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Short Breaks

Short Break Rail Tours & Vacations

A small taste of culture and a sampling of adventure, short breaks are your chance to relax and recharge. These quick getaways, ranging from 2 to 6 days, are ideal for embarking on new travel experiences and soaking in the delights that a change in scenery can bring.

In the United States, short break holidays can take you to stunning protected parklands, including Glacier National Park, or natural wonders of the world, such as the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls. Fans of city breaks appreciate samplers of some of the nation's most extraordinary locales while on getaways that feature New Orleans or Chicago and New York City.

Amtrak's well-connected railway system sets the tone for unforgettable long weekend breaks. Join the California Zephyr in navigating the great American landscape, venturing from Chicago, through the Rockies, to San Francisco. The Coast Starlight's incredible route along the Pacific Seaboard showcases California's beauty while traveling between Seattle and Los Angeles. For one of the more luxurious short breaks by rail, consider joining America's newest luxury train, Rocky Mountaineer, on its epic Rockies to the Red Rocks route from Denver, CO, to Moab, UT.

Imagine discovering Europe's unbelievable history on Euro city breaks. Though it may seem impossible, there are plenty of tour options that introduce the centuries-old architecture, local cuisine, and nuances of regional culture in one charming little package. Venture through the Scottish Highlands, explore Switzerland's charming alpine towns, or visit traditional Christmas Markets along the Rhine. Whether you are looking for short spring break trips or quick retreats into the varied countries that compose the European landscape, the continent's far-reaching railways make it possible. Some of Europe's most luxurious railways also offer a platform for adventure, even on a limited timeline. Consider short holidays that feature the Royal Scotsman or the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for a classic overnight route between Venice and Paris.

Start planning your short break with these imaginative itineraries ideal for a short getaway.

29 results matching: Short Breaks

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Grand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand Canyon
4.3 stars(307 reviews)
Independent
2026OctNovDec
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...

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6 days from
$1,095 pp
per person
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Niagara FallsNiagara FallsNiagara FallsNiagara FallsNiagara Falls
4.0 stars(61 reviews)
Independent
2026Oct
Independent

Discover the wonders of Niagara Falls on this 4-day rail adventure. Beginning and ending in New York City, travel aboard Amtrak's Maple Leaf for a full-day journey through upstate New York and into Ontario. Make the most of your two full days in Niagara Falls, enjoying the sights and sounds of the thundering falls and exploring the area's...

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4 days from
$695 pp
per person
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Mount Washington Cog RailwayMount Washington Cog RailwayMount Washington Cog RailwayMount Washington Cog RailwayMount Washington Cog Railway
4.4 stars(131 reviews)
Escorted
2027SepOct
Escorted

Bask in hues of gold, russet and crimson on this escorted tour of New England, visiting leaf-peeping hotspots across three of its beautiful states. Visit significant landmarks of American history on a guided tour of Boston, before traveling through the famous foliage of Kancamagus Highway. Admire the atmospheric White Mountains in North Conway...

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6 days from
$2,999 pp
per person
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California ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia Zephyr
4.0 stars(58 reviews)
Independent
2026OctNovDec
2027JanFebMarAprMay...
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
$895 pp
per person
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Urquhart CastleUrquhart CastleUrquhart CastleUrquhart CastleUrquhart Castle
4.3 stars(427 reviews)
Escorted
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
Escorted

Discover the very best of the Scottish Highlands on a five-day tour while soaking up breathtaking scenery aboard the legendary Jacobite steam train and Strathspey Steam Railway. Along the way, marvel at the towering mountains, shimmering lochs and emerald forests that make up the Scottish landscape. Delve into Scotland's fascinating heritage and...

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5 days from
$1,799 pp
per person
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Matterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, Zermatt
4.4 stars(70 reviews)
Independent
2026OctDec
2027JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent

Uncover otherworldly mountain scenes from charming resort towns and some of the world's most scenic railways on this unforgettable vacation in Switzerland. After arriving in Zürich, stay in two scenic bases in the Alps: the car-free village of Zermatt and the lakeside gem of St. Moritz. Enjoy an unforgettable perspective on the Matterhorn from...

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6 days from
$2,195 pp
per person
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New Orleans Downtown SkylineNew Orleans Downtown SkylineNew Orleans Downtown SkylineNew Orleans Downtown SkylineNew Orleans Downtown Skyline
Independent
2026OctNovDec
Independent

Embrace the Windy City and learn a bit of what makes it unique with an architecture tour on the Chicago River. The following day, travel 1800 miles aboard Amtrak's City of New Orleans to the Big Easy where you can discover the amazing architecture, culture, and cuisine in this vibrant city. Enjoy some folkore and sample the Cajun and Creole...

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5 days from
$895 pp
per person
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Colorful Sky Over Bow FallsColorful Sky Over Bow FallsColorful Sky Over Bow FallsColorful Sky Over Bow FallsColorful Sky Over Bow Falls
Save $200pp
4.5 stars(33 reviews)
Independent
2026Oct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
Independent

Combine sightseeing and relaxation in Western Canada on this five-day vacation into the Canadian Rockies. After staying in the vibrant city of Vancouver, join a daylight-only journey on the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer, passing through the Fraser Canyon, riding along the winding Thompson River, and traveling through tunnels to Banff, one of...

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Save $200pp
5 days from
$3,095 pp $2,895 pp
per person
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Desert View WatchtowerDesert View WatchtowerDesert View WatchtowerDesert View WatchtowerDesert View Watchtower
4.2 stars(28 reviews)
Independent
2026OctNovDec
2027JanFebMarAprMay...
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,...

5 days from
$995 pp
per person
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Red Rocks Park At Sunrise Near Denver ColoradoRed Rocks Park At Sunrise Near Denver ColoradoRed Rocks Park At Sunrise Near Denver ColoradoRed Rocks Park At Sunrise Near Denver ColoradoRed Rocks Park At Sunrise Near Denver Colorado
Independent
2026OctNov
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
Independent

 From the name that brought you Rocky Mountaineer comes Canyon Spirit, America's premier luxury train. On this rail journey, set out on Canyon Spirit's flagship route, traveling from Moab, Utah, to Denver, Colorado, on a scenic, daylight-only route. Soak up sights of sprawling dessert, towering cliffs and unique rock formations before...

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2 days from
$1,739 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Cologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas Markets
Save $200pp
Escorted
2026NovDec
2027NovDec
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. ...

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Save $200pp
5 days from
$899 pp $699 pp
per person
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Glacier Parks Lakes and WildflowersGlacier Parks Lakes and WildflowersGlacier Parks Lakes and WildflowersGlacier Parks Lakes and WildflowersGlacier Parks Lakes and Wildflowers
Save $200pp
Independent
2027JunJulAugSep
Independent

Your two-night stay is in the heart of the unspoiled natural attractions and stunning beauty Glacier National Park. Wondrous displays of nature, historic lodges, and sightseeing through the forests and valleys of this complex ecosystem are highlights of your stay before returning by train to Chicago.

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Save $200pp
5 days from
$1,595 pp $1,395 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Short Breaks tours
Zermatt & St. Moritz featuring Glacier Express
10/Sep
Kathleen Malerba
5 stars
“Excellent views and service
Collected by Trustpilot
California Zephyr Experience
2/Sep
Andrea
5 stars
“This is a great trip. Wonderful way to see the country. Staff were attentive and generally great. Loved meeting all the different adventurous parole that take a trip like this. Food was good and loved the white tablecloths for dinner.
Collected by Trustpilot
Canadian Rockies Escape with Rocky Mountaineer
31/Aug
Sue
5 stars
“Staff food & accommodations were great. We experienced a long day with trains having issues. Spent at least 12 hours on the train. I understand you have no control on problems but it was a very long day a train
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure - Los Angeles
1/Aug
MARIA GARCIA
5 stars
“The train ride at night was a little shake as it was my first time riding the rails at night. But the view during the day light was beautiful.
Collected by Trustpilot
New York to Niagara Falls
21/Jul
CARL OTTENTHAL
5 stars
“Great time easy and convenient
Collected by Trustpilot
New England in a Nutshell
06 Nov 2025
Suzanne Howze
5 stars
“Our tour guide was great! Also the trip was well thought out and well-organized. My only suggestion; please have people wear name tags. Please, please.
Collected by Trustpilot
Highland Adventure
9/Sep
HEATHER SKITTLETHORPE
4 stars
“The hotel at Carrbridge was excellent, clean comfortable rooms and great selection of food. Jacobite steam railway and Lochness, definite highlights of the trip. Straphspey railway although good only had a distance view of the Cairngorms mountains. If I was in this area again, I would not do this...
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure
4/Sep
MICHELLE THOMPSON
4 stars
“The train too bumpy difficult to walk to diming car amd bathroom.
Collected by Trustpilot