Lake Como, Swiss Alps and Bernina train. From Milan

If you’re after a day trip that combines stunning scenery, efficient transportation, and authentic experiences, this tour from Milan may just be your perfect match. It promises a whirlwind journey through some of Italy and Switzerland’s most iconic sights—think lakeside charm, alpine vistas, and the legendary Bernina Express train—delivered in a well-organized package.

What we particularly appreciate about this experience is the combination of a guided excursion with free time—giving you a taste of both structured sightseeing and spontaneous exploration. Plus, the inclusion of the Bernina train, often hailed as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, is an absolute highlight that can’t be missed. A secondary perk is the air-conditioned comfort of the vehicle and train, which makes the long day more enjoyable.

On the flip side, a potential consideration is the tight schedule; with just about 13 hours, you’ll need to be ready for a fast-paced day and limited time in each location. Also, the itinerary may be inverted depending on traffic or operational reasons, so flexibility is key.

This tour best suits travelers who love breathtaking landscapes, are comfortable with a full day of sightseeing, and appreciate convenience without sacrificing authentic experiences.

Key Points

• Combines Lake Como, Swiss Alps, and Bernina train in one day
• Features scenic train routes with panoramic windows and open sections for photos
• Includes expert guides and round-trip transportation from Milan
• Offers free time in Lake Como and guided visits to charming towns
• Provides a well-balanced mix of sightseeing and travel comfort
• Suitable for travelers with an adventurous spirit and a sense of time

Starting Point and Departure

Your journey begins at the Piazza Duca d’Aosta, 9 at the Excelsior Hotel Gallia in Milan. Here, a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle awaits, ready to whisk you away to the Alpine realms. The tour is designed to be a stress-free start, with round-trip transfers included, so you can leave the logistics to the professionals.

Lake Como: Scenic Introduction

The first stop is Lake Como, with the itinerary typically visiting the charming town of Lecco, sprawling along the southeastern arm of the lake. The landscape here is postcard-perfect, with pristine waters, lush hills, and the Orobian Pre-Alps framing the scene.

During your hour in Lecco, you’ll stroll along the lake promenade, soaking in views that have drawn artists and writers for centuries. The reviews speak highly of the walk—one traveler said, “I enjoyed going to Lake Como and doing the walking tour. It wasn’t overly crowded in January,” pointing to the peaceful charm of this stop.

While the stop may be in Lecco, it’s worth noting that another village on Lake Como could also serve as the visit point, depending on logistics that day. Either way, the lake views are the real star, and you’ll have some free time to explore, take photos, or grab a quick coffee by the water.

The Drive to the Alps and the Maloja Pass

After Lake Como, the journey continues over the Maloja Pass, a scenic route that offers impressive views of the Swiss Alps. The drive alone is worth mentioning, as it gives travelers a taste of the dramatic landscape change from lakeside to mountain scenery. The pass is a bridge between Italy and Switzerland, with vistas that make the drive feel like part of the adventure.

St. Moritz: A Glimpse of Swiss Luxury

Arriving in St. Moritz, the tour switches gears to showcase one of Switzerland’s most glamorous towns. Known worldwide for its luxury resorts and winter sports, St. Moritz is more than just a pretty face. The town’s charm lies in its mountain air, alpine architecture, and upscale atmosphere.

While free time here is limited, the main attraction is the train ride on the Bernina Express—sometimes called the “most beautiful train in the world”—which departs from St. Moritz or Tirano. The train ride itself takes around two hours, offering spectacular views of the Swiss Alps, glaciers, and mountain villages.

The Bernina Express Experience

Traveling on the Bernina train is truly a highlight of this tour. This scenic route is famous for its panoramic windows, and some parts even have open sections to take better pictures. Although the Bernina Express with larger windows is a popular choice, the second-class ticket with opening windows, as included here, still provides excellent opportunities for photography.

Passages such as the Ospizio Bernina and the ascent to Piz Bernina, the highest peak in the Eastern Alps, are awe-inspiring. Travelers often comment on the stunning vistas—”The train ride through the snow-covered Alps is just stunning,” says one review.

The train climbs to 2,253 meters, crossing glaciers, lakes, and mountain forests, giving you a true sense of scale and grandeur. The open windows mean you can get those perfect, postcard-worthy shots of the alpine landscape.

Tirano and Return to Milan

The train journey concludes in Tirano, where the tour typically ends before heading back to Milan. The return trip is via the same scenic route, allowing for more photos or simply enjoying the views in comfort.

The entire trip, including the transfers, is designed for efficiency, ensuring you return to Milan by evening, with many travelers stating, “The view from the top of the mountain was breathtaking,” and “It was an unbelievable experience,” highlighting the lasting impression of this day.

Comfort and Convenience

The tour’s air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable ride across varying weather conditions, which is particularly valuable when crossing mountain passes. The second-class train ticket with open windows strikes a good balance between cost and experience, offering plenty of opportunity for photography and enjoyment of the scenery.

Guide and Group Size

With a professional tour leader, you’re in capable hands. Many reviews praise the guides for their knowledge and warmth, with comments like “Mara was excellent,” and “Claudio the driver was very professional,” making the long day more engaging and less stressful.

The tour is capped at 35 travelers, ensuring a friendly, manageable group where everyone can enjoy the sights without feeling lost in a crowd.

Price and Value

At around $201.73 per person, the tour offers excellent value for a full day of sightseeing, especially considering the included transportation, guided visits, and the iconic Bernina train ride.

Some reviews mention the price as being worth it, especially for the breathtaking views and expert guiding. Others note that free time in Lake Como isn’t extensive but sufficient for a quick exploration, which is a fair trade-off given the packed schedule.

If you’re someone who loves scenic train journeys, charming lakeside towns, and dramatic mountain landscapes, this trip offers a fantastic way to see both Italy and Switzerland in one day. It’s ideal for those who don’t mind a fast-paced itinerary and appreciate guided comfort over solo exploration.

Travelers seeking unique photo opportunities, luxury alpine towns, and the thrill of riding the Bernina Express will find this tour particularly appealing. It also suits those who want a convenient, all-in-one solution to explore multiple highlights without the hassle of planning transportation or logistics.

• How long is the entire tour?
  Approximately 13 hours, including transfers and sightseeing.
• What’s included in the price?
  Round-trip transfers from Milan, a second-class train ticket with open windows, a professional guide, free time at Lake Como, and visit of Lecco or another village.
• Is there free time in St. Moritz?
  The tour note mentions no guaranteed free time in St. Moritz, so your time there might be limited or guided.
• Do I need a passport?
  Yes, a current valid passport is required on the day of travel.
• What is the size of the group?
  Up to 35 travelers, ensuring a manageable and friendly atmosphere.
• Can I cancel if my plans change?
  Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• What should I wear?
  Dress appropriately for weather conditions; the tour operates in all weather.
• Are children allowed?
  Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Is food included?
  No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase in towns.
• Where does the tour end?
  Back at the Milan meeting point, Piazza Duca d’Aosta, 9.

This guided day trip from Milan offers an exceptional way to experience Italy’s lakeside beauty and Switzerland’s mountain majesty in one seamless package. The scenic train ride on the Bernina Express stands out as a highlight, delivering some of the most breathtaking views you can cram into a single day. The visits to Lake Como, Lecco, and St. Moritz blend authentic charm with a touch of luxury, satisfying travelers looking for both culture and natural splendor.

While the schedule is busy and time in each spot is limited, the quality of the scenery, guides, and transportation makes this a worthwhile adventure. It’s perfect for those eager to tick off iconic sights and share in a memorable, picture-perfect day.

If you’re open to a fast but rewarding journey through some of Europe’s most stunning landscapes, this tour is a solid choice. It combines the thrill of riding one of the world’s most beautiful trains with the joy of discovering alpine towns, all in a single, well-coordinated day.