From Milan: Bernina Train, Swiss Alps & St. Moritz Day Trip

Traveling from Milan to Switzerland for a day isn’t something everyone has time for, but this tour offers a pretty solid way to see some of the most spectacular scenery in just one day. We’re talking about a full 12-hour experience that takes you on the famous Bernina Train, often called “the most beautiful train in the world,” with a visit to the luxurious resort town of St. Moritz.

What we particularly like about this trip is how it combines scenic train rides with free time in a high-end location, plus the guidance from knowledgeable tour leaders. On the flip side, it’s a long day with quite a lot of moving parts, so if you’re not a fan of early mornings or lengthy transfers, it’s worth considering. This tour suits travelers who love scenic vistas, historic trains, and don’t mind a packed schedule.

Key Points

• Stunning landscapes: The Bernina route offers some of Europe’s most dramatic Alpine scenery.
• Comfortable transportation: The coach and train are well-rated for comfort and views.
• Expert guides: Tours are led by knowledgeable, friendly English-speaking guides.
• Flexible itinerary: Time in St. Moritz is enough for exploring, shopping, or just soaking in the atmosphere.
• Long day, high reward: Total duration is about 12 hours, but most find it worthwhile.
• Some limitations: Not wheelchair accessible, and the itinerary can be inverted depending on the day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: What to Expect from This Swiss Alps Day Trip

If you’re eyeing a full-day adventure from Milan to the Swiss Alps, this tour might catch your interest. It’s designed to let you experience the grandeur of the Swiss mountains without the hassle of planning. The route includes a scenic train ride, a visit to one of the world’s chicest mountain resorts, and a comfortable journey back.

Two things we love here are the breathtaking views along the Bernina line and the fact that you’re traveling with an English-speaking guide. The scenery is so stunning that many reviews mention how the train ride alone makes the trip worth it. Plus, the guide care and local knowledge seem to turn a good trip into a memorable one.

One thing to consider is the long duration of the day — about 12 hours total — which can be tiring if you’re not used to such packed schedules. Also, the itinerary could be inverted, meaning the order of stops might change depending on the day, so flexibility is good to keep in mind.

This trip is best suited for travelers who love scenic journeys, mountain vistas, and a taste of luxury, especially if you don’t mind a full day on the go.

The Itinerary in Detail: What Makes Each Stop Special?

Starting Point: Excelsior Hotel Gallia

The meeting point is at the Piazza quattro Novembre near the Excelsior Hotel Gallia, right in Milan. It’s a convenient pick-up location for those staying centrally. Once onboard the bus, you’ll start your journey with about an hour of travel towards Lake Como. This quick drive gives you a glimpse of Italy’s lakeside beauty, albeit just a passing view.

Lake Como Pass-by & Colico Break

The tour takes a brief five-minute drive past Lake Como, which isn’t a stop, but you’ll catch some views of Italy’s iconic lake. Then, there’s a 20-minute pause at Colico Piano for a quick refreshment or bathroom break. It’s a good chance to stretch your legs before the longer stretch into Switzerland.

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The Long Coach Ride to St. Moritz

Once back on the road, you’ll spend roughly 95 minutes crossing the border into Switzerland, approaching the Maloja Pass and the stunning Swiss landscape. The coach ride is comfortable, and drivers are often praised for being professional and safe, which makes a difference on a long journey like this.

St. Moritz: Elegance and Free Time

Arriving in St. Moritz, you’ll have about 100 minutes of free time. This is enough to enjoy a walk around, snap some photos, or explore a bit of the luxury shopping scene. The town’s high-end reputation is justified, with breathtaking lakes, mountain views, and a chic atmosphere. Based on reviews, many visitors find this part of the trip “dreamy” and worth the visit.

Some mention that the time is just enough for a quick exploration rather than a full tour of the town, so plan your visit accordingly. Expect to see spectacular views of lakes and mountains that have been drawing visitors since the 19th century.

The Bernina Red Train: A Scenic Marvel

The highlight of the trip is the Bernina Red Train ride — about 2.33 hours of panoramic travel. The train is fitted with large windows and the option to open them for glare-free photos, which many reviewers appreciate. The route climbs to altitudes of 2,253 meters (7,392 feet), offering spectacular glaciers, mountain peaks, and unspoiled natural landscapes.

Traveling along gradients of up to 7%, the train crosses the Bernina Pass, offering some of the most dramatic views of the Swiss Alps. Many travelers, including those with a keen eye for photography, rave about how picture-perfect this train journey is.

Pass-By Highlights & Photo Stops: Bernina Pass, Poschiavo, Tirano

The train crosses several notable spots, including the Bernina Pass and Poschiavo, providing ample opportunities for photos and scenery appreciation. The train journey ends in Tirano, Italy, where there’s a brief 10-minute stop.

Return Journey: Coach Back to Milan

After Tirano, you’ll hop on the bus for about 2.5 hours back to Milan, passing through beautiful Swiss landscapes and enjoying the comfort of your coach. Most will find the return trip as smooth as the journey there, with drivers praised for professionalism.

Arrival Back in Milan

The trip wraps up at the Excelsior Hotel Gallia in Milan, typically in the evening, completing what many consider a well-rounded, scenic, and memorable day.

What Travelers Say About This Tour

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with a 4.8 rating from 164 reviews. Many mention how knowledgeable and friendly the guides are, with quotes like “Maya made our trip beautiful,” and “Cristina Maria and Salvatore were fantastic.” Reviewers highlight the stunning scenery and well-organized logistics as key strengths.

Travelers also find the value for money quite good, considering the included train ride, guided commentary, and free time in St. Moritz. One review notes, “The ride is amazing and the price-product relationship is crazy good,” which sums up many opinions.

However, some mention the day’s length as a downside — “It’s a long journey, but worth it,” is a common sentiment. Also, the itinerary can be inverted, so don’t be surprised if the order of stops changes.

What’s Noted as Less Favorable?

A few reviews mention humid bus conditions and a broken seat in one case, but these are generally minor inconveniences in an otherwise excellent day. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and there’s no mention of particular suitability for children, so it’s more suited for adult travelers comfortable with long days and some travel.

Transportation & Comfort

The coach is described as comfortable with experienced drivers, making the long ride manageable. The train ride itself is the star, with large panoramic windows, openable for photos, which adds to the experience. The combination of comfortable bus and scenic train means you’re well looked after during the day.

Timing & Duration

While the full day lasts about 12 hours, most find this duration justified by the scenery and experience. Transfers are approximate, depending on traffic, but the schedule is generally tight and well-organized.

Cost & Value

Pricing isn’t explicitly stated here, but based on reviews, most feel it’s a good deal considering the included train ride, guide, and free time. It’s especially appealing if you want a stress-free way to see Swiss scenery without planning your own transport.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for scenery lovers, train enthusiasts, and those wanting a taste of Switzerland’s luxury resort vibe. If you’re comfortable with long travel days and want a guided experience that maximizes sightseeing with minimal hassle, this one’s for you.

It’s probably less suitable for travelers with mobility issues or those looking for a flexible, unstructured day. Kids over a certain age might enjoy it if they’re comfortable on long bus rides and train journeys, but it’s not explicitly designed as a family tour.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a fantastic way to see some of Switzerland’s most iconic scenery with minimal fuss. The combination of a world-renowned train ride, free time in luxurious St. Moritz, and professional guides makes it a good pick for travelers eager for a scenic, memorable day.

If you value stunning vistas, expert guidance, and a well-organized schedule, this trip will likely meet or exceed your expectations. It’s especially suitable for those who want to experience the Swiss Alps without dedicating multiple days or navigating complicated transport options.

That said, be prepared for a long day and ensure you’re comfortable with scheduled stops and transfer times. A little planning, like bringing snacks, water, and warm clothing, will make the experience even better.

FAQ

Is there a dress code or specific clothing I should consider?
It’s best to wear comfortable shoes and bring warm clothing, especially if you plan to open the train windows or spend time sightseeing in St. Moritz.

How long is the train ride on the Bernina line?
The scenic train ride lasts about 2.33 hours, taking you through incredible landscapes and reaching altitudes of over 2,200 meters.

What if I want to spend more time in St. Moritz?
The tour includes about 100 minutes of free time here, enough for quick exploration or shopping. If you prefer more time, you might consider extending your stay independently.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not explicitly designed as a family tour, and the long travel times might be tiring for younger children. Check with the provider if traveling with kids.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, making it accessible for most travelers.

If you’re after a scenic, well-guided day that takes you through some of the most stunning parts of the Swiss Alps, this trip from Milan is pretty hard to beat. Just be ready for a full day of incredible views and new experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here: