Lake Como, St. Moritz & Bernina Red Train Day Trip Milan

Summary

From Milan to Lake Como then Swiss Alps by train and coach

You’ll float across Lake Como by private boat, ride through Alpine villages to glamorous St. Moritz, then board the Bernina Red Train for sweeping mountain views with windows you can open wide. With a local guide leading every step and time to taste Swiss chocolate or Valtellina wine along the way, this day trip from Milan leaves you with more than just photos.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly missed the bus in Milan because I was convinced my coffee would only take a second — it didn’t, but the guide, Marta, just grinned and waved me over anyway. That set the tone: a little messy, mostly friendly. Our group was a mix of sleepy couples and one older lady who kept asking about George Clooney’s villa on Lake Como (Marta diplomatically dodged that one). The private boat glided out into the morning mist, past villas with lemon trees and shutters thrown open. It smelled faintly of lake water and sunscreen — not what I’d expected in early spring.

After the cruise, we all piled back onto the coach for the drive up toward St. Moritz. The road twisted through tiny villages where laundry flapped from balconies and old men smoked outside cafés. It started raining halfway up the Maloja Pass — soft at first, then loud enough that we had to turn up our headphones to hear Marta explaining how Valtellina wine is made (she said “Nebbiolo” like it was a secret password). In St. Moritz, I tried a chocolate truffle that cost more than my lunch back home. Worth it? Maybe not for my wallet but yes for that weirdly perfect snap when I bit into it.

The main event was the Bernina Red Train — honestly, photos don’t do it justice. We sat in second class (windows you can open!), so when we crossed those viaducts above snowy valleys, I stuck my head out like a kid and got blasted by cold air and pine scent. People waved from mountain cottages as we passed; one little boy even chased after us with his dog until he disappeared behind some birches. At one point Marta pointed out the White Lake and Black Lake — she said there’s a legend about them but forgot half of it mid-sentence and just laughed.

By late afternoon I was tired in that good way you get after seeing too much beauty at once — you know? The ride back down wound through more valleys than I could count. My phone died somewhere near Tirano so I just watched clouds drift over peaks instead of scrolling for once. Even now, weeks later, I still think about those shifting colors on the water in Como and how everyone seemed softer by evening — maybe it was just relief that nobody lost their radio headset (Marta kept joking about that fine).

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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 from train
• Pass Brusio spiral viaduct and Bernina Pass
• Relax and shop in final town
• Return to Milan by bus

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Milan to Lake Como and St. Moritz?

The tour lasts a full day, departing in the morning from Milan and returning in the evening after visiting Lake Como, St. Moritz, and riding the Bernina Red Train.

Is hotel pickup included for this Lake Como & Bernina train tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you must meet at the designated departure point in Milan 15 minutes before departure.

What class are tickets on the Bernina Red Train?

The tour includes reserved seats in second class carriages on the Bernina Red Train between St. Moritz and Tirano or Thusis.

Is there free time in St. Moritz during this day trip?

Yes, you'll have free time to explore or shop in St. Moritz before boarding the Bernina Red Train.

Are food or drinks included on this tour?

No meals are included but you’ll have opportunities to buy local specialties like chocolate or wine during stops.

Do I need a passport for this Milan to Switzerland tour?

Yes, bring a valid passport or European ID as you cross into Switzerland during this trip.

Does this tour operate if it rains?

Yes, it runs in all weather conditions—just dress appropriately for rain or cold temperatures in the Alps.

What’s included

Your day includes transport by luxury air-conditioned coach from Milan with an experienced bilingual guide (English and Spanish), a private boat cruise on Lake Como passing Bellagio and Varenna, reserved second-class tickets for the Bernina Red Train between St. Moritz and Tirano (or Thusis), headphones for easy listening throughout guided portions, plus free time to wander St. Moritz before returning by coach through scenic Alpine valleys.