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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.

27 results matching: Short Breaks

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South Rim of the Grand Canyon
Most Popular
4.4 stars(196 reviews)
Independent
2025MayJunJulAugSep...
2026JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
6 days from
$1,225 pp
View Details
6 days from
$1,225
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Glacier Express in the Goms Valley
Most Popular
Save up to $300
4.4 stars(41 reviews)
Independent
2025MayJunJulAugSep...
2026JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
6 days from
$2,265 pp $2,165 pp
View Details
Save up to $300
6 days from
$2,265
$2,165
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationSwitzerland
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Colorful Sky Over Bow Falls
Save up to $300
4.2 stars(22 reviews)
Independent
2025MayJunJulAugSepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...
Independent
5 days from
$2,975 pp
View Details
Save up to $300
5 days from
$2,975
per person
View Details
Save up to $500
5 days from
$1,995
$1,895
per person
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Tour map
  • DestinationGermany
  • AccommodationCruise
  • TransportRail, Cruise
Map and accommodation
Icefields Parkway at Sunset, Banff National Park
Save up to $300
4.9 stars(12 reviews)
Independent
2025MayJunJulAugSepOct
2026MayJunJulAugSepOct
Independent
6 days from
$4,335 pp
View Details
Save up to $300
6 days from
$4,335
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationRail
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Colorado Rockies Continental Divide
4.2 stars(35 reviews)
Independent
2025MayJunJulAugSep...
2026JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
5 days from
$855 pp
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5 days from
$855
per person
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Tour map
  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Niagara Falls Aerial View
4.2 stars(26 reviews)
Independent
2025MayJunJulAugSepOct
2026MayJunJulAugSepOct
Independent
4 days from
$685 pp
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4 days from
$685
per person
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  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Pacific Ocean and Big Sur Coastline
4.5 stars(23 reviews)
Independent
2025MayJunJulAugSep...
2026JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
4 days from
$745 pp
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4 days from
$745
per person
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  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Empire Builder Between Chicago and Seattle
4.2 stars(25 reviews)
Independent
2025MayJunJulAugSep...
2026JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
5 days from
$835 pp
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5 days from
$835
per person
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  • AccommodationRail
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Glacier Parks Lakes and Wildflowers
Save up to $300
Independent
2025JulAugSep
2026JunJulAugSep
Independent
5 days from
$1,385 pp
View Details
Save up to $300
5 days from
$1,385
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Glacier Park Lodge
4.5 stars(13 reviews)
Independent
2025JulAugSep
2026JulAugSep
Independent
5 days from
$1,325 pp
View Details
5 days from
$1,325
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Sunny Day At Glacier National Park
4.2 stars(8 reviews)
Independent
2025JulAugSep
Independent
5 days from
$1,275 pp
View Details
5 days from
$1,275
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Our customers love our Short Breaks tours
Rockies to the Red Rocks - 2 Day Rail
28/Apr
PATRICE COOK
5 stars
“Beautiful trip. Incredibly fun and extremely knowledgeable team. Great service. Only complaint would be where to meet on day one and no one to greet us caused confusion among the guests. I’d use the fountain as a landmark.
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure
24/Apr
Raleigh B.
5 stars
“Wonderful trip
Collected by Trustpilot
Empire Builder Experience - Chicago to Seattle
11/Apr
ANGELA DAWN TROUBLEFIELD
5 stars
“We had an amazing time. All the attendees were very friendly and welcoming to us. I would recommend everyone to take this trip at least once as we saw a lot of beautiful sights and met nice people from all over.
Collected by Trustpilot
Winter Escape to the Grand Canyon - Chicago Round-trip
16/Mar
LARRY D THOMAS
5 stars
“A very nice and comfortable, and affordable vacation
Collected by Trustpilot
Beautiful Banff Rail & Drive
06 Nov 2024
CAFEY MILLARD
5 stars
“The trip went as planned, we did not encounter any problems. One item I would add to the trip information is to obtain a Banff National park pass. We thought we got into the wrong lane, but learned we were in the correct lane because we needed to...
Collected by Trustpilot
Canadian Rockies Escape with Rocky Mountaineer
11 Oct 2024
CHANELLE S.
5 stars
“The Excursion to the Canadian Rockies package was a wonderful experience that everyone should add to their bucket list. You travel through areas that are inaccessible by car; the only means of transportation through some of these beautiful valleys or twisting tunnels is by rail. Our hosts in Car 13...
Collected by Trustpilot
Coast Starlight Experience
19 May 2024
SUSAN PEDROZA
5 stars
“The crew were amazing, very nice and accommodating.
Collected by Trustpilot
Aurora Viewing at Bettles Lodge
03 Apr 2024
Chit Aquino
5 stars
“Bettles Lodge had a homey, family ambiance. Staff were very friendly and entertained us with their personal stories. I was so happy that the Aurora Borealis did not disappoint me. I will definitely recommend this adventure at Bettles Lodge.
Collected by Trustpilot
New Orleans Express
03 May 2023
DORINDA UY
5 stars
“The first class accommodation at the lounge was perfect with the shower room ( complete with towels and toiletries), snacks and comfortable chairs. The meals in the train were savory and hot. Enjoyed every one of them. The train ride from Chicago to New Orleans went by pretty quickly with...
Collected by Trustpilot