From Milan: St Moritz & Alps Day Trip with Bernina Red Train

Discover the Swiss Alps on a Day Trip from Milan for $104

This 11-hour tour offers a full day of beautiful mountain landscapes, charming towns, and iconic rail experiences, all for $104 per person. Starting at Porta Garibaldi in Milan, it takes you through the Bernina Pass, into the stylish resort of St. Moritz, and down to Tirano, with a scenic Bernina Red Train journey. The tour is designed for those eager to see Switzerland’s alpine beauty without overnight stays, combining comfortable transport, expert guiding, and awe-inspiring views.

While the experience is generally praised for its vistas and knowledgeable guides, it’s worth noting that free time in St. Moritz and Tirano is limited to around two hours each. The tour is best suited for travelers comfortable with a full day of sightseeing, walking, and some bus travel. If you’re prepared for a busy schedule and want to see some of the most scenic parts of the Alps, this trip offers excellent value and memorable moments.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Full-day adventure from Milan covering 101 miles of scenic travel
• Includes a reserved ticket on the Bernina Red Train with open windows for optimal views
• Visits St. Moritz, the legendary Swiss resort town, with two hours free time
• Explores Tirano, a medieval town in Italy, with a guided tour and time to enjoy local cuisine
• Passes through Bernina Pass, one of the most breathtaking mountain crossings in the Alps
• Price of $104 includes transport, train tickets, and an English-speaking guide
• Limited walking overall, but the tour involves some strolling and outdoor exposure
• Overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 851 reviews, with many praising the scenery and guides

Starting Point and How to Join the Tour in Milan

The tour begins at Porta Garibaldi, in front of the main train station. Travelers should look for a guide holding a City Wonders tour sign just outside the station, near Briccocafé. It’s easy to reach by metro (M2 green line) or taxi, with clear instructions for arrival.

The meeting point is on the left side outside the station, under the covered roof, making it convenient even in variable weather. The tour lasts about 11 hours, starting early in the morning, with availability times checked on booking.

Scenic Journey Through Lombardy and the Alps

The trip begins with a luxury coach ride through Lombardy, passing charming villages, vineyards, and Lake Como. As the coach ascends into the mountains, the views unfold with cascading waterfalls, lush meadows, and snow-capped peaks.

A highlight is the Bernina Pass, where panoramic vistas of glaciers and mountain ranges unfold. The coach ride itself offers plenty of photo opportunities, especially as the bus windows are large, making the landscape easy to admire. The pass by the Bernina Pass takes about 30 minutes, providing stunning photo moments and a sense of the altitude.

St. Moritz: A Glimpse of Elegance and Alpine Charm

Once in St. Moritz, travelers enjoy two hours of free time to explore this luxurious Swiss resort. The town is famous for its glacial lake, high-end boutiques, and a refined atmosphere.

Walking down the picturesque cobbled streets, visitors can admire the timeless elegance of the town’s architecture and shop for designer brands. The glacial lake offers perfect photo opportunities, especially with the snow-capped peaks as a backdrop. Many guides recommend a walk along the lake or a quick visit to the town’s center to soak up the upscale vibe.

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Riding the Iconic Bernina Red Train

The Bernina Red Train is a key highlight of this tour. It features open windows, allowing unobstructed views of the Alps during the two-hour journey through the Valtellina Valley to Tirano.

Traveling on this historic train, with its classic red carriages, is a scenic experience that many reviews commend as breathtaking. The train’s route takes travelers across mountain passes and past pristine lakes, with stops that showcase the dramatic alpine landscape.

Exploring Tirano’s Medieval Charm and Local Cuisine

In Tirano, the tour includes a guided walk through the historic streets. This Italian town offers a medieval ambiance, with charming buildings and a slower pace.

Visitors have about 45 minutes of free time to enjoy local cuisine at markets or cafes. Tirano’s markets are a good spot to sample regional delicacies or buy souvenirs. The guide provides background on Tirano’s history, adding depth to the visit, before heading back to the coach for the return journey.

The Return Journey and Practical Considerations

The coach ride back to Milan takes approximately 2.5 hours. During this time, travelers can relax and reflect on the day’s highlights. Some reviews note that more stops along the way would improve pacing, but overall, the journey flows smoothly.

The tour concludes back at Porta Garibaldi, making it easy to continue exploring Milan afterward. Note that the tour does not include food or drinks, so bringing snacks or purchasing local cuisine during stops is recommended.

What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

The included amenities are a private air-conditioned coach, Bernina Red Train tickets with open windows, and a live English-speaking guide who offers insights throughout the day.

Not included are food, drinks, or hotel transfers, and the tour requires walking at each stop, so comfortable shoes are advised. It’s important to carry a passport for border crossings, and the tour is not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments or strollers.

Real-World Praises and Limitations in Reviews

The tour earns a strong 4.6 out of 5 rating from 851 reviews, with many praising the knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and great value. Multiple reviews highlight guides like Salvatore, Marina, and Amato for their professionalism, friendliness, and storytelling skills.

Some feedback points to limited free time in St. Moritz and Tirano, and bus AC issues have been reported. Still, the overall experience garners enthusiastic approval, with many calling it a memorable, scenic adventure that is highly recommended.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This trip appeals most to travelers who enjoy mountain scenery, historic towns, and train journeys. It suits those comfortable with full-day excursions and some walking activity. The scenic Bernina Red Train ride is a major draw, especially for fans of vintage rail experiences.

While not designed for those with mobility challenges or seeking more leisurely pacing, it offers excellent value for exploring the Swiss Alps in a single day. It’s perfect for visitors wanting to combine Swiss scenery with Italian charm, all from the comfort of an organized tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes transportation in a private, air-conditioned coach from Milan to the Swiss Alps and back.

Do I need a passport?
Yes, carrying a passport is recommended for border crossings between Italy and Switzerland.

How long is the train ride?
The Bernina Red Train journey lasts about two hours, passing through stunning mountain scenery with open windows.

What is the free time in St. Moritz and Tirano?
You have around two hours in St. Moritz and 45 minutes in Tirano for sightseeing, shopping, or enjoying local food.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or buy something during the stops.

Is this tour suitable for children or strollers?
No, the tour cannot accommodate strollers or travelers with mobility impairments.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a passport, and perhaps a camera or smartphone for photos are advised.

Can I cancel or change my booking?
Yes, the tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Payment can be reserved and paid later, offering flexibility in planning.

How accessible is the tour?
This activity involves a good amount of walking and is not suitable for people with mobility challenges or wheelchairs.

What makes this tour stand out?
The stunning views, knowledgeable guides, and the chance to ride the iconic Bernina Red Train make this a memorable alpine experience, especially for those short on time but eager to see Switzerland’s mountains.

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