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Steam Trains

Steam Train Tours & Vacations

Recall a bygone era of travel with steam train holidays. These vacation packages offer an enticing mix of modern and historical rail travel by combining excursions aboard thoughtfully restored heritage railways and long-distance trips on efficient contemporary lines. As you move between popular cities and charming towns, you will be fascinated by the trains themselves and the scenery through which they travel. 

The vast majority of trains around the globe have been converted to diesel or electric, making a trip aboard a steam train a truly memorable experience. A ride aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad takes travelers into the heart of the San Juan Mountains on the longest narrow-gauge steam railroad in the United States. Traveling on the steam-powered Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad presents some of the most inspiring scenes in Colorado as the train travels between two historic mining towns through Animas River Canyon. The Essex Steam Train follows a route through rural New England, journeying through the heart of the Connecticut River Valley. The Summerville Steam Special showcases the lush mountains of Southern Tennessee and Northern Georgia, whereas the Tuckasegee Steam Train weaves through the Great Smoky Mountains along the Tuckasegee River. 

A steam vacation can even take travelers through the great countries of Europe and to more exotic locations like India and Australia. Explore the iconic sights of the Scottish Highlands aboard the Jacobite Steam Train or Germany's Harz Mountains on the narrow-gauge Brocken Railroad. Watch beautiful Dutch scenery unfold aboard the Medemblik Steam Train. Marvel at the glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and vast meadows of Switzerland aboard the Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway and the Brienz Rothorn Railway. Uncover the beauty of the Himalayan Mountains on the ultra-narrow gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and travel aboard Australia's most beloved steam railway, the Puffing Billy Railway.

17 results matching: Steam Train Tours

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Albuquerque Balloon FiestaAlbuquerque Balloon FiestaAlbuquerque Balloon FiestaAlbuquerque Balloon FiestaAlbuquerque Balloon Fiesta
4.6 stars(67 reviews)
Escorted
2026SepOct
2027SepOct
Escorted

Discover the beauty of the Southwest in autumn on this memorable vacation featuring national parks, historic rail journeys and the world-famous International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque. Travel on the iconic California Zephyr to Grand Junction and view the breathtaking landscapes of Arches and Mesa Verde National Parks, before riding the...

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9 days from
$4,699 pp
per person
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Conway Scenic RailroadConway Scenic RailroadConway Scenic RailroadConway Scenic RailroadConway Scenic Railroad
Last Spaces
Escorted
2026SepOct
2027SepOct
Escorted

On this new itinerary for 2026, experience scenic railways on an unforgettable tour of New England in the Fall. Travel through spectacular mountain scenery lit up with vivid colors on this autumn tour along America's scenic East Coast. Stay in Boston with time to explore its history and culture, then journey by boat to fascinating Salem. ...

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9 days from
$3,699 pp $3,399 pp
per person
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Jacobite Steam TrainJacobite Steam TrainJacobite Steam TrainJacobite Steam TrainJacobite Steam Train
4.4 stars(1072 reviews)
Escorted
2026AugSepOct
2027MarAprMayJunJul...
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Majestic lochs and glens await on this Scottish escape as we explore Edinburgh and cross the Highlands. Traveling on the scenic West Highland and Kyle rail lines, we discover historic castles, sail along glistening lochs, and stay in vibrant cities. Admire the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct on the world-famous Jacobite Steam train journey...

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9 days from
$3,399 pp
per person
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Conway Scenic Railroad Conway Scenic Railroad Conway Scenic Railroad Conway Scenic Railroad Conway Scenic Railroad
Last Spaces
Escorted
2026SepOct
2027SepOct
Escorted

 The sites of yesteryear, iconic towns and delightful fall scenery set the backdrop for this New England adventure. Following an itinerary through Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island, this journey presents some of the nation's best autumnal foliage in unforgettable settings. Explore by rail on the Conway Scenic...

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10 days from
$3,799 pp $3,499 pp
per person
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Durango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton TrainDurango & Silverton Train
4.6 stars(219 reviews)
Escorted
2026JulAugSepOct
2027MayJunJulAugSepOct
Escorted

From soaring peaks to deep gorges and iconic sites, including the Garden of the Gods, relish untamed Colorado on this remarkable rail vacation featuring six heritage trains. Delve into the Colorado Rockies' mining history on the Georgetown Loop Railroad and the Leadville Railroad, and skirt the San Juan Mountains on the Durango & Silverton...

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8 days from
$3,799 pp
per person
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Vineyards Landscape at Sunset in CaliforniaVineyards Landscape at Sunset in CaliforniaVineyards Landscape at Sunset in CaliforniaVineyards Landscape at Sunset in CaliforniaVineyards Landscape at Sunset in California
4.4 stars(41 reviews)
Escorted
2026AugSep
2027MayJunJulAugSep
Escorted

Join an expert Tour Manager and local guides on this 9-day vacation beginning and ending in San Francisco. Embark on an unforgettable tour unveiling some of California's greatest offerings - including a spectacular day aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train and time to uncover the Golden State's premier nature spots. Marvel at the rugged...

9 days from
$4,499 pp
per person
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Smoky Mountain National ParkSmoky Mountain National ParkSmoky Mountain National ParkSmoky Mountain National ParkSmoky Mountain National Park
Last Spaces
4.6 stars(21 reviews)
Escorted
2026Oct
2027MaySepOct
Escorted

Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains: A region of scenic landscapes and iconic cities, and incredible sites that enrich the mind and the soul. During our time here, you will visit legendary sites, some of Tennessee and North Carolina's most beloved cities and one of the most grandiose homes in the country. Your journey begins in Music City...

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9 days from
$5,799 pp
per person
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Mount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount Rushmore
4.7 stars(70 reviews)
Escorted
2026Aug
2027MayJunJulAugSep
Escorted

Embark on an 11-day escorted tour of the Old West's rugged frontier towns, majestic landscapes and renowned national historic sites. Journey across America's Western frontier on Amtrak's legendary California Zephyr from Chicago to Provo, Utah. Cross the Rocky Mountains, discovering hidden landscapes where the region's beauty comes to life...

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11 days from
$5,499 pp
per person
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Snowbird TramSnowbird TramSnowbird TramSnowbird TramSnowbird Tram
4.8 stars(41 reviews)
Escorted
2027MayJunAugSepOct
Escorted

 From mountains to sandstone arches and all the varied terrain between, this week-long journey is a showcase of nature. Admire the craggy peaks of the Wasatch Mountains surrounding Salt Lake City before boarding Canyon Spirit, a train that combines luxury and adventure. Following its brand-new route, travel from Salt Lake City into the...

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7 days from
$6,299 pp
per person
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Urquhart CastleUrquhart CastleUrquhart CastleUrquhart CastleUrquhart Castle
4.3 stars(417 reviews)
Escorted
2026AugSepOct
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
$1,999 pp
per person
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Tower Bridge, LondonTower Bridge, LondonTower Bridge, LondonTower Bridge, LondonTower Bridge, London
4.4 stars(18 reviews)
Escorted
2026Sep
2027AprMayJunSep
Escorted

Journey through the United Kingdom's most iconic cities and landscapes, savoring local cuisine and breathtaking vistas throughout. This unforgettable vacation begins in Edinburgh, where a castle visit and a Great Scots banquet introduce Scottish culture. From here, travel to the Viking city of York, spend time in charming Chester and soak...

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9 days from
$4,099 pp
per person
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Brocken RailwayBrocken RailwayBrocken RailwayBrocken RailwayBrocken Railway
4.2 stars(51 reviews)
Escorted
2026NovDec
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
$1,999 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Steam Train Tours tours
Colorado Rail Experience
23/Jun
JillRoy
5 stars
“Sherry Moon did a fantastic job as did our driver, Jess. The whole trip was marvelous and far exceeded our expectations. We would definitely travel with Vacations by Rail in the future.
Collected by Trustpilot
Highlights of the United Kingdom
21/Jun
Yakov Dimant
5 stars
“Everything was wonderful!
Collected by Trustpilot
Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands, & Yellowstone
21/Jun
Vicki M. Ball
5 stars
“The best trip ever! Jammed pack full of bucket list items. So enjoyable!
Collected by Trustpilot
California’s Napa Valley, Redwoods & Yosemite
13/Jun
Diane Scott
5 stars
“I recently returned from Vacations by Rail’s California tour featuring San Francisco, Yosemite, Napa and Sonoma, and overall I had a wonderful experience. The itinerary was excellent and struck a nice balance between activity and relaxation. Highlights included exploring San Francisco, visiting Yosemite, riding the Napa Valley Wine Train, and enjoying...
Collected by Trustpilot
From Deserts to Peaks: A Canyon Spirit Adventure
29/May
Robert Packard
5 stars
“Excellent trip; scenic and relaxing. Everything was well planned and the service was exceptional. I'm looking forward to doing another trip.
Collected by Trustpilot
Harz Mountains Christmas Markets
26 Dec 2025
Brian
5 stars
“Beautiful historic towns and the best Christmas Markets.
Collected by Trustpilot
Smoky Mountain Rail Adventure
10 Nov 2025
Diana Harris
5 stars
“It was a fun, comfortable ride. The young man in our car was friendly, gave good service and pointed out interesting spots.
Collected by Trustpilot
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta ft. California Zephyr
27 Oct 2025
Michael Mefferd Jr
5 stars
“This was our first vacation out west and we found it very enjoyable. The scenery was spectacular and the towns were interesting. I loved Santa Fe and would like to visit again. The tour manager, bus driver and all the people on the bus were very friendly. There were some...
Collected by Trustpilot
Edinburgh, the Highlands & Islands
12/Jul
Avril
4 stars
“Very well organized tour and Martin our tour manager was excellent. Hotels services were good and the rooma in the main spacious. We would have liked air conditioning in some of the inner city hotels as the rooms were very stuffy. Choice of meals throughout the tour...
Collected by Trustpilot