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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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Durango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton Train
Save $200pp
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 $200pp
8 days from
$3,495 pp $3,295 pp
per person
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Mount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount Rushmore
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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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11 days from
$4,995 pp $4,795 pp
per person
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Grand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand Canyon
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4.2 stars(252 reviews)
Independent
2025NovDec
2026JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent

The Grand Canyon is one of the world's top natural attractions. Visit one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World on this exciting rail adventure. Beginning in Chicago, board Amtrak's Southwest Chief bound for Flagstaff, Arizona, the gateway to the Canyon. Upon arriving in Flagstaff, catch the historic Grand Canyon Railway for your journey to...

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Save $200pp
6 days from
$1,195 pp $995 pp
per person
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Glacier National ParkGlacier National ParkGlacier National ParkGlacier National ParkGlacier National Park
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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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13 days from
$5,995 pp $5,795 pp
per person
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Glacier BayGlacier BayGlacier BayGlacier BayGlacier Bay
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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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15 days from
$6,195 pp $5,995 pp
per person
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Denali National Park bearsDenali National Park bearsDenali National Park bearsDenali National Park bearsDenali National Park bears
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4.5 stars(265 reviews)
Escorted
2026MayJunJulAugSep
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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9 days from
$5,195 pp $4,995 pp
per person
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Trestle Bridge, Denali National ParkTrestle Bridge, Denali National ParkTrestle Bridge, Denali National ParkTrestle Bridge, Denali National ParkTrestle Bridge, Denali National Park
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4.9 stars(25 reviews)
Independent
2026MayJunJulAugSep
Independent

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...

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13 days from
$3,344 pp
per person
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Bryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce Canyon
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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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10 days from
$3,795 pp
per person
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Old Faithful, YellowstoneOld Faithful, YellowstoneOld Faithful, YellowstoneOld Faithful, YellowstoneOld Faithful, Yellowstone
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4.7 stars(126 reviews)
Escorted
2026JunJulAugSep
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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12 days from
$5,695 pp $5,495 pp
per person
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Niagara FallsNiagara FallsNiagara FallsNiagara FallsNiagara Falls
3.9 stars(48 reviews)
Independent
2026MayJunJulAugSepOct
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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4 days from
$795 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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Alaska RailroadAlaska RailroadAlaska RailroadAlaska RailroadAlaska Railroad
Save $200pp
4.6 stars(137 reviews)
Independent
2026MayJunJulAugSep
Independent

Venture into the heart of Alaska on this seven-day independent rail journey. Uncover scenic landscapes as the Denali Star rolls past a showcase of quintessential Alaskan sights, starting in vibrant Anchorage. Enjoy time in historic Talkeetna, enjoying a jetboat ride along the Talkeetna and Susitna rivers. Embark on a tundra wilderness tour of the...

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Save $200pp
7 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
21/Oct
MICHAEL JOHN RYAN JR
5 stars
“We really enjoyed this trip. Everything was on time and exceeded our expectations. We did have an Amtrack issue on the ride back to Chicago. Our car (bedroom suite) did not have working bathrooms nor water for much of the trip. What really concerned us was that Amtrack knew our...
Collected by Trustpilot
America's Treasures & Natural Wonders
18/Oct
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
Val Easterday
5 stars
“We had a fun time. Enough on our own as we needed. Kathy Reager was great.
Collected by Trustpilot
Alaska Wilderness Tour
26/Sep
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
Alaska by Land and Sea Featuring 3 nights in Denali
26/Sep
NANCY
5 stars
“Very nice!!!
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
Alaska the Greatland
8/Sep
Bridget Whitson
5 stars
“Marvelous trip. Well planned and executed. So many details made this trip simply amazing. Our tour guide, Kaari and coach driver Beau deserve a lot of credit for enhancing the experience. WE never felt rushed and could really enjoy the train rides, the boating events, the scenery and the animals.
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
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