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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
Save up to $500pp
4.2 stars(274 reviews)
Independent
2026AprMayJunJulAug...
2027JanFebMarAprMay...
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 and top...

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Save up to $500pp
6 days from
$1,195 pp $1,095 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
Save $200pp
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 $200pp
6 days from
$2,995 pp $2,795 pp
per person
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Matterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, Zermatt
Save up to $500pp
4.4 stars(62 reviews)
Independent
2026AprMayJunJulAug...
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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Save up to $500pp
6 days from
$2,395 pp $2,195 pp
per person
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Colorado Rockies Continental DivideColorado Rockies Continental DivideColorado Rockies Continental DivideColorado Rockies Continental DivideColorado Rockies Continental Divide
Save up to $500pp
4.0 stars(46 reviews)
Independent
2026AprMayJunJulAug...
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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Save up to $500pp
5 days from
$895 pp $795 pp
per person
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Glacier Parks Lakes and WildflowersGlacier Parks Lakes and WildflowersGlacier Parks Lakes and WildflowersGlacier Parks Lakes and WildflowersGlacier Parks Lakes and Wildflowers
Save up to $500pp
Independent
2026JunJulAugSep
Independent

Your two-night stay is in the heart of the unspoiled natural attractions and stunning beauty Glacier National Park. Wondrous displays of nature, historic lodges, and sightseeing through the forests and valleys of this complex ecosystem are highlights of your stay before returning by train to Chicago.

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Save up to $500pp
5 days from
$1,495 pp $1,395 pp
per person
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Desert View WatchtowerDesert View WatchtowerDesert View WatchtowerDesert View WatchtowerDesert View Watchtower
Save up to $500pp
4.0 stars(26 reviews)
Independent
2026AprMayJunJulAug...
Independent

Beginning in Los Angeles, board Amtrak's Southwest Chief for the overnight journey to Flagstaff, Arizona, where you will catch the historic Grand Canyon Railway for the ride to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This 4-day rail vacation includes travel aboard two iconic trains, hotel accommodations in Flagstaff and Grand Canyon National Park,...

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Save up to $500pp
5 days from
$995 pp $895 pp
per person
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Sunrise in Winter at the Grand CanyonSunrise in Winter at the Grand CanyonSunrise in Winter at the Grand CanyonSunrise in Winter at the Grand CanyonSunrise in Winter at the Grand Canyon
Save up to $500pp
4.5 stars(26 reviews)
Independent
2026NovDec
2027JanFebMar
Independent

A UNESCO-listed attraction and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon beckons on this wintertime vacation. Find yourself transported back to the golden age of train travel as you join Amtrak's Southwest Chief on its overnight journey from Chicago to Arizona. The rail adventures continue aboard the 120-year-old Grand...

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Save up to $500pp
6 days from
$1,295 pp $1,195 pp
per person
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Colorful Sky Over Bow FallsColorful Sky Over Bow FallsColorful Sky Over Bow FallsColorful Sky Over Bow FallsColorful Sky Over Bow Falls
Save up to $500pp
4.3 stars(28 reviews)
Independent
2026AprMayJunJulAug...
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
Independent

Sometimes you just need to get away, even if only for a few days. This 5-day retreat into the Canadian Rockies is the perfect getaway, combining both sightseeing and relaxation, and of course spectacular scenery. Start your trip in Vancouver, where you'll have time to explore on your own. The next day, your train journey starts with a trip to...

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Save up to $500pp
5 days from
$2,995 pp $2,795 pp
per person
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Eilean Donan CastleEilean Donan CastleEilean Donan CastleEilean Donan CastleEilean Donan Castle
Save $200pp
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 heritage and...

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Save $200pp
5 days from
$1,595 pp $1,395 pp
per person
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Denver Denver Denver Denver Denver
Independent
2026AprMayJunJulAug...
Independent

 America's only luxury train, Canyon Spirit, is your chariot for this unforgettable rail adventure. Follow its new route from Salt Lake City, through the deserts of Moab, into the peaks surrounding Glenwood Springs, and finally, to Colorado's dynamic capital city, Denver. Enjoy time to explore Salt Lake City ahead of the journey and ...

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5 days from
$2,654 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
Save up to $500pp
4.2 stars(33 reviews)
Independent
2026AprMayJunJulAug...
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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Save up to $500pp
5 days from
$795 pp $695 pp
per person
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Pacific Ocean and Big Sur CoastlinePacific Ocean and Big Sur CoastlinePacific Ocean and Big Sur CoastlinePacific Ocean and Big Sur CoastlinePacific Ocean and Big Sur Coastline
Save up to $500pp
4.3 stars(27 reviews)
Independent
2026AprMayJunJulAug...
Independent

En route daily between Seattle and Los Angeles, the Coast Starlight passes through Portland, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area and Santa Barbara. The scenery along the Coast Starlight route is unsurpassed. The dramatic snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Range and Mount Shasta, lush forests, fertile valleys and long stretches of Pacific...

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Save up to $500pp
4 days from
$795 pp $695 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Short Breaks tours
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure
4/Mar
Judy Ehlenfeldt
5 stars
“Everything was taken care of. All we had to do was catch the train and enjoy our trip! Great service before and during our trip
Collected by Trustpilot
Zermatt & St. Moritz featuring Glacier Express
23 Dec 2025
VICKIE MARIE EGAN
5 stars
“Hotels & train rides were great!
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
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
Canadian Rockies Escape with Rocky Mountaineer
10 Oct 2025
DEBORAH ANN BLACKBOURN
5 stars
“This trip was on my husband’s bucket list. We felt pampered the moment we stepped on the train! Staff was well-trained in their role! The scenery was gorgeous! We were thrilled that we could do this trip, but also thrilled with the experience we had! I will be recommending The...
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure - Los Angeles
17 Sep 2025
Anthony Massaro
5 stars
“One of the best vacations in a long time
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Canyon Winter Experience by Rail
18/Jan
Kelly Lamb
4 stars
“This was our first overnight train trip. The train ride was an adventure...one that you need to be prepared for, and we were, for the most part. Learned some new things for next time. The GC was beautiful and it was a great time of year to...
Collected by Trustpilot
Coast Starlight Experience
22 Oct 2025
SUE ELLEN PAK
4 stars
“Overall it was a good experience. The food was elexcellent. It was enjoyable to sit and share with a variety people in the dinning car. The crew were friendly and gave us excellent care. There is one area that could use improvement. When information was shared over the speaker there...
Collected by Trustpilot