Itinerary

Bernina Express

An 8-day rail journey from London to Lake Iseo via Zurich and the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express, with a six-night stay at Hotel Rivalago.
Bernina Express

This amazing panoramic train connects the north of Europe to its south through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Rhaetian Railway, passing by glaciers on its way down to palm trees.    

Crossing the Alps in the Bernina Express certainly is one of the most  spectacular ways to do it. Along the way, the Bernina Express rolls over the  65-metre-high Landwasser Viaduct, the signature structure of the Rhaetian  Railway and the UNESCO World Heritage site. Altogether the train passes  through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges from Chur to Tirano. Travellers are  treated to marvellous sights during their journey, like the Montebello curve  with a view of the Bernina massif, the Morteratsch glacier, the three lakes  Lej Pitschen, Lej Nair and Lago Bianco, the Alp Gr¸m and the Brusio Circular Viaduct. On board the Bernina Express, one highlight follows another. The famous Landwasser Viaduct, disorienting helical tunnels, Lago Bianco at 2,253 m a.s.l., Alp Gr¸m with its unique view of the Pal¸ Glacier and the Brusio Circular Viaduct are just some of the highlights of the route.    

The Albula and Bernina Lines of Rhaetian Railway have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 2008 due to their unique construction technology and routing. Immerse yourself in a fascinating piece of railway history and experience the masterpieces of engineering at close quarters.    

The InfoT(r)ainment is your digital travel companion that provides you with  exciting information about the Bernina Express and the UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the Bernina Express, you can use the InfoT(r)ainment free of charge on your own smartphone.    

In addition to the unique view, food served to passengers at their seats  also contributes to a railway experience for all the senses. Enjoy delicious  snacks and refreshing drinks from the Bernina Express minibar The journey can be extended from Tirano to Lugano aboard the Bernina  Express Bus in summer. We can arrange for you to visit Northern Italy via the Bernina Express  leaving from London St Pancreas with a stopover in Basil, Zurich or Chur (the start of the Bernina Express) or you can fly to Zurich and connect from  there. You can then continue your journey to Milan, the Italian lakes, Verona and  beyond.  

This Itinerary is for the Journey from London via Zurich then experience the Bernina Express then on to Lake Iseo with a stay for 6 nights at Hotel Rivalago then flights back to the UK. However, we can tailor-make any itinerary to include the Bernina Express.

Number of Days
8
Itinerary Style

Custom-made / Private

Custom Dates /Fixed Dates
Custom Dates
Price
From £1,500 - £2,000, per person
Price Detail

Based on 2  travellers sharing    

As this is a full tailor-made itinerary, pricing is available upon request  and will vary depending on:    

  • Travel dates    
  • Choice of hotel    
  • Group size    
  • Board option
Price Includes

Based on 7 nights

Includes all train travel/transfers

Includes flights

Includes bed & breakfast

Price Does Not Include

N/A

* All compulsory taxes and fees are included in the total holiday price. Final price may vary depending on travel dates and selected option.

Bernina Express    

Train Itinerary:

London to Italy via Switzerland    

Day 1:

London to Zurich    

Journey:

Train from London St Pancras to Zurich (with a change in  Paris).    

Duration:

Approximately (7 hours 30 minutes)    

Accommodation:

Overnight stay in a Zurich hotel.    

Day 2:

Zurich to Lake Iseo (or Verona in Winter)    

Morning:

Train from Zurich to Chur (1 hour 15 minutes).    

Midday:

Scenic Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano (4 hours 25 minutes).    

Afternoon:

Train from Tirano to Sulzano (3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 31  minutes, depending on the route).    

Accommodation:

Hotel Rivalago, Lake Iseo. (For winter journeys, consider a  stay in Verona instead.)    

Days 3:

Relaxing by the Lake    

Hotel Rivalago ñ Lake Iseo (or a hotel in Verona for winter trips).    

Day 7:

Return to the UK    

Morning:

Private transfer to Milan Bergamo Airport (or take a train if  preferred).    

Flight:

Return to London (or other UK airports).    

(For winter trips, fly back from Verona Airport.)    

Alternative Route Options

Winter Adjustment:

Instead of Lake Iseo, stay in Verona. The train journey  from Tirano to Verona is similar in duration to TiranoñSulzano.    

Bernina Express Extension:

Continue the journey by bus from Tirano to  Lugano, then transfer by train or private transfer to Lake Como or Maggiore  for an extended stay.

Includes:    

Train travel from London with standard-class tickets    

Accommodation on route at a selected hotel in Zurich with breakfast  included    

Standard Class tickets on the Bernina Express.    

Train travel from Tirano to your Italian hotel    

Return flights from Milan ( or you could also take a train back to London)      

Optional:    

Rail journeys can be tailored for shorter routes or arranged in reverse  order    

Experiences such as Verona Opera performances can be arranged    

Rail Journeys can be added as part of a package and tailored to your  preference    

You can return home by train or by plane if you prefer

Bernina Express
Enquire Now

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* All compulsory taxes and fees are included in the total holiday price. Final price may vary depending on travel dates and selected option.
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