Steam locomotives once powered America's trains. Today, most steam engine trains have been converted to diesel or electric power. Still, there remain some scenic train rides that offer this nostalgic mode of travel, such as New England's Essex Steam Train, which follows a course through the pastoral Connecticut River Valley-an exceptionally breathtaking sight during fall foliage season.
Steam train excursions recall a bygone era of travel. Itineraries featuring these heritage railways offer the ideal balance between modern touring and historical journeys. California's Redwood Forest Steam Train employs one of the oldest preserved narrow-gauge steam engines. This scenic train ride shares the history of the Roaring Camp Railroad on its journey through the state's towering redwood groves. Colorado is home to two famous steam train rides: The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, connecting the historic mining towns of Durango and Silverton across the Animas River Canyon and the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, the longest narrow-gauge steam railroad in the United States. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad operates a steam train excursion along the Tuckasegee River through the western corner of rural North Carolina. In contrast, the Tennessee Valley Railroad's Summerville Steam Special offers a look at the mountains in Southern Tennessee and Northern Georgia.
These steam train trips in the USA showcase some of the country's best-kept secrets: special trains, charming small towns, and fantastic scenery.
(82 reviews)
Discover the beauty of the Southwest in autumn on this 9-day escorted adventure featuring national parks, historic rail journeys, and the world-famous International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque. Travel on the iconic California Zephyr to Grand Junction. View the breathtaking landscapes of Arches and Mesa Verde national parks, before riding the...
(389 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...
(50 reviews)California is a land of possibilities, and this unforgettable tour displays some of its greatest offerings. Over eight days, soak up the modern and historic sides of San Francisco and travel into nature, where towering redwood trees surround us on the Redwood Forest Steam Train. We also admire the mountain and waterfall panoramas of Yosemite...
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...
(70 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...
(155 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...
(34 reviews)Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains: A region of scenic landscapes and iconic cities, and incredible sites that enrich the mind and the soul. During our time here, you will visit legendary sites, some of Tennessee and North Carolina's most beloved cities and one of the most grandiose homes in the country. Your journey begins in Music City, U.S...
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey as we travel from ocean to glimmering ocean across the USA, from dazzling Times Square to the Hollywood Hills. Enjoy guided tours of America's great cities, including New York, Washington DC, Chicago and Los Angeles, with cruises around Manhattan and the Chicago River. Travel overnight from Chicago to Grand...
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Witness the changing colors of the season like never before while embarking on these top experiences and excursions on our North American fall foliage tours.
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Don’t miss your chance to see peak fall foliage by traveling at the wrong time; instead, follow this leaf-peeping guide to learn when and where to go this season.
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