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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.

27 results matching: Short Breaks

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Grand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand Canyon
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4.3 stars(319 reviews)
Independent
2026DecOctNov
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 and top...

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6 days from
$1,095 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(85 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
$3,299 pp
per person
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Best SellerBest Seller
Matterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, Zermatt
Save up to $500pp
4.4 stars(71 reviews)
Independent
2026DecSepOct
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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Save up to $500pp
6 days from
$2,195 pp $1,995 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Cologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas Markets
4.5 stars(211 reviews)
Escorted
2026Dec
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...

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5 days from
$1,399 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
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4.4 stars(35 reviews)
Independent
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
2026SepOct
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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5 days from
$3,095 pp
per person
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Urquhart CastleUrquhart CastleUrquhart CastleUrquhart CastleUrquhart Castle
4.3 stars(438 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...

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5 days from
$1,799 pp
per person
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California ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia Zephyr
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4.0 stars(59 reviews)
Independent
2026DecSepOctNov
2027JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent

Connect two exceptional cities with one of the most scenic rail routes in the United States on this vacation featuring the iconic California Zephyr. After spending the night in Chicago, step aboard your Amtrak train for a two-night, 2,300-mile route from the Midwest to the West Coast. Enjoy changing scenery, from plains to mountains and deserts,...

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5 days from
$895 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
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Independent
2027JunJulAugSep
Independent

Wondrous displays of nature meet a beloved rail route and a historic lodge on this rail vacation from Chicago. Step aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder for an overnight journey through the Northern Plains and Big Sky Country to East Glacier, the gateway to Glacier National Park. Spend two nights at the iconic Glacier Park Lodge, and find yourself in...

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5 days from
$1,595 pp
per person
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Arches National ParkArches National ParkArches National ParkArches National ParkArches National Park
Independent
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
2026OctNov
Independent

Find inspiration in the in-between aboard Canyon Spirit. Step aboard for a three-day trip that puts sightseeing at the forefront of your adventure. Depart from Salt Lake City and enjoy delicious meals and expert commentary while traveling into Moab's deserts. The scenery becomes increasingly mountainous near the Colorado border, with stunning...

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3 days from
$2,439 pp
per person
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Colorado River Among The Rocky Mountains Of Red SandstoneColorado River Among The Rocky Mountains Of Red SandstoneColorado River Among The Rocky Mountains Of Red SandstoneColorado River Among The Rocky Mountains Of Red SandstoneColorado River Among The Rocky Mountains Of Red Sandstone
Independent
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
Independent

 A route of natural beauty and the raw spirit of adventure lies ahead with Canyon Spirit. America's answer to luxury rail travel brought to you by the same name that founded Canada's Rocky Mountaineer, this train weaves along its flagship route from Moab, Utah, to Denver, Colorado, traveling by daylight only to provide once-in-a-lifetime...

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4 days from
$2,213 pp
per person
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Desert View WatchtowerDesert View WatchtowerDesert View WatchtowerDesert View WatchtowerDesert View Watchtower
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4.2 stars(28 reviews)
Independent
2026DecOctNov
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,...

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5 days from
$995 pp
per person
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Brocken RailwayBrocken RailwayBrocken RailwayBrocken RailwayBrocken Railway
4.2 stars(52 reviews)
Escorted
2026Dec
2027NovDec
Escorted

The Harz Mountains' medieval towns and picturesque landscapes are perfect for soaking up the magic of Advent in Germany. Experience the festive atmosphere of three of the region's traditional Christmas markets - Wernigerode, Quedlinburg and Goslar - where twinkling lights and sumptuous aromas delight the senses. Discover the captivating...

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6 days from
$2,199 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Short Breaks tours
New England in a Nutshell
2/Nov
Samantha Ovalle
5 stars
“This was my first time doing any type of tour group. It was a fantastic experience in New England. I will definitely be booking future trips.
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure
27/Oct
ROBERT NOVAK
5 stars
“Hotels and transportation to all areas were first rate. We enjoyed every aspect of our journey.
Collected by Trustpilot
Highland Adventure
23/Oct
Customer
5 stars
“It was fabulous- particularly the Loch Ness part of the tour. Will be looking to book another for next year.
Collected by Trustpilot
Zermatt & St. Moritz featuring Glacier Express
19/Oct
Mary Anne D'Ambrosio
5 stars
“We loved the train ride. Unfortunately the weather didn’t cooperate for seeing the great scenery we were expecting, but the train & accommodations were excellent.
Collected by Trustpilot
Canadian Rockies Escape with Rocky Mountaineer
17/Sep
Gene
5 stars
“hard to beat what mother nature has made glad I got to make the tour
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
German Christmas Markets of the Rhine
10/Jan
Ian
5 stars
“A magical pre-Christmas trip, organised and delivered to Great Rail Journey's usual high standards! The crew, cabin, facilities and food on the Amadeus Cara were fantastic, and the views as we cruised the Rhine gave us some amazing memories. We did get a little 'Christmas market overload' at times, but...
Collected by Trustpilot
Harz Mountains Christmas Markets
26 Dec 2025
Brian
5 stars
“Beautiful historic towns and the best Christmas Markets.
Collected by Trustpilot
California Zephyr Experience
29/Sep
customer
4 stars
“The scenery was great, but having to gonal stop in Emeryville without lighting in the bathroom/shower left a lot to be desired. We didn't have any light in this area from the time we left Denver until the final stop in Emeryville. We informed the cabin attendant (Jose)...
Collected by Trustpilot