Bernina Express Extension to Milan:
The Switzerland–Italy Route

Some train rides end with a view. This one ends with an entirely different country.

This is the Bernina Express Extension to Milan. Think of this train as that overachiever who climbs glaciers, flexes UNESCO World Heritage creds and still manages to segue into Italy without missing a beat. The extension doesn’t just connect towns; it connects moods. One moment you’re sipping hot chocolate in the alpine wonderland of Tirano and next thing you know, you’re eyeing espressos and aperitivos in Milan, where the fashion is sharp and the gelato sharper.

And let's not forget the Brusio Spiral Viaduct, a stone loop-the-loop that looks like something Escher doodled on a lunch break. The train quite literally circles in on itself, just to say: “Look what I can do.”

So yes, the Bernina Express to Milan is a continuation. But really, it’s a plot twist. A stylish left turn. A bridge between the Swiss glamour and Italian dolce vita. No passport stamp required (well, maybe one). Just a healthy appreciation for the kind of train ride that feels like it should have its own theme song.

All aboard and get ready for this remix.

Bernina Express Extension to Milan Stops

Tirano

Tirano is the charming town that is purely the crossover episode of your Bernina adventure: part snow-globe serenity, part espresso-fueled daydream. Before hopping on the train, enjoy the city first.

Let’s talk showstoppers. First up: the Santuario della Madonna di Tirano. This Baroque beauty is more than just a church. It was built in the 1500s after a local man claimed to have a vision of the Virgin Mary. It now stands like a holy exclamation point at the edge of town.

And before you wander off in a cheese-induced trance, take a detour to the Palazzo Salis. This is a 17th-century noble residence turned museum. Think of it as Tirano’s time capsule: creaky wooden floors, aristocratic frescoes and secret gardens that feel like a Renaissance novella. You will find yourself daydreaming in the drawing room of a 1600s count. And yes, they still keep the ceilings delightfully over-the-top.

Now, onto the serious business of eating. Head to Trattoria Valtellinese, where pizzoccheri reign supreme. Just imagine those buckwheat pasta ribbons tossed with sage, butter and melty local cheese. It’s the kind of dish that hugs you from the inside and doesn’t apologize for it.

As for where to stay, Hotel Centrale is your go-to. It is equal parts cozy and classy. Think exposed beams, sleek stone bathrooms and an in-house wellness area with a Turkish bath and hydromassage showers, because why not squeeze in a spa moment before catching the next train?

Sondrio

Hop off the train at Sondrio, and it becomes clear: this isn’t a pit stop, it’s a sip stop. Being in the heart of the Valtellina wine region, this town is where the Alps loosen their collars and the grapes start to gossip.

First, let’s set the scene with a stroll through Piazza Garibaldi. This is a refined square framed by neoclassical facades and locals who look like they’ve just walked out of an editorial shoot. Here, time slows down in the best possible way. The piazza is flanked by shops, wine bars and historic cafes where you can sip a glass of Valtellina red and pretend you're scouting locations for a film.

But the real treasure here is Castel Masegra, perched strategically on a rocky outcrop just above the city center. This was once a medieval fortress with ramparts and all the drama of a Game of Thrones episode (minus the dragons). It’s now home to CAST – il Castello delle Storie di Montagna, an innovative museum dedicated to alpine life and mountain storytelling. You’ll find interactive exhibits about legendary climbers, traditional mountain culture and even the gear evolution of mountaineering. This is perfect if you like your culture with a bit of adrenaline.

Looking to check in somewhere that makes you feel like modern nobility? Book a stay at the Grand Hotel della Posta. This 17th-century palazzo has mastered the art of quiet luxury. It has an intimate spa tucked away in the ancient wine cellars. Just imagine steam baths, aromatherapy rituals and massages that make your muscles weep in gratitude.

Now, for the pièce de résistance: Ristorante 1862, the hotel’s fine dining jewel. This spot is helmed by chefs who understand that regional cuisine doesn’t mean playing it safe. Here, you can try out local cheese fritters and wines. For oenophiles, the restaurant offers private cellar tours and vertical tastings by candlelight.

Morbegno

If Sondrio was the brooding intellectual sipping wine in a palazzo, Morbegno is the charming friend who invites you over for cheese. BUT, you’ll be paragliding for dinner. 

Let’s begin with the reason foodies whisper about Morbegno like it’s a sacred secret: Bitto cheese. Yes, this is the hometown of the legendary, slow-aged, high-altitude Bitto. Head to Centro del Bitto Storico Ribelle, where artisans in crisp aprons will walk you through its alpine alchemy. There are tastings, of course, and if you time it right, you might witness the cheese being made the traditional way. Yes, copper cauldrons, open flames and milk still warm from the mountain pastures.

Once you’re properly dairy-drunk, pop into Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista. This is a Rococo dream from the 17th century that looks like it was designed by someone with a deep love of gold leaf and drama. The altar is ornate enough to rival royal weddings and the ceiling frescoes are just the right level of over-the-top.

If Morbegno had a middle name, it would be “unexpected.” And that brings us to one of its best-kept secrets: Agriturismo Ortesida. Ortesida is alpine chic disguised as a farm stay. And we’ve heard the pizzoccheri here is to die for.

And when it’s time to unwind (or pretend you’re starring in an indie travel film), check into Hotel La Brace. This is a renovated 19th-century farmhouse just outside town. And if you want a true luxury experience, ask for one of their romantic suites with mountain views and a whirlpool tub.

Colico

As the train curves gently south, the landscape begins to shift. The valley narrows, the air gets lake-swept, and suddenly, bam, there’s Colico. This is the first hint that la Dolce Vita is coming in strong. The town sits where the Adda River empties into Lake Como and its positioning makes it feel like a natural pause.

Start with a visit to Forte Montecchio Nord, the best-preserved WWI fort in Europe. Now, “fort” might not scream luxury, but this one’s different. It was built between 1911 and 1914 and never actually used in combat. The rotating Schneider cannons (yes, rotating) are still operational and, frankly, very Instagrammable. Book a private guided tour for a history-meets-tech deep dive.

From war relics, now head to barefoot bliss, Piona Abbey. This is a serene lakeside monastery still run by Cistercian monks. It’s accessible by boat, bike or a particularly scenic walk. And yes, the monks still make herbal liqueurs on-site (ask nicely, and they might share a taste of their basil elixir).

Now to get a taste of Colico, head to Ristorante Il Vapore. This is a lakeside institution with a terrace so close to the water, you could almost dip your toes between courses. Known for their delicate lake fish dishes, handmade pastas and rich risottos infused with local herbs, it’s a place where flavors whisper luxury without screaming about it.

Ready to unwind in style? Seven Park Hotel delivers contemporary luxury right on the lakefront. The glamour is shown in its modern architecture, floor-to-ceiling windows and a sleek spa offering massages, Finnish saunas and outdoor hot tubs with alpine views. This spot is the kind of place where time stops and your shoulders finally drop.

Lecco

As you continue gliding south, the train slinks alongside Lake Como’s eastern arm and suddenly, Lecco appears like a final act that refuses to be upstaged. Lecco is larger, livelier and quietly literary. It’s the hometown of Alessandro Manzoni, whose novel The Betrothed is basically Italy’s answer to Pride and Prejudice. 

Speaking on Manzoni, the first stop: Villa Manzoni is the neoclassical residence where the famous writer grew up. Today, it’s a museum that blends family history, 19th-century furniture and literary artifacts with a sprinkle of melodrama. Book a private guided tour and you’ll get access to original manuscripts, period art and a crash course in Italian literary prestige.

For a touch of nature with a side of “wow,” make your way to Piani d’Erna. This panoramic mountain plateau is accessible by cable car from nearby Malnago. At the top? Trails, alpine meadows and a view so jaw-dropping it might recalibrate your entire Instagram strategy.

Dinner in Lecco? That’s an art form. Book a table at Soqquadro, a fine-dining spot that’s part design gallery, part culinary wonderland. Expect dishes like saffron risotto with lake fish tartare. It’s modern. It’s moody. And the plating is basically edible architecture.

Now for a stylish overnight: check in to NH Lecco Pontevecchio. This is a sleek, modern property perched by the Adda River. The rooms are clean-lined and spacious, but it’s the views of the lake and Grigna mountains that steal the show. The hotel also offers e-bike rentals if you're feeling sporty-chic and want to cruise lakeside without breaking a sweat.

But if you're not ready to leave the lake just yet, we suggest one last indulgence…

Exclusive Lake Como Yacht Experience

Let’s be real. After winding through alpine peaks, tumbling down vineyard-clad valleys, and gliding along the glittering eastern edge of Lake Como, there’s only one way to elevate the moment: on a yacht. On the lake. Preferably with a glass of prosecco in hand.

This is the grand finale you didn’t know you needed, but absolutely deserve. And while strolling the promenade or sipping espresso in Bellagio is great and all, boarding a private yacht cranks the dial straight to “main character energy.”

Once you're on board, it's pure liquid silk. The boat cuts across the lake while villas drift by like background extras in a film’s opening sequence. Every shoreline looks curated. Every ripple, Instagrammable.

Charter options range from sleek Rivas that look like they’ve just wrapped a photo shoot, to spacious teak-decked yachts where the prosecco never sweats and the towels are always fluffed. Most come with a skipper who knows the lake like their own reflection. And let’s talk amenities. Onboard aperitivo spreads with charcuterie so artisanal it probably has its own Instagram. You can also sunbathe in silence or have a full-blown Euro Summer montage playing out in real time.

Because after all the trains, tunnels and scenic swoons, you’ve earned this. This is luxury in lowercase. Just effortless, elegant and quietly over-the-top. It’s not about being seen. It’s about seeing it all... from the bow of your own boat.

Monza

Monza is where royal gardens meet roaring engines. It's the kind of place where Sunday mornings start with espresso in a palace courtyard… and end with Formula 1 cars breaking the sound barrier.

Start your classy chaos trip with Villa Reale di Monza. Think Versailles, but make it Lombard. Commissioned in the 18th century by the Habsburgs and later polished by the Savoy dynasty, this neoclassical marvel is all grand staircases, mirrored halls and chandeliers that could double as weaponry. You can also join guided tours that will grant you access to the opulent royal apartments.

Behind the villa stretches Parco di Monza, one of the largest enclosed parks in Europe (yes, larger than NYC’s Central Park. This is where deer roam freely, cyclists glide past 19th-century villas and locals picnic like it's an Olympic sport. You can stroll, rent a golf cart or take a horse-drawn carriage if you’re feeling extra Bridgerton.

Now, let’s shift gears, literally. Inside the park is the legendary Autodromo Nazionale Monza, the historic Formula 1 circuit. Even if you’re not into motorsports, there’s something undeniably thrilling about standing on a track where legends like Schumacher and Hamilton have scorched rubber.

For your overnight stay, check into the Hotel de la Ville Monza, located just across from the Royal Villa. This four-star charmer feels like an aristocratic townhouse.

And if you're in the mood for something trendier, head to Saint Georges Premier. This is a contemporary fine dining spot nestled in the park itself. White tablecloths, tasting menus and a setting so romantic it could double as a film set. Expect locally sourced everything, artful plating and wine pairings that flirt with perfection.

Milano

If train stations could do catwalks, Milano Centrale would close the show. It was built to impress Mussolini’s ego (and boy, did it), it’s one of Europe’s most dramatic gateways.

Once you shake off the awe of the station, it's time to explore. Go to Duomo di Milano. Yes, it’s the obvious choice. And no, that doesn’t make it any less iconic. The world’s second-largest cathedral took six centuries to complete. Climb (or elevator, no shame here) to the rooftop terraces and witness gothic spires pierce the sky and offer a view that spans from modern high-rises to snow-capped peaks in the far distance.

Just a short strut away lies the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan’s version of a shopping mall. Even if you're not buying, you must spin on the bull mosaic for good luck. It's touristy, it's silly and yes, even locals sneak a turn when no one's looking.

Hungry yet? For a meal that matches Milan’s ambition, make a reservation at Ristorante Cracco, just off the Galleria. Helmed by celebrity chef Carlo Cracco, this Michelin-starred marvel blends Milanese tradition with wild innovation. Think saffron risotto reinvented. You should ask for the tasting menu and prepare for a culinary opera in five acts.

And when the day winds down and you need a place to collapse with grace? Check in to the Bvlgari Hotel Milano. This hotel is hidden behind a private garden near Brera, it’s the kind of discreet five-star sanctuary that whispers luxury in Italian. The rooms? Sleek, tranquil and fitted like a couture suit. It’s where fashion editors hide between runway shows and where you’ll probably wish you booked two more nights.

Duration

The Bernina Express Extension to Milan takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, but clocks don’t really matter when you’re gliding through Northern Italy like a movie extra in Murder on the Orient Express.

This isn’t the part of your journey where you nap. This is the scenic cooldown. The peaks ease into vineyards, stone villages wave from the sidelines and somewhere along the way, your screen time drops to zero because the actual view is doing all the work. Expect a slow descent into scenes that feel too perfectly arranged to be accidental.

Could this trip be faster? Technically. But then you'd miss the magic that happens when Northern Italy unpacks itself slowly, like a luxury suitcase with far too many compartments. This ride is the kind of gentle chaos you want to savor. You get rural drama, a soft parade of abbeys and alpaca farms, and then suddenly… BAM! Milano Centrale appears in full marble drag like it’s been waiting for your arrival all along.

So yes, it’s 2.5 to 3 hours. 2.5 to 3 hours of changing scenery, shifting moods and preparation to strut in Milan.

Schedules and Tickets

The Bernina Express Extension from Tirano to Milan may sound like an afterthought, but this train leg knows how to carry the third act of your alpine drama with grace. You’re rolling with Trenord, Italy’s regional rail MVP.

Trains run year-round, typically once every hour from morning to evening. That means no need to panic-scroll timetables or sprint like you're chasing a runaway gondola. Just stroll into Tirano station, grab your ticket (or flex your rail pass like the travel pro you are), and settle in for a 2.5 to 3-hour glide into the heart of Milan. Unless you're traveling in summer, when sections of the line sometimes play musical chairs with replacement buses due to maintenance. It's not a dealbreaker, just a reminder to check ahead unless you're into spontaneous road trips.

Got a Eurail or Interrail pass? Lucky you, this ride is covered. Just hop on, no reservations, no drama. If you’re clutching a Swiss Travel Pass, however, this stretch sadly doesn’t apply. Once you cross into Italy, you’re playing by different pasta rules.

In short: buy your ticket, snag that window seat, and treat yourself to one of Northern Italy’s best-kept scenic secrets.