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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.

36 results matching: Short Breaks

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Worldwide Rail Vacations 2023

Our latest vacation brochure is now available.

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Cabin Emerald at Lake Yoho National Park
Independent
4.7 stars(44 reviews)
2024MayJunJulAugSepOct
6 days from
$2,979 pp
View Details
Independent
6 days from
$2,979
per person
View Details
tour map
  • AccommodationRail
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
South Rim of the Grand Canyon
Independent
4.4 stars(98 reviews)
2023AprMayJunJulAug...
2024JanFebMarAprMay...
6 days from
$1,148 pp
View Details
Independent
6 days from
$1,148
per person
View Details
tour map
  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Kancamagus Highway During Foliage Season
Escorted
4.3 stars(30 reviews)
2023SepOct
2024SepOct
6 days from
$2,095 pp
View Details
Escorted
6 days from
$2,095
per person
View Details
tour map
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Seine River Cruise
Independent
2023AprMayJunJulAug...
2024JanFebMarAprMay...
6 days from
$2,051 pp
View Details
Independent
6 days from
$2,051
per person
View Details
tour map
  • DestinationFrance
Map and accommodation
Glacier Express in the Goms Valley
Independent
NEW
2023AprMayJunJulAug...
2024JanFebMarAprMay...
6 days from
$1,583 pp
View Details
Independent
6 days from
$1,583
per person
View Details
tour map
  • DestinationSwitzerland
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
4 days from
$999
per person
View Details
tour map
  • DestinationScotland
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Colorful Sky Over Bow Falls
Independent
2023MayJunJulAugSepOct
2024MayJunJulAugSepOct
5 days from
$2,517 pp
View Details
Independent
5 days from
$2,517
per person
View Details
Montmorency Falls And Bridge
Independent
5 stars(5 reviews)
2023MayJunJulAugSep
2024MayJunJulAugSep
6 days from
$2,977 pp
View Details
Independent
6 days from
$2,977
per person
View Details
tour map
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Strathspey Railway
Escorted
Small Group
2023MayJunJulAug
2024MarAprMayJunJul...
5 days from
$1,295 pp
View Details
Escorted
5 days from
$1,295
per person
View Details
tour map
  • DestinationScotland
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation

Worldwide Rail Vacations 2023

Our latest vacation brochure is now available.

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Peggys Cove
Independent
4.6 stars(19 reviews)
2023MayJunJulAugSep
6 days from
$1,512 pp
View Details
Independent
6 days from
$1,512
per person
View Details
tour map
  • AccommodationRail
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Railways & Castles of Wales
Escorted
Small Group
2023AprMayJunJulAug...
6 days from
$1,095 pp
View Details
Escorted
6 days from
$1,095
per person
View Details
tour map
  • DestinationWales
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Aurora Viewing at Bettles Lodge
Independent
4.9 stars(8 reviews)
2023OctNovDec
2024JanFebMar
6 days from
$2,624 pp
View Details
Independent
6 days from
$2,624
per person
View Details
tour map
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Our customers love our Short Breaks tours
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure
13 Feb 2023
BRENDA ROBERTSON
5 stars
“Every connection, hotel and transfer were just as described.
Collected by Trustpilot
New York to Niagara Falls
01 Nov 2022
MONICA BROWN
5 stars
“Smooth ride, comfortable reclining seating, amazing leg room and beautiful views.
Collected by Trustpilot
New England in a Nutshell
24 Oct 2022
REGINA BALDRIDGE
5 stars
“Perfect little trip. Just enough to make a person want to revisit their favorite places, which in my opinion was Vermont.
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure - Los Angeles
23 Oct 2022
Robert Ferreri
5 stars
“Nice that our luggage was forwarded after each part of the trip. Food on Amtrak was better than I expected (and I'm a retired chef).
Collected by Trustpilot
New Orleans Express
19 Oct 2022
STERLING WHITAKER
5 stars
“My wife and I used Vacations By Rail to book our annual anniversary trip this year. We have long looked forward to taking a train trip. They booked us into a first-class hotel in Chicago, the Palmer House, and then the train trip (we rented a sleeper bedroom) was wonderful. Much better than air travel. They booked us into the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans, which was another absolutely wonderful hotel. Both hotels are historic grand hotels with an enormous amount of history to them, so it's like a trip and history lesson all in one. The staff was great in both places. The Chicago hotel was right on the Magnificent Mile, and the New Orleans hotel was right on the French Quarter. The customer service from Vacations By Rail was exemplary at every turn. I wish every travel experience could be as easy as this one was. It made our anniversary truly unforgettable.
Collected by Trustpilot
Quebec to the Maritimes
02 Oct 2022
Faimon Roberts II
5 stars
“Great trip.
Collected by Trustpilot
Coast Starlight Experience
27 Sep 2022
PETER MISCIASCI
5 stars
“Wonderful trip! Only disappointment was the lack of coastline. The service and staff did an excellent job! Crew 8 was fantastic!
Collected by Trustpilot
Glacier National Park Escape - Chicago to Seattle
17 Sep 2021
RKCharlton
5 stars
“We enjoyed the experience through Vacations by Rail.
Collected by Trustpilot
A Taste of Quebec
29 Jul 2019
SHARON R from Texas
5 stars
“We really enjoyed our vacation. Vacations by Rail took care of all of the details and everything was perfect. Would highly recommend this tour.
Collected by Vacations By Rail