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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 $1,695 pp $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
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Via Rail, The Canadian in the Snow
Canadian Snow Train
7 days from $2,795 pp $2,595 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
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The Northern Lights & Lapland
The Northern Lights & Lapland
11 days from $4,095 pp $3,695 pp
  • Seek the ethereal Northern Lights aboard the Nordland Railway and on the remote Lofoten Islands
  • With an expert local guide, discover the history and lifestyle of the Sámi people
  • Embark on a delightful husky safari, gliding through the snow on a sleigh hauled by the lively dogs
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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
New Season Savings
4.2 stars(53 reviews)
Escorted
2026JanFebMar
11 days from
$4,095 pp $3,695 pp
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Northern Lights, Chena Hot Springs
New Season Savings
4.8 stars(35 reviews)
Independent
2026JanFebMarDec
7 days from
$2,995 pp $2,795 pp
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Alaska Wildlife
New Season Savings
4.5 stars(14 reviews)
Independent
2026JanFebMarDec
7 days from
$2,595 pp $2,395 pp
View Details
New Season Savings
Escorted
2026JanFebMar
2027JanFebMar
12 days from
$5,695 pp $5,195 pp
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Northern Lights Swirling over Pine Trees
New Season Savings
4.7 stars(21 reviews)
Independent
2026JanFebMar
6 days from
$3,195 pp $2,895 pp
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Dining Hut under the Stars
New Season Savings
4.8 stars(20 reviews)
Independent
2026JanMarAugSepOct...
8 days from
$2,795 pp $2,595 pp
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67 results matching: Winter Tours

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Grand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand Canyon
New Season Savings
4.2 stars(266 reviews)
Independent
2026JanFebMarAprMay...
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...

New Season Savings
6 days from
$1,195 pp $1,095 pp
per person
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Alaska WildlifeAlaska WildlifeAlaska WildlifeAlaska WildlifeAlaska Wildlife
New Season Savings
4.5 stars(14 reviews)
Independent
2026JanFebMarDec
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...

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New Season Savings
7 days from
$2,595 pp $2,395 pp
per person
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Northern Lights, AlaskaNorthern Lights, AlaskaNorthern Lights, AlaskaNorthern Lights, AlaskaNorthern Lights, Alaska
Last 100 Spaces
New Season Savings
4.8 stars(34 reviews)
Escorted
2026Mar
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...

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New Season Savings
7 days from
$3,895 pp $3,495 pp
per person
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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
New Season Savings
4.4 stars(49 reviews)
Independent
2026JanFebMarAprOct...
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...

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New Season Savings
7 days from
$2,795 pp $2,595 pp
per person
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NaeroyfjordNaeroyfjordNaeroyfjordNaeroyfjordNaeroyfjord
Independent
2026JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent

Norway's breathtaking Sognefjord is home to rich Viking traditions and some of the country's most fascinating cities. Its beautiful blue waters are surrounded by charming villages and varied terrain, complete with mountains, plateaus, waterfalls, and emerald forests. Explore this region by train and cruise on this eight-day journey through...

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8 days from
$3,395 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Cologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas Markets
New Season Savings
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...

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New Season Savings
5 days from
$1,695 pp $1,595 pp
per person
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Milford SoundMilford SoundMilford SoundMilford SoundMilford Sound
New Season Savings
4.3 stars(24 reviews)
Escorted
2026JanFebMarOctNovDec
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...

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New Season Savings
18 days from
$6,995 pp $6,495 pp
per person
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Sunrise in Winter at the Grand CanyonSunrise in Winter at the Grand CanyonSunrise in Winter at the Grand CanyonSunrise in Winter at the Grand CanyonSunrise in Winter at the Grand Canyon
New Season Savings
4.5 stars(24 reviews)
Independent
2026JanFebMarNovDec
Independent

A UNESCO-listed attraction and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon beckons on this wintertime vacation. Find yourself transported back to the golden age of train travel as you join Amtrak's Southwest Chief on its overnight journey from Chicago to Arizona. The rail adventures continue aboard the 120-year-old...

New Season Savings
6 days from
$1,195 pp $1,095 pp
per person
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Peyto Lake in BanffPeyto Lake in BanffPeyto Lake in BanffPeyto Lake in BanffPeyto Lake in Banff
New Season Savings
4.6 stars(50 reviews)
Independent
2026JanFebMarAprNovDec
2027JanFebMarApr
Independent

As the temperatures drop and the snow begins to fall, the Canadian Rockies transforms from a lush land of emerald green forests and colorful valleys to the true embodiment of a winter wonderland. Join the excitement this season, and see why western Canada is one of the best places to spend the cold months. Your journey begins in Vancouver,...

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New Season Savings
8 days from
$3,095 pp $2,795 pp
per person
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Northern Lights, Chena Hot SpringsNorthern Lights, Chena Hot SpringsNorthern Lights, Chena Hot SpringsNorthern Lights, Chena Hot SpringsNorthern Lights, Chena Hot Springs
New Season Savings
4.8 stars(35 reviews)
Independent
2026JanFebMarDec
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...

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New Season Savings
7 days from
$2,995 pp $2,795 pp
per person
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Dining Hut under the StarsDining Hut under the StarsDining Hut under the StarsDining Hut under the StarsDining Hut under the Stars
New Season Savings
4.8 stars(20 reviews)
Independent
2026JanMarAugSepOct...
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...

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New Season Savings
8 days from
$2,795 pp $2,595 pp
per person
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The Northern Lights & LaplandThe Northern Lights & LaplandThe Northern Lights & LaplandThe Northern Lights & LaplandThe Northern Lights & Lapland
New Season Savings
4.2 stars(53 reviews)
Escorted
2026JanFebMar
Escorted

 Beautifully scenic Scandinavian rail journeys take us from the ancient Viking capital of Trondheim to wintry Kiruna in Swedish Lapland, as we enjoy many opportunities to be dazzled by the ethereal Northern Lights.    Traveling through amazing landscapes, the Nordland Railway carries us across the Arctic Circle to Bodø. From here, we...

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New Season Savings
11 days from
$4,095 pp $3,695 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Winter Tours tours
Canadian Snow Train
21/Dec
Susan Koewler
5 stars
“The scenery was magical.
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Tour of New Zealand
16/Dec
Herbert
5 stars
“Thoroughly enjoyed the tour.
Collected by Trustpilot
Northern Lights & Alaska Highlights
15/Dec
Bill Ross
5 stars
“We really enjoyed this trip. Great hotel in Anchorage and Fairbanks. Train trip was great. The company handling the excursions was very proactive with giving us information, and we loved all the excursions. The weather was very cold, but we had a truly memorable experience.
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure
6/Dec
don
5 stars
“First class very nice ride
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Canyon Winter Experience by Rail
3/Dec
DENISE FERRILL
5 stars
“This was a mother-daughter trip for me and my 78-year-old Mom. My mother was not able to walk around a lot due to health issues, and this vacation was perfect! Neither of us had been to the Grand Canyon let alone ride on an Amtrak train. This...
Collected by Trustpilot
Northern Lights at Borealis Basecamp
23/Nov
KATHLEEN M HIGGINS
5 stars
“Excellent value exceptional staff who are knowledgable courteous and anxious to make each adventure outstanding for each guest.
Collected by Trustpilot
Alaska Northern Lights & Winter Nights – An Escorted Journey
10/Apr
Charlene M Moody
5 stars
“We enjoyed the whole trip. The tour guide Shari Osterude and Larry the bus driver were just amazing. The food was fantastic, the rooms were great, and all the excursions were wonderful. I am looking in the near future for another trip with Vacation by Rails!
Collected by Trustpilot
Winter in the Rockies
11 Apr 2024
Helen Adams
5 stars
“This was a great trip; the hotels were beautiful and we loved the overnight train! Just the right amount of coordination by Vacations by Rail so that our time was our own but all of the transportation details were arranged conveniently and expertly. This was our second Vacations...
Collected by Trustpilot
The Northern Lights & Lapland
19/Dec
MONA FREY
4 stars
“The first half of the trip is A LOT of traveling. Youre either on a plane, bus, or train for hours each day, with little daylight to watch the scenery go by. Once we got to Kiruna and camp Ripan is when the fun really began. The...
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.