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Summer Vacations
United States

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.

45 results matching: Summer Tours

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Grand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand Canyon
Save up to $800
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure
4.2 stars(293 reviews)
Independent
2026JunJulAugSepOct...
2027JanFebMarAprMay...
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 $800
6 days from
$1,195 pp $995 pp
per person
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Durango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton Train
Colorado Rail Experience
4.6 stars(416 reviews)
Escorted
2026JunJulAugSepOct
2027MayJunJulAugSepOct
Escorted

Experience untamed Colorado on this escorted Rocky Mountain vacation, featuring nostalgic journeys on six of the state's most scenic heritage rail routes. Uncover stunning landscapes from the heights of Pikes Peak and the depths of Royal Gorge. Explore Colorado's fascinating history aboard the Georgetown Loop, the Leadville, Colorado &...

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8 days from
$3,799 pp
per person
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Denali National Park wildlifeDenali National Park wildlifeDenali National Park wildlifeDenali National Park wildlifeDenali National Park wildlife
Save up to $800
Alaska Wilderness Tour
4.6 stars(137 reviews)
Independent
2026JunJulAugSep
2027MayJunJulAugSep
Independent

Uncover scenic landscapes and quintessential sights of Alaska on this seven-day independent journey featuring the Denali Star. Travel from Anchorage to Talkeetna, where a jetboat takes you along the Talkeetna and Susitna Rivers, and then embark on a tundra wilderness tour in Denali National Park, with an expert guide revealing the best...

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Save up to $800
7 days from
$2,795 pp $2,495 pp
per person
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Niagara FallsNiagara FallsNiagara FallsNiagara FallsNiagara Falls
Save up to $800
New York to Niagara Falls
3.9 stars(52 reviews)
Independent
2026JunJulAugSepOct
Independent

Discover the wonders of Niagara Falls on this 4-day rail adventure. Beginning and ending in New York City, travel aboard Amtrak's Maple Leaf for a full-day journey through upstate New York and into Ontario. Make the most of your two full days in Niagara Falls, enjoying the sights and sounds of the thundering falls and exploring the area's local...

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Save up to $800
4 days from
$795 pp $695 pp
per person
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Glacier National ParkGlacier National ParkGlacier National ParkGlacier National ParkGlacier National Park
Last 50 Spaces
Save up to $800
America's Great National Parks
4.5 stars(289 reviews)
Escorted
2026JunJulAug
2027JunJulAugSep
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 $800
13 days from
$5,099 pp $4,699 pp
per person
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Alaska RailroadAlaska RailroadAlaska RailroadAlaska RailroadAlaska Railroad
Last 50 Spaces
Save up to $800
Alaska the Greatland
4.5 stars(266 reviews)
Escorted
2026JunJulAugSep
2027MayJunJulAug
Escorted

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...

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Save up to $800
9 days from
$5,199 pp $4,799 pp
per person
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California ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia Zephyr
Save up to $800
California Zephyr Experience
3.9 stars(52 reviews)
Independent
2026JunJulAugSepOct...
2027JanFebMarAprMay...
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 $800
5 days from
$895 pp $795 pp
per person
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Old Faithful, YellowstoneOld Faithful, YellowstoneOld Faithful, YellowstoneOld Faithful, YellowstoneOld Faithful, Yellowstone
Last 50 Spaces
Save up to $800
America's Treasures & Natural Wonders
4.7 stars(126 reviews)
Escorted
2026JunJulAugSep
2027JunJulAugSep
Escorted

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,...

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Save up to $800
12 days from
$4,899 pp $4,499 pp
per person
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Bryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce Canyon
Save up to $800
Great Parks of the Southwest featuring the Grand Canyon
4.6 stars(193 reviews)
Escorted
2026JunJulSepOct
2027AprMayJunSepOct
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 $800
10 days from
$3,399 pp $2,999 pp
per person
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Glacier Parks Lakes and WildflowersGlacier Parks Lakes and WildflowersGlacier Parks Lakes and WildflowersGlacier Parks Lakes and WildflowersGlacier Parks Lakes and Wildflowers
Glacier National Park Escape - Chicago Roundtrip
Independent
2026JunJulAugSep
2027JunJulAugSep
Independent

Your two-night stay is in the heart of the unspoiled natural attractions and stunning beauty Glacier National Park. Wondrous displays of nature, historic lodges, and sightseeing through the forests and valleys of this complex ecosystem are highlights of your stay before returning by train to Chicago.

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5 days from
$1,595 pp
per person
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Empire Builder Between Chicago and SeattleEmpire Builder Between Chicago and SeattleEmpire Builder Between Chicago and SeattleEmpire Builder Between Chicago and SeattleEmpire Builder Between Chicago and Seattle
Save up to $800
Empire Builder Experience - Chicago to Seattle
4.1 stars(34 reviews)
Independent
2026JunJulAugSepOct...
Independent

If it is the experience of a lifetime you seek, look no further than a scenic tour through the country aboard the legendary tracks of the Empire Builder. Totaling over 2,200 miles in length, this journey shows us glimpses of seven of the northern-most states and the beautiful Pacific Coast. The expedition begins in the heart of the Midwest -...

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Save up to $800
5 days from
$895 pp $795 pp
per person
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Arches National ParkArches National ParkArches National ParkArches National ParkArches National Park
 Rockies to the Red Rocks Three-day Rail Only
Independent
2026JunJulAugSepOctNov
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
Independent

 Find inspiration in the in-between aboard Canyon Spirit, America's premier luxury train. Step aboard for a three-day trip that focuses on the journey, putting sightseeing at the forefront of the adventure. Depart from Salt Lake City, and enjoy delicious meals and expert commentary while traveling into the deserts and canyons of Moab. The scenery...

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3 days from
$2,439 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Summer Tours tours
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure
26/May
GLORIA HALL
5 stars
“This was a bucket list trip and it was AMAZING! We traveled as independent travelers but EVERYTHING was perfectly planned for us. As Senior-agers, and my husband using a canes, we enjoyed every aspect of the trip! The train was an adventure, even sleeping in a comfortable reclining train seat!...
Collected by Trustpilot
Great Parks of the Southwest featuring the Grand Canyon
17/May
David T.
5 stars
“Great leader, as busy as possible, great driver, packed with different sights. Where else could you ride the rails and also get robbed?!
Collected by Trustpilot
New York to Niagara Falls
03 Nov 2025
Yu-Lein Kung
5 stars
“This is our very 1st vacation by rail and it was above our expectations.
Collected by Trustpilot
America's Treasures & Natural Wonders
18 Oct 2025
John McCarty
5 stars
“We loved our trip and really did see natural wonders! Our guide was helpful from the very beginning. He was knowledgeable, fun, and always available. All accommodations were great and we so enjoyed not having to worry about travel details. We would travel with Vacations by Rail again.
Collected by Trustpilot
Colorado Rail Experience
17 Oct 2025
Val Easterday
5 stars
“We had a fun time. Enough on our own as we needed. Kathy Reager was great.
Collected by Trustpilot
Empire Builder Experience - Chicago to Seattle
16 Oct 2025
Mae Corwin
5 stars
“Wow! Loved our trip on the Empire Builder and will definitely do another trip with vacations by rail.
Collected by Trustpilot
Alaska Wilderness Tour
26 Sep 2025
JERI L GILBERT
5 stars
“I have never had a better time on a trip. Most everything went perfectly. I did have one luggage problem and was unable to do the excursion in Fairbanks due to misinformation from the desk clerk. ?? but everyone and everything else was amazing.
Collected by Trustpilot
America's Great National Parks
23 Sep 2025
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
California Zephyr Experience
15/May
AMELIA FRENCH
4 stars
“There is too much forced socialization on this train.
Collected by Trustpilot
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