From Milan: Bernina Express Train and St. Moritz Tour

From Milan: Bernina Express Train and St. Moritz Tour — A Scenic Swiss Escape

Traveling from Milan to Switzerland for a day of spectacular scenery, charming towns, and an unforgettable train journey sounds like a dream. This tour, offered by VAXVI TOUR, promises to take you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Graubünden region, with the highlight being the famous Bernina Express ride.

While some travelers praise the views and the overall experience, others have pointed out areas where the trip could be improved, especially regarding seating and logistics. Still, if you’re a fan of mountains, lakes, and Swiss chocolate, this adventure is likely to tick many boxes. It’s best suited for those who love scenic journeys, don’t mind a structured day, and are keen to experience Swiss charm without the long overnight stays.

Three things we really like about this tour are the relaxed pace allowing ample sightseeing, the opportunity to enjoy the panoramic train windows, and the chance to explore St. Moritz at your leisure.

A potential consideration is the mixed reviews on transportation and seating arrangements, which suggests being prepared for certain logistical quirks.

This tour caters well to travelers eager for a taste of Switzerland’s natural beauty with minimal hassle, making it ideal for day-trippers, scenic travel enthusiasts, and those with a flexible schedule.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Stunning Views: Expect panoramic vistas of mountains, lakes, and charming towns.
• Comfortable Transport: Round-trip bus transfer combined with the world-famous Bernina Express train.
• Flexible Exploration: Free time in Tirano and St. Moritz for shopping, photos, or a relaxed stroll.
• Authentic Experience: Get a taste of Swiss culture, scenery, and chocolate.
• Price vs. Value: At $130, it offers a full day of scenic travel, but some reviews suggest a few improvements could elevate the experience.
• Travel Logistics: Multiple departure points and times, with a focus on convenience and flexibility.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Departure and Bus Ride from Milan

The adventure begins early in the morning with a comfortable bus ride from Milan. The journey itself is part of the experience, offering glimpses of the Italian landscape as you head north. The coach, run by VAXVI TOUR, provides a driver and a travel coordinator, making sure the trip runs smoothly.

The bus is an efficient way to cover the distance to Tirano, with departures as early as 7:00 AM from Milan, ensuring you maximize your time in Switzerland. Expect the bus seats to be pre-selected, which some travelers found frustrating, especially if you prefer to sit at the front or in a quieter spot. One reviewer mentioned being herded onto the train like cattle, highlighting the importance of arriving early or requesting specific seats if possible.

Stop in Tirano (30 Minutes)

Once in Tirano, you get a half-hour to explore the town. This is a good opportunity to stretch your legs, grab a coffee, or pick up some Swiss chocolates—something many travelers look forward to. Tirano’s quaint streets and local shops provide a quick taste of Italian-influenced Alpine life before you board the train.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Bernina Express: A Journey of Scenic Wonders

The highlight of the tour is the Bernina Express train ride from Tirano to St. Moritz. The train is painted in its iconic bright red, and the second-class reserved seats come with panoramic windows that open, allowing fresh mountain air and fantastic photo opportunities. Many reviewers, including ourselves, agree that second class offers better value—larger windows and open sides enhance the scenery.

Traveling on this train, you’ll glide through snow-capped peaks, verdant valleys, and sparkling lakes. The views are unmatched in their diversity, with a mix of rugged mountains and serene waters. Some travelers, like Marina, suggest that including a snack would have been a nice touch, especially considering the long ride through such beautiful landscapes.

Arrival in St. Moritz and Free Time

Reaching St. Moritz, you’re greeted by a glamorous alpine town that has hosted winter Olympics and exudes luxury. You have some free time to wander its streets at your own pace—perhaps to admire the boutiques, take photos, or enjoy a leisurely lunch. The town sits at 1,856 meters above sea level and offers views of the Engadine lakes and dramatic mountain scenery.

However, some reviews express disappointment in the guiding and the organization here. Giovanna, for example, was frustrated by unclear seating arrangements and poor guidance about the train’s seating options. She also reported issues with communication and the bus driver’s driving style, which affected the overall experience. It’s worth noting that, despite these hiccups, many travelers find St. Moritz’s charm undeniable.

Return Journey

After exploring, you’ll board the train back to Tirano and then transfer to the bus for the return to Milan. The schedule is structured but can experience delays, especially if the driver gets lost or encounters difficult road conditions. A reviewer shared that their driver drove with jerks and was late, which impacted their overall impression.

The entire excursion typically lasts around 10 hours, including travel, stops, and sightseeing, making it a full but manageable day trip. Remember to bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and some cash or a card for souvenirs and snacks.

The Experience: What Really Sets This Tour Apart

The Views and Train Ride

Undoubtedly, the Bernina Express is the star here. The second-class seats with open panoramic windows allow you to lean out and soak in the mountain air while snapping photos. The train’s route crosses the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bernina line, known for its engineering marvels and stunning vistas. Many reviews mention feeling like they’re part of a moving postcard.

Town Stops and Free Exploration

Tirano offers just enough time to get a feel for Italian Alpine life, while St. Moritz provides a taste of Swiss luxury. The free time in both places lets you take photos, buy chocolates, or simply sit and enjoy the mountain vistas.

Food and Shopping

While lunch isn’t included, the opportunity to buy Swiss chocolates and souvenirs adds a touch of authenticity. Some travelers, like Marina, wish snacks or drinks had been included, especially since the day involves a lot of sitting and sightseeing.

Guides and Logistics

Guides like Ivana are noted for their attentiveness, but there are mixed reviews about the organization. Some travelers found the seating arrangements confusing, and a few experienced delays or uncomfortable driving. The lack of assistance during some parts of the trip was a point of dissatisfaction for a few.

Overall Value

At $130, this tour offers a comprehensive Swiss experience, including transportation, a scenic train journey, and free time. Compared to booking these components separately, it’s a good deal, but some travelers feel that certain touches—like snacks or clearer communication—could improve the value.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is perfect for scenic travel lovers who want to experience the Swiss Alps without overnight stays. It’s suitable for those eager to see iconic mountain views, enjoy a memorable train ride, and explore charming towns.

However, not recommended for travelers with mobility issues or pregnant women due to the nature of the transportation and walking involved. Also, those seeking a completely seamless experience might find the mixed reviews on organization worth considering.

The Sum Up

This tour delivers a genuine taste of Switzerland’s natural beauty and mountain charm, all packed into a single day from Milan. The Bernina Express ride alone makes it worthwhile, with its open panoramic windows and sweeping vistas. The stops in Tirano and St. Moritz offer authentic experiences, whether you’re shopping for chocolates or capturing picture-perfect moments.

While some travelers have expressed frustrations about seating, guide communication, or driver behavior, many still find the scenery and overall experience rewarding. The trip strikes a good balance of comfort and adventure, making it a solid choice for those wanting a taste of Swiss alpine splendor on a day trip.

If you’re someone who loves dramatic mountain landscapes, enjoys scenic train rides, and doesn’t mind a busy schedule, this tour offers a memorable Swiss adventure at a fair price. For a more relaxed or personalized experience, consider adjusting expectations or exploring alternative options, but for most, this is a lovely way to see the Swiss Alps in a single day.

FAQ

Is lunch included in this tour?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring some snacks or plan to buy lunch in St. Moritz or Tirano.

Can I choose my seat on the train?
Seats are pre-assigned, and some reviews mention dissatisfaction with seating arrangements. It’s advisable to arrive early or request seating preferences if possible.

What kind of train seats will I have?
You will be in second class with reserved seats and panoramic windows that open, allowing you to lean out for photos and fresh mountain air.

How long does the whole trip last?
The full experience, including travel, stops, and sightseeing, lasts about 10 hours, making it a full day of scenic exploration.

Are children allowed on this tour?
The provided info doesn’t specify age restrictions, but it’s generally suitable for most travelers able to handle the day’s duration.

What should I bring for the trip?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, a jacket, cash or card for souvenirs, and a charged smartphone are recommended.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, this tour isn’t recommended for those with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or pregnant women, due to transportation and walking requirements.

This tour offers a captivating glimpse into Switzerland’s most stunning landscapes, perfect for those wanting a day of scenic beauty without the hassle of planning all the logistics themselves. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, it provides a memorable Swiss experience that’s hard to beat for value and visual delight.

You can check availability for your dates here: