1-877-929-7245
Tour Search



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

Filters
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Grand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand Canyon
Save up to $800
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure
4.2 stars(297 reviews)
Independent
2026JulAugSepOctNovDec
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...

View map

Save up to $800
6 days from
$1,195 pp $995 pp
per person
View Details
Niagara FallsNiagara FallsNiagara FallsNiagara FallsNiagara Falls
Save up to $800
New York to Niagara Falls
3.9 stars(53 reviews)
Independent
2026JulAugSepOct
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...

View map

Save up to $800
4 days from
$795 pp $695 pp
per person
View Details
Denali National Park wildlifeDenali National Park wildlifeDenali National Park wildlifeDenali National Park wildlifeDenali National Park wildlife
Save up to $800
Alaska Wilderness Tour
4.5 stars(143 reviews)
Independent
2026Jul
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...

View map

Save up to $800
7 days from
$3,095 pp $2,695 pp
per person
View Details
California ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia Zephyr
Save up to $800
California Zephyr Experience
3.9 stars(54 reviews)
Independent
2026JulAugSepOctNovDec
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...

View map

Save up to $800
5 days from
$895 pp $795 pp
per person
View Details
Bryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce Canyon
Last Spaces
Save up to $800
Great Parks of the Southwest featuring the Grand Canyon
4.6 stars(202 reviews)
Escorted
2026SepOct
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...

View map

Save up to $800
10 days from
$3,799 pp $3,399 pp
per person
View Details
Glacier National ParkGlacier National ParkGlacier National ParkGlacier National ParkGlacier National Park
America's Great National Parks
4.5 stars(289 reviews)
Escorted
2026JulAugSep
2027JunJulAugSep
Escorted

Discover five beloved national parks on this 13-day escorted tour through the West. Start with a classic overnight rail journey aboard the Empire Builder, following the pioneer route into Big Sky Country. Experience a float trip down a winding river, drive through Glacier National Park on an open-top Red Jammer bus and cruise across a sparkling...

View map

13 days from
$5,999 pp
per person
View Details
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
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.

View map

5 days from
$1,595 pp
per person
View Details
Durango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton Train
Colorado Rail Experience
4.6 stars(431 reviews)
Escorted
2026JulAugSepOct
2027MayJunJulAugSepOct
Escorted

From soaring peaks to deep gorges and iconic sites, including the Garden of the Gods, relish untamed Colorado on this remarkable rail vacation featuring six heritage trains. Delve into the Colorado Rockies' mining history on the Georgetown Loop Railroad and the Leadville Railroad, and skirt the San Juan Mountains on the Durango & Silverton Narrow...

View map

8 days from
$3,799 pp
per person
View Details
Alaska RailroadAlaska RailroadAlaska RailroadAlaska RailroadAlaska Railroad
Alaska the Greatland
4.5 stars(283 reviews)
Escorted
2026AugSep
2027MayJunJulAug
Escorted

Nine unforgettable days showcase the Last Frontier's wild beauty on this expertly guided vacation. Uncover Fairbanks on a riverboat trip and meet sledding dogs, then ride Alaska Railroad's legendary Denali Star. Marvel at North America's tallest mountain and its incredible wildlife in Denali National Park and Talkeetna, before continuing south to...

View map

9 days from
$5,499 pp
per person
View Details
Sunny Day At Glacier National ParkSunny Day At Glacier National ParkSunny Day At Glacier National ParkSunny Day At Glacier National ParkSunny Day At Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park Escape - Seattle Roundtrip
3.9 stars(15 reviews)
Independent
2027JunJulAugSep
Independent

Depart coastal Seattle for the 100+-year-old Glacier National Park aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder. Highlights of your two-day visit include an excursion along the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road and stunning views from Marias and Logan Passes.

View map

5 days from
$1,495 pp
per person
View Details
Kenai Fjords National ParkKenai Fjords National ParkKenai Fjords National ParkKenai Fjords National ParkKenai Fjords National Park
Save up to $800
Deluxe Alaska Highlights
4.4 stars(56 reviews)
Independent
2026JulAugSep
2027MayJunJulAugSep
Independent

There is no place quite like the Alaskan wilderness. This corner of North America is a unique place where culture-filled destinations are carved into landscapes that remain virtually untouched otherwise. Gorgeous scenery marked by glaciers, snowy mountain ranges, fjords, pretty coastlines, and wide-open expanses is always within reach, and the...

View map

Save up to $800
8 days from
$4,395 pp $3,995 pp
per person
View Details
Arches National ParkArches National ParkArches National ParkArches National ParkArches National Park
 Rockies to the Red Rocks Three-day Rail Only
Independent
2026JulAugSepOctNov
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...

View map

3 days from
$2,439 pp
per person
View Details
Show 12 more tours

Show all 45 tours

Our customers love our Summer Tours tours
Colorado Rail Experience
23/Jun
JillRoy
5 stars
“Sherry Moon did a fantastic job as did our driver, Jess. The whole trip was marvelous and far exceeded our expectations. We would definitely travel with Vacations by Rail in the future.
Collected by Trustpilot
Alaska Wilderness Tour
21/Jun
Joan Obrien
5 stars
“We had a great time on the Alaska wilderness tour. The Gold Star upgrade is worth the extra money I’m so glad we asked about it and upgraded.
Collected by Trustpilot
Great Parks of the Southwest featuring the Grand Canyon
11/Jun
Harry Gregori
5 stars
“Great trip, staff and arrangements all excellent.
Collected by Trustpilot
California Zephyr Experience
28/May
LARRY SCHICK
5 stars
“Wonderful experience
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
Alaska the Greatland
23/Jun
LYNN BALLENTINE
4 stars
“Thought Trip would be daily train trips , not 1/2 buses … lodging good , but transportation needed for meals not provided .. added own day trips for down time
Collected by Trustpilot
New York to Niagara Falls
15/Jun
Anthony B Simmons
4 stars
“All was good and we were the train ride was comfortable the hotel was great but there was a unexpected charge on my card for $48 which I won’t complain about since I forgot to leave a tip the cleaning crew but overall I was satisfied and enjoyed my trip.
Collected by Trustpilot
Deluxe Alaska Highlights
7/Jun
Pamela Cipriano
4 stars
“The trip was excellent with a few minor issues. Train travel itself was comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable! Some instructions for pick up times and handling of baggage were not clear or absent on the detailed itinerary which led to uncertainty experienced by me as well as fellow travelers on the...
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure
2/Jun
Paul Crawford
4 stars
“Trip from Williams to the Grand Canyon was very nice.
Collected by Trustpilot
Latest Expert Advice & Inspiration