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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.

34 results matching: Short Breaks

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South Rim of the Grand Canyon
Heritage Tour
4.3 stars(166 reviews)
Independent
2024AugSepOctNov
2025JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
6 days from
$1,188 pp
View Details
6 days from
$1,188
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Cabin Emerald at Lake Yoho National Park
NEW
Independent
2024AugSepOct
2025MayJunJulAugSepOct
Independent
6 days from
$4,195 pp $3,795 pp
View Details
6 days from
$4,195
$3,795
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationRail
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Glacier Express in the Goms Valley
NEW
4.4 stars(26 reviews)
Independent
2024AugSepOctDec
2025JanMarAprMayJun...
Independent
6 days from
$2,105 pp $1,905 pp
View Details
6 days from
$2,105
$1,905
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationSwitzerland
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Kancamagus Highway During Foliage Season
Nearly Sold Out
Save Up to $300
4.3 stars(56 reviews)
Escorted
2024Sep
2025SepOct
Escorted
6 days from
$2,895 pp $2,695 pp
View Details
Save Up to $300
6 days from
$2,895
$2,695
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Red Rocks Park At Sunrise Near Denver Colorado
4.7 stars(15 reviews)
Independent
2024AugSepOct
2025AprMayJunJulAug...
Independent
2 days from
$1,699 pp
View Details
2 days from
$1,699
per person
View Details
Aurora Viewing at Bettles Lodge
Save Up to $500
4.8 stars(19 reviews)
Independent
2025JanFebMar
Independent
6 days from
$2,984 pp $2,784 pp
View Details
Save Up to $500
6 days from
$2,984
$2,784
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
California Zephyr
Heritage Tour
4.2 stars(29 reviews)
Independent
2024AugSepOctNovDec
2025JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
5 days from
$713 pp
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5 days from
$713
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
View from the Amtrak Coast Starlight
4.5 stars(23 reviews)
Independent
2024AugSepOctNovDec
2025JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
4 days from
$625 pp
View Details
4 days from
$625
per person
View Details
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  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Colorful Sky Over Bow Falls
4.5 stars(17 reviews)
Independent
2024AugSepOct
2025AprMayJunJulAug...
Independent
5 days from
$2,884 pp $2,684 pp
View Details
5 days from
$2,884
$2,684
per person
View Details
5 days from
$1,404
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Sunny Day At Glacier National Park
4.3 stars(7 reviews)
Independent
2024Sep
2025JunJulAugSep
Independent
5 days from
$1,274 pp
View Details
5 days from
$1,274
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Desert View Watchtower
4.5 stars(18 reviews)
Independent
2024AugSepOctNov
2025JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
5 days from
$944 pp
View Details
5 days from
$944
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Our customers love our Short Breaks tours
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure
22 Jul 2024
MARCY THOMAS
5 stars
“We had a wonderful adventure!
Collected by Trustpilot
Rockies to the Red Rocks - 2 Day Rail
12 Jul 2024
Debbie
5 stars
“This was a nice, relaxing train ride. The scenery was beautiful and the food was great.
Collected by Trustpilot
Highland Adventure
11 Jul 2024
Terry Watkins
5 stars
“Wonderful trip, Beverly was a great tour guide
Collected by Trustpilot
Quebec to the Maritimes
28 Jun 2024
debora deane
5 stars
“I absolutely loved this tour of Canada. It’s a fast paced but little gem of eastern Canada three cities. I upgraded my hotel rooms and what a beautiful experience to stay in this iconica establishments. The train ride was so fun the staff was kind and efficient but be ready...
Collected by Trustpilot
Excursion to the Canadian Rockies
21 Jun 2024
Paul Williams
5 stars
“The Rocky Mountaineer people were exceptionally helpful and kind. We had lost a suitcase between Chicago and Vancouver and they kept track of it. Christina even gave me a set of clothes to have while waiting for the suitcase which we knew would still be another day.
Collected by Trustpilot
Zermatt & St. Moritz featuring Glacier Express
20 May 2024
customer
5 stars
“Breathtaking views! On time, clean, and a very smooth ride through the Alps! I highly recommend!
Collected by Trustpilot
Coast Starlight Experience
19 May 2024
SUSAN PEDROZA
5 stars
“The crew were amazing, very nice and accommodating.
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure - Los Angeles
28 Apr 2024
cindy galindo
5 stars
“Great adventure. Exciting way to see the countryside. New perspective
Collected by Trustpilot
Classic Coast to Coast by Rail
16 Apr 2024
BEDWARD DUNLAP
5 stars
“This can be expensive for some people. Maybe you should offer discounts to older travelers.
Collected by Trustpilot