6. Napa Valley Wine Train: Napa, California
PHOTO: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IMAGE COLLECTION/ALAMY
The Napa Valley Wine Train is one of the most glamorous ways to explore this famous California wine region. At any time of year, you can sip wine while watching the vineyards roll by outside the window. During the holidays however, you can buy a ticket for the Santa Train and instead of wine, enjoy a tasting of hot cocoa and freshly baked cookies, plus a visit from the red-suited man of the season. Or, upgrade your journey to include a three-course gourmet meal (with kid-friendly menus) in one of the luxury cars. The holiday-themed trips run between late November and December 23.
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7. Winter Escape to the Grand Canyon: Chicago to Williams, Arizona
PHOTO: GLENN VAN DER KNIJFF/LONELY PLANET IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES
Vacation by Rail's Winter Escape to the Grand Canyon is a six-day round-trip journey that delivers you from the white-out winter scenery of the Great Lakes region and into the colorful Southwest. Leaving from Chicago, you’ll see plenty of snow-covered views before arriving in Flagstaff, where you can make the rest of the way to the Grand Canyon by transferring to the Grand Canyon Railway — a shuttle will connect you from Flagstaff to Williams, Arizona. After spending time exploring the natural wonder at your own pace, you can return to the Windy City the same way you came.