PHOTO: Grand Canyon Railway in Winter. (Photo by Monica Poling)

Watching the world unfold before you from a huge picture window inside your private rail car can be an alluring way to travel. Whether you’re viewing the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies or taking a cross-America ride from Chicago to San Francisco, winter can be a particularly delightful time to hit the rails.

For a limited time, winter rail travel can also net travellers free nights when booking with Vacations By Rail.  Travellers booking by Oct. 31, 2016 can earn a complimentary hotel night for travel completed between Oct. 21, 2016, and March 31, 2017. The room night can be used before the journey or after its completed, and is available on a dozen of Vacations By Rail’s most popular winter packages, including:    

California Zephyr & Mexican Riviera Cruise
Set a course for California, by way of Chicago, where you’ll then board the Grand Princess cruise ship. This 15-day rail-cruise vacation explores America’s West before setting sail along the Mexican Riviera. The excursion departs from Chicago on Amtrak’s California Zephyr and includes overnight accommodations and sightseeing programs in Chicago and San Francisco. Complete the journey with 10 nights aboard the Grand Princess cruise ship as you call upon Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Manzanillo. The tour departs September 2016 through February 2017 and rates start from USD$2,679 per person.

Canadian Snow Train
Spend seven nights exploring wintertime in Canada. The seven-day adventure includes four nights aboard VIA Rail’s Canadian which connects Toronto with Vancouver and winds through some of the country’s most impressive scenery. The package includes private Sleeper Plus accommodations on the train and hotel accommodations and sightseeing in Toronto and Vancouver. Rates start from USD$2,091 per person with departures from October 2016 through April 2017.

Winter in Banff, Jasper & Whistler
Visit three of the Canadian Rockies best-known resort towns during this 10-day winter getaway aboard VIA Rail’s Canadian. In addition to some of the finest natural scenery in Canada, you’ll enjoy time to explore and enjoy a little outdoor adventure. Or just soak in a Jacuzzi and take in a winter spa treatment. Program highlights include a visit to the Cave and Basin historic site in Banff, an ice walk through Maligne Canyon in Jasper National Park and a spa day in Whistler. Rates start from USD$1,970 per person with departures from November 2016 through April 2017.

Winter Escape to the Grand Canyon
Some would argue that there’s no better time to visit the Grand Canyon than when its dusted with a light snow cover. Cooler temps and a reduced visitor count make the off-season the perfect time to visit. This six-day package include roundtrip rail travel aboard Amtrak’s Southwest Chief, three-nights hotel accommodations, roundtrip rail travel aboard the vintage Grand Canyon Railway and sightseeing at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.  Rates start from $995 per person with departures available from November 2016 through March 2017.

For more information, or to see Vacations By Rail’s complete schedule of winter rail vacations, visit www.vacationsbyrail.com.

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