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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.

45 results matching: Summer Tours

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Grand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand Canyon
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4.2 stars(281 reviews)
Independent
2026MayJunJulAugSep...
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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6 days from
$1,195 pp
per person
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Denali National Park wildlifeDenali National Park wildlifeDenali National Park wildlifeDenali National Park wildlifeDenali National Park wildlife
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4.6 stars(137 reviews)
Independent
2026MayJunJulAugSep
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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7 days from
$2,695 pp
per person
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Durango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton Train
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4.6 stars(416 reviews)
Escorted
2026JunJulAugSepOct
2027MayJunJulAugSepOct
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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8 days from
$3,495 pp $3,145 pp
per person
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Alaska RailroadAlaska RailroadAlaska RailroadAlaska RailroadAlaska Railroad
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4.5 stars(266 reviews)
Escorted
2026MayJunJulAugSep
2027MayJunJulAugSep
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
$5,495 pp $4,945 pp
per person
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Niagara FallsNiagara FallsNiagara FallsNiagara FallsNiagara Falls
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3.9 stars(52 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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California ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia Zephyr
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3.9 stars(49 reviews)
Independent
2026MayJunJulAugSep...
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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5 days from
$895 pp
per person
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Bryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce Canyon
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4.6 stars(183 reviews)
Escorted
2026MayJunJulSepOct
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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10 days from
$3,495 pp $3,145 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
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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12 days from
$4,995 pp $4,495 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
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4.2 stars(33 reviews)
Independent
2026MayJunJulAugSep...
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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5 days from
$895 pp
per person
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Kenai Fjords National ParkKenai Fjords National ParkKenai Fjords National ParkKenai Fjords National ParkKenai Fjords National Park
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4.4 stars(55 reviews)
Independent
2026MayJunJulAugSep
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...

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8 days from
$4,395 pp
per person
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Colorado River Among The Rocky Mountains Of Red SandstoneColorado River Among The Rocky Mountains Of Red SandstoneColorado River Among The Rocky Mountains Of Red SandstoneColorado River Among The Rocky Mountains Of Red SandstoneColorado River Among The Rocky Mountains Of Red Sandstone
Independent
2026MayJunJulAugSep...
Independent

 A route of natural beauty and the raw spirit of adventure lies ahead with Canyon Spirit. America's answer to luxury rail travel brought to you by the same name that founded Canada's Rocky Mountaineer, this train weaves along its flagship route from Moab, Utah, to Denver, Colorado, traveling by daylight only to provide once-in-a-lifetime...

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4 days from
$2,229 pp
per person
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Denver Denver Denver Denver Denver
Independent
2026MayJunJulAugSep...
Independent

 America's only luxury train, Canyon Spirit, is your chariot for this unforgettable rail adventure. Follow its new route from Salt Lake City, through the deserts of Moab, into the peaks surrounding Glenwood Springs, and finally, to Colorado's dynamic capital city, Denver. Enjoy time to explore Salt Lake City ahead of the journey and daylight-only...

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5 days from
$2,654 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Summer Tours tours
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure
25/Apr
Vickie
5 stars
“Everything flowed beautifully! Bags were picked up and delivered as expected. Food was amazing! Loved every minute!
Collected by Trustpilot
California Zephyr Experience
20/Apr
HAROLD UNDERWOOD
5 stars
“Spectacular views, great food, stimulating social interaction, overall on time. Rail car attendant provided good service.
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
Alaska the Greatland
08 Nov 2025
Chris Haskin
4 stars
“There should have been more time at Denali to go further into the park.
Collected by Trustpilot
Great Parks of the Southwest featuring the Grand Canyon
23 Oct 2025
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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