From Como, Alpine Wonders: Lunch at Diavolezza and Bernina

Traveling from Como into the heart of the Swiss Alps? This action-packed tour promises spectacular views, mountain adventures, and a taste of Swiss charm—all in one day. While it’s a long day with around 12 hours of travel, the highlights make it well worth the effort for mountain lovers and scenery seekers alike.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the breathtaking cable car ascent to Diavolezza, offering views that seem straight out of a postcard. Second, the delicious lunch at over 3,000 meters, where you can enjoy hearty Swiss fare surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Third, the UNESCO-listed Bernina Red Train, providing a scenic journey through mountain passes and lush valleys.

That said, the tour involves a fairly long travel time, and some might find the pace quite full. It’s best suited for those comfortable with a packed schedule and eager to explore Switzerland’s most iconic sights in one day. If you’re a mountain enthusiast or simply love panoramic vistas, this trip could be the highlight of your Swiss adventure.

Good To Know

• Spectacular Views: Expect stunning vistas of peaks, glaciers, and alpine valleys.
• High-Altitude Dining: Enjoy a substantial Swiss meal at the Diavolezza Lodge at nearly 3,000 meters.
• Unesco World Heritage: Experience the legendary Bernina Red Train, a UNESCO site, offering extraordinary scenery.
• Guided Comfort: Small group size and bilingual guides ensure a personalized and informative experience.
• Long but Rewarding Day: Total duration is around 12 hours, including travel and sightseeing.
• Limited Mobility: Not suitable for those with mobility impairments due to the nature of the activities.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Journey Through the Swiss Alps: A Detailed Breakdown

Starting Point in Como and the Journey Begins

The tour kicks off at the B&B Hotel Como City Center, where you meet your guide and fellow travelers. From there, a comfortable GT bus takes you on a roughly 70-minute ride across the scenic Italian countryside. This warm-up journey sets the tone—expect glimpses of Lake Como and green hills as you head towards the border.

Crossing into Switzerland and the Scenic Drive

Next, a 1.5-hour bus ride brings you into Switzerland, passing through picturesque towns and alpine landscapes. Our guide, who speaks both English and Italian, keeps the atmosphere lively with interesting facts about the regions you pass through. You might hear snippets about local culture, mountain legends, or insider tips about Swiss cuisine—helping to build anticipation for the day ahead.

St. Moritz: a Short Scenic Stopover

Briefly passing through St. Moritz, you get a chance for quick photos or to admire the glamorous Swiss resort town from the bus window. It’s a fleeting moment, but a reminder of how diverse the scenery gets within just a few miles. The real star, of course, is yet to come.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Arriving at Bernina Diavolezza and the Cable Car Ascent

After a 20-minute transfer, you arrive at Bernina Diavolezza, where the real adventure begins. Here, you’ll hop onto a cable car that takes about 12 minutes to ascend to the Diavolezza Lodge at almost 3,000 meters.

The ride itself is an experience—gazing out at glaciers, jagged peaks, and sweeping mountain ranges as the cable car climbs higher. Many guests express awe at the panoramic views, with comments like “spectacular scenery on the way” and “the train ride was awesome,” highlighting how memorable this part of the trip is.

From the top, the sightlines stretch endlessly, with peaks like Piz Palü and Morteratsch Glacier clearly visible. One reviewer noted, “We loved the way the views just kept getting better,” which truly captures how breathtaking this ascent can be.

Lunch at Diavolezza Lodge

Next, you’ll enjoy a lunch at the Berghaus Diavolezza, where the menu offers hearty Swiss fare. The two-hour window allows enough time to relax, take photos, and soak in the spectacular surroundings. It’s a rare chance to sit at nearly 3,000 meters while savoring local dishes, making it a highlight for many.

Travelers have appreciated the quality of the experience; one reviewer says, “The lunch at high altitude was unforgettable,” emphasizing how special dining here feels. The location also provides ample opportunities for photos—think snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and expansive skies.

Return via Cable Car and the Bernina Red Train

After lunch, you’ll descend back down in the cable car to Bernina Diavolezza station. Then, the adventure continues aboard the Bernina Red Train for a roughly two-hour scenic ride through the Swiss Alps.

The train journey is often described as “spectacular,” with panoramic windows revealing mountain passes, charming villages, and lush valleys. The route is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its engineering and natural beauty, making it a must-experience for rail fans and scenery lovers alike. Several reviews highlight the train ride as a major highlight, with one saying, “The train ride was awesome,” capturing how memorable this part of the trip truly is.

Stop in Tirano and Return to Como

After the train, you’ll have about 20 minutes in Tirano, a charming Italian town known for its historic center and vibrant atmosphere. It’s a quick stop for a stretch or some quick photos before the bus ride back to Como, which takes around 2.5 hours.

The journey back provides a relaxing window to reflect on the day’s highlights, with the scenery gradually shifting from alpine grandeur to familiar Italian landscapes as you near Como.

What We Loved About the Tour

Spectacular Scenic Diversity: From the cable car views to the panoramic train ride, the tour offers multiple perspectives of the Alps—each more impressive than the last. You’ll love the feeling of being high above the clouds, surrounded by glaciers and rugged peaks.

High-Altitude Dining Experience: Sitting at nearly 3,000 meters and enjoying a meal with unspoiled mountain vistas is pretty special. The lodge provides hearty Swiss dishes, perfect for recharging after the ascent.

Expert Guides and Small Group: With a small group capped at 10 participants and guides fluent in both English and Italian, the experience feels intimate and informative. Reviewers frequently commented on the guides’ knowledge and friendly attitude.

UNESCO World Heritage Train Ride: Traveling on the Bernina Red Train, recognized for its engineering and scenic importance, adds a layer of authenticity and cultural value that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Authentic Swiss Alps Experience: Unlike more commercialized tours, this one lets you get close to the mountains, breathe in fresh alpine air, and take in the natural splendor firsthand.

Things to Keep in Mind

Long Day, Full Schedule: With around 12 hours of travel and sightseeing packed into one day, it’s a demanding itinerary. Make sure you’re prepared for a full day on your feet, and bring snacks if needed.

Weather Considerations: Mountain weather can change quickly. Pack layers, sunglasses, and sunscreen—especially since much of the day is spent outdoors at high altitude.

Mobility Restrictions: The tour isn’t suitable for guests with mobility impairments due to the nature of cable cars and the terrain.

Cost and Value: Although the trip is priced to cover transportation, tickets, and lunch, think of it as an all-in-one Swiss Alps experience that would be difficult and expensive to arrange independently.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive Swiss Alps day trip without the hassle of planning every detail. If you’re eager to combine scenic mountain views, a historic train ride, and a memorable high-altitude meal, this tour ticks all the boxes.

It’s particularly suitable for those comfortable with a full day’s activity, and who cherish authentic natural landscapes. Hikers or those with limited mobility might find some parts challenging, but overall, it’s designed for those wanting a taste of the mountains with minimal fuss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is designed for adults and older children comfortable with long days of travel and outdoor activities. The terrain and schedule may be too demanding for very young kids.

What should I bring on the day of the tour?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, layered clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Photographers should have their camera ready, as the views are stunning.

Are meals included?
Yes, lunch at the Diavolezza Lodge is included, offering a hearty Swiss meal at high altitude.

How long is the train ride?
The Bernina Red Train journey lasts about 2 hours, giving ample time to enjoy the scenery and take photos.

Can I join if I have limited mobility?
No, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments due to the terrain and transportation involved.

What is the starting point?
Guests meet at the B&B Hotel Como City Center, 15 minutes before the scheduled departure.

Is there free cancellation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if plans change.

Final Thoughts

This Swiss Alps day tour from Como offers a true feast for the senses—stunning vistas, an iconic train journey, and a memorable mountain meal. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone eager to see the Alps’ grandeur without spending multiple days in transit.

The combination of guided comfort, breathtaking scenery, and cultural highlights means you’ll leave with plenty of stories to tell. While the long hours may not suit everyone, those who love mountain landscapes and scenic railways will find it well worth the effort.

This tour delivers a balanced mix of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural charm—making it a standout option for a full-day Swiss experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: