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Steam Trains

Steam Train Tours

Recall a bygone era of travel with steam train holidays. These vacation packages offer an enticing mix of modern and historical rail travel by combining excursions aboard thoughtfully restored heritage railways and long-distance trips on efficient contemporary lines. As you move between popular cities and charming towns, you will be fascinated by the trains themselves and the scenery through which they travel. 

The vast majority of trains around the globe have been converted to diesel or electric, making a trip aboard a steam train a truly memorable experience. A ride aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad takes travelers into the heart of the San Juan Mountains on the longest narrow-gauge steam railroad in the United States. Traveling on the steam-powered Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad presents some of the most inspiring scenes in Colorado as the train travels between two historic mining towns through Animas River Canyon. The Essex Steam Train follows a route through rural New England, journeying through the heart of the Connecticut River Valley. The Summerville Steam Special showcases the lush mountains of Southern Tennessee and Northern Georgia, whereas the Tuckasegee Steam Train weaves through the Great Smoky Mountains along the Tuckasegee River. 

A steam vacation can even take travelers through the great countries of Europe and to more exotic locations like India and Australia. Explore the iconic sights of the Scottish Highlands aboard the Jacobite Steam Train or Germany's Harz Mountains on the narrow-gauge Brocken Railroad. Watch beautiful Dutch scenery unfold aboard the Medemblik Steam Train. Marvel at the glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and vast meadows of Switzerland aboard the Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway and the Brienz Rothorn Railway. Uncover the beauty of the Himalayan Mountains on the ultra-narrow gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and travel aboard Australia's most beloved steam railway, the Puffing Billy Railway.

16 results matching: Steam Train Tours

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Durango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton Train
Save up to $800
4.6 stars(416 reviews)
Escorted
2026JunJulAugSepOct
2027MayJunJulAugSepOct
Escorted

Experience untamed Colorado on this escorted Rocky Mountain vacation, featuring nostalgic journeys on six of the state's most scenic heritage rail routes. Uncover stunning landscapes from the heights of Pikes Peak and the depths of Royal Gorge. Explore Colorado's fascinating history aboard the Georgetown Loop, the Leadville, Colorado &...

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Save up to $800
8 days from
$3,799 pp $3,399 pp
per person
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Conway Scenic RailroadConway Scenic RailroadConway Scenic RailroadConway Scenic RailroadConway Scenic Railroad
Save up to $800
Escorted
2026SepOct
2027SepOct
Escorted

On this new itinerary for 2026, experience scenic railways on an unforgettable tour of New England in the Fall. Travel through spectacular mountain scenery lit up with vivid colors on this autumn tour along America's scenic East Coast. Stay in Boston with time to explore its history and culture, then journey by boat to fascinating Salem. ...

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Save up to $800
9 days from
$3,899 pp $3,499 pp
per person
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Jacobite Steam TrainJacobite Steam TrainJacobite Steam TrainJacobite Steam TrainJacobite Steam Train
Last Spaces for Summer
4.5 stars(616 reviews)
Escorted
2026JunJulAugSepOct
2027MarAprMayJunJul...
Escorted

Majestic lochs and glens await on this Scottish escape as we explore Edinburgh and cross the Highlands. Traveling on the scenic West Highland and Kyle rail lines, we discover historic castles, sail along glistening lochs, and stay in vibrant cities. Admire the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct on the world-famous Jacobite Steam train journey through the...

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9 days from
$3,199 pp $2,799 pp
per person
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Kancamagus HighwayKancamagus HighwayKancamagus HighwayKancamagus HighwayKancamagus Highway
Save up to $800
Escorted
2026SepOct
2027SepOct
Escorted

 The sites of yesteryear, iconic towns and delightful fall scenery set the backdrop for this New England adventure. Following an itinerary through Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island, this journey presents some of the nation's best autumnal foliage in unforgettable settings. Explore by rail on the Conway Scenic...

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Save up to $800
10 days from
$3,899 pp $3,499 pp
per person
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Vineyards Landscape at Sunset in CaliforniaVineyards Landscape at Sunset in CaliforniaVineyards Landscape at Sunset in CaliforniaVineyards Landscape at Sunset in CaliforniaVineyards Landscape at Sunset in California
Save up to $800
4.6 stars(56 reviews)
Escorted
2026JulAugSep
2027MayJunJulAugSep
Escorted

California is a land of possibilities, and this unforgettable tour displays some of its greatest offerings. Over eight days, soak up the modern and historic sides of San Francisco and travel into nature, where towering redwood trees surround us on the Redwood Forest Steam Train. We also admire the mountain and waterfall panoramas of Yosemite...

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Save up to $800
8 days from
$3,699 pp $3,299 pp
per person
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Mount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount Rushmore
Last 50 Spaces
Save up to $800
4.5 stars(159 reviews)
Escorted
2026JunJulAugSep
2027MayJunJulAugSep
Escorted

The Old West's rugged frontier towns and renowned national historic sites are hallmarks of this 11-day escorted tour. We begin our journey across America's Western frontier by joining modern technology with nostalgic travel methods, riding Amtrak's California Zephyr from Chicago to Provo, Utah. The route takes us across the Rocky Mountains and...

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Save up to $800
11 days from
$5,199 pp $4,799 pp
per person
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Albuquerque Balloon FiestaAlbuquerque Balloon FiestaAlbuquerque Balloon FiestaAlbuquerque Balloon FiestaAlbuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Last Spaces
Save up to $800
4.4 stars(113 reviews)
Escorted
2026SepOct
2027SepOct
Escorted

Discover the beauty of the Southwest in autumn on this 9-day escorted adventure featuring national parks, historic rail journeys, and the world-famous International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque. Travel on the iconic California Zephyr to Grand Junction. View the breathtaking landscapes of Arches and Mesa Verde national parks, before riding the...

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Save up to $800
9 days from
$3,899 pp $3,499 pp
per person
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Eilean Donan CastleEilean Donan CastleEilean Donan CastleEilean Donan CastleEilean Donan Castle
Save up to $800
4.0 stars(29 reviews)
Escorted
2026JulAugSepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
Escorted

Discover the very best of the Scottish Highlands on a five-day tour while soaking up breathtaking scenery aboard the legendary West Highland Line and Strathspey Steam Railway. Along the way, marvel at the towering mountains, shimmering lochs and emerald forests that make up the Scottish landscape. Delve into Scotland's fascinating heritage and...

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Save up to $800
5 days from
$1,699 pp $1,499 pp
per person
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Smoky Mountain National ParkSmoky Mountain National ParkSmoky Mountain National ParkSmoky Mountain National ParkSmoky Mountain National Park
Save up to $800
4.4 stars(39 reviews)
Escorted
2026Oct
2027MaySepOct
Escorted

Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains: A region of scenic landscapes and iconic cities, and incredible sites that enrich the mind and the soul. During our time here, you will visit legendary sites, some of Tennessee and North Carolina's most beloved cities and one of the most grandiose homes in the country. Your journey begins in Music City, U.S...

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Save up to $800
9 days from
$3,699 pp $3,299 pp
per person
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Tower Bridge, LondonTower Bridge, LondonTower Bridge, LondonTower Bridge, LondonTower Bridge, London
Save up to $800
4.3 stars(22 reviews)
Escorted
2026JunSep
2027AprMayJunSep
Escorted

Journey through the heart of Britain's most iconic cities and landscapes, savoring local cuisine and breathtaking vistas throughout. Starting by touring the streets of London, a visit to enigmatic Stonehenge adds a touch of ancient mystery, before uncovering reminders of Romans and Georgian elegance in Bath. Explore Liverpool, the historic port...

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Save up to $800
11 days from
$3,599 pp $3,299 pp
per person
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Brocken RailwayBrocken RailwayBrocken RailwayBrocken RailwayBrocken Railway
4.0 stars(8 reviews)
Escorted
2026Dec
Escorted

The Harz Mountains' medieval towns and picturesque landscapes are perfect for soaking up the magic of Advent in Germany. Experience the festive atmosphere of three of the region's traditional Christmas markets - Wernigerode, Quedlinburg and Goslar - where twinkling lights and sumptuous aromas delight the senses. Discover the captivating history...

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6 days from
$1,999 pp
per person
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Conway CastleConway CastleConway CastleConway CastleConway Castle
Escorted
2026JulAugSepOct
Escorted

On this nostalgic escape, ride on celebrated railways, visit ancient castles, and discover the beautiful gardens of north Wales. Journey through stunning scenery on the Ffestiniog Railway, the world's oldest independent line, and ascend Snowdon's summit on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Step into the unique village of Portmeirion, the design of...

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6 days from
$1,199 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Steam Train Tours tours
Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands
14/May
Robert Tipton
5 stars
“Great trip, good friends, outstanding views and a lot of history.
Collected by Trustpilot
California’s Wine Country, Redwoods & Yosemite
29 Dec 2025
Amy Vezmar
5 stars
“This was our first trip with Vacations By Rail. We enjoyed just about every aspect of this itinerary and learned a lot from our very knowledgeable guide. It is a great way to see a lot of things in one trip, if you don’t mind that kind of...
Collected by Trustpilot
Harz Mountains Christmas Markets
25 Dec 2025
Lilikoi_lady
5 stars
“Neil, our guide, was the best we’ve ever had. How he managed to keep thirty of us together for that transfer in Koln is amazing. Kept his cool throughout it all. The hotel in Wernigerode was a perfect location in a great, walkable town.
Collected by Trustpilot
Smoky Mountain Rail Adventure
10 Nov 2025
Diana Harris
5 stars
“It was a fun, comfortable ride. The young man in our car was friendly, gave good service and pointed out interesting spots.
Collected by Trustpilot
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta by Rail
27 Oct 2025
Michael Mefferd Jr
5 stars
“This was our first vacation out west and we found it very enjoyable. The scenery was spectacular and the towns were interesting. I loved Santa Fe and would like to visit again. The tour manager, bus driver and all the people on the bus were very friendly. There were some...
Collected by Trustpilot
Colorado Rail Experience
17 Oct 2025
Val Easterday
5 stars
“We had a fun time. Enough on our own as we needed. Kathy Reager was great.
Collected by Trustpilot
Highlights of the United Kingdom
20 Sep 2025
Meredith Foster
5 stars
“Great trip tour guide Alan Smith was EXCEPTIONAL
Collected by Trustpilot
Highland Adventure
09 Oct 2025
mary Green
4 stars
“I know weather was an issue so we missed a day and we appreciate some reimbursement. But we had a change in gods. And the day we missed there was no alternative thing for many of us to do. The hotel was good. Far too much riding on the bus...
Collected by Trustpilot
Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands, & Yellowstone
28 Sep 2025
Robert Tiscione
4 stars
“The Rail portion of the trip fell short of expectations. There were no food accommodations for most coach passengers after the sleepers and roomettes were fed. The balance of the trip on the coach, along with our tour director Marlin, was top shelf - that portion deserved 5 stars
Collected by Trustpilot