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Summer Vacations

Summer Rail Tours

There is no better time for a new adventure than summertime. As June rolls into July and August, the travel scene begins its annual swell. Bask in the glory of wide-open skies in one of America's national parks, which offer sights unlike any others in the country, from the geysers of Yellowstone to the mountain panoramas of Glacier. Admire the towering sandstone sculptures in Arches National Park, wind-carved hoodoos in Bryce Canyon, towering giant Sequoia trees in Yosemite, and one of the world's great wonders at Grand Canyon. Many itineraries include time in multiple parks, so there is no need to choose just one.

Summer vacations in the U.S. also hold the opportunity to head off the beaten path and into the wilds of Alaska. Aboard the beloved Alaska Railroad, by cruises and by deluxe motorcoach, enjoy a look at the diverse cities and untouched wilderness of America's Last Frontier. From glacier and mountain viewing to bear and whale spotting, these trips are truly memorable.

Look to America's rail system, Amtrak, connecting famous metropolises for a seasonal coast to coast or a regional getaway for even more summer vacation ideas. Or, consider indulging in an adventure aboard America's new luxury rail service, Rocky Mountaineer, on a journey from the Colorado Rockies to Utah's red rocks.

Whether your summer vacation takes you to inspiring national parks or cosmopolitan cities, there are countless summer vacation options when traveling by train.

52 results matching: Summer Tours

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Grand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand Canyon
Save up to $500pp
4.3 stars(263 reviews)
Independent
2025Dec
2026JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent

The classic ambiance of an overnight rail journey meets the splendors of one of America's top natural attractions on this rail vacation to Arizona. Join Amtrak's Southwest Chief on its cross-country route from Chicago to Flagstaff, and then board the 120-year-old Grand Canyon Railway on its route to the Grand Canyon. Uncover iconic views and top...

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Save up to $500pp
6 days from
$1,295 pp $1,195 pp
per person
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Mount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount Rushmore
Save up to $500pp
4.5 stars(159 reviews)
Escorted
2026MayJunJulAugSep
Escorted

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...

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Save up to $500pp
11 days from
$5,495 pp $4,995 pp
per person
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Durango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton Train
Save up to $500pp
4.6 stars(416 reviews)
Escorted
2026MayJunJulAugSepOct
Escorted

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...

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Save up to $500pp
8 days from
$3,495 pp $3,195 pp
per person
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Glacier National ParkGlacier National ParkGlacier National ParkGlacier National ParkGlacier National Park
Save up to $500pp
4.5 stars(289 reviews)
Escorted
2026JunJulAugSep
Escorted

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...

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Save up to $500pp
13 days from
$6,495 pp $5,995 pp
per person
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Bryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce Canyon
Save up to $500pp
4.6 stars(183 reviews)
Escorted
2026AprMayJunJulSepOct
Escorted

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...

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Save up to $500pp
10 days from
$4,195 pp $3,795 pp
per person
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Alaska Tracy Arm FjordAlaska Tracy Arm FjordAlaska Tracy Arm FjordAlaska Tracy Arm FjordAlaska Tracy Arm Fjord
Save up to $500pp
4.5 stars(31 reviews)
Independent
2026MayJulAugSep
Independent

Set your sights on the best of the Canadian Rockies, as you arrive in Calgary and transfer to the rest town of Banff. Enjoy a sightseeing tour quintessential Banff sites, such as the hot springs; a gondola ride and much more before transferring to Lake Louise for an overnight. The next morning soak up the scenery and board an Ice Explorer for a...

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Save up to $500pp
16 days from
$4,695 pp
per person
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Colorado Rockies Continental DivideColorado Rockies Continental DivideColorado Rockies Continental DivideColorado Rockies Continental DivideColorado Rockies Continental Divide
Save up to $500pp
4.0 stars(45 reviews)
Independent
2025Dec
2026JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent

Before embarking on your 2,300 mile journey to San Francisco, take advantage of your time in Chicago by visiting the city's famed attractions such as the John Hancock Observation Deck, ride the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier or window shop down The Magnificent Mile. The city also offers a rich cultural experience with its several museums and the...

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Save up to $500pp
5 days from
$895 pp $795 pp
per person
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Glacier BayGlacier BayGlacier BayGlacier BayGlacier Bay
Save up to $500pp
4.4 stars(7 reviews)
Escorted
2026MayJulAugSep
Escorted

A spectacular discovery of natural wonders awaits on this exploration by land and sea. From the mountain town of Banff in the Canadian Rockies, we marvel at the spellbinding beauty of Lake Louise before boarding the iconic Rocky Mountaineer. This fantastic rail journey transports us to Vancouver, where we set sail on an unforgettable cruise. ...

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Save up to $500pp
15 days from
$7,295 pp $6,795 pp
per person
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Glacier BayGlacier BayGlacier BayGlacier BayGlacier Bay
Save up to $500pp
4.9 stars(12 reviews)
Independent
2026MayJunJulAug
Independent

 An epic route of towering mountains, glistening glaciers and remote terrain beckons on this remarkable rail and cruise vacation. Start your journey in the Canadian Rockies, venturing west on the renowned Rocky Mountaineer. This train follows a daylight-only route that fully captures the magical landscapes of Western Canada. Arriving in the...

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Save up to $500pp
16 days from
$7,495 pp
per person
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Sawyer Glacier in Tracy Arm FjordSawyer Glacier in Tracy Arm FjordSawyer Glacier in Tracy Arm FjordSawyer Glacier in Tracy Arm FjordSawyer Glacier in Tracy Arm Fjord
4.5 stars(6 reviews)
Independent
2026MayJunJulAug
Independent

Set sail on one of Holland America's luxurious cruise ships for a seaside trip from Vancouver, Canada to Skagway, Alaska. Sailing through the Inside Passage takes us to Juneau and Skagway, and from here, the journey continues on land to Whitehorse, Dawson City, Fairbanks and finally, to the crowning jewel of this journey, Denali National Park.

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14 days from
$2,694 pp
per person
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Pacific Ocean and Big Sur CoastlinePacific Ocean and Big Sur CoastlinePacific Ocean and Big Sur CoastlinePacific Ocean and Big Sur CoastlinePacific Ocean and Big Sur Coastline
Save up to $500pp
4.4 stars(26 reviews)
Independent
2025Dec
2026JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent

En route daily between Seattle and Los Angeles, the Coast Starlight passes through Portland, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area and Santa Barbara. The scenery along the Coast Starlight route is unsurpassed. The dramatic snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Range and Mount Shasta, lush forests, fertile valleys and long stretches of Pacific Ocean...

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Save up to $500pp
4 days from
$895 pp $795 pp
per person
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Golden Gate BridgeGolden Gate BridgeGolden Gate BridgeGolden Gate BridgeGolden Gate Bridge
Save up to $500pp
Independent
2025Dec
2026JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent

Prepare for a 10-day cross-country rail vacation that showcases the best of the USA, from natural beauty to big cities. Start your journey by exploring iconic landmarks on a guided tour of New York. Next, relax aboard the Lake Shore Limited as it whisks you through scenic vistas to Chicago, where you'll delve into the Windy City's architectural...

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Save up to $500pp
10 days from
$2,695 pp $2,495 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Summer Tours tours
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure
16/Nov
CARA BABCOCK
5 stars
“Very good and friendly service
Collected by Trustpilot
California Zephyr Experience
11/Nov
MARCIA GREY PATTERSON
5 stars
“Wonderful experience
Collected by Trustpilot
Colorado Rail Experience
17/Oct
Val Easterday
5 stars
“We had a fun time. Enough on our own as we needed. Kathy Reager was great.
Collected by Trustpilot
Canada's Rockies & Alaska Cruise
28/Sep
JANET TOICH
5 stars
“The staff was wonderful especially Rudy and Uni.. I wish the pool hadn't been so cold. Food was great.. Could have used more time in the ports.
Collected by Trustpilot
America's Great National Parks
23/Sep
Mary Cross
5 stars
“Our guide, Sherry Moon, made our trip amazing! She had so much info to go with all of our breathtaking stops. We saw so many things. They really packed a lot in for 13 days!
Collected by Trustpilot
Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise
28 Sep 2024
BARKIN/NEIL JAY
5 stars
“Great combination of land and sea touring
Collected by Trustpilot
Great Parks of the Southwest featuring the Grand Canyon
23/Oct
JONI TRUMP
4 stars
“The trip was terrific. We managed to hit all 5 National Parks in Utah plus the Grand Canyon. Since I traveled with Vacations by Rail out West prior I decided to skip the overnight train from Chicago to Denver and met the train in Denver. I did enjoy...
Collected by Trustpilot
Coast Starlight Experience
22/Oct
SUE ELLEN PAK
4 stars
“Overall it was a good experience. The food was elexcellent. It was enjoyable to sit and share with a variety people in the dinning car. The crew were friendly and gave us excellent care. There is one area that could use improvement. When information was shared over the speaker there...
Collected by Trustpilot
Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands, & Yellowstone
28/Sep
Robert Tiscione
4 stars
“The Rail portion of the trip fell short of expectations. There were no food accommodations for most coach passengers after the sleepers and roomettes were fed. The balance of the trip on the coach, along with our tour director Marlin, was top shelf - that portion deserved 5 stars
Collected by Trustpilot
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