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Escorted Train Tours
Discover new places and cultures with expertly guided tours in 2026
Vacation Types

Our Top Selling Escorted Tours

Durango & Silverton Train
Colorado Rail Experience
8 days from $3,495 pp
  • Experience six heritage railroads, including the beloved Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
  • Immerse yourself in the secluded scenes of the Rocky Mountains
  • Summit Pikes Peak and enjoy a visit to the awe-inspiring Garden of the Gods
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Fraumunster Church
Best of Switzerland by Rail
10 days from $4,395 pp
  • Experience Switzerland aboard four iconic trains with 4-Star accommodation, including two mountain railways
  • Admire incredible Swiss Alps from the iconic Glacier Express
  • Spend time relaxing in tranquil Zermatt & vibrant St. Moritz
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Paris
Scenic Europe By Rail: London to Rome
13 days from $5,995 pp
  • Stay in 4 & 5-Star hotels on a multi-country escorted exploration from London to Rome
  • Uncover the renowned attractions of London, Paris, Rome, and the Vatican City
  • Sail between Swiss Alps on Lake Lucerne and dine at a historic Tuscan restaurant
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Escorted Rail Tours

An escorted tour offers so much more than an ordinary vacation. You can fully immerse yourself in a destination as our carefully curated itineraries show you the iconic sights and hidden gems, revealing the area's history, culture, and local flavors. So, whether you're dreaming of riding iconic trains in the Swiss Alps, uncovering Italy's historic cities, being awestruck by the palaces of India, exploring Canada on a cross-country journey, or embracing the wonders of our national parks, we'll make sure your vacation is filled with moments of great connection.

Every detail is taken care of, from travel and accommodations to selected meals, visits and excursions. For more than two decades, we've been crafting itineraries to destinations around the world and our award-winning vacations take the hassle out of travel. With us, you are free to simply sit back, relax, and enjoy a journey planned by our destination experts.

Wherever in the world you go, each escorted tour includes travel aboard iconic trains and by deluxe motorcoach as well as the perfect blend of comprehensive sightseeing and time at leisure. 

Curious About the Benefits of Escorted Travel?

There are many advantages to booking escorted tours:

  • Guidance of professional Tour Manager
  • Explore along with a group of fellow travelers
  • Includes travel aboard iconic trains and by deluxe motorcoach as needed
  • Includes hotel accommodations and some group meals
  • Baggage handling included on many tours
  • Curated itineraries that balance sightseeing and free time to explore
Excellent4.5 stars5,762 reviews on

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Call to Book:  1-877-929-7245

Why choose an escorted tour?

As a leading and trusted provider of escorted vacations, we sort out all the logistics so you can enjoy your experience - but there's even more…

Expertly guided by a professional Tour Manager

A dedicated Tour Manager is on hand from your meeting point to the tour conclusion. They are there to take the hassle out of travel and guide you through your vacation - letting you enjoy it to the fullest.

Explore along with a group of like-minded travelers

Our sociable groups are a great way to travel and even make new friends. Plus, with group sizes as low as 16 people on our small group tours, you enjoy a more personal way of exploring your chosen destination.

Travel by iconic train and deluxe motorcoach

With Vacations by Rail, everything is taken care of, so you can relax. From world-famous rail journeys to luxury coach travel to off-the-track locations, all transfers throughout your tour are included in the price.

Curated itineraries that mix sightseeing and free time

With a selection of excursions included, you are fully immersed in your destination. From city tours to iconic rail journeys, discover the best of each location through guided sightseeing and ample free time.

162 results matching: Escorted Rail Tours

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Jacobite Steam TrainJacobite Steam TrainJacobite Steam TrainJacobite Steam TrainJacobite Steam Train
Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands
4.5 stars(572 reviews)
Escorted
2026MarAprMayJunJul...
Escorted

Majestic lochs and glens await on this Scottish escape as we explore Edinburgh and cross the Highlands. Traveling on the scenic West Highland and Kyle rail lines, we discover historic castles, sail along glistening lochs, and stay in vibrant cities. Admire the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct on the world-famous Jacobite Steam train journey through the...

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9 days from
$3,295 pp
per person
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Kleine Scheddeg to the JungraujochKleine Scheddeg to the JungraujochKleine Scheddeg to the JungraujochKleine Scheddeg to the JungraujochKleine Scheddeg to the Jungraujoch
Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - An Escorted Experience
4.5 stars(285 reviews)
Escorted
2026MarAprMayJunJul...
Escorted

Discover the amazing scenery of Switzerland from alpine peaks to brilliant blue lakes. Experience the best of this incredible country on an escorted grand tour, exploring stunning lakes and awe-inspiring mountains. Journey on some of its most iconic trains, including the Glacier Express, Bernina Express and the GoldenPass Express. Each locale...

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11 days from
$4,995 pp
per person
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Fraumunster ChurchFraumunster ChurchFraumunster ChurchFraumunster ChurchFraumunster Church
Best of Switzerland by Rail
4.4 stars(226 reviews)
Escorted
2026MarAprMayJunJul...
Escorted

From Switzerland's largest city, Zürich, this round-trip unveils an unforgettable perspective on this small but stunning European country. Uncover delightful towns such as medieval St Gallen and Lucerne, lakeside Montreux, upmarket St Moritz and charming Zermatt, traveling between them on Switzerland's famed trains. Renowned railroads provide a...

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10 days from
$4,395 pp
per person
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Ross CastleRoss CastleRoss CastleRoss CastleRoss Castle
The Best of Scotland and Ireland
4.3 stars(185 reviews)
Escorted
2026AprMayJunAugSepOct
Escorted

Experience three of the British Isles' most scenic countries on a vacation showcasing the best of these Celtic destinations. Beginning in Scotland, we explore the majestic Highlands before travelling to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, nations with fascinating culture and history. Traveling on the world-famous Jacobite Steam Train,...

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13 days from
$5,995 pp
per person
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Rocky Mountaineer Rainforest to Gold RushRocky Mountaineer Rainforest to Gold RushRocky Mountaineer Rainforest to Gold RushRocky Mountaineer Rainforest to Gold RushRocky Mountaineer Rainforest to Gold Rush
Canadian Rockies & Rocky Mountaineer
4.4 stars(130 reviews)
Escorted
2026MayJunJulAugSepOct
Escorted

All aboard the storied rails of the Rocky Mountaineer for a journey into Canada's picturesque Rocky Mountains. Our journey begins in Vancouver, a coastal metropolis that boasts a thriving art scene, stunning views of both the mountains and the ocean, and sightseeing opportunities that pique the interest of nearly every traveler. We have a full day...

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8 days from
$6,295 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
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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8 days from
$3,495 pp
per person
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Mount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount Rushmore
Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands, & Yellowstone
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
$5,495 pp
per person
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Glacier National ParkGlacier National ParkGlacier National ParkGlacier National ParkGlacier National Park
Save up to $500pp
America's Great National Parks
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
per person
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Denali National Park bearsDenali National Park bearsDenali National Park bearsDenali National Park bearsDenali National Park bears
Alaska the Greatland
4.5 stars(266 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
$5,695 pp
per person
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VeniceVeniceVeniceVeniceVenice
Highlights of Italy Featuring Tuscany & Venice
Escorted
2026MarAprMayJunJul...
Escorted

Beginning in the beautiful floating city of Venice, explore a thousand years of history before discovering the magnificent Renaissance city of Florence and unveiling the ancient classical sites of Rome on an expert-led tour. Staying in four diverse bases - Venice, the spa town of Montecatini Terme, Rome and romantic Sorrento - this...

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11 days from
$4,195 pp
per person
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Bryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce Canyon
Great Parks of the Southwest featuring the Grand Canyon
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
$4,195 pp
per person
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Grand Alpine ExplorerGrand Alpine ExplorerGrand Alpine ExplorerGrand Alpine ExplorerGrand Alpine Explorer
First Class Grand Alpine Explorer
4.6 stars(36 reviews)
Escorted
2026JunJulAugSep
Escorted

Bask in boundless displays of jaw-dropping views on a spectacular First Class vacation through the Alps. Soak up the atmosphere of historic Munich on a beer tour, marvel at the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle and indulge in a Mozart concert dinner in Salzburg after a tour. Enjoy a cruise in the Austrian Lake District and explore charming...

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14 days from
$6,195 pp
per person
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Show all 162 tours

Our customers love our Escorted Tours tours
Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands
1/Nov
Mary Broderick
5 stars
“The tour manager was wonderful. All of the hotels and food were excellent
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - An Escorted Experience
24/Oct
Libby
5 stars
“Excellent experience on iconic panoramic train journeys. Each train trip had unique & amazing features. Alpine excursions were well organised and spectacular. Tour manager, Aga was gave clear and useful directions for each day. She was very reliable and helpful when needed. Accomodation was terrific , in many cases better...
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
Canadian Rockies & Rocky Mountaineer
8/Oct
Richard Horstman
5 stars
“Good tour manager Good accommodations Great trip Great weather
Collected by Trustpilot
First Class Grand Alpine Explorer
5/Oct
Debbie Williams
5 stars
“This was our first European trip and it was even better than we could have imagined!
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/Nov
Chris Haskin
4 stars
“There should have been more time at Denali to go further into the park.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Best of Scotland and Ireland
7/Nov
Cheryl Barr
4 stars
“We had a wonderful trip. I just wish the tour manager had been from one of the countries we visited.
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

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included in an escorted vacation?

To give you the best value, each of the following is included in the price of your escorted tour:

  • Guidance and expertise of a professional Tour Manager
  • All guided tours and excursions
  • All rail and motorcoach travel throughout your tour
  • Hand-picked hotels and some group meals
  • Curated itineraries that balance sightseeing and free time to explore

How do I choose a suitably paced vacation?

To make sure you have the best experience possible, each of our tours is rated from 1 to 4 based on the level of physical activity.

  • Level 1 - Leisurely Tourist
  • Level 2 - Everyday Traveler
  • Level 3 - Comfortable Explorer
  • Level 4 - Active Adventurer

We understand that everyone has different abilities and concerns, so if you're not sure if a tour is for you after doing your research, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. View the full Mobility Rating Scale.

How many people go on one of your tours?

Our group sizes vary between tours, but you can expect to travel with around 20-35 other customers, with a maximum of 40.

Vacations by Rail is a market leader when it comes to small group tours. We're proud of being pioneers in our approach to group sizes and have become the leading operator for escorted vacations. On these tours, the size can be as low as 16 travelers and an average of 22, to a maximum of 30.

What are the excursions like?

Excursions are included in the price of your vacation. They are designed to give a balance of cultural, historical, and social interest, and to give you insight into the areas we visit. We try to use trains for excursions, however we sometimes utilize deluxe motorcoaches or boats to get to places of interest. Where motorcoaches are used, these are of high quality and we aim to keep coach journeys to a maximum of two hours between stops. On most excursions, in addition to your Tour Manager, we are accompanied by a local guide to impart specialist knowledge of the sights being visited. Some excursions are to off-the-beaten-track destinations that simply would not be visited without this local knowledge.

Do we have to join in?

Traveling with Vacations by Rail, you will never feel as if you are just part of a "herd". Customers sometimes break away from the group to explore independently and there is plenty of flexibility within the itineraries to explore and dine on your own. Many of our excursions will feature free time at a destination to explore it at your own pace. There are also those who prefer to forego a particular excursion to relax at the hotel - it is your vacation after all.

Your Tour Manager is there to provide help when you need it or to discreetly "disappear" when you don't. The itinerary is comprehensive, but not compulsory - it is very easy to opt in or out as one pleases. There is time to yourself and freedom to indulge your own interests.