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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 $800
4.2 stars(290 reviews)
Independent
2026JunJulAugSepOct...
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 $800
6 days from
$1,195 pp $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
Save up to $800
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
$2,799 pp $2,499 pp
per person
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Niagara FallsNiagara FallsNiagara FallsNiagara FallsNiagara Falls
Save up to $800
3.9 stars(52 reviews)
Independent
2026JunJulAugSepOct
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 local...

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Save up to $800
4 days from
$795 pp $695 pp
per person
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Matterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, Zermatt
4.3 stars(64 reviews)
Independent
2026JunJulAugSepOctDec
2027JanFebMarAprMay...
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 the...

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6 days from
$2,295 pp
per person
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California ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia Zephyr
Save up to $800
3.9 stars(52 reviews)
Independent
2026JunJulAugSepOct...
2027JanFebMarAprMay...
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 $800
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
Independent
2026JunJulAugSep
2027JunJulAugSep
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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5 days from
$1,595 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 $800
4.2 stars(33 reviews)
Independent
2026JunJulAugSepOct...
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 $800
5 days from
$895 pp $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
Save up to $800
4.9 stars(14 reviews)
Independent
2026JunJulAugSepOct
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 Calgary,...

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Save up to $800
6 days from
$4,895 pp $4,495 pp
per person
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Eilean Donan CastleEilean Donan CastleEilean Donan CastleEilean Donan CastleEilean Donan Castle
Save up to $800
4.0 stars(30 reviews)
Escorted
2026AugSepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
Escorted

Discover the very best of the Scottish Highlands on a five-day tour while soaking up breathtaking scenery aboard the legendary West Highland Line 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 up to $800
5 days from
$1,699 pp $1,499 pp
per person
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Denver Denver Denver Denver Denver
Independent
2026JunJulAugSepOctNov
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
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 daylight-only...

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5 days from
$2,954 pp
per person
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Colorado River Among The Rocky Mountains Of Red SandstoneColorado River Among The Rocky Mountains Of Red SandstoneColorado River Among The Rocky Mountains Of Red SandstoneColorado River Among The Rocky Mountains Of Red SandstoneColorado River Among The Rocky Mountains Of Red Sandstone
Independent
2026JunJulAugSepOctNov
Independent

 A route of natural beauty and the raw spirit of adventure lies ahead with Canyon Spirit. America's answer to luxury rail travel brought to you by the same name that founded Canada's Rocky Mountaineer, this train weaves along its flagship route from Moab, Utah, to Denver, Colorado, traveling by daylight only to provide once-in-a-lifetime...

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4 days from
$2,216 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 $800
4.4 stars(30 reviews)
Independent
2026JunJulAugSepOct
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 $800
5 days from
$3,895 pp $3,495 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Short Breaks tours
Highland Adventure
21/May
JW
5 stars
“This was a wonderful introduction to the Highlands of Scotland. I was disappointed that we were unable to take the Jacobite steam train, but other parts of the tour were were excellent. Sharon was a great group leader but I think a guide who was native the the area could...
Collected by Trustpilot
Canadian Rockies Escape with Rocky Mountaineer
19/May
EDWARD FINLEY ELLIS
5 stars
“I think the Rocky Mountaineer experience was wonderfun, amazing, intertaining and educational. The vacation provided all the indgredients of a healthy and social environment.
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
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure
20/May
MELVIN HOWDERSHELT
4 stars
“Really pleased
Collected by Trustpilot
California Zephyr Experience
15/May
AMELIA FRENCH
4 stars
“There is too much forced socialization on this train.
Collected by Trustpilot
Zermatt & St. Moritz featuring Glacier Express
13/Apr
RICHARD BRADFORD
4 stars
“We loved the locations. The hotels were great. You kept us informed. The pace was too fast for us. After an 8 hour train ride from Zermatt to St. Moritz, we would have liked another day before another train from St. Moritz to Tirano and then another...
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