Is train travel included in the price?

Yes. The package includes a three-day Swiss Travel Pass in second class, seat reservations on the Bernina Express, and coach travel in the Valtellina valley and to Lake Como.

Which trains will I ride?

The Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano. You travel by coach from Tirano through the Valtellina valley to Lugano.

Is this tour guided or independent?

This is an individual rail journey. You travel independently; day three includes unguided time in Lugano. Day one features the guided portion of the itinerary.

What hotels are included?

One night in a three-star hotel in Chur and one night in a three-star hotel in Lugano, both with standard double rooms and breakfast.

How much walking is involved?

The itinerary includes strolls through the old towns of Tirano and Lugano, plus the lake promenade in Lugano. Most travel days involve coach or train.

Can I book this trip in the opposite direction?

Yes, the itinerary can be reversed, starting from Lugano and ending in Chur.

railtour suisse · Individual rail journey

Bernina Express Chur – Lugano (for international guests)

Alpine rail journey from Chur to Lugano on the UNESCO Bernina Express

Railtour suisse operates this three-day individual rail journey that showcases the Swiss Alps and the Italian lakes region. You depart Chur, Switzerland's oldest town, and travel south on the Bernina Express to Tirano, Italy, crossing the UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges. The route passes the Landwasser Viaduct, a celebrated stone structure, and the Brusio spiral viaduct, where the track loops back on itself to gain elevation. From Tirano you coach through the Valtellina valley and along Lake Como to Lugano, where Mediterranean palms replace alpine slopes. The package includes two nights in three-star hotels with breakfast, a three-day Swiss Travel Pass, and seat reservations on the Bernina Express. Day three gives you unguided time in Lugano to explore the old town and lake promenade. This trip suits first-time rail travellers seeking a signature Alpine crossing and independent explorers who want clear logistics with time to wander.

What to know before you look closer

Day 2 is a long travel day (the Bernina Express journey alone is 9 hours 15 minutes, followed by a coach segment); plan accordingly.
The Swiss Travel Pass and museum discounts are included, but specific lunch arrangements on day 2 are not mentioned; budget for meals in Tirano and Lugano.

Day by day

Day 1railovernight: Chur
Arrival in Chur
Train journey to Chur, Switzerland's oldest town. The car-free old town with its countless boutiques, galleries, restaurants, cafés and bars is one of the most beautiful in Switzerland. Overnight in Chur.
Day 2railovernight: Lugano
Bernina Express (9h15)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you travel with the Bernina Express from Chur via the world-famous Landwasser Viaduct, the Bernina Pass and the circular viaduct at Brusio to Tirano (Italy), the south end of the Bernina Line. After lunch or a stroll through the romantic old town, you travel with the Bernina Express bus through the idyllic Valtellina valley and along Lake Como to Lugano. Overnight in Lugano.
Day 3
Lugano and return journey
Breakfast at the hotel. Experience the Mediterranean lifestyle in this charming paradise on Lake Lugano and enjoy the magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. The picturesque old town and the lake promenade invite you to take a stroll. Individual return journey. This tour can also be booked in the opposite direction.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 1Arrival in Chur, Switzerland's oldest town, with its car-free old town of boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and cafés.
Day 2The Bernina Express climbs through the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railway, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct, the Brusio spiral viaduct, and passing 55 tunnels and 196 bridges to Tirano.
Day 2Coach journey through the Valtellina valley and along Lake Como to Lugano.
Day 3Morning exploration of Lugano's old town and lake promenade with views of surrounding mountains.

Included

Swiss Travel Pass 3 days in 2nd class
Seat reservation in the Bernina Express
1 night in Chur, 3*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast
1 night in Lugano, 3*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast
50% discount on most mountain railways, free entry at more than 500 museums

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?: Yes. The package includes a three-day Swiss Travel Pass in second class, seat reservations on the Bernina Express, and coach travel in the Valtellina valley and to Lake Como.
Which trains will I ride?: The Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano. You travel by coach from Tirano through the Valtellina valley to Lugano.
Is this tour guided or independent?: This is an individual rail journey. You travel independently; day three includes unguided time in Lugano. Day one features the guided portion of the itinerary.
What hotels are included?: One night in a three-star hotel in Chur and one night in a three-star hotel in Lugano, both with standard double rooms and breakfast.
How much walking is involved?: The itinerary includes strolls through the old towns of Tirano and Lugano, plus the lake promenade in Lugano. Most travel days involve coach or train.
Can I book this trip in the opposite direction?: Yes, the itinerary can be reversed, starting from Lugano and ending in Chur.

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railtour suisse