From Milan: Lake Como Cruise, St. Moritz & Bernina Red Train

If you’re visiting Milan and craving a taste of some of Europe’s most breathtaking scenery, this full-day trip offers an appealing mix of lakeside charm, alpine grandeur, and Swiss elegance. The tour takes you from the bustling streets of Milan into the tranquil waters of Lake Como, then across the border to the luxurious resort town of St. Moritz, and finally into the Swiss Alps aboard the iconic Bernina Red Train.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it combines different modes of transport—coach, boat, and train—each bringing something unique to the journey. Plus, the guides and drivers seem to genuinely care about making it memorable, which shines through in the positive reviews. That said, it is a long day, so it’s not ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed, slow-paced adventure. This trip is best suited for those who want to fill a day with diverse, scenic highlights and don’t mind a full schedule.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour is quite structured, and some stops might feel rushed—especially in St. Moritz, where free time is around 1.5 hours. Also, meals are not included, so you’ll want to plan for snacks or have a meal before or after the trip. Overall, if you’re after a well-organized, value-packed packed day with spectacular views and a touch of Swiss luxury, this tour hits the mark.

Key Points

• Stunning Scenery: Expect picturesque lakes, mountain vistas, and glacier views that are perfect for photo lovers.
• Varied Transportation: The combo of coach, private boat, and scenic train makes for a diverse experience.
• Expert Guides: Many reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, which enhances the experience.
• Long Day, Good Value: At $199, it offers a lot of scenery and activities packed into 13 hours.
• Rushed Stops: Free time might feel limited, especially in St. Moritz.
• No Meals Included: Be ready to bring snacks or plan to eat outside the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Out from Milan

The day begins at the BusForFun Fermata Milano Centrale, a familiar meeting point in the heart of the city. From here, you embark on a comfortable, luxurious coach that sets the tone for the long day ahead. The ride to Lake Como takes you through the scenic Lombardy countryside, which inevitably makes you feel relaxed even before arriving at your first highlight.

Lake Como: Sunrise and Serenity

Once you reach Lake Como, the atmosphere shifts to tranquil elegance. The tour includes a private boat cruise, which is often described as the highlight by travelers. You sail across the calm waters just after sunrise—imagine the peaceful reflection of the mountains and charming villages like Bellagio. The boat ride lasts about an hour and provides a fantastic chance for photos, with some reviews praising the professionalism of the boat crew.

Many reviews mention how beautiful the scenery is, with some quoting, “The boat trip was beautiful,” and “Watching the sunrise over Lake Como felt like a private moment with nature.” We love how this part of the tour combines luxury and intimacy, giving you a taste of what makes Lake Como so special.

The Coach Journey to St. Moritz

After the cruise, the bus continues along the Maloja route. This scenic drive is considered one of the most breathtaking parts, winding through mountain passes with panoramic vistas. The drive itself is a highlight, especially if you’re a fan of mountain scenery.

Recollections from travelers suggest that the vistas are so spectacular that many find it hard to look away. As one reviewer put it, “The drive through the Swiss Alps was stunning, with snowy peaks and glaciers around every bend.” It’s a good idea to have your camera ready because the views are bound to inspire.

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Exploring St. Moritz

Arriving in St. Moritz, you’ll have about 1.5 hours of free time. This luxurious Swiss resort is known for its high-end shopping, elegant streets, and alpine charm. Reviewers mention walking around, visiting shops, and enjoying the crisp mountain air. Some say the shops are closed on certain days, which can be disappointing, but the town itself remains a visual treat.

People who have visited say guides do a good job of pointing out notable sights and giving context, which truly enhances the visit. Remember, your time here is limited, so prioritizing your interests—whether shopping, sightseeing, or just soaking in the scenery—is key.

The Bernina Red Train: A Scenic Climb

One of the tour’s major attractions is the Bernina Red Train, which whisks you from St. Moritz to Tirano across the Swiss Alps. According to reviews, this is a “phenomenal” experience, with many travelers noting the panoramic windows and open-air options for capturing the scenery.

The train climbs up to 2,256 meters, passing glaciers and mountain peaks. While the ride isn’t in first-class panoramic carriages, the second class still offers ample opportunity for photos through the windows. The train journey is approximately two hours, and many comment on how it feels like being in a living postcard.

Scenic Stops and the Return to Milan

Along the way, you’ll pass notable sights like the Morteratsch Glacier and Diavolezza, both offering dramatic mountain views. The bus picks you up in Tirano for the return journey, making a few scenic stops along the way, including the Val Poschiavo.

The trip wraps up with a comfortable return to the original meeting point in Milan, often around late evening. It’s a long day, but many reviews emphasize how smoothly everything runs and how well-organized the entire experience is.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Transportation and Comfort

The coach is described as luxury, with comfortable seating and modern amenities. Some travelers have noted that there are no toilet facilities on the coach, which might be inconvenient during the 13-hour day. The tour provides earphones for listening to guides, which helps ensure everyone can follow along despite noise and distance.

Guides and Support

The guides seem to be a major part of why this tour gets such high praise. Comments frequently mention guides being knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. Some reviews highlight how guides like Lina and Simone made the experience more personal and enjoyable, sharing interesting facts and ensuring everyone’s questions were answered.

Cost and Value

At $199 per person, this tour packs in a lot—scenic vistas, boat cruise, train ride, and guided commentary. Travelers often say that for what you get, it’s great value, especially considering the included train ticket and private boat cruise. Keep in mind, meals and drinks aren’t included, so budget accordingly for food or snacks during the day.

Timing and Suitability

The tour lasts about 13 hours, starting in the morning and returning in the evening. It’s quite a full schedule, so it might not suit those wanting a relaxed pace. Some reviews mention that stops can feel hurried, but most seem to appreciate the comprehensive experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect if you’re looking for a full day of iconic scenery—from lakeside serenity to mountain majesty—without the hassle of planning transportation or logistics. It’s a solid choice for those who want a mix of sightseeing, transportation, and guided commentary. Many reviewers mention how the guides enhance the experience, making it informative and fun.

It’s especially fitting for travelers who enjoy scenic train rides, like the Bernina Express, and those keen to see Swiss and Italian landscapes in a single day. If you’re comfortable with a long day on your feet or on the bus, you’ll find this tour offers a rewarding blend of nature, culture, and luxury.

The Sum Up

This tour from Milan offers a well-rounded experience for anyone wanting to witness some of Europe’s most stunning landscapes in one day. It’s a good value for the price, with a combination of boat, bus, and train that keeps the scenery changing and the journey engaging. The positive reviews about knowledgeable guides and incredible views highlight its appeal.

While it’s a long day with limited free time, the quality of the sights and the smooth organization make it worth considering. It’s suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, scenic adventure with a comfortable transport setup and are prepared for a full schedule. If you’re after a memorable day trip that mixes lakes, mountains, and Swiss elegance, this experience won’t disappoint.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people who don’t want to walk much?
There’s some walking involved in exploring St. Moritz, but most of the tour is on the bus, boat, and train. If you’re comfortable with limited walking, you should be fine.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, meals and drinks aren’t included, so you’ll want to bring snacks or plan for lunch outside the tour.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or European ID, warm clothing, rain gear, and a camera. It’s a full-day trip, so comfort and preparedness are key.

Can I bring my pet?
Pets aren’t allowed, but assistance dogs are permitted.

What’s the train ride like?
The Bernina Red Train is described as scenic, climbing up to 2,256 meters. It’s not in first class, but windows are large for photo opportunities, and the journey offers spectacular mountain views.

How long is each stop?
Stops like in St. Moritz give around 1.5 hours to explore and shop. The boat cruise is about an hour, and the train ride is roughly two hours.

Is this tour family-friendly?
It’s not specifically marketed for families, but older children who enjoy scenery and long bus rides might enjoy it. Be mindful of the long day and limited free time.

What if the weather is bad?
Weather can impact the experience, especially the boat cruise and mountain views. Check the forecast and dress appropriately. The guide will do their best to adapt the itinerary for safety and comfort.

If you want a day packed with some of the most beautiful sights northern Italy and Switzerland have to offer, this tour makes a compelling choice—just be ready for a full and rewarding day.

You can check availability for your dates here: