Swiss Alps Travel Guide: Bernina Red Train and St. Moritz Tour from Milan
This guide provides an overview of the “Swiss Alps Bernina Red Train and St. Moritz Tour from Milan,” a popular day trip offering a chance to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps.
Tour Overview
The tour is a 12.5-hour day trip from Milan, combining a scenic bus ride with a journey on the historic Bernina Red Train. The route, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its spectacular alpine views, including glacial lakes and dramatic mountain passes. The tour is guided and includes a visit to the chic mountain resort town of St. Moritz.
Itinerary Highlights
- Journey to St. Moritz: The tour begins with a coach ride from Milan into Switzerland. Along the way, you’ll witness a changing landscape, from windswept gorges and glaciers to the elegant chalets of St. Moritz.
- Free Time in St. Moritz: Upon arrival in St. Moritz, you’ll have free time to explore the town, often referred to as the “Top of the World.” You can visit a chocolate house, walk along the beautiful Lake St. Moritz, or browse the luxury boutiques.
- The Bernina Red Train Journey: The highlight of the trip is the train ride from St. Moritz to Tirano. This scenic railway traverses the Bernina Pass, a remarkable feat of engineering that reaches 2,253 meters (7,390 feet) above sea level. You’ll pass stunning alpine scenery, including glaciers and glacial lakes.
- Key Sights on the Train Route:
- Ospizio Bernina: The highest-altitude station on the Rhaetian Railway.
- Brusio Spiral Viaduct: A spectacular circular viaduct that allows the train to gain or lose elevation in a small space, offering a unique photographic opportunity.
- Bernina Pass: You’ll travel through this pass, which offers stunning views of the Alps.
- Return to Milan: The train journey concludes in Tirano, Italy, where you will board a coach for the return trip to Milan, arriving back in the evening.
What’s Included
- Round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle from Milan.
- A professional guide (the tour may be bilingual).
- A 2nd class Bernina train ticket.
Things to Note
- Passport: A current, valid passport is required for the day of travel.
- Weather: Alpine weather is highly variable, so dressing in layers is recommended.
- Food and Drinks: Food and drinks are not included in the tour price. While a trolley service may be available on the train, it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks and water.
- Physical Activity: The tour involves some walking and is accessible to most travelers, including those with strollers, but it is not wheelchair accessible.
- Booking: The tour is a popular choice, with over 20 bookings in a recent week. It is a “Badge of Excellence” winner on Viator, with over 2,300 reviews and a high rating of 4.3 stars.
