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Short Breaks

Short Rail Tours

A small taste of culture and a sampling of adventure, short breaks are your chance to relax and recharge. These quick getaways, ranging from 2 to 6 days, are ideal for embarking on new travel experiences and soaking in the delights that a change in scenery can bring.

In the United States, short break holidays can take you to stunning protected parklands, including Glacier National Park, or natural wonders of the world, such as the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls. Fans of city breaks appreciate samplers of some of the nation's most extraordinary locales while on getaways that feature New Orleans or Chicago and New York City.

Amtrak's well-connected railway system sets the tone for unforgettable long weekend breaks. Join the California Zephyr in navigating the great American landscape, venturing from Chicago, through the Rockies, to San Francisco. The Coast Starlight's incredible route along the Pacific Seaboard showcases California's beauty while traveling between Seattle and Los Angeles. For one of the more luxurious short breaks by rail, consider joining America's newest luxury train, Rocky Mountaineer, on its epic Rockies to the Red Rocks route from Denver, CO, to Moab, UT.

Imagine discovering Europe's unbelievable history on Euro city breaks. Though it may seem impossible, there are plenty of tour options that introduce the centuries-old architecture, local cuisine, and nuances of regional culture in one charming little package. Venture through the Scottish Highlands, explore Switzerland's charming alpine towns, or visit traditional Christmas Markets along the Rhine. Whether you are looking for short spring break trips or quick retreats into the varied countries that compose the European landscape, the continent's far-reaching railways make it possible. Some of Europe's most luxurious railways also offer a platform for adventure, even on a limited timeline. Consider short holidays that feature the Royal Scotsman or the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for a classic overnight route between Venice and Paris.

Start planning your short break with these imaginative itineraries ideal for a short getaway.

28 results matching: Short Breaks

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Grand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand Canyon
New Season Savings
4.2 stars(266 reviews)
Independent
2026JanFebMarAprMay...
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...

New Season Savings
6 days from
$1,295 pp $1,195 pp
per person
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Matterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, Zermatt
New Season Savings
4.4 stars(62 reviews)
Independent
2026JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent

If there is one thing Switzerland is known for, it is its otherworldly mountain scenes. The Swiss Alps are an icon, and when views of them are combined with stays in charming resort towns and rides aboard some of the world's most scenic railways, it is the recipe for an unforgettable vacation. Begin in Zurich with a day to get acclimated to...

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New Season Savings
6 days from
$2,495 pp $2,295 pp
per person
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Kancamagus Highway During Foliage SeasonKancamagus Highway During Foliage SeasonKancamagus Highway During Foliage SeasonKancamagus Highway During Foliage SeasonKancamagus Highway During Foliage Season
New Season Savings
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...

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New Season Savings
6 days from
$3,095 pp $2,795 pp
per person
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Colorado Rockies Continental DivideColorado Rockies Continental DivideColorado Rockies Continental DivideColorado Rockies Continental DivideColorado Rockies Continental Divide
4.0 stars(46 reviews)
Independent
2026JanFebMarAprMay...
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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Peggys CovePeggys CovePeggys CovePeggys CovePeggys Cove
New Season Savings
4.4 stars(33 reviews)
Independent
2026MayJunJulAugSep
Independent

Start your journey in the cultural haven of Montreal. Montreal is popular for being home to legendary attractions like the stunning Notre Dame Basilica and the iconic Olympic Park, home to several of the 1976 Olympic Games venues. You will have two days to explore the historic city before embarking on to your next destination, Quebec City. ...

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New Season Savings
6 days from
$1,595 pp $1,495 pp
per person
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Conway CastleConway CastleConway CastleConway CastleConway Castle
New Season Savings
Escorted
2026AprMayJunJulAug...
Escorted

On this nostalgic escape, ride on celebrated railways, visit ancient castles, and discover the beautiful gardens of north Wales. Journey through stunning scenery on the Ffestiniog Railway, the world's oldest independent line, and ascend Snowdon's summit on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Step into the unique village of Portmeirion, the...

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New Season Savings
6 days from
$1,395 pp $1,295 pp
per person
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Niagara FallsNiagara FallsNiagara FallsNiagara FallsNiagara Falls
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...

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4 days from
$795 pp
per person
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Icefields Parkway at Sunset, Banff National ParkIcefields Parkway at Sunset, Banff National ParkIcefields Parkway at Sunset, Banff National ParkIcefields Parkway at Sunset, Banff National ParkIcefields Parkway at Sunset, Banff National Park
4.9 stars(14 reviews)
Independent
2026MayJunJulAugSepOct
Independent

Snow-capped peaks surrounded by vibrantly hued lakes and emerald-green forests set the scene for this independent journey through Canada's Rocky Mountains. A brilliant combination of rail travel and time to drive through the amazing landscape at your own pace allows for an impressive and thorough introduction to interior Canada. Begin in...

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6 days from
$4,195 pp
per person
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Edinburgh Royal Edinburgh Military TattooEdinburgh Royal Edinburgh Military TattooEdinburgh Royal Edinburgh Military TattooEdinburgh Royal Edinburgh Military TattooEdinburgh Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
New Season Savings
4.4 stars(5 reviews)
Escorted
2026Aug
Escorted

This short break is an introduction to the best of Scotland, culminating in the iconic extravaganza of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, with pipes and drums resonating from the castle's elevated setting.    Based in the charming town of Dunblane in the Perthshire countryside, this Scottish vacation also includes a visit to Stirling...

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New Season Savings
4 days from
$1,195 pp $1,095 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
4.2 stars(33 reviews)
Independent
2026JanFebMarAprMay...
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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Eilean Donan CastleEilean Donan CastleEilean Donan CastleEilean Donan CastleEilean Donan Castle
New Season Savings
4.1 stars(61 reviews)
Escorted
2026AprMayJunJulAug...
Escorted

Discover the very best of the Scottish Highlands on a five-day tour while soaking up breathtaking scenery aboard the legendary Jacobite steam train and Strathspey Steam Railway. Along the way, marvel at the towering mountains, shimmering lochs and emerald forests that make up the Scottish landscape. Delve into Scotland's fascinating...

New Season Savings
5 days from
$1,595 pp $1,495 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Cologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas Markets
New Season Savings
Escorted
2026NovDec
Escorted

Feel the holiday spirit on this cruise along the beautiful Rhine. Discovering Germany at the most magical time of the year we stop at traditional Christmas markets along the way, including Cologne, Bonn, Koblenz and Rüdesheim. Strolling through the stalls, admire the craftsmanship of local artisans and savor the flavors that define the...

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New Season Savings
5 days from
$1,695 pp $1,595 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Short Breaks tours
Zermatt & St. Moritz featuring Glacier Express
23 Dec 2025
VICKIE MARIE EGAN
5 stars
“Hotels & train rides were great!
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure
06 Dec 2025
don
5 stars
“First class very nice ride
Collected by Trustpilot
California Zephyr Experience
11 Nov 2025
MARCIA GREY PATTERSON
5 stars
“Wonderful experience
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
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
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
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo & the Highlands
27 Aug 2025
Lawrence Day
5 stars
“A unique, spectacular event.
Collected by Trustpilot
Highland Adventure
09 Oct 2025
mary Green
4 stars
“I know weather was an issue so we missed a day and we appreciate some reimbursement. But we had a change in gods. And the day we missed there was no alternative thing for many of us to do. The hotel was good. Far too much riding on the bus...
Collected by Trustpilot
Beautiful Banff Rail & Drive
20 Aug 2025
MICHELLE ROGERS
4 stars
“This was an amazing trip! We thoroughly enjoyed it, and saw spectacular scenery. The highlight was the trip on the Rocky Mountaineer. The service level and amazing on-board hosts really were top notch. The only reason I gave this tour 4 stars instead of 5 is that I think you...
Collected by Trustpilot