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

Top Winter and Holiday Getaways

Cologne Christmas Markets
German Christmas Markets of the Rhine
5 days from $1,695 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 $2,895 pp $2,695 pp
  • Travel from Vancouver to Toronto on the iconic VIA Rail Canadian in Sleeper Plus
  • Soak up the amazing winter landscapes of five Canadian provinces and the Rockies
  • Discover the oceanside city of Vancouver on a fascinating multisensory journey
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The Northern Lights & Lapland
The Northern Lights & Lapland
11 days from $4,165 pp $3,765 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
Save up to $500pp
4.2 stars(51 reviews)
Escorted
2026JanFebMar
11 days from
$4,165 pp $3,765 pp
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Northern Lights, Chena Hot Springs
Save up to $500pp
4.8 stars(35 reviews)
Independent
2025Dec
2026JanFebMar
7 days from
$2,995 pp $2,795 pp
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Alaska Wildlife
Save up to $500pp
4.5 stars(13 reviews)
Independent
2026JanFebMar
7 days from
$2,595 pp $2,395 pp
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Northern Lights Swirling over Pine Trees
Save up to $500pp
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
Save up to $500pp
4.8 stars(20 reviews)
Independent
2025Dec
2026JanFebMarAprAug...
8 days from
$2,795 pp $2,595 pp
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Stockholm
Independent
2026JanFebMar
9 days from
$5,995 pp $5,495 pp
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76 results matching: Winter Tours

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Grand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand Canyon
Save up to $500pp
4.2 stars(264 reviews)
Independent
2025Dec
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 and top...

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Save up to $500pp
6 days from
$1,295 pp $1,195 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
Save up to $500pp
4.4 stars(45 reviews)
Independent
2025Dec
2026JanFebMarAprOct...
Independent

Experience the best of the Canadian wilderness in winter and discover spectacular scenery as well as vibrant Canadian cities. Winter is an ideal time to travel as the rates are lower, the trains are less crowded, and the staff has more time to share their "tales of the rails" with you. Be a part of this exciting adventure onboard VIA...

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Save up to $500pp
7 days from
$2,895 pp $2,695 pp
per person
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Northern Lights, AlaskaNorthern Lights, AlaskaNorthern Lights, AlaskaNorthern Lights, AlaskaNorthern Lights, Alaska
Last 100 Spaces
Save up to $500pp
4.8 stars(34 reviews)
Escorted
2026Mar
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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Save up to $500pp
7 days from
$3,895 pp $3,495 pp
per person
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Matterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, Zermatt
4.4 stars(61 reviews)
Independent
2025Dec
Independent

If there is one thing Switzerland is known for, it is its otherworldly mountain scenes. The Swiss Alps are an icon, and when views of them are combined with stays in charming resort towns and rides aboard some of the world's most scenic railways, it is the recipe for an unforgettable vacation. Begin in Zurich with a day to get acclimated to the...

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6 days from
$2,695 pp
per person
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The Northern Lights & LaplandThe Northern Lights & LaplandThe Northern Lights & LaplandThe Northern Lights & LaplandThe Northern Lights & Lapland
Save up to $500pp
4.2 stars(51 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 explore the...

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Save up to $500pp
11 days from
$4,165 pp $3,765 pp
per person
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Peyto Lake in BanffPeyto Lake in BanffPeyto Lake in BanffPeyto Lake in BanffPeyto Lake in Banff
Save up to $500pp
4.6 stars(50 reviews)
Independent
2025Dec
2026JanFebMarApr
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, where...

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Save up to $500pp
8 days from
$3,195 pp $2,895 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
Save up to $500pp
4.4 stars(23 reviews)
Independent
2025Dec
2026JanFebMar
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 Grand...

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Save up to $500pp
6 days from
$1,295 pp $1,195 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
Save up to $500pp
4.8 stars(35 reviews)
Independent
2025Dec
2026JanFebMar
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...

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Save up to $500pp
7 days from
$2,995 pp $2,795 pp
per person
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Colorado Rockies Continental DivideColorado Rockies Continental DivideColorado Rockies Continental DivideColorado Rockies Continental DivideColorado Rockies Continental Divide
4.0 stars(46 reviews)
Independent
2025Dec
Independent

Before embarking on your 2,300 mile journey to San Francisco, take advantage of your time in Chicago by visiting the city's famed attractions such as the John Hancock Observation Deck, ride the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier or window shop down The Magnificent Mile. The city also offers a rich cultural experience with its several museums and the...

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5 days from
$795 pp
per person
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Jungfrau RailwayJungfrau RailwayJungfrau RailwayJungfrau RailwayJungfrau Railway
4.4 stars(23 reviews)
Independent
Independent

Soaring snow-clad peaks frame charming cities steeped in history, and sprawling valleys lead to crystalline glacier-fed lakes in stunning Switzerland. Sit back and relax as these elements are brought to life aboard some of the world's most famous rail lines, including the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express, on this independent journey. The...

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Save up to $500pp
4.6 stars(62 reviews)
Independent
2026AprMayJunJulAug...
Independent

Through museum visits, guided tours and culinary experiences, delve into the history and incredible culture of Italy. This nine-day expedition follows a northerly course that takes travelers from Rome in the south to Venice on the cusp of the Adriatic Sea. Each stop along the way paints a memorable picture of Italy's immense beauty. Distinctive...

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Save up to $500pp
9 days from
$3,295 pp $2,995 pp
per person
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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 up to $500pp
4.2 stars(33 reviews)
Independent
2025Dec
2026JanFebMarAprMay...
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 -...

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Save up to $500pp
5 days from
$895 pp $795 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Winter Tours tours
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure
16/Nov
CARA BABCOCK
5 stars
“Very good and friendly service
Collected by Trustpilot
California Zephyr Experience
11/Nov
MARCIA GREY PATTERSON
5 stars
“Wonderful experience
Collected by Trustpilot
Zermatt & St. Moritz featuring Glacier Express
20/Oct
HERBERT BUNT
5 stars
“Beautiful train, comfortable and beautiful scenery.
Collected by Trustpilot
Empire Builder Experience - Chicago to Seattle
16/Oct
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
Cuisine & Culture: Rome, Florence & Venice
8/Oct
customer
5 stars
“It was very nice to be met at airports and train stations with an easy to identify who our drivers were at each stop. These drivers who brought us to and from our Hotels removed any anxiety from our trip this made our truly amazing.
Collected by Trustpilot
Canadian Snow Train
30/Apr
CARROL SCHOLZ
5 stars
“Had a great time. Food was amazing!! Cabin attendant's and staff were fun. It was a bummer that due to train delays with other trains we arrived to late a a few places to have time to get off for more than 10 minutes if that, or we arrived at...
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
Winter Escape to the Grand Canyon - Chicago Round-trip
21/Nov
JOHN AIELLO
4 stars
“Awesome itinerary but seriously not enough time to enjoy. The times between places are too quick and the train/shuttle thing is just crazy.
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.