From Milan: Lake Como and Bernina Train Day Trip

Exploring the Swiss Alps and Italian Lakes: A Day Trip from Milan

This popular day trip from Milan offers travelers a chance to experience the best of Northern Italy and Swiss landscapes in one go. Combining a visit to the iconic Lake Como with a scenic train ride along the Bernina line, it’s a tour designed for those craving both cultural charm and natural beauty. The journey is beautifully curated, with comfortable transport, an engaging guide, and plenty of opportunities for memorable photos.

What really makes this experience stand out is the combination of lakeside strolls, historic towns, and spectacular alpine vistas—all packed into a single day. However, be prepared for a long day of travel, with several transfer segments, which might be tiring for some. This tour suits travelers who enjoy scenic journeys, want a taste of Swiss mountain scenery, and appreciate the convenience of a guided day out from Milan.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery: Expect breathtaking views of Lake Como, the Alps, and Swiss mountain passes.
• Comfortable journey: Travel in a well-equipped coach with commentary, and enjoy a scenic 2-hour train ride with open windows.
• Authentic experiences: Explore the charming town of Lecco and pass through iconic Swiss spots like St. Moritz and Tirano.
• Expert guidance: A professional tour leader provides insightful narration throughout the day.
• Value for money: At $203 per person, it includes train tickets, transfers, and guided commentary, offering a comprehensive experience.
• Long but rewarding day: With transfers, sightseeing, and train rides, the itinerary is packed—perfect for adventure lovers.

An In-Depth Look at the From Milan: Lake Como and Bernina Train Day Trip

This tour is a carefully curated journey designed for those who want to see more than just Milan. It’s a combination of lakeside charm, mountain majesty, and Swiss elegance, all in one day. The experience begins early, with pick-up at the elegant Excelsior Hotel Gallia, and ends back there too, making it convenient for travelers staying in the city center.

Starting Point and Initial Transfers

Your day kicks off with a comfortable coach ride from Milan, which takes around an hour to reach Lecco—an often overlooked gem on the shores of Lake Como. The coach is well-rated for its comfort, and the commentary from your guide helps set the scene for the day ahead. This first segment is an excellent way to start relaxing into the journey, soaking in the landscape as you leave the city behind.

Exploring Lecco

Once in Lecco, you get about an hour for sightseeing, photos, and perhaps a quick coffee or snack. Reviewers repeatedly mention how charming Lecco is, with comments about its attractive lakeside promenade and relaxed vibe that feels a bit less touristy than bigger towns like Como. Some guides offer a brief guided tour here, sharing stories about the town’s history and notable residents, which adds depth to your visit.

Crossing the Swiss Border: A Scenic Transit

After Lecco, the coach heads into Switzerland, passing through Maloja and then arriving in St. Moritz, a renowned Swiss resort town. The scenery during this drive is spectacular, with stunning mountain vistas, and travelers report that the views from the coach are just as impressive as the train ride that follows.

The Bernina Train Experience

One of the highlights of this trip is the Bernina Line train ride, which lasts about 2 hours and 20 minutes. This train is famous for its panoramic windows and the fact that you can open the windows to take glare-free photos of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The train travels from St. Moritz to Tirano, crossing the Bernina Pass, which offers views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and rugged peaks.

Travelers often comment on the “breathtaking” vistas, and several mention how the open windows make capturing the scenery much easier. The train’s route passes by notable spots like the Bernina Pass and Poschiavo, with the guide providing explanations in English. This segment is appreciated not just for the views but for the comfort and the opportunity to just sit back and soak it all in.

Swiss Mountain Passes and Scenic Pass-By

Between the stops, the journey passes through some of the most iconic mountain scenery in the Alps. While you won’t get off the train at every point, the passing views are enough to make your camera work worth it. Reviewers mention how the panoramic train ride is the “most scenic part” of the trip, with many citing it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Brief Stops in St. Moritz and Tirano

The stop in St. Moritz is only about 20 minutes, enough for a quick stretch or some photos. Tirano offers a brief 10-minute break, providing an opportunity to grab a snack or use the facilities, before heading back on the coach for the return journey. The coach ride back is approximately 2.5 hours, giving you a chance to reflect on the day’s scenery and perhaps doze off if you’re tired.

Returning to Milan

After a full day of sightseeing and travel, the tour wraps up back at the Excelsior Hotel Gallia. Guests note that the transfer times are roughly as scheduled, although the exact duration can vary depending on traffic. Though tiring, most reviewers find the journey well worth it for the stunning views and the ease of having everything arranged.

What to Expect at Each Stop and Segment

Lecco: Expect a relaxed lakeside town with charming streets and a lovely promenade. It’s a peaceful contrast to the busier Lake Como towns, and the hour allotted feels just right for a quick exploration or photo session.

Maloja and Swiss Passes: While you pass through these areas, there’s limited stopover time, but the scenic drive alone is memorable. The natural beauty of the Swiss Alps underlines why this route is so celebrated.

St. Moritz: Known for its luxury, but here it’s a brief stop—perfect for snapping a few photos of the glamorous town without the crowds.

Bernina Train Ride: The star of the show. The train’s open windows and panoramic views mean you’ll want your camera ready, and the experience of crossing the Alps by rail is truly memorable. Several reviews mention the train ride as the “highlight” of the day, praising both the scenery and the comfort.

Tirano: A quick refresh stop, but enough time to appreciate the town’s quaint vibe.

The Practicalities: Value, Comfort, and Tips

At $203 per person, this tour offers a lot of value considering the included train tickets, transportation, and expert commentary. The train ride alone, with its open windows and panoramic views, is worth the price for many travelers.

The coach is described as “comfortable,” with the guide providing helpful insights in English throughout the day. Since the tour is fully guided, you’ll benefit from local knowledge, making the experience even richer.

The itinerary is quite packed, which means you’ll cover a lot in one day. To get the most out of it, wear comfortable shoes, bring warm clothing (as mountain weather can be unpredictable), and keep your camera handy. Water is recommended for hydration, especially during the longer coach segments.

Limitations and Considerations

• The tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues or back problems due to the long hours of travel and walking.
• Pets, smoking, and electric wheelchairs are not permitted, which is worth noting if you’re traveling with a service animal or companions with mobility needs.
• The stop in St. Moritz is not guaranteed to be a long free time, so if browsing or shopping is a priority, manage expectations.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who love scenic journeys and want to see a diverse range of landscapes—from lakeside towns to towering Alps—without the hassle of planning multiple transport segments. It’s perfect for those with a day to spare, seeking picture-perfect moments and a taste of Swiss mountain culture.

If you’re someone who appreciates comfortable travel combined with educational commentary, you’ll find this tour particularly rewarding. It’s also suitable for travelers who want a well-organized way to experience the Swiss Alps from Italy’s doorstep, especially if you’re not keen on navigating train schedules or car rentals yourself.

However, if your travel style leans toward slow, in-depth exploration of a single location or you prefer unstructured free time, this tour might feel a bit rushed.

The Sum Up

This day trip from Milan offers an excellent balance of nature, culture, and convenience. For $203, you get a thoughtfully curated experience that includes scenic train rides, charming towns, and spectacular mountain scenery, all with the ease of guided commentary and round-trip transfers. The highlight—the Bernina train ride—is especially praised for its jaw-dropping vistas and open windows, making it a standout experience.

Travelers who prioritize stunning views and a full overview of Northern Italy and Swiss Alps landscapes will find this trip highly satisfying. It’s especially well-suited for those wanting a beautifully packed day without the hassle of organizing transport and tickets.

While the schedule is full and the day long, the sense of achievement and the incredible scenery make it worthwhile. For anyone eager to see the Alps from a comfortable vantage point, this trip offers a memorable and rewarding adventure.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, round-trip transfers from the central Milan train station (Hotel Gallia) are included, along with the coach journey and the train ride.

How long is the train ride?
The train ride on the Bernina line lasts about 2 hours and 20 minutes, offering panoramic views with open windows for photos.

What stops are included during the trip?
You will visit Lecco in Italy, pass through Maloja, stop briefly in St. Moritz, and Tirano in Switzerland, before returning to Milan.

Is there free time at each stop?
Yes, there is about an hour for Lecco and quick breaks in St. Moritz and Tirano. The free time allows for photos, quick visits, or snacks.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a camera, and water are recommended. The weather can change quickly in the mountains.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included. You might want to bring snacks or plan to buy something during the break stops.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
The tour involves a full day of travel and walking, so it’s better suited for those in good health. It’s not recommended for wheelchair users or those with back problems.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Does the tour operate year-round?
Availability depends on the date, so check specific dates for weather and operational conditions.

Is the tour guided in English?
Yes, all explanations and commentary on the coach and train are in English.

This trip is a fantastic way to tick off multiple bucket-list sights in one day, with enough comfort and guidance to help you enjoy every moment. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, the scenery alone makes it a trip worth considering.