Ride the Bernina Red Train from St. Moritz to Tirano and pair alpine panoramas with an optional stop on Lake Como. This private day trip from Milan combines high-elevation rail engineering, glacier-scarred views and lakeside charm in a single long but rewarding day.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out of the minivan with cold mountain air pressing at your cheeks and the alps opening like a map around you. The day begins on roads that climb toward Engadine pastures, and later the Bernina Red Train climbs even higher—steel and glass negotiating hairpin grades until the landscape spills into glaciers, viaducts, and lakes.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
10–13 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect short walks on cobbled streets and standing room on trains—basic mobility required.
Wildlife
History
The Bernina railway was a major early 20th-century engineering project linking Swiss Engadine valleys to Italy, notable for its steep gradients and viaducts that opened mountain tourism to a wider public.
Conservation
The route passes sensitive alpine habitats—stay on paths, avoid disturbing wildlife, and follow local waste rules; Swiss and Italian rail operators emphasize low-impact transit compared with private car travel.
Reserve your spot on the Private tour to Bernina train & Lake Como. Hotel pick-up today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Carry your passport
A current valid passport is required for border crossings between Italy and Switzerland; keep it accessible during transfers.
Dress in layers
Temperatures can drop quickly at 2,200 m—pack a windproof layer and a warm mid-layer even on sunny days.
Watch the schedule
This full-day tour has tight connections; be ready for hotel pickup at the scheduled time to avoid missing train segments.
Bring small change for snacks
St. Moritz cafés and some lakeside shops accept card, but small shops may prefer cash for quick purchases.
Passport and travel documents
Required for crossing the Italy–Switzerland border on this itinerary.
Layered clothing (windproof jacket + fleece)
Protects against strong sun, wind and colder alpine temperatures at higher elevations.
Comfortable walking shoes
Useful for short town walks, stairs on trains and uneven pavements in St. Moritz and lakeside stops.
Camera or phone with extra battery
Captures the viaducts, glacial valleys and lake vistas; battery drains quickly in cold air.