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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

St. Moritz and the Bernina Express to Basel

Four-day Milan to Basel rail trip via the Bernina Express

Illustration of St. Moritz and the Bernina Express to Basel

Railbookers runs this four-day independent rail vacation from Milan to Basel by way of St. Moritz, with every leg made by train. After a day of self-guided sightseeing in Milan using an included Hop-on Hop-off pass, day 2 puts travelers aboard the Bernina Express, crossing the Brusio Spiral Viaduct and climbing past the Morteratsch Glacier and over the Bernina Pass before arriving in St. Moritz for a two-night stay. The one full day in St. Moritz is unstructured: an optional cable-car ride to the high-altitude Piz Nair peak, available May to October, or an easy walk around the town's lake. On day 4, the train continues to Basel on the Rhine river, where the trip ends. With no tour manager and just three stops, this short journey suits travelers who want a scenic, train-heavy alpine crossing they can pace themselves, and who are comfortable choosing their own hotel tier from Railbookers' accommodation list.

What to know before you look closer

  • The hotel list offers 15 accommodation options across different tiers and cities, so the final hotel depends on which tier and city you choose, from Starhotels Anderson Milan up to the Four Seasons Hotel Milano.
  • The Piz Nair cable car and the Engadin transport card, both highlighted St. Moritz inclusions, run May to October only.
  • The evidence pack lists no current departure dates; confirm scheduling with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Milan

    Milan

    Welcome to Milan! Once you have arrived at your hotel get out to see this great city with your included Hop-on Hop-off pass.

  2. Day 2railovernight: St. Moritz

    The Bernina Express

    Check out of your hotel and take the local train to Tirano, then board the Bernina Express train heading north into Switzerland. Travel over the famous Brusio Spiral Viaduct before climbing into the mountains past the Morteratsch Glacier and over the Bernina Pass. The train and its panoramic carriages pass through Pontresina before arriving at St. Moritz for a 2-night stay.

  3. Day 3overnight: St. Moritz

    St. Moritz

    Make use of your Engadin card today with a ride on the local funicular and cable-car to Piz Nair (May-Oct only). This mountain peak rewards all visitors with some spectacular views of Graubunden and beyond. If you would rather simply relax and enjoy the town, spend some time strolling around the gorgeous lake or dining in one of the many restaurants.

  4. Day 4rail

    St. Moritz to Basel

    Following breakfast at your hotel take the train to the beautiful city of Basel on the Rhine river and continue with your travels.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1A Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing pass to explore Milan on arrival.
  • Day 2The Bernina Express crosses the Brusio Spiral Viaduct and climbs past the Morteratsch Glacier and over the Bernina Pass.
  • Day 3A cable-car ride to Piz Nair for views of Graubunden, available May to October only.
  • Day 4The train from St. Moritz to Basel, a city on the Rhine river.

Included

  • Rail travel as per the itinerary
  • Seat reservations on the Bernina Express Train
  • 1 night's hotel accommodation with breakfast in Milan
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in St Moritz
  • Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Pass in Milan
  • Engadin card in St Moritz (May-Oct only) including all local transport

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel is included throughout, including seat reservations on the Bernina Express.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is an independent, self-guided rail vacation, per Railbookers.
Which trains are used?
The Bernina Express from Tirano to St. Moritz, plus Swiss Railways (SBB) services including the train onward to Basel.
What hotels are used?
The package offers 15 accommodation options across Milan and St. Moritz at different tiers, from Starhotels Anderson Milan and Hauser Hotel up to the Armani Hotel Milano and Four Seasons Hotel Milano.
When can I do the Piz Nair cable car?
The Piz Nair cable car and Engadin card are included in St. Moritz but only operate May to October.
How much walking is involved?
Sightseeing is largely self-guided, with a Hop-on Hop-off pass in Milan and an optional cable-car ride to the high-altitude Piz Nair peak in St. Moritz.

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