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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.

28 results matching: Short Breaks

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Mount Washington Cog RailwayMount Washington Cog RailwayMount Washington Cog RailwayMount Washington Cog RailwayMount Washington Cog Railway
4.3 stars(77 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 ...

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6 days from
$3,399 pp $2,899 pp
per person
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Grand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand Canyon
Save up to $500pp
4.3 stars(317 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...

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Save up to $500pp
6 days from
$1,095 pp $995 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Cologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas Markets
Save up to $500pp
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...

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Save up to $500pp
5 days from
$1,299 pp $799 pp
per person
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Niagara FallsNiagara FallsNiagara FallsNiagara FallsNiagara Falls
4.0 stars(65 reviews)
Independent
2026SepOct
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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Matterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, Zermatt
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...

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6 days from
$2,195 pp
per person
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Urquhart CastleUrquhart CastleUrquhart CastleUrquhart CastleUrquhart Castle
Save up to $500pp
4.3 stars(437 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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Save up to $500pp
5 days from
$1,799 pp $1,299 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 $1,699 pp
per person
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California ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia Zephyr
4.0 stars(59 reviews)
Independent
2026NovDecSepOct
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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Colorful Sky Over Bow FallsColorful Sky Over Bow FallsColorful Sky Over Bow FallsColorful Sky Over Bow FallsColorful Sky Over Bow Falls
Save up to $500pp
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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Save up to $500pp
5 days from
$3,095 pp $2,795 pp
per person
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Pacific Ocean and Big Sur CoastlinePacific Ocean and Big Sur CoastlinePacific Ocean and Big Sur CoastlinePacific Ocean and Big Sur CoastlinePacific Ocean and Big Sur Coastline
4.4 stars(29 reviews)
Independent
2026NovDecSepOct
Independent

En route daily between Seattle and Los Angeles, the Coast Starlight passes through Portland, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area and Santa Barbara. The scenery along the Coast Starlight route is unsurpassed. The dramatic snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Range and Mount Shasta, lush forests, fertile valleys and long stretches of Pacific...

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4 days from
$795 pp
per person
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Edinburgh Royal Edinburgh Military TattooEdinburgh Royal Edinburgh Military TattooEdinburgh Royal Edinburgh Military TattooEdinburgh Royal Edinburgh Military TattooEdinburgh Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
4.5 stars(129 reviews)
Escorted
2027Aug
Escorted

Discover the spirit of Scotland's proud heritage and natural beauty on this vacation, which offers the perfect blend of culture, history and rolling landscapes. Spend an evening amidst the exciting spectacle of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and enjoy a unique journey on the Falkirk Wheel, a marvel of engineering. Discover the...

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4 days from
$1,299 pp
per person
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Denver Denver Denver Denver Denver
4.9 stars(7 reviews)
Independent
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
Independent

 America's only luxury train, Canyon Spirit, is your chariot for this unforgettable rail adventure. Follow its new route from Salt Lake City, through the deserts of Moab, into the peaks surrounding Glenwood Springs, and finally, to Colorado's dynamic capital city, Denver. Enjoy time to explore Salt Lake City ahead of the journey and ...

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5 days from
$2,935 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Short Breaks tours
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
New York to Niagara Falls
9/Oct
LISA M.
5 stars
“Overall, the trip was great. All the attractions included in the pass at Niagara Falls were fun and interesting. The train was a little disappointing. It wasn't as nice as it sounded and the dining car was nothing more than a snack car. The hotel was very nice as well.
Collected by Trustpilot
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo & Scottish Borders
22/Sep
Mr Christine
5 stars
“Great trip Peebles spa hotel was wonderfull, Great pool and spa treatments. Richard our tour manager looked after us very well. Tattoo was excellent, enjoyed seeing Kelpies. Everything ran very well.
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
 Rockies to the Red Rocks Three-day Classic
21/Aug
Pam Dunne
5 stars
“Wonderful Experience! This trip is a must !! Our host Mike and hostesses Ryah and Cheyenne were fabulous. Mike is such an asset to your company. He is so knowledgeable, witty and entertaining . The three of them took great care of us the entire trip. Food and drinks...
Collected by Trustpilot
Coast Starlight Experience
28/May
Kevin Stone
5 stars
“We enjoyed our train trip from Seattle to Los Angeles. The service on the train was excellent. The food was good. We look forward to doing it again.
Collected by Trustpilot
Harz Mountains Christmas Markets
26 Dec 2025
Brian
5 stars
“Beautiful historic towns and the best Christmas Markets.
Collected by Trustpilot
New England in a Nutshell
20/Oct
Erica Varble
4 stars
“I liked the tour guide and thought the bus driver did an excellent job. I thought some of the excursions were a little rushed.
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure
12/Oct
Sandy DeLucia
4 stars
“The train ride from Chicago was a little too long, and I'm glad it was only one way. Great Rail Journeys did a wonderful job accommodating the fact that no one could lodge within the National Park due to the August floods, and went to great lengths to get me...
Collected by Trustpilot