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Experience North America
Explore the wonders of the continent – from stunning landscapes to iconic cities
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Discover diverse North America holidays

Exciting cities, iconic landmarks, breathtaking natural wonders - North America offers endless opportunities for exploration, relaxation, and everything in between. On a holiday to North America, you can explore the rugged beauty of Canada's Rocky Mountains, see the USA's iconic landmarks on a coast-to-coast adventure or cruise through Alaska, witnessing incredible glaciers.

Browse our range of North America holidays and book now to explore the cities, coastlines, and national parks of the USA and Canada.

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Discover by Destination

Statue of Liberty
USAView more
Niagara Falls
Canada View more
Glacier Bay National Park
AlaskaView more

Holidays Ideas

ClassicClassic
New England in the Fall
Save up to £500pp
New England in the Fall
2025SepOct
2026SepOct
10 days from
£2,999 pp £2,699 pp
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ClassicClassic
Jasper National Park
Save up to £500pp
Canada Coast to Coast
3.8 stars(76 reviews)
2025JulSepOct
2026MayJunAugSep
19 days from
£5,999 pp £5,499 pp
View Details
ClassicClassic
The Trans-American Rail Tour
Save up to £500pp
Grand Tour of America
4.3 stars(36 reviews)
2025MaySepOct
2026AprMaySepOct
18 days from
£4,999 pp £4,499 pp
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ClassicClassic
Save up to £500pp
The Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise
4.6 stars(40 reviews)
2025Sep
2026MayAugSep
16 days from
£6,999 pp £6,499 pp
View Details
ClassicClassic
Tracks of the Deep South
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Tracks of the Deep South
4.3 stars(117 reviews)
2025JunSepOct
2026FebAprMaySepOct
14 days from
£4,399 pp £3,999 pp
View Details
LandmarkLandmark
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Save up to £500pp
Premium Canada Coast to Coast
2025AugSep
2026MayAugSep
17 days from
£10,999 pp £10,499 pp
View Details
ClassicClassic
USA Coast to Coast
Save up to £500pp
Iconic America - Cities, Canyons & Valleys
4.5 stars(85 reviews)
2025JunSepOct
19 days from
£4,799 pp £4,299 pp
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ClassicClassic
Canada & the Rocky Mountaineer train tour
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Wonders of Canada & The Rocky Mountaineer
4.3 stars(69 reviews)
2025AugSep
2026MayJulSepOct
14 days from
£5,699 pp £5,199 pp
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North America Holiday Experiences

Statue of Liberty, New York

Iconic cities

Explore the sights, sounds, and flavours of cities in the United States like New York, San Francisco, and Nashville or experience Canada's friendly culture in cities like Toronto and Vancouver.

Yosemite National Park

National parks

From the geysers of Yellowstone to the peaks of the Canadian Rockies, experience unspoiled wilderness in the region's national parks which preserve awe-inspiring natural beauty.

Rocky Mountaineer Morants Curve

Rail journeys

Board the Rocky Mountaineer through Canada's mountains, Amtrak's California Zephyr to Chicago, or the Grand Canyon Railway to the USA's greatest natural phenomena.

Banff National Park

Diverse landscapes

North America's landscapes range from arid deserts and towering mountains to lush forests and coastline, making the continent's landscapes rich, varied, and breathtakingly beautiful.

21 results matching: North America Rail Holidays

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ClassicClassic
The Trans-American Rail TourThe Trans-American Rail TourThe Trans-American Rail TourThe Trans-American Rail TourThe Trans-American Rail Tour
Save up to £500pp
Grand Tour of America
4.3 stars(36 reviews)
2025MaySepOct
2026AprMaySepOct

Join us on an epic tour across the monumental United States, a once-in-a-lifetime journey to some of America's most celebrated cities - San Francisco, Las Vegas, Chicago and New York - visiting iconic landmarks including Monument Valley, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls. This incredible journey also features legendary trains -...

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Save up to £500pp
18 days from
£4,999 pp £4,499 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Jasper National ParkJasper National ParkJasper National ParkJasper National ParkJasper National Park
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Canada Coast to Coast
3.8 stars(76 reviews)
2025JulSepOct
2026MayJunAugSep

A spectacular overland adventure showcases the beautiful and varied landscapes for which the world's second largest country is famed. Landing in characterful Vancouver, we explore the majestic west coast's jaw-dropping Rocky Mountains, rushing rivers, glacial lakes and pristine forests before boarding the iconic Canadian train for a three-night...

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Save up to £500pp
19 days from
£5,999 pp £5,499 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
New England in the FallNew England in the FallNew England in the FallNew England in the FallNew England in the Fall
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New England in the Fall
2025SepOct
2026SepOct

Travel through spectacular mountain scenery lit up with vivid colours on this autumn tour along America's scenic East Coast. Stay in Massachusetts's capital city of Boston with time to explore its unique history and culture, then journey to the charming village of North Conway in the beautiful White Mountains - one of the most stunning locations...

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Save up to £500pp
10 days from
£2,999 pp £2,699 pp
per person
View Details
ClassicClassic
Save up to £500pp
The Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise
4.6 stars(40 reviews)
2025Sep
2026MayAugSep

A spectacular discovery of natural wonders awaits on this exploration by land and sea. From the picturesque mountain towns of Banff and Jasper in the Canadian Rockies, we marvel at the spellbinding beauty of Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway before boarding the iconic Rocky Mountaineer. This fantastic rail journey transports us to vibrant...

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Save up to £500pp
16 days from
£6,999 pp £6,499 pp
per person
View Details
ClassicClassic
Tracks of the Deep SouthTracks of the Deep SouthTracks of the Deep SouthTracks of the Deep SouthTracks of the Deep South
Save up to £500pp
Tracks of the Deep South
4.3 stars(117 reviews)
2025JunSepOct
2026FebAprMaySepOct

Historic tracks lead us on an unforgettable rail tour through the heartlands of great American music - from Nashville, home of country music, to the blues, soul and rock 'n' roll of Memphis and the expressive jazz of New Orleans. Starting our journey in North Carolina, we discover the music legends of Tennessee, then continue on the City of New...

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Save up to £500pp
14 days from
£4,399 pp £3,999 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
The CanadianThe CanadianThe CanadianThe CanadianThe Canadian
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Canada, Niagara Falls & the Rocky Mountains
4.4 stars(38 reviews)
2025Sep
2026MaySep

Uncover Canada's most amazing landscapes on this fantastic journey from the Pacific coast to the Great Lakes. Our exploration begins with a guided tour of beautiful Vancouver before touring the stunning Rocky Mountains from the charming mountain towns of Banff and Jasper. Here, we admire awe-inspiring vistas including Lake Louise, the Icefields...

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Save up to £500pp
13 days from
£4,299 pp £3,999 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Canada & the Rocky Mountaineer train tourCanada & the Rocky Mountaineer train tourCanada & the Rocky Mountaineer train tourCanada & the Rocky Mountaineer train tourCanada & the Rocky Mountaineer train tour
Save up to £500pp
Wonders of Canada & The Rocky Mountaineer
4.3 stars(69 reviews)
2025AugSep
2026MayJulSepOct

Delve into the remarkable landscapes of Canada on this overland journey on world-famous trains. Our exploration begins with a guided tour of beautiful Vancouver on the Pacific coast before we enjoy two daytime trips on the amazing Rocky Mountaineer to the astonishing Canadian Rockies. Based in gorgeous Banff and charming Jasper, we admire...

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Save up to £500pp
14 days from
£5,699 pp £5,199 pp
per person
View Details
ClassicClassic
USA Coast to CoastUSA Coast to CoastUSA Coast to CoastUSA Coast to CoastUSA Coast to Coast
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Iconic America - Cities, Canyons & Valleys
4.5 stars(85 reviews)
2025JunSepOct

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey as we travel from ocean to glimmering ocean across the USA, from dazzling Times Square to the Hollywood Hills. Enjoy guided tours of America's great cities, including New York, Washington DC, Chicago and Los Angeles, with cruises around Manhattan and the Chicago River. Travel overnight from Chicago to Grand...

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Save up to £500pp
19 days from
£4,799 pp £4,299 pp
per person
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LandmarkLandmark
Fairmont Le Château FrontenacFairmont Le Château FrontenacFairmont Le Château FrontenacFairmont Le Château FrontenacFairmont Le Château Frontenac
Save up to £500pp
Premium Canada Coast to Coast
2025AugSep
2026MayAugSep

A magnificent small-group tour across the remarkable landscapes of Canada, this superb holiday features stays in the country's grandest hotels. From characterful Vancouver and its 'castle in the city', to picture-perfect Banff and Jasper, and on to Québec City's world-famous Le Château Frontenac, we stay in four iconic Fairmont hotels. Our...

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Save up to £500pp
17 days from
£10,999 pp £10,499 pp
per person
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LuxuryLuxury
BanffBanffBanffBanffBanff
Canadian Rockies by Rail

Take a breathtaking journey through the Canadian Rockies aboard VIA Rail's Canadian train, from Vancouver to the mountain town of Banff. Your journey takes you through stunning scenery, and on arrival in Jasper you can ride the Jasper Skytrain up to Whistler's Mountain for more inspiring views. You'll visit magical Lake Louise and you'll have the...

8 days from
£2,975 pp
per person
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LuxuryLuxury
Rocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky Mountaineer
Canada's Rocky Mountaineer

This unforgettable journey begins in the vibrant coastal city of Vancouver, where you can soak in the maritime charm and explore the city's scenic beauty before boarding the Rocky Mountaineer for a two-day adventure. Traverse through the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies on one of the world's most iconic trains, taking in the majestic landscapes and...

8 days from
£3,465 pp
per person
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LuxuryLuxury
Rocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky Mountaineer
Canada's Rocky Mountaineer and National Parks

On this once-in-a-lifetime journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train, you'll experience the dramatic landscape of Western Canada through panoramic windows, from the comfort of your train. You'll journey through the Canadian Rockies, to Jasper, and onto Lake Louise. You'll explore two national parks, where you can spot the local wildlife, such as...

9 days from
£4,435 pp
per person
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Show all 21 tours
Our customers love our North America tours
Canada Coast to Coast
07 Nov 2024
S Edgar
5 stars
“I had a fabulous holiday. Canada is a wonderful country and the scenery was stunning. Travelling coast to coast was a great adventure as was experiencing the 'charm' of the slow moving trains. Fab holiday - would do it again in a heatbeat.
Collected by Trustpilot
Tracks of the Deep South
27 Oct 2024
Matthew Rachel
5 stars
“Unbelievable tour. Music everywhere! Food to die for! And the company!
Collected by Trustpilot
Wonders of Canada & The Rocky Mountaineer
16 Oct 2024
Mr David Ashton
5 stars
“An excellent way to enjoy the wonders of Canada. Rocky Mountaineer is an experience not to miss. The Canadian from Edmunton to Toronto travels through 4 different vistas of the Canadian landscape. Travel is not fast on this journey, as freight has priority on the tracks. Sleeper class provides very...
Collected by Trustpilot
The Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise
28 Sep 2024
BARKIN/NEIL JAY
5 stars
“Great combination of land and sea touring
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Tour of America
27 Sep 2024
trevor taylor
5 stars
“great way to see a lot of america in a short time coast to coast only down side is living out of a suitcase for 18 day but it is what it is we had a great time only let down by amtrak
Collected by Trustpilot
Canada, Niagara Falls & the Rocky Mountains
24 Sep 2024
. Fellowes
5 stars
“Breathtaking views throughout
Collected by Trustpilot
Highlights of America's East Coast
22 Jun 2024
David Roberts
5 stars
“Great holiday and very well organised. Travelling by rail gives you an interesting insight into America and Canada away from the main sights. A good balance with time to experience all the main highlights but also opportunities to explore on your own. Thoroughly recommended.
Collected by Trustpilot
Premium Canada & the Rocky Mountains in Winter
8/Mar
Colin Rowe
4 stars
“Yes it was good except for the 350 mile diversion and the uncomfortable return flight.
Collected by Trustpilot
Iconic America - Cities, Canyons & Valleys
03 Nov 2024
Grant-Jones
4 stars
“Great introduction to USA encouraging thoughts on where to visit for longer, next time! Travel departures & arrivals shortened each end of the tour considerably. Recommend additional day each end. Option for couples to purchase a 2nd 'roomette' on o/n U.S. trains would be good idea as very cramped &...
Collected by Trustpilot

North America's Iconic Trains

Rocky MountaineerView more
VIA Rail's - CanadianView more
Amtrak
AmtrakView more
North Conway Scenic Railroad
North ConwayView more
Mountain Incline
Mountain InclineView more
Durango & Silverton Railroad
DurangoView more
Grand Canyon Railway
Grand CanyonView more
Mount Washington Cog Railway
Mount WashingtonView more

About North America

North America is the world's third-largest continent. Its two largest countries, the USA and Canada, share many captivating qualities-stunning natural scenery, iconic cities, and rich cultural histories. This makes them endlessly rewarding to explore. However, they also both have very unique experiences that set them apart from one another.

Canada stretches across six time zones, reflecting its vastness, and beyond its towns and cities lie awe-inspiring, expansive landscapes. The country is home to 37 National Parks and an additional eight National Park Reserves, showcasing terrains from open grasslands to majestic glaciers.

Canada's climate is as varied as its geography, changing with location. Summers are typically hot and dry in the western prairies, humid in central and southern regions, and milder along the coast. Spring and autumn are generally temperate, though the west experiences higher rainfall. Winters can be extremely cold, with temperatures often dipping below -20°C, especially inland.

The USA, like Canada, offers magnificent natural beauty, but it also boasts an iconic blend of history, culture, and entertainment. Visitors of all interests-whether music fans, nature lovers or culture buffs-will find fantastic places to explore and enjoy. For those keen to experience the full breadth of the country, a coast-to-coast journey across the USA offers an unforgettable way to sample its diverse attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best times of year to visit North America?

The best time to visit North America depends on the region and the type of holiday you're seeking. For warmer weather, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are ideal for much of the United States and Canada. Summer (June-August) is perfect for national parks, though it can be quite hot in southern areas. Winter (December-February) is wonderful for winter landscapes, especially in the Rocky Mountains.

Do I need a visa to visit North America?

Yes, British citizens generally need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) to enter the United States for stays up to 90 days. For Canada, you'll need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). Both applications are completed online.

What are the top destinations in North America?

North America has an incredibly diverse range of destinations, from New York City's iconic landmarks to the Grand Canyon's natural beauty. Popular spots include Los Angeles, San Francisco, the Canadian Rockies, New England in autumn, and cities like Toronto and Vancouver.

How long is the flight from the UK to North America?

Flight times vary depending on your destination. Flights to the east coast of the United States or Canada, such as New York or Toronto, typically take around 7-8 hours. Flights to the west coast, such as Los Angeles or Vancouver, take around 10-11 hours.

What type of insurance do I need for a holiday in North America?

Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended for North America, covering medical expenses and lost or stolen belongings. Healthcare in the United States can be particularly expensive, so it's essential to ensure your policy provides adequate medical cover.

What is the time difference between the UK and North America?

North America spans several time zones. The east coast, including cities like New York and Toronto, is usually 5 hours behind the UK. The central region is 6 hours behind, and the west coast, including cities like Los Angeles and Vancouver, is 8 hours behind. Keep in mind that the United States and Canada observe daylight saving time from March to November.

What currency is used in North America?

The United States uses the US Dollar (USD), while Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD). We recommend exchanging some currency in advance, though both countries have widespread access to ATMs and accept major credit cards.

Is tipping expected in North America?

Yes, tipping is customary in North America and is generally expected in places like restaurants, hotels, taxis, and for certain services. In the United States, tips are usually around 15-20% of the bill, while in Canada, 10-20% is standard. It's helpful to have small amounts of local currency on hand for tipping.

Do I need vaccinations to travel to North America?

Generally, no specific vaccinations are required for British travellers heading to the United States or Canada, though it's always best to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations. It's wise to consult your GP or a travel clinic before departure, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

What language is spoken in North America?

English is the primary language spoken in both the United States and Canada, though French is widely spoken in parts of Canada, especially in Quebec.

How many people go on one of your holidays?

Great Rail Journeys is a market leader when it comes to small group tours. We're proud of being pioneers in our approach to group sizes and have become the leading operator for escorted holidays. Our group sizes vary between tours, but are our ranges are usually a good indicator of what to expect.

For our Discoveries range, you'll be in groups with an average of 30-35 travellers and a maximum of 40. If opting for our Classic collection, you'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. Our Landmark holidays are where you'll find our smallest group sizes, starting from as low as 16 travellers and an average of 22, to a maximum of 30.

*Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

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