1-877-929-7245
Tour Search



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 $3,799 pp $3,399 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
Discover More
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
Discover More
Piazza Navona, Rome
Scenic Europe By Rail: London to Rome
13 days from $5,899 pp $5,499 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
Discover More

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 stars6,701 reviews on

Order brochure

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.

169 results matching: Escorted Rail Tours

Filters
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Durango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton Train
Save up to $800
Colorado Rail Experience
4.6 stars(416 reviews)
Escorted
2026JunJulAugSepOct
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 &...

View map

Save up to $800
8 days from
$3,799 pp $3,399 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...

View map

Save up to $800
6 days from
$2,799 pp $2,499 pp
per person
View Details
Fraumunster ChurchFraumunster ChurchFraumunster ChurchFraumunster ChurchFraumunster Church
Best of Switzerland by Rail
4.4 stars(244 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...

View map

10 days from
$4,499 pp
per person
View Details
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. ...

View map

Save up to $800
9 days from
$3,899 pp $3,499 pp
per person
View Details
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(318 reviews)
Escorted
2026JunJulSep
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...

View map

11 days from
$4,999 pp
per person
View Details
Jacobite Steam TrainJacobite Steam TrainJacobite Steam TrainJacobite Steam TrainJacobite Steam Train
Last Spaces for Summer
Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands
4.5 stars(616 reviews)
Escorted
2026JunJulAugSepOct
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...

View map

9 days from
$3,199 pp $2,799 pp
per person
View Details
Glacier National ParkGlacier National ParkGlacier National ParkGlacier National ParkGlacier National Park
Last 50 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...

View map

Save up to $800
13 days from
$5,099 pp $4,699 pp
per person
View Details
Alaska RailroadAlaska RailroadAlaska RailroadAlaska RailroadAlaska Railroad
Last 50 Spaces
Save up to $800
Alaska the Greatland
4.5 stars(266 reviews)
Escorted
2026JunJulAugSep
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...

View map

Save up to $800
9 days from
$5,199 pp $4,799 pp
per person
View Details
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
Last 50 Spaces
Save up to $800
Canadian Rockies & Rocky Mountaineer
4.4 stars(130 reviews)
Escorted
2026JunJulAugSepOct
2027MayJunJulAugSepOct
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...

View map

Save up to $800
8 days from
$5,899 pp $5,499 pp
per person
View Details
Wolfeboro, New HampshireWolfeboro, New HampshireWolfeboro, New HampshireWolfeboro, New HampshireWolfeboro, New Hampshire
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...

View map

Save up to $800
7 days from
$3,699 pp $3,299 pp
per person
View Details
VeniceVeniceVeniceVeniceVenice
Last 50 Spaces
Save up to $800
First-Class Italy: Featuring Tuscany & Venice
4.4 stars(134 reviews)
Escorted
2026JunJulSepOct
2027MarAprMayJunJul...
Escorted

Travel through centuries of history on this journey of cultural epicenters and romantic views. Staying in four diverse bases, Venice, Montecatini Terme, Rome and Sorrento, uncover Italian wonders from coast to coast. Begin in the "Floating City," discovering its canals and bridges before moving into Tuscany, where we explore the Cinque Terre from...

View map

Save up to $800
11 days from
$3,699 pp $3,299 pp
per person
View Details
Old Faithful, YellowstoneOld Faithful, YellowstoneOld Faithful, YellowstoneOld Faithful, YellowstoneOld Faithful, Yellowstone
Last 50 Spaces
Save up to $800
America's Treasures & Natural Wonders
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,...

View map

Save up to $800
12 days from
$4,899 pp $4,499 pp
per person
View Details
Show 12 more tours

Show all 169 tours

Our customers love our Escorted Tours tours
Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands
14/May
Robert Tipton
5 stars
“Great trip, good friends, outstanding views and a lot of history.
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Train Tour of Switzerland: An Escorted Experience
14/May
Jerry Ward
5 stars
“transportation,accomodations,itinerary and tour guide were all top notch
Collected by Trustpilot
Best of Switzerland by Rail
7/May
Yvette Stocker
5 stars
“Our experience was amazing. Our tour guide (David) was an excellent host.
Collected by Trustpilot
First-Class Italy: Featuring Tuscany & Venice
24/Apr
John Story
5 stars
“Hurried but interesting tour of Italy. Our tour manager was excellent and did everything in her power to make us comfortable and keep us on schedule.
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 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
Canadian Rockies & Rocky Mountaineer
08 Oct 2025
Richard Horstman
5 stars
“Good tour manager Good accommodations Great trip Great weather
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

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.