From Milan: Bernina and St. Moritz Day Tour by Scenic Train

Traveling from Milan to the Swiss Alps on a scenic train journey offers a perfect mix of awe-inspiring landscapes, cultural highlights, and fuss-free logistics. This popular day tour, rated 4.4 out of 5 from over 1,500 reviews, is packed with memorable moments—think glacier views, alpine gorges, and a chic mountain resort.

What we particularly love about this trip is the chance to experience the Bernina red train, known for its incredible route through UNESCO’s World Heritage sites, along with exploring St. Moritz, one of Europe’s most glamorous mountain towns. The tour’s flexibility—being able to start from different Swiss points—adds convenience, and the professional guides really bring the journey to life.

One thing to keep in mind: it’s a long day. The total duration is around 12 to 13 hours, so you’ll want to be prepared for plenty of travel time and some early mornings. This trip is best suited for travelers who crave scenic vistas, enjoy train rides, and are comfortable with a packed schedule. If you love stunning mountain scenery and don’t mind a full day of sightseeing, this tour is a fantastic choice.

Key Points

Stunning Scenic Train Ride: Travel on the Bernina route, one of Switzerland’s most beautiful railways, and experience the steepest railway journey in the world.

Expert Guides: Guides like Monica and others are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and clear instructions, making the trip informative and enjoyable.

Flexible Itinerary: Depending on availability, you can begin your journey from Thusis, Tirano, or St. Moritz, offering some flexibility based on your starting point.

Authentic Swiss Experience: Explore iconic locations like St. Moritz, renowned for luxury and alpine beauty, and Tirano, with its Mediterranean flair and mountain backdrop.

Good Value for Money: At $119 per person, this includes round-trip transportation, scenic train tickets in 2nd class, and guided commentary, making it a cost-effective way to see the Swiss Alps.

Long but Worthwhile: While the day is lengthy—up to 13 hours—the nonstop scenic views and seamless logistics make every minute worthwhile.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Journey: What to Expect and Why It Matters

Starting Point and Transfer

Your adventure begins at one of four convenient meeting points in Milan, including the Zani Viaggi offices and Lake Como Visitor Center. From there, a comfortable, air-conditioned coach whisks you away on a roughly three-hour ride into the Alps. The bus ride itself is a scenic preview of what’s ahead, with reviews confirming the journey is smooth and the guides attentive. Javier, the driver, gets special praise for expertly navigating Swiss mountain hairpin bends, so you can relax and enjoy the views.

The Swiss Alps and UNESCO Heritage Route

Once in Switzerland, the real magic begins. Your train journey on the Bernina line takes you through dramatic landscapes—glaciers, gorges, tunnels, and mountains. The route climbs over 1,800 meters, earning its reputation as the steepest railway route in the world. The train’s panoramic windows are perfect for snapping photos of snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes.

Travelers like Amy highlight the breathtaking scenery and the fact that the trip’s guides—like Monica—are very knowledgeable, enriching the experience with interesting facts and tips for taking photos. Many reviews mention how the views evoke feelings similar to scenes from Heidi or old postcard images.

Stops in Tirano and St. Moritz

Your day includes a visit to Tirano, a charming Italian town with a Mediterranean vibe—palm trees and oleanders line the streets, giving it a relaxed, sunny feel. Some guests suggest exploring for around 30 minutes if possible; however, the scheduled timetable leaves limited free time here.

Next, the tour arrives in St. Moritz, the star of Swiss mountain resorts. With about two hours allocated for exploration, you’ll have enough time to walk around, admire the luxury hotels, or grab a bite at a local café. Reviewers mention that St. Moritz was uncrowded during shoulder season, making it easier to enjoy the scenic streets and panoramic views without the usual crowds.

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The Return Journey

The return leg involves another roughly three-hour bus ride back to Milan. While many find the long coach journey a bit tiring—some reviews note the discomfort on the way back—most agree that the stunning vistas and the overall experience make it worthwhile. Guides like Monica and Angelo are frequently praised for their friendly, informative approach, which helps pass the time with engaging commentary.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Scenic Train Experience

This isn’t just any train ride. The Bernina route is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site for its engineering marvels and breathtaking scenery. Passengers gush about the impressive glaciers, deep gorges, and towering mountains seen from the comfort of the train’s panoramic windows. Many reviews mention the scenic train ride as a highlight, with some opting for the upgraded panoramic carriage for better views.

Expert and Friendly Guides

Having a guide like Monica, who is described as “an amazing wealth of knowledge,” greatly enriches the trip. Guides are attentive, giving clear instructions and sharing interesting tidbits about the landscape and local culture. They also manage the group well, with regular headcounts and friendly interactions, which is comforting on a long day.

Flexibility and Convenience

Starting from various Swiss points adds flexibility, especially if you’re already in the area or want to customize your experience. Round-trip transportation from Milan is included, so you don’t need to worry about logistics—just show up and enjoy.

Authentic and Luxurious Stops

While the journey is largely about scenery, the stops at Tirano and St. Moritz provide authentic Swiss and Italian experiences. St. Moritz’s reputation as a luxury destination means you’ll encounter stylish shops and elegant hotels—even if just from the outside. Tirano offers a taste of Italian mountain charm, with some reviewers wishing for more exploration time here.

Analyzing the Value

At $119 per person, this tour provides a lot of value—covered transportation, scenic train tickets, and a knowledgeable guide all bundled into one package. The experience of riding through UNESCO World Heritage sites, combined with exploring two iconic towns, justifies the cost.

Though the day is long, reviews consistently mention the comfortable transportation and the breathtaking scenery, making the travel time feel purposeful rather than tedious. Some travelers suggest upgrading to panoramic train carriages if available, for an even more immersive experience.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring your passport or ID: Necessary for border crossings, and a valid visa might be required depending on nationality.
• Dress in layers: Mountain weather can change quickly; a jacket is recommended.
• Carry your camera or smartphone: You’ll want to capture the glaciers, lakes, and mountain vistas.
• Be prepared for a long day: Expect around 12-13 hours, including travel and stops.
• No luggage or large bags allowed: Keep your belongings lightweight and manageable.
• Food and drinks: Not included, so plan to bring snacks or buy in Tirano or St. Moritz.
• Book in advance: This tour is popular, and reviews suggest it sells out quickly.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour begins at designated meeting points in Milan. You need to make your own way there or arrange your transport.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
While the tour runs year-round, many reviews mention seeing snow in winter or lush greenery in spring. Shoulder seasons can offer uncrowded conditions and beautiful scenery.

How long is the train ride?
The scenic train ride lasts approximately 2 hours, passing glaciers, gorges, and tunnels en route.

Can I choose my starting station?
Yes, depending on availability, you can start from Thusis, Tirano, or St. Moritz.

Are there guides on the train?
The tour includes a professional guide who shares insights before and during the journey, ensuring you don’t miss key sights.

Is there free time to explore in St. Moritz?
You get about two hours here, enough for a quick walk or coffee break, but not for a full day of sightseeing.

What should I bring?
A valid passport or ID, a jacket, and your camera. Luggage or large bags aren’t permitted on the train.

Is the tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It’s generally suitable for most travelers but not recommended for wheelchair users due to the train and terrain.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this Bernina and St. Moritz day tour offers an excellent way to see some of Switzerland’s most stunning landscapes without the hassle of planning multiple transport connections. It’s well-suited for those who love scenic train rides, want a taste of Swiss luxury, and appreciate guided commentary from friendly, knowledgeable guides.

While it’s a long day, the views, the experience of riding the steepest railway in the world, and exploring iconic locations make it a memorable adventure. It balances affordability with quality, providing a smooth, comfortable, and visually spectacular excursion from Milan.

Travelers who want to combine nature, culture, and effortless organization will find this tour to be a worthwhile addition to their European trip. Just be ready for a full day on the move—and bring plenty of photos!

The Sum Up

This tour is ideal for those seeking a hassle-free way to explore the Swiss Alps with stunning scenery, expert guides, and authentic stops. It caters well to travelers craving a scenic escape from Milan, especially if you appreciate train journeys and picturesque towns. The long but rewarding day offers a high-value experience that captures the essence of Switzerland’s natural beauty.

If you’re a lover of mountain vistas, charming towns, and the clear comfort of guided tours, this trip is likely to leave you with lasting memories—plus some fantastic photos. Perfect for adventure-seekers who want a comprehensive yet relaxed way to see the Swiss Alps.

You can check availability for your dates here: