From Milan: Bernina Red Train & Lunch with Mountain Views

A Scenic Day in the Swiss Alps: Bernina Red Train & Lunch at Diavolezza from Milan

For those seeking a full day of breathtaking mountain vistas, this tour offers a compelling mix of high-altitude cable car rides, a UNESCO-listed train journey, and authentic Swiss alpine cuisine. Priced at $225 per person and lasting around 12 hours, it’s designed for travelers who want to see the peaks without the hassle of planning each detail.

What we really appreciate about this experience are the panoramic views from the cable car — floating up to nearly 3,000 meters and feeling like you’re on top of the world — as well as the chance to ride the famous Bernina Red Train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both offer unique ways to experience the Swiss Alps that go beyond just sightseeing; they create lasting memories.

A potential drawback could be the long day’s travel, especially if you’re not accustomed to extended bus rides or mountain air fatigue. It’s also a tour best suited for those comfortable with unstructured free time at high altitudes and who enjoy scenic train journeys.

This trip is perfect for adventure-seekers, mountain lovers, and curious travelers wanting an authentic alpine experience with plenty of comfort and guidance along the way.

Key Points

• Stunning Mountain Views: Experience the Alps from multiple vantage points—cable cars and the Bernina train.
• Authentic Swiss Cuisine: Savor hearty Pizzoccheri at 3,000 meters, a true alpine specialty.
• UNESCO World Heritage: Ride the Bernina Red Train through historic tracks and scenic valleys.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable hosts help you make the most of each stop, with reviews praising their helpfulness.
• Flexible Experience: Free time at Diavolezza and Tirano means you can soak in the scenery at your own pace.
• All-Inclusive Value: Ticket, cable car, and lunch included, offering a hassle-free day with no surprise costs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Swiss Alps: The Tour’s Journey in Detail

This full-day adventure from Milan packs in several iconic Swiss sights into one well-organized itinerary, making it ideal for those who don’t want to worry about logistics but still crave an authentic, immersive experience. Here’s how it breaks down.

Starting Point and Early Morning Departure

The tour begins at Piazza della Repubblica in Milan, a central and easy-to-find meeting point. From there, a comfortable coach whisks you through the Italian landscape towards the Swiss border, with scenic views that get better as you approach the Alps. We found the 70-minute transfer smooth, and the onboard bilingual guides provide helpful tips and context, making the early part of the day both informative and relaxing.

The Drive to St. Moritz and Diavolezza

After a roughly 1.5-hour drive, you’ll pass through the glamorous resort town of St. Moritz — a quick peek, as the main focus is ahead. The scenic drive continues, and you’ll get glimpses of pristine lakes, mountain ridges, and postcard-perfect villages.

Arriving at Bernina Diavolezza, you’ll step onto the cable car for a 12-minute ascent to the Diavolezza Lodge. The ride itself is spectacular — you’ll be surrounded by towering peaks, glaciers, and the sheer grandeur of the Alps. Once at the top, the panoramic views stretch across the entire range, with snow-capped summits and glittering glaciers that seem within reach. As one reviewer put it, Diavolezza was “a paradise,” and we agree — it’s an ideal spot for photos, wandering, or just soaking in the scale of the mountains.

Lunch at 3,000 Meters

The highlight for many is the lunch at Berghaus Diavolezza, served at over 3,000 meters. The menu features traditional alpine fare like Pizzoccheri, a hearty dish of buckwheat pasta, melted cheese, potatoes, and cabbage, infused with garlic butter and sage. This isn’t just fuel; it’s a taste of the Alps, served with unrivaled mountain views.

Guests praise the quality and presentation, with reviews noting it was “much better than expected,” and the food is described as “great and well-presented.” The relaxed 1.5-hour break allows plenty of time to enjoy the meal, take photos, or simply breathe in the crisp mountain air.

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The Bernina Red Train Experience

After lunch, you’ll board the Bernina Red Train, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed route that’s considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. The train winds through spectacular alpine valleys, stone bridges, and charming villages, providing a different perspective of the Swiss mountains.

This two-hour ride is a highlight for many travelers, offering sweeping vistas through large windows, with some reviews mentioning the train ride as “amazing” and “stress-free” — a relaxing way to see the landscape without the fatigue of walking or driving.

Return via Tirano and Scenic Drive Back to Milan

After the train ride, the bus takes you to Tirano, a small Italian town, where you get about 30 minutes of free time. Some travelers use this to stretch their legs, grab a coffee, or explore a little of the town.

The day concludes with a 2.5-hour bus journey back to Milan, passing through more picturesque scenery. The smooth organization and helpful guides ensure that even tired legs can relax and reflect on the day’s highlights.

Authentic Experiences and Authenticity

What sets this tour apart is its focus on authentic Swiss mountain scenery and cuisine. Unlike busy group tours that feel rushed or overly commercialized, you’ll find plenty of moments to enjoy the landscape at your own pace. The high-altitude lunch is a true highlight, providing not just sustenance but also a cultural taste of the Alps.

The reviews consistently mention knowledgeable guides like Salvatore and Raffaele, who are praised for their helpfulness and insight — making the long bus rides more engaging and the stops more meaningful.

The Value of This Tour

At $225, the price covers transportation, cable car tickets, a scenic train ride, and a hearty lunch. Considering that each component — especially the cable car and train — can be quite costly if booked separately, this tour offers good value. It’s a comprehensive package that takes the guesswork out of logistics, which can be especially appealing for travelers who want a stress-free experience.

However, it’s worth noting that the visit to Diavolezza and the train ride are unaccompanied — you’ll explore these areas on your own, which is perfect if you’re independent but might feel limiting if you prefer guided tours at each stop.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This trip is best suited for adventure lovers, photography enthusiasts, and those who want to see the Swiss Alps without the hassle of planning. If you enjoy panoramic views, hearty mountain food, and scenic train rides, you’ll find this tour ticks all those boxes. Families with older children or teens will appreciate the mix of activities and the relaxed pace.

It’s less ideal for travelers with mobility challenges due to the high-altitude stops and unaccompanied exploration, but if you’re prepared for a full day of sightseeing and comfortable with a long day, it’s a memorable way to experience the Swiss Alps from Milan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my passport?
Yes, you must carry your original passport or an equivalent ID, as it’s necessary for border crossing and verification during the trip.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
This tour isn’t recommended for those with mobility impairments because of the high-altitude stops and unaccompanied exploration at Diavolezza.

How long is the bus ride from Milan?
The entire travel time from Milan to the Swiss Alps is about 2.5 hours each way, including stops. The initial transfer is around 70 minutes, and the return is roughly 2 hours and 20 minutes.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers bus transportation, the cable car ascent to Diavolezza, lunch at the lodge, and the Bernina Red Train ride from Bernina Diavolezza to Tirano.

Can I customize my experience at Diavolezza or Tirano?
You’ll have free time at each stop, so you can explore or relax at your own pace. However, guided tours do not include guided exploration at these locations.

Is the lunch buffet vegetarian or does it include specific dietary options?
The menu features traditional hearty dishes like Pizzoccheri, and while reviews mention the quality and presentation, specific dietary options are not detailed. It’s worth checking in advance if you have special requirements.

To sum it up, this tour from Milan offers a well-balanced mix of scenic beauty, culture, and relaxation — perfect for travelers wanting a taste of the Swiss Alps without the need to plan every detail themselves. The high-altitude cable car, the UNESCO-listed Bernina train, and authentic Swiss cuisine combine to create a memorable day out.

Ideal for those who love stunning mountain views, hearty food, and historic train journeys, it’s an experience that will leave you with plenty of photos and stories to tell. If you’re looking for a reliable, immersive, and beautiful mountain adventure close to Milan, this trip is worth considering.

For anyone eager to see the Swiss Alps from a comfortable, organized vantage point, and who appreciates authentic mountain fare, this tour hits all the right notes. Just bring your passport, a sense of adventure, and a camera — you’re in for a remarkable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: