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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.

35 results matching: Short Breaks

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Cabin Emerald at Lake Yoho National Park
NEW
Save up to $300
2024MayJunJulAugSepOct
2025MayJunJulAugSepOct
Independent
6 days from
$3,694 pp $3,494 pp
View Details
Save up to $300
6 days from
$3,694
$3,494
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationRail
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Kancamagus Highway During Foliage Season
Last 100 Spaces
Save up to $300
4.3 stars(56 reviews)
2024Sep
2025SepOct
Escorted
6 days from
$2,695 pp $2,595 pp
View Details
Save up to $300
6 days from
$2,695
$2,595
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
South Rim of the Grand Canyon
Heritage Tour
4.3 stars(149 reviews)
2024MayJunJulAugSep...
2025JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
6 days from
$1,176 pp
View Details
6 days from
$1,176
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Glacier Express in the Goms Valley
Most Popular
Save $200
4.6 stars(23 reviews)
2024MayJunJulAugSep...
2025JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
6 days from
$1,929 pp
View Details
Save $200
6 days from
$1,929
per person
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Tour map
  • DestinationSwitzerland
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Niagara Falls Aerial View
Independent
4.2 stars(17 reviews)
2024MayJunJulAugSepOct
2025MayJunJulAugSepOct
Independent
4 days from
$736 pp
View Details
4 days from
$736
per person
View Details
Strathspey Railway
Escorted
Save up to $500
4.3 stars(32 reviews)
2024JunJulSepOct
Escorted
5 days from
$1,395 pp $1,345 pp
View Details
Save up to $500
5 days from
$1,395
$1,345
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationScotland
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Red Rocks Park At Sunrise Near Denver Colorado
Independent
4.5 stars(10 reviews)
2024MayJunJulAugSepOct
Independent
2 days from
$1,699 pp
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2 days from
$1,699
per person
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Aurora Borealis Display at Chena Hot Springs Resort
Independent
3.7 stars(11 reviews)
2024AugSepOctNovDec
2025JanFebMar
Independent
6 days from
$1,700 pp
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6 days from
$1,700
per person
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Tour map
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
California Zephyr
Heritage Tour
4.3 stars(27 reviews)
2024MayJunJulAugSep...
2025JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
5 days from
$713 pp
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5 days from
$713
per person
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Tour map
  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
View from the Amtrak Coast Starlight
Independent
4.5 stars(22 reviews)
2024MayJunJulAugSep...
2025JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
4 days from
$625 pp
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4 days from
$625
per person
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Tour map
  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Empire Builder Between Chicago and Seattle
Independent
4.2 stars(20 reviews)
2024MayJunJulAugSep...
2025JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
5 days from
$694 pp
View Details
5 days from
$694
per person
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Tour map
  • AccommodationRail
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Colorful Sky Over Bow Falls
Independent
Save up to $300
4.8 stars(14 reviews)
2024MayJunJulAugSepOct
2025MayJunJulAugSepOct
Independent
5 days from
$3,114 pp $2,914 pp
View Details
Save up to $300
5 days from
$3,114
$2,914
per person
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Our customers love our Short Breaks tours
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure
21/Apr
Dave Plassmeyer
5 stars
“All rail staff is to be commended for the jobs they do. Everyone is very helpful and friendly .
Collected by Trustpilot
Classic Coast to Coast by Rail
16/Apr
BEDWARD DUNLAP
5 stars
“This can be expensive for some people. Maybe you should offer discounts to older travelers.
Collected by Trustpilot
Aurora Viewing at Bettles Lodge
3/Apr
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
Aurora Viewing at Chena Hot Springs
24/Mar
HEATHER
5 stars
“Chena was cool, but very crowded. Especially with only one restaurant.
Collected by Trustpilot
Zermatt & St. Moritz featuring Glacier Express
10/Mar
Bryan Case
5 stars
“It is a trip of a lifetime when done in winter. Everything that we were looking for visually. Made some new friends and a bunch of memories.
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure - Los Angeles
26/Feb
VANESSA COLE
5 stars
“Great adventure
Collected by Trustpilot
Winter Escape to the Grand Canyon - Chicago Round-trip
10/Jan
ALLYN RICCI
5 stars
“It was a wonderful quick getaway for me, my husband, and 2 kids. They loved the train and we all experienced the Grand Canyon for the first time together. We will definitely be using Vacations by Rail for another adventure!
Collected by Trustpilot
New England in a Nutshell
21 Oct 2023
Stephanie Koch-Prest
5 stars
“Christine very personable and Vincent very attentive driver.
Collected by Trustpilot
Empire Builder Experience - Chicago to Seattle
20 Oct 2023
JEANINE Philadelphia
5 stars
“It was a fun experience. You get to meet a lot of nice people from all over the country/world. The train staff were friendly and helpful. I would suggest the longer version of this trip where you get a chance to get off and spend the night in some of the stops. That's my only regret!
Collected by Trustpilot