From Como, Alpine Wonders: Lunch at Diavolezza and Bernina

Experience the Swiss Alps with the Como-Alpine Wonders Tour

If you’re craving a day of breathtaking mountain scenery, altitude adventures, and a touch of Swiss charm, this full-day tour from Como might just be your perfect escape. For around 12 hours, you’ll explore Diavolezza, a mountain peak at nearly 3,000 meters, and take a scenic journey aboard the legendary Bernina Red Train—both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Along the way, a well-planned itinerary combines transportation, guided insights, and authentic Swiss cuisine.

Two aspects we truly appreciate are the spectacular panoramic views from the cable car and the unique opportunity to dine high in the mountains—quite literally at 3,000 meters. Plus, the train ride offers a charming look at Swiss and Italian alpine villages and ancient bridges that make the journey memorable. The only potential downside? The day is quite long, and some sections, especially the bus rides, can feel lengthy—so be prepared for a full day of travel.

This tour suits travelers who are eager to see spectacular mountain scenery without the hassle of planning every detail. Perfect for those who love mountain vistas, scenic train rides, and authentic alpine food, it appeals to anyone wanting a comprehensive Swiss Alps experience in just one day.

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Key Points

Stunning Views: Expect panoramic vistas from the cable car and throughout the train journey.
High-Altitude Lunch: Enjoy a meal at the Berghaus Diavolezza Lodge at nearly 3,000 meters.
UNESCO World Heritage: The Bernina Red Train offers a scenic route through a protected landscape.
Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides and assistants make the day informative and smooth.
Long but Rewarding: The full-day itinerary includes multiple transportation modes and scenic stops.
Limited Group Size: Small groups enhance comfort and interaction, with up to 10 participants.

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A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off at the B&B Hotel Como City Center, where you’ll meet your guide and group. The journey begins with a comfortable 70-minute coach ride from Como, giving you a chance to settle in and enjoy some initial views of the Swiss border as you leave Italy behind. We found this part of the trip to be quite relaxed, with an opportunity to chat with fellow travelers or simply gaze out at the changing landscape.

A second bus transfer takes about 1.5 hours, winding through scenic valleys and mountain passes. The trip is smooth and well-organized, making good use of the local roads to maximize your sightseeing time. Along the way, the guide offers insights into the regions you’ll be passing—adding context to the stunning scenery.

St. Moritz and the Bernina Diavolezza Stop

One of the highlights is passing through St. Moritz, a famous Swiss resort town. You won’t stop here for long, but the brief drive-by offers picturesque views of luxury hotels and snow-capped peaks. From there, it’s only about 10 minutes to the Bernina Diavolezza station, where the adventure truly begins.

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Cable Car Ascent to Diavolezza

The cable car ride to the Diavolezza Lodge is a real showstopper. In just 12 minutes, you ascend through layers of mountain air, surrounded by towering peaks, glaciers, and rugged cliffs. The views from the cable car are nothing short of spectacular—every turn reveals another jaw-dropping scene.

Once at the top, you’ll find yourself at nearly 3,000 meters above sea level. The Berghaus Diavolezza Lodge offers a perfect perch for lunch and panoramic photos. The views here stretch across a vast expanse of Alpine mountains and glaciers, making it a fantastic spot for photography, especially for those Instagram-worthy shots.

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High-Altitude Lunch at Berghaus Diavolezza

The included lunch at the lodge is a memorable part of the day. Sitting at high altitude, you’ll savor traditional Swiss dishes while surrounded by mountain vistas. The lodge’s large windows frame the peaks and glaciers, creating a dining experience that’s both hearty and scenic. One reviewer described it as a “dreamy lunch at over 3,000 meters,” emphasizing how special this altitude dining truly is.

Return via Cable Car and Scenic Train

After lunch, you descend back to the station via the same 12-minute cable car ride. From here, the focus shifts to the Bernina Red Train, a true highlight. This two-hour scenic train ride takes you through spectacular alpine valleys, across ancient stone bridges, and past charming villages that seem untouched by time. The train, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers large windows so you can soak in every detail of the rugged landscape.

Traveling from Bernina Diavolezza to Tirano, the route is a visual feast. The train’s route is renowned for its engineering and beauty, and many travelers, including some reviews, note how “awesome” the train ride is. It’s an authentic way to see the Alps without extra effort, and the combination of Italian and Swiss scenery makes for a fascinating contrast.

Final Stop and Return to Como

The journey then takes you to Tirano for about 20 minutes of free time—just enough to stretch your legs or grab a quick snack—before boarding the bus back to Como. The return trip lasts approximately 2.5 hours, giving you time to reflect on the day’s adventures or share stories with your fellow travelers.

What Sets This Tour Apart

The combination of outdoor adventure and scenic train travel makes this tour stand out. We loved the way it offers a full immersion in the Alps’ grandeur—from the heights of Diavolezza to the charming villages along the Bernina line. The small group size (limited to 10 participants) ensures a more personal experience, with guides who are eager to share insights and answer questions.

The value of this tour comes from its inclusions — transportation, cable car tickets, a hearty high-altitude lunch, and the UNESCO-listed train ride. This all-in-one package means you don’t need to fret over booking separate tickets or figuring out schedules, which can be daunting in such a complex region.

Considerations

One thing to keep in mind is the length of the day. With multiple transfers and a full schedule, it’s quite a long experience, which might be tiring for some. Also, the bus rides are lengthy, so travelers prone to motion sickness or fatigue should prepare accordingly. On top of that, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments, given the mountain terrain and transportation modes.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This experience appeals most to adventure seekers and scenery lovers who want a hassle-free way to explore the Swiss Alps. If you enjoy mountain views, scenic train rides, and authentic alpine cuisine, this tour offers excellent value. It’s especially suited for those looking to combine active altitude experiences with cultural sights in a single day.

If your idea of travel includes enjoying nature’s grandeur without the stress of planning every detail, this trip delivers. It’s also a good fit for small groups who prefer a more intimate, guided experience rather than large bus tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring for the tour?
You should bring your passport or ID card, as it’s required for crossing borders between Switzerland and Italy. Dress in layers suitable for mountain weather—think warm clothes and a windbreaker—and bring sunglasses and sunblock. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended.

How long are the bus rides?
The first bus ride from Como to the Swiss Alps lasts about 70 minutes, and the return journey from Tirano back to Como takes approximately 2.5 hours. Be prepared for some long stretches of travel, but the scenic views make it worthwhile.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments due to mountain terrain and transportation modes. Children can participate, but keep in mind the long day and the altitude.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers transportation by coach, an assistant who speaks English and Italian, cable car tickets to Diavolezza, a lunch at high altitude, and train tickets for the Bernina Red Train from Bernina Diavolezza to Tirano.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexibility helps if your travel plans are uncertain.

Is there free time at any stops?
Yes, there is some free time at Tirano after the train ride, usually around 20 minutes, which is enough for a quick walk or snack before heading back to Como.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Como offers a well-rounded taste of the Swiss Alps—combining mountain scenery, historical railway engineering, and alpine cuisine into one memorable day. The spectacular views from Diavolezza, coupled with the train’s scenic route, make it a standout experience for lovers of natural beauty and cultural discovery alike.

The small group setting, knowledgeable guides, and all-inclusive pricing help make this adventure both enjoyable and stress-free. While the long day may not suit everyone, those who revel in outdoor scenery and mountain adventures will find this tour to be a worthwhile investment in their travel experience.

For travelers eager to see the peaks without the hassle of self-organizing, this trip offers a perfect balance of comfort, scenery, and authentic Swiss charm. It’s an ideal choice for those visiting Como who want to venture into the heart of the Alps and create lasting memories of their European journey.

You can check availability for your dates here: