The Bernina Express - our trip and top-tip!

One of our most popular trips is France, Italy, Switzerland and the Bernina Express by train. This 12-day trip takes you from the UK, via Paris, Montreux, Milan, before you board the scenic Bernina Express railway at Tirano, then onto Lucerne, and Strasbourg, before heading back to the UK.

The Bernina Express, covering the route between Tirano and St Moritz, enjoys the title of being one of the most scenic railways in the world - and we agree! UNESCO listed the route in 2008 as a rare example of railway engineering that sits in harmony with the landscape.

However, we have a top tip when journeying along this route - we recommend that you choose to travel on the local regional train (often called the "Red Train") rather than the dedicated Bernina Express. It runs on the exact same tracks as the famous Bernina Express, but in our opinion has these additional benefits:

Route & Scenery: Both trains follow the identical track, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct, passing Lago Bianco, Alp Grüm, and the Brusio Spiral Viaduct. 

Windows & Air: Regional trains feature classic windows that can be opened for taking clear, reflection-free photos of the Alps, whereas the Bernina Express has sealed panoramic windows. In the summer months, the regional trains often include an open carriage, which is truly a memorable experience.

Flexibility & Stops: Regional services run much more frequently throughout the day, allowing you to hop on and off at smaller alpine villages and hiking trails. When you take the local train you change trains in St Moritz. The bonus is that you have almost an hour in St Moritz, which is the perfect amount of time to go outside the station and see the lake.

Reservations & Cost: Regional trains are much less busy than the heavily marketed Bernina Express. It's often almost empty in 1st class, so you can move from side to side to enjoy the beautiful views instead of being squashed into your seat on a packed train.

If you're thinking of a Trip Me Up trip that encompasses the Bernina route, we hope we've given you some food for thought. And whether you plan to travel in the summer to enjoy the bright alpine greenery or would rather experience the dramatic snowscapes and stillness of winter, we can help plan your ideal trip.

If you want something a bit different, that's no problem! Get in touch and tell us what you're looking for - we'd be delighted to create you a bespoke itinerary.