Don’t Just See the Alps, Experience Them: The Bernina Express Explained

• Express vs. Red: Why the official panoramic train - with its glass roof and reserved seats - is the superior choice over the standard commuter.

• Palms to Glaciers: Experience the UNESCO route that climbs from sunny Italy to the snowy Swiss Alps in one spectacular journey.

• The Ultimate Package: Combine the Bernina Express with a stay on Lake Como and a 10-night luxury cruise to Rome and Dubrovnik.

When you picture the Alps, you might imagine looking up at them. But the most spectacular way to experience these peaks is from the top looking down, whilst sipping a coffee in a First Class seat, watching the world’s most dramatic scenery unfold through floor-to-ceiling glass.

This is the Bernina Express.

Often confused with the standard trains that share its tracks, the Bernina Express is a unique, UNESCO World Heritage experience.

Below, we break down exactly what it is, how it differs from the "Bernina Red," and showcase a holiday package that combines this rail adventure with an incredible Mediterranean cruise.

What is the Bernina Express?

The Bernina Express is a dedicated sightseeing train operated by the Rhaetian Railway (RhB). While the railway network connects Chur and Davos, the most famous section is the descent from St. Moritz (Switzerland) to Tirano (Italy).

It is not just a mode of transport; it is a piece of theatre. The route is the highest railway across the Alps, starting at the breathless heights of the Swiss mountains before winding its way down to just 429 metres in sultry, palm-lined Tirano. It does this without rack-and-pinion gears, relying purely on loops, spirals, and engineering genius.

The Route Highlights

• Ospizio Bernina: The highest point of the line (2,253m), where the scenery is an alien landscape of ice, rock, and the "White Lake" (Lago Bianco).

• Alp Grüm: A high-altitude station offering an incredible backdrop of the Palü Glacier before the train begins its dramatic descent.

• Poschiavo Valley: As the train drops in altitude, the snow gives way to lush green valleys and stone villages.

• The Brusio Spiral Viaduct: An iconic 360-degree loop near the Italian border where the train curves under itself to manage the steep gradient.

Bernina Express vs. The "Bernina Red"

A common question we get at Cruise.co.uk is: "Is this different from the red trains I see in photos?"

Yes and no. The confusion comes because both trains are red, and both run on the same tracks. However, the experience is very different. The "Bernina Red" usually refers to the standard regional trains.

Here is why you want the Express for this journey:

1. The Windows (The Big Difference)

• Bernina Express: Features exclusive Panoramic Coaches. The glass curves from your armrest right up into the roof. This creates an immersive "glass bubble" effect, ensuring you don't miss the peaks towering above you.

• Bernina Red: Uses standard square windows. While they offer nice views, they don't offer the same wide-screen, cinematic majesty of the Express.

2. Comfort & Service

• Bernina Express: This is a tourist-first experience. You have guaranteed seat reservations, more legroom, an audio guide explaining the history of the route, and a roving minibar trolley with snacks and souvenirs.

• Bernina Red: These are commuter trains. They are fantastic for locals, but they can be crowded, there are no reserved seats (it's a free-for-all), and there is no commentary.

In short: The Bernina Red is for getting from A to B; the Bernina Express is for falling in love with the journey.

Featured Package: Lake Como, the Bernina Express with St Moritz & Mediterranean cruising

We have crafted the perfect itinerary that combines the relaxation of the Italian Lakes, the thrill of the Swiss Alps, and the delights of a Mediterranean cruise.

Package: Lake Como & The Bernina Express with Mediterranean Cruising

Duration: 16 Nights

Ship: Celebrity Constellation

Part 1: Lakes & Rails (Days 1–5)

Your holiday begins with a flight to Milan and a transfer to the stunning Lake Como, where you will settle into your 4* Hotel.

• The Villa Experience: We include a visit to the neoclassical Villa Melzi in Bellagio, complete with an excursion by public boat to see the "Pearl of the Lake."

• The Main Event (Day 3): This is your Bernina Express day. You will transfer by coach to Tirano to board the panoramic train. You’ll climb the Alps to the exclusive Swiss resort of St. Moritz, crossing the border and back, before returning to your hotel in time for dinner.

Part 2: The Adriatic & Riviera Cruise (Days 6–16)

After your lake stay, you travel to Ravenna to embark on the Celebrity Constellation. This 10-night cruise hits the very best ports in the Mediterranean:

• Croatia & Montenegro: Sail the stunning Dalmatian Coast with stops in Zadar, the walled city of Dubrovnik (famous as a filming location for Game of Thrones), and the dramatic fjord of Kotor.

• Sicily & Amalfi: Visit Messina (Sicily) and Salerno, your gateway to the Amalfi Coast.

• The Italian Riviera: The ship sails up to Portofino (the playground of the rich and famous) and La Spezia (offering access to Florence or Pisa).

• The Finale: Your journey ends in Civitavecchia (Rome) for your flight home to the UK.

The Verdict

Why you need to experience the Bernina Express

The Bernina Express isn’t just a train ride; it’s a masterclass in contrasting landscapes.

Nowhere else in Europe can you start your morning with an Italian espresso under palm trees and find yourself surrounded by glaciers and snow-capped peaks by lunchtime.

It is the most effortless way to access the high Alps - no hiking boots or treacherous mountain driving required.

You simply sit back in absolute comfort, safely behind panoramic glass, and let the UNESCO World Heritage scenery come to you.

It is a bucket-list journey that proves the travel really is as important as the destination.

Why it’s better as a package

While the train ride is effortless, getting there often isn't. Arranging a trip like this independently can be a logistical headache.

Aligning Swiss rail timetables with Italian bus transfers, finding hotels in the right locations, and then getting to a cruise port on time requires military precision.

By choosing one of our package holidays, we strip away the stress. We handle the complex transfers between Lake Como, Tirano, and the ship.

You don't have to worry about missing connections or hauling luggage across borders.

You get the thrill of the Swiss mountains and the relaxation of a Mediterranean cruise in one seamless itinerary, ensuring your only worry is which photo to take next.