Lake Como, Swiss Alps and Bernina train. From Milan

This full-day tour from Milan promises a captivating blend of natural beauty, alpine charm, and iconic train journeys. It covers a lot in just over 13 hours — from the tranquil shores of Lake Como to the breathtaking heights of the Swiss Alps on the Bernina Express. While the itinerary is packed, it’s carefully designed to balance sightseeing, travel comfort, and authentic experiences.

One thing we love about this tour is the way it combines guided exploration with spectacular scenery—especially the train ride through the Alps, which many reviewers call “breathtaking” and “one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.” The round-trip transfers in air-conditioned vehicles make the long day manageable, and the small group size (max 35 travelers) means you won’t feel lost in the crowd.

A potential consideration is that the itinerary might be inverted depending on logistics or weather, which means the order of stops could change. Also, free time in St. Moritz isn’t guaranteed**, so if you’re eager to explore deeply, this may be a quick taste rather than an in-depth visit.

This tour is perfect for those who want a comprehensive, scenic escape from Milan, especially if you love trains, stunning mountain vistas, and charming towns without the hassle of planning. It suits travelers looking for a well-organized, value-packed day that offers both guided insights and photo-worthy moments.

Key Points

• Spectacular Train Ride: The Bernina Express offers some of the most stunning views, with openable windows for perfect photos.
• Authentic Swiss and Italian Towns: Enjoy charming visits to Lecco, Tirano, and St. Moritz, each with its own character.
• Good Value for Money: The tour includes transportation, guided commentary, and scenic train tickets, making it a hassle-free day out.
• Scenic Beauty: From lakeside promenades to mountain peaks at over 2,200 meters, the landscapes are unforgettable.
• Expert Guides: Reviewers highlight Mara and other guides for their professionalism and knowledge.
• Limited Free Time: Be prepared for a packed schedule, with limited opportunity for extensive exploration in each stop.

Exploring the Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Meet & Departure from Milan

The adventure begins at Piazza Duca d’Aosta at the Excelsior Hotel Gallia, a central spot easily accessible by public transportation. From there, you’ll hop into a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with your group, ready for a day filled with scenery and stories. The tour moves swiftly but smoothly, with a professional guide to fill in the gaps and keep the energy up.

Lake Como: A Serene Start

Your first destination is Lake Como, one of Italy’s most iconic lakes, celebrated for its tranquil waters and picturesque villages. The tour stops in Lecco, perched on the southeastern arm of the lake, where you’ll stroll along the promenade and soak up postcard-perfect views of the water and surrounding Alps.

Reviewers like Lisa appreciated the walking tour of Lake Como in January, noting that the less crowded environment made it even more special. The stop typically lasts about an hour, so you’ll have just enough time to snap photos, do some souvenir shopping, or sample local treats.

While the itinerary mentions Lecco, some visits might be in different villages around the lake, which adds a slight element of surprise.

Cross the Maloja Pass

Next, you’ll traverse the Maloja Pass, a scenic mountain route that transitions between Italy and Switzerland. This part of the journey offers breathtaking vistas of alpine landscapes, with the chance to see snow-capped peaks and lush valleys—a real highlight for nature lovers.

St. Moritz: Luxe and Nature

Arriving in St. Moritz (or Tirano, depending on the schedule), you’ll find yourself in one of Switzerland’s most glamorous resorts, famed for winter sports and luxury. According to reviews, the town itself is pretty, but the real star here is the train ride that follows.

The Bernina Express: The Crown Jewel

The Bernina Express, often called “the most beautiful train in the world,” is the trip’s centerpiece. With the openable windows that reviewers rave about, you’ll be able to capture the dramatic mountain scenery in the best possible way.

The train climbs to 2,253 meters at the Ospizio Bernina station, crossing over spectacular bridges and hairpin turns. Traveling in second class, you’ll enjoy comfort and exceptional views of glaciers, lakes, and alpine meadows. The route from St. Moritz to Tirano offers a diverse display of nature’s artistry.

Multiple reviewers have called this train journey “breathtaking” and “unbelievable,” emphasizing how much the landscape changes — from the snowy peaks to lush valleys. Mara, the guide, was praised for her knowledge and enthusiasm, adding context and stories that enhanced the trip.

Tirano & Return to Milan

After descending through the Swiss and Italian Alps, the journey concludes back in Tirano or St. Moritz, depending on the schedule. From there, you’ll return to Milan, arriving in the evening. The return trip offers time to unwind and reflect on the day’s many highlights.

Transportation and Comfort

Throughout the day, you’ll be traveling in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort on the long drives. The train tickets are for second class, with the unique feature of openable windows, a detail many reviewers appreciated for their photos and fresh air.

The group size is capped at 35, which means you’ll get a more intimate experience compared to large bus tours. This smaller group helps with flexibility and conversation, especially with knowledgeable guides like Mara, who many reviewers found engaging and friendly.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Details

Many travelers mention the quality of the guides, who provide insightful commentary along the way. While the tour doesn’t include meals or extended free time, the free time in Lake Como is sufficient for a quick exploration or a coffee break. Some reviewers mentioned that the tour’s schedule can be tight, and free time in St. Moritz is not guaranteed, so plan accordingly if you want longer in each spot.

The tour costs around $203 per person, which covers transportation, train tickets, and guided support. For the scenery and convenience, many consider this a great value, especially given how smoothly it runs and how much it offers.

What We Loved & What Could Be Better

The highlight is undoubtedly the train journey — many reviewers call it “the best train ride in the world” thanks to the open windows and jaw-dropping views. The stops in charming towns like Lecco and Tirano provide authentic glimpses into local life, away from typical tourist traps.

Guides like Mara are often praised for their professionalism, knowledge, and friendly manner, making the long day more engaging. The scenic variety—from lakes to mountain peaks—is stunning, a true feast for nature lovers.

On the downside, the itinerary might be inverted, which could affect your expectations for the order of visits. Also, limited free time in some locations means you might only get a brief taste rather than a deep dive into each site. Weather can also influence the experience, especially in winter when snow and cold conditions are more prevalent.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travellers who enjoy scenic train rides and want a well-organized day trip from Milan without the stress of planning logistics. It suits those eager to see the Swiss Alps in a day, combined with the charm of Lake Como’s lakeside towns. It’s perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone who dreams of crossing the Alps on iconic train routes.

If you’re after luxury shopping or extensive sightseeing, this tour might feel a bit rushed. But if you want a taste of the Alps, Swiss elegance, and Italian lakes, it’s a fantastic choice.

FAQ

• Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Are meals included? No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or buy in towns.
• What should I wear? Dress appropriately for weather conditions; layers are recommended, especially for mountain scenery.
• Is free time available in St. Moritz? Usually, no. The schedule is tightly packed, so plan for a quick visit.
• How long is the train ride? The train from St. Moritz to Tirano lasts about two hours.
• Can I get off the train mid-route? No, the ticket is for the scheduled journey. The train runs its designated route.
• What is the pickup location? The tour starts at Piazza Duca d’Aosta, 9B, Milan, at the Excelsior Hotel Gallia.
• Is the itinerary flexible? The program may be inverted depending on logistics or weather, but all key stops are included.
• What is the maximum group size? Up to 35 travelers.
• What is the cancellation policy? Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a beautiful snapshot of the Italian and Swiss Alps, combining scenic train rides, charming towns, and alpine vistas that many travelers find unforgettable. It’s a solid choice for those seeking a stress-free, value-packed day that’s rich in natural beauty and cultural charm.

If you’re a fan of breathtaking landscapes, expert-guided tours, and train journeys, this experience delivers in spades. Just remember — it’s a long day, so come prepared for the weather, and keep your camera ready for those picture-perfect moments.

This tour is best suited for adventure seekers who want a comprehensive, scenic taste of the Alps without the need to organize multiple trips or worry about logistics. It’s a fantastic way to add a splash of Swiss elegance and Italian lakeside serenity to your Milan itinerary.