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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 $3,145 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 $4,695 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 $5,195 pp $4,675 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 stars6,502 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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Durango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton Train
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Colorado Rail Experience
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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Jacobite Steam TrainJacobite Steam TrainJacobite Steam TrainJacobite Steam TrainJacobite Steam Train
Save up to $750pp
Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands
4.5 stars(586 reviews)
Escorted
2026AprMayJunJulAug...
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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Save up to $750pp
9 days from
$3,295 pp $2,995 pp
per person
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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
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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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6 days from
$2,995 pp $2,695 pp
per person
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Denali National Park bearsDenali National Park bearsDenali National Park bearsDenali National Park bearsDenali National Park bears
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Alaska the Greatland
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
$5,195 pp $4,675 pp
per person
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Ross CastleRoss CastleRoss CastleRoss CastleRoss Castle
Save up to $750pp
The Best of Scotland and Ireland
4.3 stars(185 reviews)
Escorted
2026AprMayJunAugSepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
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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Save up to $750pp
13 days from
$5,495 pp $4,995 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
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Canadian Rockies & Rocky Mountaineer
4.4 stars(130 reviews)
Escorted
2026MayJunJulAugSepOct
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 full day...

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8 days from
$6,995 pp $6,295 pp
per person
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Bryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce Canyon
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Great Parks of the Southwest featuring the Grand Canyon
4.6 stars(183 reviews)
Escorted
2026AprMayJunJulSepOct
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
$3,995 pp $3,595 pp
per person
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VeniceVeniceVeniceVeniceVenice
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First-Class Italy: Featuring Tuscany & Venice
4.4 stars(120 reviews)
Escorted
2026MayJunJulSepOct
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...

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11 days from
$3,295 pp $2,965 pp
per person
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Old Faithful, YellowstoneOld Faithful, YellowstoneOld Faithful, YellowstoneOld Faithful, YellowstoneOld Faithful, Yellowstone
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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,...

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12 days from
$4,995 pp $4,495 pp
per person
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Wolfeboro, New HampshireWolfeboro, New HampshireWolfeboro, New HampshireWolfeboro, New HampshireWolfeboro, New Hampshire
New England Autumn Rails & Sails
4.4 stars(119 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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7 days from
$3,695 pp $3,325 pp
per person
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ZermattZermattZermattZermattZermatt
Essential Switzerland: Glacier Express & Zermatt
Escorted
2026JunAugSep
Escorted

Spend a week enveloped in the delights of Switzerland on this roundtrip journey, bookended by time in the lakeside city of Zürich. From well-located bases in Zürich, Zermatt and the Engadine Valley, the nation's most incredible adventures are within reach. Find yourself immersed in history while touring St. Gallen, and discover the...

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8 days from
$2,895 pp
per person
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Conway Scenic RailroadConway Scenic RailroadConway Scenic RailroadConway Scenic RailroadConway Scenic Railroad
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New England in the Fall
Escorted
2026SepOct
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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9 days from
$3,995 pp $3,595 pp
per person
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Show all 162 tours

Our customers love our Escorted Tours tours
Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands
31/Mar
Andrea Coton
5 stars
“I do not take many tours as I prefer to travel independently. However this tour was exceptional.
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
First-Class Italy: Featuring Tuscany & Venice
22 Oct 2025
Milton
5 stars
“This was a trip of a lifetime for me and you did not fail to deliver! The accommodations were great as well as the excursions. Our tour manager, Elizabeth Quinn, made the transitions easy and fun with her witty personality. She took good care of all of us. I can't...
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
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
The Best of Scotland and Ireland
07 Nov 2025
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 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

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.