Some of the best rail vacation destinations in America include the country's scenic lakes and mountains. From Cadillac Mountain in Maine to Lake Tahoe in the west, these sights weave a picturesque backdrop for a rail vacation. Consider a Colorado rail adventure featuring visits to the state's best mountain towns. Stand in awe of North America's highest mountain peak, Denali, on an Alaska rail tour. And there are few better ways to admire the changing seasons than from mountain overlooks, whether it is New Hampshire's Mt. Washington with views of six states and Canada or the Smoky Mountains.
Lake vacations also inspire some great rail itineraries in the USA. From Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park and the Midwest's Great Lakes to Lake Champlain and Lake Winnipesaukee in New England, still waters and tranquil settings set the tone for a relaxing getaway.
(416 reviews)
Journey through the untamed beauty of Colorado on this 8-day Rocky Mountain expedition. We discover expanses of landscape hidden from modern traffic aboard six scenic railways: Georgetown Loop Railroad Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Royal Gorge Route Railroad...
(159 reviews)The Old West's rugged frontier towns and renowned national historic sites are hallmarks of this 11-day escorted tour. We begin our journey across America's Western frontier by joining modern technology with nostalgic travel methods, riding Amtrak's California Zephyr from Chicago to Provo, Utah. The route takes us across the Rocky Mountains and...
(289 reviews)Discover five of America's beloved national parks on this rail tour to America's West. Start your tour with a classic overnight rail adventure aboard the Empire Builder, following the pioneer route into Big Sky Country. Here, we visit the first national park of the itinerary, Glacier National Park, surrounded by glorious natural spectacles. Moving...
(266 reviews)Nine unforgettable days take you deep into Alaska's wild beauty on this expertly guided adventure. Your journey begins in Fairbanks, where a riverboat cruise introduces you to the region's scenic waterways, and a visit to Trail Breaker Kennel lets you experience the thrill of dog sledding. From Fairbanks, board the legendary Alaska Railroad's...
(183 reviews)Discover the natural wonders and rugged wilderness of the Southwest on this scenic rail tour through Canyon Country. This tour has it all: amazing national parks, classic train journeys, and spectacular sightseeing and excursions. Your adventure begins in Chicago with a classic rail journey aboard the legendary California Zephyr to Grand Junction...
(126 reviews)Set your sights on amazing scenes of America's West with visits to six national parks on this unforgettable rail tour. The journey begins on Amtrak's Empire Builder, aboard which beautiful vistas of the Northern Prairies create the serene backdrop for the start of our trip. Our first visit is to Whitefish, where Glacier National Park's glaciers,...
(25 reviews)
By land and by sea, discover a land of untamed wilderness and awe-inspiring scenery. Begin by boarding the elegant Holland America Ship in Vancouver, and sail north, past forests and glaciers. Cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage, and make stops in Alaskan towns like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. Take a thrilling trip along the scenic...
(72 reviews)Nature's majesty and American history abound on this journey through the Great Lakes shorelines, featuring Wisconsin and Michigan. Starting in Chicago, ride Amtrak to Milwaukee, before exploring the heritage and picture-perfect landscapes of Door County Peninsula. Next, venture through Michigan's Upper Peninsula and cross the Canadian border to...
(83 reviews)From mountains to sandstone arches and all the varied terrain between, this week-long journey is a showcase of nature. Admire the craggy peaks of the Wasatch Mountains surrounding Salt Lake City before boarding Canyon Spirit, a train that combines luxury and adventure. Following its brand-new route, travel from Salt Lake City into the...
The sites of yesteryear, iconic towns and delightful fall scenery set the backdrop for this New England adventure. Following an itinerary through Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island, this journey presents some of the nation's best autumnal foliage in unforgettable settings. Explore by rail on the Conway Scenic...
(37 reviews)The essence of the Pacific Northwest was built upon the shoulders of artists and adventurers and continues to embody these spirits today. Experience the unique presence of this region first-hand as you travel between Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco over eight action-packed days. Each city leaves an impression unlike the one before, and...
(35 reviews)Winter is a special time of year in Alaska. The landscape transforms into a wonderland clad in fluffy white snow, and the short days set the perfect stage for the aurora borealis to take over the night sky. Adventures take on a new form and open visitors' eyes to the wonders and traditions of America's Last Frontier. This week-long Alaskan journey...
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Embrace the spooky spirit of Halloween by joining an expertly curated vacation to some of the most legendary and lore-filled destinations around the globe.
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Experience New England’s colorful fall foliage with Vacations by Rail’s great range of escorted tours, exploring the White Mountains, Cape Cod and Maine.
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Whether in America’s national parks, the Canadian Rockies or traveling from coast to coast, discover the top destinations to visit in North America in 2026.
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