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

Top Winter and Holiday Getaways

Cologne Christmas Markets
German Christmas Markets of the Rhine
5 days from $1,395 pp
  • Spend 4 relaxing days onboard the ship with five-star service
  • Visit the Christmas markets of Cologne, Rüdesheim, and more
  • Sip mulled wine, admire twinkling lights, and enjoy local delicacies
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Via Rail, The Canadian in the Snow
Canadian Snow Train
7 days from $2,795 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 $3,695 pp $3,295 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.

Northern Lights, Alaska
Last 100 Spaces
Save $400pp
Alaska Northern Lights & Winter Nights – An Escorted Journey
4.8 stars(34 reviews)
Escorted
2026Mar
7 days from
$3,495 pp $3,095 pp
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The Northern Lights & Lapland
Save $400pp
The Northern Lights & Lapland
4.2 stars(51 reviews)
Escorted
2026JanFebMar
11 days from
$3,695 pp $3,295 pp
View Details
Northern Lights, Chena Hot Springs
Save $400pp
Alaska Northern Lights & Aurora Train
4.8 stars(35 reviews)
Independent
2025Dec
2026JanFebMar
7 days from
$2,995 pp $2,595 pp
View Details
Alaska Wildlife
Save $400pp
Northern Lights & Alaska Highlights
4.5 stars(13 reviews)
Independent
2025Dec
2026JanFebMar
7 days from
$2,595 pp $2,195 pp
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Northern Lights on a Winter Arctic Cruise
Escorted
2026JanFebMar
12 days from
$5,045 pp
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Northern Lights Swirling over Pine Trees
Save $400pp
Aurora Viewing at Bettles Lodge
4.7 stars(20 reviews)
Independent
2025NovDec
2026JanFebMar
6 days from
$3,195 pp $2,795 pp
View Details
Dining Hut under the Stars
Save $400pp
Northern Lights at Borealis Basecamp
4.8 stars(17 reviews)
Independent
2025NovDec
2026JanFebMarApr
8 days from
$2,795 pp $2,395 pp
View Details
Stockholm
Northern Lights & Sweden's Arctic Circle
Independent
2026JanFebMar
9 days from
$5,995 pp
View Details
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79 results matching: Winter Tours

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Grand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand Canyon
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure
4.3 stars(260 reviews)
Independent
2025NovDec
2026JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent

The Grand Canyon is one of the world's top natural attractions. Visit one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World on this exciting rail adventure. Beginning in Chicago, board Amtrak's Southwest Chief bound for Flagstaff, Arizona, the gateway to the Canyon. Upon arriving in Flagstaff, catch the historic Grand Canyon Railway for your journey to...

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6 days from
$1,195 pp
per person
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Northern Lights, AlaskaNorthern Lights, AlaskaNorthern Lights, AlaskaNorthern Lights, AlaskaNorthern Lights, Alaska
Last 100 Spaces
Save $400pp
Alaska Northern Lights & Winter Nights – An Escorted Journey
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 $400pp
7 days from
$3,495 pp $3,095 pp
per person
View Details
Alaska WildlifeAlaska WildlifeAlaska WildlifeAlaska WildlifeAlaska Wildlife
Save $400pp
Northern Lights & Alaska Highlights
4.5 stars(13 reviews)
Independent
2025Dec
2026JanFebMar
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 enjoy...

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Save $400pp
7 days from
$2,595 pp $2,195 pp
per person
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Matterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, Zermatt
Zermatt & St. Moritz featuring Glacier Express
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 $400pp
The Northern Lights & Lapland
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 $400pp
11 days from
$3,695 pp $3,295 pp
per person
View Details
Cologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas Markets
German Christmas Markets of the Rhine
Escorted
2025NovDec
2026NovDec
Escorted

Feel the spirit of Christmas 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. Strolling through the stalls, admire the craftsmanship of local artisans and savor the flavors that define the season. On board, soak in the natural beauty of the...

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5 days from
$1,395 pp
per person
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BarcelonaBarcelonaBarcelonaBarcelonaBarcelona
Cuisine & Culture: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville
4.5 stars(25 reviews)
Independent
2026MarAprMayJunJul...
Independent

Sunny Spain, where a colorful atmosphere is cultivated through flavorful cuisine and centuries of tradition. Your fascinating rail vacation take you to Barcelona, Madrid, Toledo, and Seville, where independent sightseeing and optional excursions pair with guided touring to enrich each day and make it one to remember. Enjoy a paella cooking...

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9 days from
$3,095 pp
per person
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Milford SoundMilford SoundMilford SoundMilford SoundMilford Sound
Grand Tour of New Zealand
4.3 stars(20 reviews)
Escorted
2025Dec
2026JanFebMarOctNovDec
Escorted

Discover New Zealand's dazzling cities, extraordinary national parks, spectacular mountains, and breathtaking Fiordland on this epic tour of the North and South Islands. This fabulous tour combines the greatest features of this wonderful country in one vacation: superb railways, glorious landscapes, fabulous wine estates, and the warm and...

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18 days from
$5,495 pp
per person
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Rocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky Mountaineer
Across Canada by Train
4.5 stars(75 reviews)
Independent
2025NovDec
Independent

Spend 14 days traversing the boundless Canadian landscape, discovering all the spectacular cities and natural wonders bestrewn upon it by train. This remarkable journey travels from the West Coast to the East using three rail lines - two overnight and one whose route connects the popular cities along the Windsor Corridor. Enjoy first-class...

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14 days from
$3,795 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
Save $400pp
Alaska Northern Lights & Aurora Train
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 $400pp
7 days from
$2,995 pp $2,595 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
Winter Escape to the Grand Canyon - Chicago Round-trip
4.5 stars(22 reviews)
Independent
2025NovDec
2026JanFebMar
Independent

This winter, escape to the warmth of America's southwest and the beauty of one of the world's top natural attractions, the Grand Canyon. Your 6-day train vacation begins in Chicago, where you'll board Amtrak's Southwest Chief for Flagstaff, Arizona. From there, catch the historic Grand Canyon Railway for your journey to the South Rim of the Grand...

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6 days from
$1,295 pp
per person
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Bernina Express In WinterBernina Express In WinterBernina Express In WinterBernina Express In WinterBernina Express In Winter
Grand Train Tour of Switzerland in Winter
4.8 stars(11 reviews)
Independent
2026JanFebMarApr
Independent

The very best sites and attractions of Switzerland lie ahead on this incredible wintertime journey. You will enjoy a look at the lands from all angles as you cruise the beautiful waters of Lake Lucerne and ascend some of the region's most iconic mountains, including Mt. Rigi and Mt. Schilthorn. You will experience historic cities, resort towns,...

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11 days from
$4,295 pp
per person
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Show 12 more tours

Show all 79 tours

Our customers love our Winter Tours tours
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure
3/Nov
Lynette Clayton
5 stars
“It was a whirlwind vacation but the time it took was just right for us. Our only complaint, if we had any, was the "extra early morning" departure from Williams to Flagstaff (which we nearly missed). We didn't know what to expect with the roommette or the train travel...
Collected by Trustpilot
Zermatt & St. Moritz featuring Glacier Express
20/Oct
HERBERT BUNT
5 stars
“Beautiful train, comfortable and beautiful scenery.
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Tour of New Zealand
10/Oct
Lucianne Blair
5 stars
“Nrw Zealand is a fantastic place to visit!
Collected by Trustpilot
Cuisine & Culture: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville
14/Apr
LUCINDA ANN DALY
5 stars
“This unescorted tour of Barcelona, Madrid and Sevilla was outstanding. The preferred seating on the train is spectacular.! The food tour in Barcelona for tapas was lovely and generally, we enjoyed the entire trip!
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
Northern Lights & Alaska Highlights
9/Apr
COLEEN HARRINGTON
5 stars
“Such a fun and unique adventure!
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
Grand Train Tour of Switzerland in Winter
30 Apr 2024
Chris M
5 stars
“For context, we live in New Zealand and booked to do this trip in March 2020, but Covid got in the way. We thought that was it, we'd never get to go. We were given a credit by Vacations By Rail (VBR) as many other companies did. Then,...
Collected by Trustpilot
Across Canada by Train
2/Nov
MICHAEL SCHOENHUT
4 stars
“The trip was great. But it was almost too much, spend the night, quick tour, back on the train.
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.