Lake Como Cruise & Bernina Red Train from Milan with St. Moritz

A full day linking three worlds: the Italian lakes, the Alpine railway, and Swiss mountain luxury.

You board a private boat on Lake Como in the morning, ride the Bernina Red Train across the Swiss Alps to nearly 2,300 metres, walk through St. Moritz between stops, and return to Milan by coach through mountain passes. Transport, the train ticket, and a bilingual guide are all included. The day is long but paced so you're not racing between moments.

Step-by-step itinerary

Lake Como cruise and Swiss Alps train

• Morning cruise on Lake Como
• Bus journey along Maloja route
• Free time in St. Moritz for shopping
• Board Bernina Red Train reserved carriage
• Admire White and Black Lakes
• View Brusio spiral viaduct and Bernina Pass
• Relax and shop in final town
• Return to Milan by bus

The experience

The bus leaves Milan early, and by mid-morning you're on a private boat cutting across Lake Como's still water. Bellagio slides past on one side, Varenna on the other, and somewhere in between is Villa Balbianello: the kind of place that looks exactly like the photographs, except quieter. Your bilingual guide is pointing things out through the headset system they hand you at the start, and you're free to just stand at the rail or sit inside, depending on the weather. The cruise is short enough that you don't get restless, long enough that you actually see the lake.

After that, the bus winds toward St. Moritz along the Maloja route: a drive that's part of the tour itself, not just the getting there. The road climbs and the air changes. St. Moritz is exactly what you'd expect: expensive chocolate shops, designer storefronts, the kind of place where people come to be seen. You get free time to walk around, grab a coffee, maybe buy something small. Then you board the Bernina Red Train, and that's when the day shifts. The train climbs to 2,256 metres, and the windows open. They tell you upfront it's 2nd class, not the panoramic carriage, but that's actually better because you can lean out and photograph the Brusio spiral viaduct without reflections. The track curves back on itself in a perfect 90-degree loop, and you're inside it, watching the landscape tilt. Two lakes pass: one white, one black, depending on the light and the minerals. The Bernina Pass comes next, and then the train descends toward Tirano (or Thusis, depending on which direction the itinerary runs that day, they switch it sometimes to keep things fresh).

The return to Milan happens by coach through the same Maloja valley, but now you're going the other way, and the light is different. You're tired by then, which is fine. The drive gives you time to sit quiet and think about what you've seen. The whole day is about eight to nine hours from pickup to drop-off, and it moves at a pace that doesn't feel rushed. A current passport or European ID is required, and you need to be at the stop 15 minutes early. The radio headset they give you: don't lose it, because there's a 50-euro charge if you do.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup by luxury air-conditioned coach, a private boat cruise on Lake Como with views of Bellagio and Varenna, a one-way 2nd class train ticket on the Bernina Red Train, reserved seating on the train with window access, a bilingual guide throughout, a radio headset system for hearing the guide, free time to walk and shop in St. Moritz, and the return journey to Milan by coach through the Maloja Pass and valley.

Information

Lasts 13h, runs every day at 07:15, from € 173.88 per person, with a live guide in English and Spanish and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:15

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish and SpanishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.2 with pickup ›

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by AUTOSTRADALE VIAGGI SRL

Is this one for you?A good fit if you want to see Lake Como, the Swiss Alps, and a mountain resort in one day without arranging separate transport and train tickets: the fixed itinerary and included guide are what make fitting three regions into a single trip possible.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need a passport for this tour?

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

Is the train ride in first class?

No, it's 2nd class. You can open the windows for photos, which many travelers prefer to the panoramic carriage.

How long is the full day?

Approximately 8 to 9 hours from pickup to return, including the boat cruise, train journey, and free time in St. Moritz.

What if the train itinerary changes?

The route may reverse (starting from Tirano instead of St. Moritz) to ensure the best experience. The operator will confirm the direction before the tour.

What's included in the price?

Lake Como boat cruise, one-way 2nd class train ticket, luxury air-conditioned coach transport, bilingual guide, headset system, and free time in St. Moritz.

What if I lose the headset?

There's a 50-euro penalty fee if the radio system is not returned or is lost.

What should I wear?

Dress appropriately for mountain weather. The tour operates in all conditions, and temperatures at 2,256 metres are significantly cooler than in Milan.