Lake Como cruise, St.Moritz and Bernina Red Train

A detailed look at the Lake Como cruise, St. Moritz, and Bernina Red Train tour

If you’re planning a day trip from Milan to explore the stunning lakes and mountains of Italy and Switzerland, this tour promises a mix of luxurious scenery, charming villages, and scenic train rides. While it’s not perfect — some reviewers found it rushed or the guide a bit lacking — it offers a comprehensive taste of the region’s highlights in one long, memorable day.

What we love about this experience is the chance to relax on a private boat cruise on Lake Como, see the glittering resort town of St. Moritz, and travel through the Swiss Alps on the famous Bernina Express. Plus, the included guide and the opportunity to snap photos of incredible landscapes make it especially appealing. A potential downside? The tour can feel quite packed, with limited time at each stop, so it’s best for those who want a quick, visually stunning getaway rather than a slow, in-depth exploration.

This trip suits travelers who are craving iconic scenery, swift transitions between highlights, and the convenience of organized transport. If you’re short on time but eager to tick off some major sights in Italy and Switzerland, this tour could be just what you need.

Good To Know

• Convenient round-trip from Milan, eliminating travel hassles
• Stunning scenery on Lake Como, the Maloja Pass, and Swiss Alps
• Efficient itinerary blending boat cruises, town visits, and scenic train rides
• Guided experience with bilingual guides, making it accessible for international travelers
• Limited free time at stops, so plan ahead if you want to explore more deeply
• Cost-effective at around $202, offering multiple highlights in one day

Why you’ll love this tour

This full-day adventure is designed to give you a taste of some of the most breathtaking sights in Italy and Switzerland without the hassle of planning multiple trips yourself. The core appeal lies in the stunning vistas you’ll see from the comfort of a luxury coach and the train, coupled with the charm of lakeside villages and alpine towns.

One of the main draws is the Lake Como cruise. Many reviews highlight how beautiful and relaxing it is to glide across the calm waters, admiring the iconic lakeside villas and colorful towns like Bellagio and Varenna. As one traveler put it, “The Lake Como cruise and Bernina train ride was such a joy and major highlight.”

Next, the Bernina Express offers what many consider one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. With panoramic windows (albeit in second class) that open for photos, you’ll pass the Brusio spiral viaduct, Bernina Pass (at 2,253 meters), and the fascinating “white” and “black” lakes along the route. Several reviewers praise the train ride as “magical” and “breathtaking,” making it a major highlight of this trip.

The visit to St. Moritz provides a taste of Swiss luxury. You get some free time to walk around, shop, or simply soak up the atmosphere of this famous ski resort. One traveler noted they appreciated the guide’s flexibility, leaving enough time to explore independently. However, some, like one reviewer, wished for more time here and less in Lake Como, highlighting how tight the schedule can be.

The Itinerary in Detail

Lake Como Cruise: A Relaxing Start

Your day begins early with a luxury coach trip from Milan to Lake Como. Once there, you’ll board a private boat for about an hour, cruising the tranquil waters. This is the perfect way to see the picturesque lakeside villages from a different perspective. Expect views of Villa Balbianello, known for its lush gardens and appearances in films, and charming towns like Bellagio and Varenna.

Reviewers note that the scenery is truly stunning — many mention how the villas and colorful lakeside houses look like something out of a postcard. It’s worth noting that there’s no additional charge for the boat cruise, adding value to the experience.

Maloja Pass and on to St. Moritz

After the boat ride, the coach takes you through the Maloja Pass, winding through the Swiss Alps. The drive itself is part of the experience: breathtaking mountain views, lush valleys, and charming Swiss hamlets. Travelers who have done this route comment that it’s a “beautiful bus journey,” with some mentioning it makes the whole trip worth it.

Arriving in St. Moritz, you have around two hours for free time. Many reviews highlight how charming and glamorous this resort town is, with some visitors taking the opportunity to shop or grab a quick bite before boarding the Bernina Red Train. One reviewer remarked, “The town is just as beautiful as you’d imagine,” noting its high-end shops and scenic atmosphere.

The Scenic Bernina Red Train Ride

The star of the day for many is the Bernina Express, which weaves through the Swiss Alps in reserved carriages. You’ll pass through areas featuring spectacular mountain vistas, lakes, and the famous Brusio spiral viaduct. According to reviews, the second-class carriage offers windows that you can open, allowing for great photo opportunities.

Travelers often describe this part of the trip as “magical” and “breathtaking,” with plenty of opportunities to snap perfect landscape shots. One reviewer said, “The scenery is absolutely stunning, and the train ride is worth every penny,” emphasizing how remarkable the views are, even in less-than-ideal weather.

Ending in Tirano

The journey concludes in Tirano, where you can indulge in some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before heading back to Milan by bus. The return trip is around an hour, but a few reviews cite delays due to traffic or driver rest times, so be prepared for a longer day than anticipated.

Transportation and Timing: What to Expect

The entire experience is centered around comfort and convenience. The coach is described as luxury and climate-controlled, though some reviews mention that air conditioning was not always working — so packing a fan or dressing in layers could be wise. The tour departs at 7:15 am from Milan, with the meeting point at the Autostradale bus stop, just near public transportation.

The itinerary is tightly packed, with each stop lasting about two hours or less. The boat cruise, towns, and train rides are scheduled sequentially, which means you’ll need to move quickly. Reviewers suggest that timing is key, and respecting the guide’s instructions helps the day go smoothly.

Group Size and Guides

With a maximum of 50 travelers, the tour isn’t overly crowded, but some reviews mention small group experiences (around 25 people) make the trip more manageable. Guides are bilingual (English and Spanish), with many reviewers praising their knowledge, friendliness, and flexibility.

However, some travelers felt the guides could be more engaging or provide more historical context. For example, one noted that during the bus journey, the guide spent most of the time talking to the driver, leaving little narration. Conversely, others appreciated the guide’s approachable manner and helpful tips.

Cost and Value

At approximately $202.44 per person, this tour offers access to several iconic sights in one day — from lakeside villas to Swiss mountain vistas. Reviewers frequently comment that the experience is well worth the price, considering the included boat cruise, train tickets, guided tours, and transportation. However, some felt the schedule was rushed, especially with limited free time in St. Moritz.

Practical Considerations

• Weather: Operating rain or shine; a jacket or umbrella might be needed.
• Food and drinks: Not included, so bringing snacks or money for lunch is recommended.
• Passport or ID: Required for cross-border travel.
• Timing: Arrive 15 minutes early and be prepared for a long day.

Final thoughts: Is this tour right for you?

This trip is perfect if you’re after a day of stunning scenery and efficient sightseeing. It’s ideal for travelers who don’t mind a packed schedule and want to cover multiple highlights in one go. The boat cruise, Swiss Alps train ride, and St. Moritz visit combine to create a well-rounded experience that captures the essence of the region’s beauty.

However, if you prefer more relaxed, flexible exploration or want to spend longer in each location, this may feel a bit rushed. The guide’s level of commentary varies between reviews, so if you’re looking for an in-depth historical narration, you might want to prepare some extra info yourself.

Overall, for value and visual spectacle, this tour delivers a memorable taste of Italy’s lakes and Switzerland’s mountains — best suited for adventurous travelers eager to see the sights without the hassle of planning.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes luxury air-conditioned coach transport from Milan and a train ticket for the Bernina Express in second class.

How long is the total tour?
The entire day is approximately 13 hours, with several stops, including boat cruise, town visits, and train ride.

Do I need a passport?
Yes, a valid passport or European ID is required as you cross borders between Italy and Switzerland.

Is food included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, so bring snacks or plan to buy lunch during your free time.

What should I wear?
Dress appropriately for all weather conditions; layers and a jacket are advisable, especially for the mountain and train segments.

Can I upgrade to first class on the train?
The tour includes second-class tickets, but some reviews mention upgrading as an option. The train in second class offers windows you can open for photos.

What is the group size?
The tour can accommodate up to 50 travelers, but some groups are smaller, making for a more intimate experience.

What if it rains?
The tour operates in all weather conditions, so be prepared for rain or shine. Scenic views are still impressive in variable weather.

This tour offers a well-rounded, visually stunning day out that balances convenience with spectacular scenery. It’s ideal if you’re eager to experience the beauty of Lake Como and the Swiss Alps without the hassle of organizing transportation and tickets personally. Just keep in mind the schedule can be tight, and some stops might feel rushed, but the views and experiences are well worth it.