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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.

32 results matching: Short Breaks

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Grand Canyon
Most Popular
$1,000 off
4.3 stars(214 reviews)
Independent
2025JulAugSepOctNovDec
2026JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
6 days from
$1,225 pp
View Details
$1,000 off
6 days from
$1,225
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Save up to $500
5 days from
$1,495
$1,395
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationGermany
  • AccommodationCruise
  • TransportRail, Cruise
Map and accommodation
Matterhorn, Zermatt
Most Popular
Last Chance 2025
4.4 stars(45 reviews)
Independent
2025JulAugSepOctDec
2026JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
6 days from
$2,255 pp $2,055 pp
View Details
Last Chance 2025
6 days from
$2,255
$2,055
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationSwitzerland
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Colorado Rockies Continental Divide
$1,000 off
4.2 stars(37 reviews)
Independent
2025JulAugSepOctNovDec
2026JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
5 days from
$855 pp
View Details
$1,000 off
5 days from
$855
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Red Rocks Park At Sunrise Near Denver Colorado
4.6 stars(27 reviews)
Independent
2025JulAugSepOct
Independent
2 days from
$1,725 pp
View Details
2 days from
$1,725
per person
View Details
Colorful Sky Over Bow Falls
$1,000 off
4.3 stars(24 reviews)
Independent
2025JulAugSepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...
Independent
5 days from
$2,975 pp $2,775 pp
View Details
$1,000 off
5 days from
$2,975
$2,775
per person
View Details
Last Chance 2025
5 days from
$1,385
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
8 days from
$6,415
$5,915
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Northern Lights Swirling over Pine Trees
Save up to $500
4.7 stars(20 reviews)
Independent
2025OctNovDec
2026JanFebMar
Independent
6 days from
$3,345 pp $3,045 pp
View Details
Save up to $500
6 days from
$3,345
$3,045
per person
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Tour map
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Eilean Donan Castle
Last Chance 2025
4.2 stars(54 reviews)
Escorted
2025AugSepOct
Escorted
5 days from
$1,495 pp $1,195 pp
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Last Chance 2025
5 days from
$1,495
$1,195
per person
View Details
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  • DestinationScotland
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Conway Castle
Last Chance 2025
Escorted
2025AugSepOct
Escorted
6 days from
$1,295 pp $995 pp
View Details
Last Chance 2025
6 days from
$1,295
$995
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • DestinationWales
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Icefields Parkway at Sunset, Banff National Park
$1,000 off
4.9 stars(12 reviews)
Independent
2025JulAugSepOct
2026MayJunJulAugSepOct
Independent
6 days from
$4,335 pp $3,935 pp
View Details
$1,000 off
6 days from
$4,335
$3,935
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationRail
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Our customers love our Short Breaks tours
Canadian Rockies Escape with Rocky Mountaineer
26/Jun
Gregory Gunder
5 stars
“This excursion exceeded our expectations. The staff is exceptional - helpful, warm & friendly. Staff's stories and history really enhanced this trip. They knew the surrounding areas exceptionally well - pointing out of points of interests and views.
Collected by Trustpilot
Coast Starlight Experience
23/Jun
RUDY MACK SR
5 stars
“fantastic experience
Collected by Trustpilot
Rockies to the Red Rocks - 2 Day Rail
18/Jun
MICHAEL SCHOEN
5 stars
“Fun and interesting ride
Collected by Trustpilot
Quebec to the Maritimes
17/Jun
JOHN HOLMES
5 stars
“Great trip overall with lovely hotel accommodations and excursions around each city!
Collected by Trustpilot
Zermatt & St. Moritz featuring Glacier Express
10/Jun
customer
5 stars
“I preferred the glacier Express over the Bernina Express. Excellent service & food. The train allowed great views
Collected by Trustpilot
New York to Niagara Falls
7/Jun
NANCY KAUFMAN
5 stars
“Great trip for first timer to have opportunity to see all attractions
Collected by Trustpilot
Empire Builder Experience - Chicago to Seattle
29/Apr
CELIA MARKS
5 stars
“I had the bedroom beds to hard food great service great experience great. Just need better beds
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