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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.

29 results matching: Short Breaks

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South Rim of the Grand Canyon
Most Popular
Cyber Event
4.3 stars(188 reviews)
Independent
2025JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
6 days from
$1,103 pp
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Cyber Event
6 days from
$1,103
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Kancamagus Highway During Foliage Season
Cyber Event
4.3 stars(92 reviews)
Escorted
2025SepOct
Escorted
6 days from
$3,095 pp $2,995 pp
View Details
Cyber Event
6 days from
$3,095
$2,995
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Cabin Emerald at Lake Yoho National Park
Cyber Event
4.9 stars(12 reviews)
Independent
2025MayJunJulAugSepOct
Independent
6 days from
$4,128 pp $3,828 pp
View Details
Cyber Event
6 days from
$4,128
$3,828
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationRail
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Aurora Viewing at Bettles Lodge
4.8 stars(19 reviews)
Independent
2025JanFebMarOctNovDec
2026JanFebMar
Independent
6 days from
$2,980 pp
View Details
6 days from
$2,980
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
California Zephyr
Cyber Event
4.2 stars(32 reviews)
Independent
2024Dec
2025JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
5 days from
$728 pp
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Cyber Event
5 days from
$728
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
6 days from
$872
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationRail
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Empire Builder Between Chicago and Seattle
Cyber Event
4.2 stars(23 reviews)
Independent
2024Dec
2025JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
5 days from
$701 pp
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Cyber Event
5 days from
$701
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationRail
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Colorful Sky Over Bow Falls
Cyber Event
4.2 stars(22 reviews)
Independent
2025AprMayJunJulAug...
Independent
5 days from
$2,881 pp
View Details
Cyber Event
5 days from
$2,881
per person
View Details
Desert View Watchtower
4.2 stars(21 reviews)
Independent
2025JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
5 days from
$901 pp
View Details
5 days from
$901
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Niagara Falls Aerial View
4.2 stars(26 reviews)
Independent
2025MayJunJulAugSepOct
Independent
4 days from
$819 pp
View Details
4 days from
$819
per person
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Tour map
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Peggys Cove
4.5 stars(26 reviews)
Independent
2025MayJunJulAugSep
Independent
6 days from
$1,621 pp
View Details
6 days from
$1,621
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationRail
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Conway Castle
Escorted
2025AprMayJunJulAug...
Escorted
6 days from
$1,095 pp
View Details
6 days from
$1,095
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationWales
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Our customers love our Short Breaks tours
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure
19/Nov
Donald W Metz
5 stars
“Great trip.
Collected by Trustpilot
California Zephyr Experience
18/Nov
CLIFFORD CALIBUSO
5 stars
“The experience of riding Amtrak for the very first time and the views of America was incredible; thank you for the memories.
Collected by Trustpilot
Beautiful Banff Rail & Drive
6/Nov
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
Rockies to the Red Rocks - 2 Day Rail
21/Oct
Scott Heintz
5 stars
“Wonderful experience! Staff was extremely professional, friendly and informative. Food and drink were great, views along the way spectacular. Already recommending this trip to friends. I would suggest more information be provided to guests staying in Moab for a few days on options to get back...
Collected by Trustpilot
Rockies to the Red Rocks Excursion Salt Lake City
20/Oct
JERRY FEATHERS
5 stars
“It was a great trip
Collected by Trustpilot
Zermatt & St. Moritz featuring Glacier Express
14/Oct
Tatum, Eryn
5 stars
“Since we were in the clouds during the entire trip, we were in the presence of God , since the clouds are the dust of God,s feet.
Collected by Trustpilot
Excursion to the Canadian Rockies
11/Oct
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
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure - Los Angeles
22/Sep
JOANNA LIVINGSTON
5 stars
“I had a wonderful time. The train staff were all friendly and professional. The meal in the dining car was amazing. My luggage was always well taken care of. The roomette & restrooms were clean.
Collected by Trustpilot
Coast Starlight Experience
19/May
SUSAN PEDROZA
5 stars
“The crew were amazing, very nice and accommodating.
Collected by Trustpilot