1-877-929-7245
Tour Search



Enchanting Winter Journeys
Find your dose of winter magic in destinations across the globe

Top Winter and Holiday Getaways

River CruiseRiver Cruise
Cologne Christmas Markets
German Christmas Markets of the Rhine
5 days from $1,595 pp
  • Visit the Christmas markets of Cologne, Rüdesheim, and more
  • Sip mulled wine, admire twinkling lights, and enjoy local delicacies
  • Spend 4 relaxing days onboard the ship with five-star service
Discover More
Via Rail, The Canadian in the Snow
Canadian Snow Train
7 days from $2,995 pp
  • Relax in luxurious surroundings, staying in 4 and 5-Star hotels in Vancouver and Toronto
  • Enjoy included admission to FlyOver Canada, a multi-sensory flight ride in Vancouver
  • Witness winter scenes while traveling from Vancouver to Toronto on VIA Rail’s Canadian
Discover More
The Northern Lights & Lapland
The Northern Lights & Lapland
10 days from $3,995 pp
  • Travel to some of the most ideal destinations to see the Northern Lights
  • Enjoy a husky sleigh ride in Lapland, stopping to savor a traditional ‘fika’
  • Stay on the Lofoten Islands, learn about Sámi culture and explore Trondheim
Discover More

Our Most Popular Winter Getaways

Experience the magic of winter with a quest to spot the Northern Lights, engage in holiday festivities, or escape the cold to enjoy regions in their summer months.

The Northern Lights & Lapland
4.2 stars(75 reviews)
Escorted
2026Dec
2027JanFebMar
10 days from
$3,995 pp
View Details
Northern Lights, Chena Hot Springs
Save 10%
4.7 stars(46 reviews)
Independent
2026Dec
2027JanFebMar
7 days from
$3,095 pp
View Details
Alaska Wildlife
Save 10%
4.5 stars(20 reviews)
Independent
2026Dec
2027JanFebMar
7 days from
$2,695 pp
View Details
Northern Lights Swirling over Pine Trees
Save 10%
4.7 stars(22 reviews)
Independent
2026OctNovDec
2027JanFebMar
6 days from
$3,395 pp
View Details
Dining Hut under the Stars
Save 10%
4.7 stars(22 reviews)
Independent
2026AugSepOctNovDec
2027JanFebMarApr
8 days from
$2,795 pp
View Details

63 results matching: Winter Tours

Filters
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Any
Reset
Grand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand Canyon
Save 10%
4.2 stars(277 reviews)
Independent
2026MayJunJulAugSep...
2027JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent

The classic ambiance of an overnight rail journey meets the splendors of one of America's top natural attractions on this rail vacation to Arizona. Join Amtrak's Southwest Chief on its cross-country route from Chicago to Flagstaff, and then board the 120-year-old Grand Canyon Railway on its route to the Grand Canyon. Uncover iconic views and top...

View map

Save 10%
6 days from
$1,195 pp
per person
View Details
Empire Builder Between Chicago and SeattleEmpire Builder Between Chicago and SeattleEmpire Builder Between Chicago and SeattleEmpire Builder Between Chicago and SeattleEmpire Builder Between Chicago and Seattle
Save 10%
4.2 stars(33 reviews)
Independent
2026MayJunJulAugSep...
Independent

If it is the experience of a lifetime you seek, look no further than a scenic tour through the country aboard the legendary tracks of the Empire Builder. Totaling over 2,200 miles in length, this journey shows us glimpses of seven of the northern-most states and the beautiful Pacific Coast. The expedition begins in the heart of the Midwest -...

View map

Save 10%
5 days from
$895 pp
per person
View Details
Dining Hut under the StarsDining Hut under the StarsDining Hut under the StarsDining Hut under the StarsDining Hut under the Stars
Save 10%
4.7 stars(22 reviews)
Independent
2026AugSepOctNovDec
2027JanFebMarApr
Independent

Forget everything you have heard about northern lights viewing and come along for this independent adventure into Alaska's backcountry to Borealis Basecamp. Set just 25 miles outside of Fairbanks, this unique hotel offers an aurora borealis experience like no other. Watch hues of red, green and purple undulate across the night sky from your cozy,...

View map

Save 10%
8 days from
$2,795 pp
per person
View Details
Northern Lights, Chena Hot SpringsNorthern Lights, Chena Hot SpringsNorthern Lights, Chena Hot SpringsNorthern Lights, Chena Hot SpringsNorthern Lights, Chena Hot Springs
Save 10%
4.7 stars(46 reviews)
Independent
2026Dec
2027JanFebMar
Independent

Winter is a special time of year in Alaska. The landscape transforms into a wonderland clad in fluffy white snow, and the short days set the perfect stage for the aurora borealis to take over the night sky. Adventures take on a new form and open visitors' eyes to the wonders and traditions of America's Last Frontier. This week-long Alaskan journey...

View map

Save 10%
7 days from
$3,095 pp
per person
View Details
Milford SoundMilford SoundMilford SoundMilford SoundMilford Sound
4.4 stars(34 reviews)
Escorted
2026OctNovDec
2027JanFebMarOctNov
Escorted

Discover New Zealand's dynamic cities, extraordinary national parks, spectacular alpine mountains, glacial lakes and breathtaking Fiordland on this extensive tour of the North and South Islands. This epic adventure combines the greatest and most famous features of New Zealand's North and South Islands in one vacation: a combination of superb...

View map

18 days from
$6,595 pp
per person
View Details
Alaska WildlifeAlaska WildlifeAlaska WildlifeAlaska WildlifeAlaska Wildlife
Save 10%
4.5 stars(20 reviews)
Independent
2026Dec
2027JanFebMar
Independent

By day and night, immerse yourself in the wonders of an Alaskan winter. With its far-north location, this state is one of the best places in North America to see the Aurora Borealis, and this journey features plenty of opportunities to do just that. Venture into the state's remote interior aboard the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train, and...

View map

Save 10%
7 days from
$2,695 pp
per person
View Details
Desert View WatchtowerDesert View WatchtowerDesert View WatchtowerDesert View WatchtowerDesert View Watchtower
Save 10%
4.0 stars(26 reviews)
Independent
2026MayJunJulAugSep...
Independent

Beginning in Los Angeles, board Amtrak's Southwest Chief for the overnight journey to Flagstaff, Arizona, where you will catch the historic Grand Canyon Railway for the ride to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This 4-day rail vacation includes travel aboard two iconic trains, hotel accommodations in Flagstaff and Grand Canyon National Park,...

View map

Save 10%
5 days from
$995 pp
per person
View Details
Northern Lights, AlaskaNorthern Lights, AlaskaNorthern Lights, AlaskaNorthern Lights, AlaskaNorthern Lights, Alaska
4.6 stars(66 reviews)
Escorted
2027FebMar
Escorted

Seek the magical aurora borealis on a sensational winter journey from Fairbanks to Anchorage, riding the amazing Aurora Winter Train in the shadow of Denali. An evening in the wilderness provides a great chance to catch the Northern Lights, while an exciting dog-sled ride through the snow-covered tundra and a curling lesson help uncover the...

View map

7 days from
$3,895 pp
per person
View Details
The Northern Lights & LaplandThe Northern Lights & LaplandThe Northern Lights & LaplandThe Northern Lights & LaplandThe Northern Lights & Lapland
4.2 stars(75 reviews)
Escorted
2026Dec
2027JanFebMar
Escorted

Embark on spellbinding Scandinavian rail journeys from the ancient Viking capital of Trondheim to Swedish Lapland, visiting the best places to see the Aurora Borealis, with many opportunities to experience these swirling lights. Travelling by rail through amazing landscapes, cross the Arctic Circle to Bodø to seek the ethereal Northern Lights on...

View map

10 days from
$3,995 pp
per person
View Details
River CruiseRiver Cruise
Cologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas Markets
Escorted
2026NovDec
Escorted

Feel the holiday spirit on this cruise along the beautiful Rhine. Discovering Germany at the most magical time of the year we stop at traditional Christmas markets along the way, including Cologne, Bonn, Koblenz and Rüdesheim. Strolling through the stalls, admire the craftsmanship of local artisans and savor the flavors that define the season. ...

View map

5 days from
$1,595 pp
per person
View Details
Via Rail, The Canadian in the SnowVia Rail, The Canadian in the SnowVia Rail, The Canadian in the SnowVia Rail, The Canadian in the SnowVia Rail, The Canadian in the Snow
Save 10%
4.4 stars(60 reviews)
Independent
2026OctNovDec
2027JanFebMarApr
Independent

Experience the best of the Canadian wilderness in a season when crowds are low and the scenery is pristine. Frosted mountain peaks, icy rivers and snow-clad scenes pave the way on this winter journey across five provinces. Step aboard the iconic Canadian train in Vancouver, and travel through landscapes only accessible by rail. Savor unfiltered...

View map

Save 10%
7 days from
$2,995 pp
per person
View Details
Aurora Borealis Aurora Borealis Aurora Borealis Aurora Borealis Aurora Borealis
Save 10%
Independent
2026AugSepOctNovDec
2027JanFebMar
Independent

Beautiful vistas and incredible adventures lie ahead on this journey through America's Last Frontier. Travel from Anchorage to Fairbanks on the Alaska Railroad, surrounded by pristine wilderness, and experience Fairbanks your way before heading into the backcountry in search of the elusive Northern Lights. Complete with a two-day stay at Chena...

View map

Save 10%
6 days from
$2,095 pp
per person
View Details
Our customers love our Winter Tours tours
Grand Tour of New Zealand
31/Mar
Gary Richter
5 stars
“Great itinerary, great people
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure
22/Mar
PAMELA HUTCHINS
5 stars
“Great trip, well planned!
Collected by Trustpilot
Empire Builder Experience - Chicago to Seattle
16 Oct 2025
Mae Corwin
5 stars
“Wow! Loved our trip on the Empire Builder and will definitely do another trip with vacations by rail.
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure - Los Angeles
17 Sep 2025
Anthony Massaro
5 stars
“One of the best vacations in a long time
Collected by Trustpilot
Northern Lights & Alaska Highlights
1/Apr
Charolette Rivera
4 stars
“The train itself and the 1st Alaska Tours trips/excursions were wonderful, well organized, and prompt! Definitely 5star. What was not so good was Vacations By Rails ability to schedule and communicate - we were rescheduled multiple times, to the point we began to doubt if we even were going...
Collected by Trustpilot
The Northern Lights & Lapland
30/Mar
CARL D
4 stars
“Excellent guide, caring for all details.
Collected by Trustpilot
Alaska Northern Lights & Aurora Train
29/Mar
Amy
4 stars
“The itinerary was set and all went to plan, which was great. Didn't like the fact we picked the package that included dog mushing and then was told it was sold out in Anchorage. Would have liked to see if we could have set something up in...
Collected by Trustpilot
Alaska Northern Lights & Winter Nights – An Escorted Journey
28/Mar
Carroll Duff
4 stars
“Ryan (tour guide) was an excellent guide, very accommodating to our group. Pat (driver) was very knowledgeable. Ryan & Pat was a good team.
Collected by Trustpilot
Canadian Snow Train
26/Mar
Lynn Morris
4 stars
“We enjoyed the scenery very much. We were hesitant at first but after learning how everything flowed we settled in. For the price paid I was surprised at how few perks Prestige Class received. There are no cars specifically for Prestige other than your sleeping car. ...
Collected by Trustpilot

Winter Vacations

Switch up your holiday itinerary this year with a winter vacation. There are many appealing things about traveling during the winter months: Popular attractions are devoid of summertime tourists, trains are less crowded and, of course, the scenery is amazing. Plains and prairies are blanketed with freshly fallen snow, and mountain peaks are dressed in their winter white. All of this paired with ice-encrusted rivers and frozen lakes make for some of the most incredible sights to behold. The best winter vacations highlight the beauty of the landscape while also capturing the spirit of the season. 

Visit alpine towns chock-full of winter activities, such as Banff or Jasper in the Rocky Mountains of Canada or the resort cities of the Swiss Alps. In these destinations, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing are among the most popular ways to savor the winter scenes. Ride a snow train from Chicago to San Francisco or Seattle for a look at the ever-changing vistas of winter as you travel between states.  Take a train trip past the Arctic Circle to watch the Northern Lights play across the sky in places like Alaska and Scandinavia. A winter holiday may also venture to Europe, where traditional Christmas markets fill the air with spiced aromas and the joyous sounds of festive music. 

Winter holiday destinations do not have to be cold, though. Rather, travelers have the option to escape to warmer havens to soak up the sun and leave the cold far behind them. These trips combine thoughtful train itineraries with ocean cruising to destinations like Hawaii and the  Western Caribbean. Winter vacation ideas are as diverse as the travelers that set out upon them.