small Group and Independent Tour Operator and the Trusted Authority on Rail

Largest Collection of Vacation Packages

Choose from hundreds of custom itineraries for escorted, independent, and river cruise vacations to destinations around the world.

Expert Customer Service

Experience outstanding customer service and destination expertise from our dedicated rail specialists.

Trusted by Customers

Our vacations and services have earned top ratings from over 2,500 satisfied customers on Trustpilot.

Why Choose Vacations by Rail?

For more than 20 years, we have been the trusted experts on rail travel, from the United States and Canada to all round the world.

Why choose Vacations by Rail:

Discover thoughtfully planned independent and escorted itineraries.
Count on our dedicated rail specialists to guide you through questions and bookings.
Choose from the biggest selection of rail vacations and cruises.
Benefit from our 20 years of experience in the travel industry.
Receive an exclusive flight quote to pair with your vacation.

Award-Winning Vacations

Gold Award Winner

Tour Operators Overall Destination Expanses/Changes

Travel Experts

Premier Small Group and Independent Tour Operator and the Trusted Authority on Rail

Silver Award Winner

Tour Operators Overall