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

Our Top Selling Escorted Tours

Durango & Silverton Train
Colorado Rail Experience
8 days from $3,799 pp
  • Experience unforgettable journeys on six of Colorado’s most scenic heritage railways
  • Travel in First Class aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad with a three-course lunch
  • Enjoy a drive through the National Natural Landmark site of the Garden of the Gods
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Fraumunster Church
Best of Switzerland by Rail
10 days from $4,499 pp
  • Travel between Switzerland’s stunning towns onboard world-renowned railways
  • Experience the full route of the iconic Glacier Express from Zermatt to St Moritz
  • Visit some of Switzerland’s most charming cities including Zürich and lakeside Lucerne
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Piazza Navona, Rome
Scenic Europe By Rail: London to Rome
13 days from $5,699 pp $5,299 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 stars6,816 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.

172 results matching: Escorted Rail Tours

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Conway Scenic RailroadConway Scenic RailroadConway Scenic RailroadConway Scenic RailroadConway Scenic Railroad
Save up to $800
New England in the Fall
Escorted
2026SepOct
2027SepOct
Escorted

On this new itinerary for 2026, experience scenic railways on an unforgettable tour of New England in the Fall. Travel through spectacular mountain scenery lit up with vivid colors on this autumn tour along America's scenic East Coast. Stay in Boston with time to explore its history and culture, then journey by boat to fascinating Salem. ...

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Save up to $800
9 days from
$3,899 pp $3,499 pp
per person
View Details
Lake with Autumn Foliage view New England, StoweLake with Autumn Foliage view New England, StoweLake with Autumn Foliage view New England, StoweLake with Autumn Foliage view New England, StoweLake with Autumn Foliage view New England, Stowe
Save up to $800
New England in a Nutshell
4.3 stars(131 reviews)
Escorted
2026SepOct
2027SepOct
Escorted

Behold the brilliance of nature's seasonal finale in New England this fall. For 6 days, find yourself surrounded by sights of gold, rust and crimson as you travel through leaf-peeping hotspots in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. Begin with time in Boston, where a guided tour acquaints you with the most historically significant sites of...

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Save up to $800
6 days from
$3,099 pp $2,799 pp
per person
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Durango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton Train
Colorado Rail Experience
4.6 stars(423 reviews)
Escorted
2026JulAugSepOct
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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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(334 reviews)
Escorted
2026JulAugSep
2027MarAprMayJunJul...
Escorted

Uncover the amazing scenery of mountainous Switzerland from alpine peaks to brilliant blue lakes. Experience the best of this incredible European 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, GoldenPass Express and...

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11 days from
$4,999 pp
per person
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Glenfinnan ViaductGlenfinnan ViaductGlenfinnan ViaductGlenfinnan ViaductGlenfinnan Viaduct
Last Spaces for Summer
Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands
4.5 stars(647 reviews)
Escorted
2026JulAugOct
2027MarAprMayJunJul...
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
$2,999 pp $2,599 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
4.5 stars(141 reviews)
Escorted
2026JulAugSep
2027MayJunJulAugSepOct
Escorted

All aboard the storied rails of the Rocky Mountaineer for a journey into Canada's picturesque Rocky Mountains. Beginning in the coastal metropolis of Vancouver, discover the sights of the city before boarding the panoramic carriages of the Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops. Wind through mountain landscapes enroute to Jasper, for an excursion to...

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8 days from
$6,699 pp
per person
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Fraumunster ChurchFraumunster ChurchFraumunster ChurchFraumunster ChurchFraumunster Church
Best of Switzerland by Rail
4.4 stars(259 reviews)
Escorted
2026Aug
2027MarAprMayJunJul...
Escorted

Experience the best of Switzerland on this unforgettable round-trip from Zürich, unveiling a new perspective on this small but stunning European country. Explore iconic cities such as Lucerne and Zürich, cruise across shimmering lakes and enjoy four spectacular journeys on Switzerland's famed trains, including the Glacier Express and Bernina...

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10 days from
$4,499 pp
per person
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Bryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce Canyon
Last Spaces
Save up to $800
Great Parks of the Southwest featuring the Grand Canyon
4.6 stars(201 reviews)
Escorted
2026Jul
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 National ParkGlacier National ParkGlacier National ParkGlacier National ParkGlacier National Park
Last 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 Spaces
Save up to $800
Alaska the Greatland
4.5 stars(271 reviews)
Escorted
2026JulAugSep
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
$5,399 pp $4,999 pp
per person
View Details
Wolfeboro, New HampshireWolfeboro, New HampshireWolfeboro, New HampshireWolfeboro, New HampshireWolfeboro, New Hampshire
Last Spaces
Save up to $800
New England Autumn Rails & Sails
4.4 stars(118 reviews)
Escorted
2026SepOct
2027SepOct
Escorted

The vibrant hues of autumn color the backdrop for this tour to some of New England's most historic and picturesque sites. This round-trip from Boston delves into popular East Coast locations like coastal Kennebunkport and Portland in Maine, Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, and Newport in Rhode Island. Delight in excursions aboard two of...

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Save up to $800
7 days from
$3,999 pp $3,599 pp
per person
View Details
Kancamagus HighwayKancamagus HighwayKancamagus HighwayKancamagus HighwayKancamagus Highway
Save up to $800
Fall Colors, Scenic Trains & Martha's Vineyard
Escorted
2026SepOct
2027SepOct
Escorted

 The sites of yesteryear, iconic towns and delightful fall scenery set the backdrop for this New England adventure. Following an itinerary through Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island, this journey presents some of the nation's best autumnal foliage in unforgettable settings. Explore by rail on the Conway Scenic...

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Save up to $800
10 days from
$3,899 pp $3,499 pp
per person
View Details
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Our customers love our Escorted Tours tours
Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands
9/Jun
Howard Jones
5 stars
“Great tour guide. Comprehensive itinerary.
Collected by Trustpilot
Great Parks of the Southwest featuring the Grand Canyon
8/Jun
Jess Pulliam
5 stars
“This trip is one of the best i have been on. The thing that made this an absolute delight was our tour guide Linda Essenburg and her side kick driver Adrean. Between the two, they made the trip very informative and interesting. I have been on many tours and these...
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Train Tour of Switzerland: An Escorted Experience
7/Jun
Bryan Smith
5 stars
“Just as advertised. Exactly what we expected. Some lengthy walks to hotel, but overall satisfactory.
Collected by Trustpilot
Alaska the Greatland
7/Jun
Lisa Gummersheimer
5 stars
“I honestly cannot say enough! There is absolutely no way my husband & I could have done/seen all of the amazing adventures/wonders that we did while on this once in a lifetime trip to Alaska if it had not been coordinated this well by Vacations by Rail!
Collected by Trustpilot
Canadian Rockies & Rocky Mountaineer
6/Jun
Pam
5 stars
“The tour staff, the train staff and the bus driver were exquisite and were kindly, good humored, and gave valuable guidance. We treasured each activity and the skills of the entire staff in helping the travelers in our group become a caring group.
Collected by Trustpilot
New England in a Nutshell
06 Nov 2025
Suzanne Howze
5 stars
“Our tour guide was great! Also the trip was well thought out and well-organized. My only suggestion; please have people wear name tags. Please, please.
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
Best of Switzerland by Rail
9/Jun
Neil Dawes
4 stars
“The tour was the culmination of 4 consecutive tours by this company in the same Grand Adventure from Australia. The dates were very late in being released after repeated requests and then only to be repeatedly revised with different accommodations and venues prior to our commencement. Iconic towns and experiences...
Collected by Trustpilot
Colorado Rail Experience
8/Jun
Pamela Cunningham
4 stars
“Most meals are not covered
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.