Lake Como & Bernina Express Tour Review 2025: Is It Worth It?

So, you’re looking at that one big day trip from Milan, right? It’s basically the one that holds out the promise of Italy’s most famous lake, a legendary train ride through the Alps, and a peek into a Swiss town that oozes luxury, all before you get back for a late dinner. Well, I recently went on the 2025 ‘Lake Como, Bernina Express Train & St. Moritz’ full-day excursion, and to be honest, it’s quite an experience. As a matter of fact, it’s a very long day packed with so many sights that your brain will almost struggle to process it all in real time. It’s pretty much an attack on the senses, in a really good way, you know? I mean, this is an account of what that day actually felt like, from the early morning departure to the tired but contented return to the city lights.

The Day Begins: A Gentle Ride to a Lakeside Dream

Okay, so the start is, you know, quite early, which is to be expected for a trip that covers so much ground. Basically, you meet the comfortable coach in Milan while the city is still sort of rubbing the sleep from its eyes. The guide on our trip was really friendly, kind of setting a relaxed tone from the very beginning. Actually, the ride out of the city is a smooth transition from urban buzz to the more serene countryside of Lombardy. You just watch the buildings shrink away in the mirror, replaced by green fields and, eventually, the foothills of the Alps, which, you know, start to appear on the horizon. Frankly, you can read more about different ways to get to the lake if you prefer to plan your own pace.

Then, after about an hour or so, you get your first look at Lake Como, and honestly, it really is a sight to behold. It’s almost like the bus turns a corner, and boom, there it is, this massive expanse of deep blue water held in place by dramatic, steep-sided mountains. It’s just as pretty as everyone says it is, you know? We arrived in the town of Como itself, a very neat and historic place that acts as the gateway to all the wonders of the lake. There’s this immediate feeling of having arrived somewhere completely different, somewhere with its own distinct, more or less elegant, personality. So, you’re just eager to get off the bus and start exploring, even though you know your time here is a bit limited.

Discovering Como’s Sidewalk Appeal

Alright, so the time you get in Como is more or less a little taster, not a deep exploration. It’s essentially designed to give you a feel for the place. You just have enough time for a really pleasant walkabout. I mean, the town center is very compact and totally walkable, which is great. I started by just wandering through the old streets, you know, the kind with cobblestones and tall buildings that create these little canyons of shade. You’ll definitely stumble upon the Como Cathedral, or Duomo, which is an absolutely incredible piece of architecture; it’s honestly massive and very detailed, just right there in the middle of a plaza. There are plenty of articles on self-guided walking routes you could follow.

Frankly, the best part for me was the promenade right along the lake’s edge. You just walk beside the water, watching the little ferries and private boats zip back and forth, creating these white wakes on the blue surface. The air feels so clean here, and you can see the grand villas perched on the opposite hillsides, sort of hiding among the trees. It’s really easy to just grab an espresso from a lakeside café and stand there for ten minutes, soaking it all in, which is pretty much what I did. It’s almost like a quick, perfect snapshot of the Italian lake lifestyle before you have to move on to the next part of the adventure.

All Aboard the Iconic Red Train into the Heavens

Okay, so after the brief love affair with Como, it’s back on the bus for a really scenic drive up to the town of Tirano, which is basically the starting point for the main event. This ride itself is quite lovely, as you wind your way through the Valtellina valley, famous for its wines and terraced vineyards. Then you get to Tirano, and you see it waiting for you: the Bernina Express. Honestly, it’s just this brilliant red string of carriages that looks so striking against the greenery and the old Italian buildings. You really feel a little bit of excitement just getting on board, finding your seat, and settling in for what you know is going to be spectacular. I would definitely research which side of the train has the best views before you go.

And seriously, the moment the train starts moving, you understand why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. The windows are these huge, curved panes of glass that go right up into the ceiling, so your view is pretty much completely unobstructed. The train begins this slow, steady climb, and the engineering of it all is just mind-boggling. You pass over spiraling viaducts, like the famous one at Brusio where the train literally does a full circle on itself to gain height. You go through tunnels carved right out of the mountainside and then burst out into these valleys that are so green they almost hurt your eyes. It’s just a continuous, moving panorama of natural beauty. The landscape just keeps getting more and more dramatic, shifting from Italian charm to raw Alpine power with every kilometer.

You know, as the train climbs higher, the trees get smaller and the patches of snow start to appear, even in warmer months. Then, you’re at the top, at the Ospizio Bernina, more than 2,253 meters up, surrounded by these stark, beautiful peaks and glacial lakes. It’s almost like you’ve been transported to a completely different planet in just about two hours.

St. Moritz: A Taste of Alpine Elegance

So, the gentle descent from the Bernina Pass into Switzerland brings you to your final destination: St. Moritz. And, well, the vibe change is immediate and very obvious. As a matter of fact, you’ve left the rustic charm of Italy far behind and have arrived in a world of pure, polished Swiss luxury. St. Moritz is, you know, famously a playground for the rich and famous, and it really shows. The streets are just impeccably clean, and the shops have names that you mostly only see in magazines. It’s a very different kind of beautiful, more manicured and organized than the wildness of the mountains you just came through. You can often find deals on experiencing the town without breaking the bank if you look around.

At the end of the day, you get some free time here too, and it’s a great chance to just wander and see what it’s all about. I would suggest a walk down to the lake, which is this stunning turquoise color and is surrounded by a lovely walking path. Or, you know, you can do what many people do and make a beeline for one of the famous chocolate shops. I mean, getting a taste of real Swiss chocolate right there in Switzerland is almost a required activity. The air is so crisp and cool, and looking around at the grand hotels and the impossibly perfect scenery, you just feel like you’ve had a glimpse into a very different, very exclusive way of life.

Practical Advice for Your Big Day Out

Okay, let’s talk about some real-world stuff you need to know for this tour, because it’s definitely a marathon, not a sprint. Frankly, the most important piece of advice is about what you wear. You absolutely must dress in layers. Seriously. You might start your day in a warm, sunny Milan, but by the time you’re at the top of the Bernina Pass, the temperature can be dramatically colder, even with snow on the ground. A lightweight jacket, a sweater, and comfortable walking shoes are, you know, not optional. At the end of the day, having the right gear makes all the difference to your comfort.

You should also be prepared for the length of the day. It’s pretty much a 12-hour-plus commitment from start to finish. This means it’s probably not the best choice for people who get restless easily or for families with very small children, you know? In terms of food, you have opportunities to grab snacks or a quick lunch in Como or St. Moritz, but the time is a bit tight. I’d suggest packing some water and snacks just to be safe. Also, and this is very important, remember you are crossing a border into Switzerland, which is not in the EU. So, you absolutely must have your passport with you; they actually check it.

• Passport: Just don’t forget it. Seriously.
• Layered Clothing: You will almost certainly experience a wide range of temperatures.
• Snacks and Water: Basically a good idea to stay hydrated and energized.
• Camera: I mean, obviously. The photo opportunities are pretty much endless.
• Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a fair amount of walking, so this is a must.

So, Is This Epic Day Trip the Right One for You?

So, at the end of the day, the big question is whether this tour is a good fit for you. To be honest, it really depends on what you’re looking for in a day trip. If you are someone who is short on time and wants to see an incredible variety of landscapes in a single day, then yes, this trip is absolutely phenomenal. You get the lakeside beauty, the alpine majesty, and the Swiss chic all wrapped up in one very long but very efficient package. For photography lovers, it is, you know, a dream come true. You’ll find some amazing photo opportunities like these that give you a sense of what is possible on this route.

On the other hand, if you are a traveler who prefers to really sink into a place, to spend hours exploring one town or lingering over a long lunch, this tour might feel a bit too rushed for your liking. Basically, it’s a highlights reel. You are constantly moving, and the time in each stop is, you know, limited. For people with any mobility issues, the quick pace and getting on and off the coach and train could be a little bit of a challenge. It’s an experience built on momentum, on the sheer wonder of covering so much ground and seeing the world change so drastically right outside your window. For those who want to see it all, it is, frankly, an incredible and very memorable way to spend a day.