A train day across two countries. You’ll go from Lake Como to Switzerland’s Bernina line with big, uninterrupted Alps views. I like how the pacing balances guided stops with real downtime, and I also like that the transfers are air-conditioned and the train portion includes opening windows for photos.

One thing to consider: it’s a long day (about 13 hours), and your time on the Swiss side can feel tight, especially if you end up with less free time in St. Moritz.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Open-window train seats on the St. Moritz to Tirino leg, perfect for quick photo grabs without fighting for a view.
• Bernina route altitude bragging rights: the train climbs to about 2,253 meters, Europe’s highest railway point.
• St. Moritz to Tirano views depend on where you sit, so be ready to pick your side early.
• A Lake Como stop with a proper stroll along the lakeside promenade (often Lecco, sometimes another town).
• A structured day with central Milan pickup, including round-trip transfers from the Hotel Gallia area.
• Small-ish group for a day tour, with a maximum of 35 travelers.

Milan to Lake Como Then Straight Up the Alps

This tour is built for people who want the Alps without planning three separate tickets and two hotel check-ins. You start in Milan, ride out in an air-conditioned vehicle, and then switch into rail mode for the star moment: the Bernina line.

The day is long, but it’s long in a useful way. You’re not just traveling; you’re stacking scenery, towns, and train windows into one itinerary so you can say you did it, not just that you thought about it.

Starting Point at Excelsior Hotel Gallia (and Why It Matters)

Your meetup is in central Milan at Excelsior Hotel Gallia, Piazza Duca d’Aosta, 9 (9B). This is helpful if you’re staying near the main train area, since you’re not hunting down a random street corner.

Transfers are round-trip from that central meeting point, and you’ll return there in the evening. That means you can plan your day around one easy hub instead of trying to coordinate onward transport yourself.

Lake Como: Lecco Promenade Time With Flexible Village Options

Once you reach Lake Como, you’ll typically visit Lecco, on the southeastern branch of the lake, between the water and the Orobian Pre-Alps. The core idea is simple: walk along the promenade, soak in the classic “lake-and-mountains” view, and use your free time to browse or just sit.

Two practical tips make this stop work:

• Bring layers. Even in daytime, lake air can feel cooler once you’re out walking.
• Don’t plan on a museum-level itinerary here. This is a stroll-and-views stop, not a deep dive into museums.

Also, your Lake Como stop could be another village instead of Lecco. That flexibility can be good, but it also means you should avoid expecting one specific town if you’re the type who plans every photo angle.

Maloja Pass Stop: The Scenic Pause Before Bernina Heights

As the day shifts from Italy toward the Bernina area, you’ll make a stop at the Maloja Pass. This is one of those “pull over, look, and remember you’re in the mountains” moments.

Weather matters here. The route operates in all weather, but your experience changes fast between clear views and foggy visibility. If you’re chasing those dramatic panoramas, aim to dress for cold wind and keep your phone ready.

St. Moritz Timing: Pretty Town, Limited Slippage

St. Moritz is the glamorous pivot point on many Switzerland itineraries, and this day includes it as a stop before (or after, depending on the day’s order) the train segment. It’s a place where you’ll feel the vibe in the architecture and the layout, even if you only have an hour or so.

Here’s the honest expectation to carry with you: free time in St. Moritz isn’t guaranteed. That line in the tour details isn’t small talk. In real terms, it means you might find yourself with less time than you hoped for to shop or just wander.

In short: treat St. Moritz like a scenic rest stop that happens to be a famous resort town, not like a town you’d want to build a full day around.

The Red Train on the Bernina Route: Open Windows and High Drama

This is the heart of the experience. After arriving in the St. Moritz area, you board the Red Train for the scenic route to Tirano (or vice versa).

The big selling point is the climb. The train travels along steep grades and reaches about 2,253 meters, the highest point reached by a train in Europe. You’ll also pass key points along the route, including Ospizio Bernina and Piz Bernina.

Two things I strongly recommend for this ride:

• Pick your side early. One guest report complained about missing major sites when seated on the “wrong” side. That’s a reminder that the best views often depend on which window you’re parked next to.
• Be strategic about standing. It’s normal on this line for people to stand, shift around, and take photos. Do what you need to do, but don’t camp in the aisle. Give seated passengers a fair view—everyone’s there for the mountains.

The train ticket includes opening windows on this segment. That’s a rare bonus. It makes photos easier and can keep the air feeling less stuffy, especially when the scenery turns spectacular.

Where the Memories Come From: Uninterrupted Alpine Views

A lot of day tours promise views. This one actually leans on the fact that trains can deliver long stretches of “watch without stopping.” Once you’re on the rail, you’re not waiting at every landmark for buses or entry tickets.

When conditions are good, the combination of high altitude, steep valley walls, and snow-dusted peaks can be genuinely hard to summarize. Even people who don’t usually get emotional about scenery tend to go quiet for a while on this part.

Tirano Finish and the Return to Milan in the Evening

Depending on the direction of travel on your day, you’ll arrive in Tirano by evening and then head back toward Milan. If your day starts with a Swiss side and ends with Italy, you’ll feel that change most during the return.

The evening drive can feel long. One review called out that the return journey included a challenging drive back to Milan, but that the group felt safe. Translation: plan for a comfortable seat, water for the ride, and a snack if you don’t want to wait until you get back.

Price and Value: Is $211 Worth It?

At $211.19 per person for about 13 hours, the value depends on what you care about most.

You’re paying for:

• Round-trip transfers from the central Milan meeting point
• A professional tour leader
• A guided Lake Como stop (often Lecco, sometimes another town)
• The train portion (second class) with opening windows on the Bernina route

Food isn’t included, so you’ll likely spend extra on lunch and any snacks. But you’re not paying for a hotel, and you’re not buying separate guided-transport pieces across multiple countries.

If your main goal is the Bernina train ride plus a taste of Lake Como without logistics stress, this price can make sense. If your main goal is maximum time in St. Moritz or a fully unhurried Switzerland experience, you may feel rushed.

Group Size, Seat Realities, and the Bernina Express Question

This tour caps at 35 travelers, which is large enough to feel like a group outing but small enough that your guide should still be able to manage everyone.

One thing to keep in mind: the train ticket here is second class with opening windows. Some people compare this kind of service to the higher-end Bernina Express experience with different window setups. If your heart is set on the biggest possible windows and the most premium rail treatment, double-check the exact train type for your specific departure.

Also, seat layout can affect your comfort and your view. If you get motion sick, plan for it. One negative review explicitly advised people to prepare if they’re sensitive to motion.

Booking Checklist: How to Have a Smooth Day

You’ll enjoy this tour more if you plan for the real-world issues of a one-day Alps marathon:

• Bring a current valid passport (required on travel day).
• Dress for cold air on higher elevations and wind at passes.
• Plan to handle food and drinks yourself.
• If you care about photos: sit on the side that gives you the views you want, then adapt as needed when people shift around.
• If you get motion sick: consider medication and sit where you feel most stable.

The tour runs in all weather, so don’t count on perfect conditions. But you also shouldn’t assume the “worst case” either. The day is designed to move forward regardless—you just might see less from the train windows on a foggy route day.

Should You Book This Milan to Lake Como and Bernina Train Tour?

Book it if you want one well-structured day that combines Lake Como with the Bernina rail experience between St. Moritz and Tirano. This is especially worth it when you value logistics done for you: central Milan pickup, guided Lake Como time, and train tickets that include opening windows.

Skip it or plan a different approach if:

• You want long, unhurried time in St. Moritz (free time there may be limited).
• You hate the idea of view-vs-seat tradeoffs and possible crowd movement during the train ride.
• You’re expecting food and a fully standalone Switzerland day. You’ll need to add your own meals and manage a long schedule.

If you’re the kind of traveler who loves big scenery and can handle a packed day, this is a strong fit. It’s not a slow vacation day—it’s a “see the Alps properly” day.

FAQ

Where do we meet for this tour in Milan?

The meetup point is Excelsior Hotel Gallia, Piazza Duca d’Aosta, 9 (9B), 20124 Milan. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What train ride is included on the Switzerland portion?

You’ll get a second class train ticket for the St. Moritz to Tirano (or vice versa) route, and the train has opening windows on that segment.

Is food included during the day?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Which Lake Como town will we visit?

The stop is usually Lecco, with walking time along the lake promenade. The tour notes that it could be another village on Lake Como depending on the day.

Do I need a passport for this trip?

Yes. A current valid passport is required on the day of travel.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.