Bernina Express Alpine Experience

Walk from Hotel Arte to the edge of lake Moritzersee, experiencing the beautiful views of the town and mountains on a relaxing morning stroll. Resting at the bottom of the lake lies Bäckerei-Konditorei Bad, a charming bakery where you and your fellow travelers can rest and eat a decadent breakfast; from the sweetest cakes to the softest bread, they’ve got a wide selection for everyone! On your way back to the hotel, make sure to glance at the Chesa Futura, a landmark residential project by Lord Norman Foster that seamlessly blends avant-garde, organic forms with traditional Swiss craftsmanship.

Once you’ve arrived at the hotel, gather your luggage and head to the Moritz train station (only a five-minute ride!), and get ready to board the Bernina. The Bernina Express is a two-hour-and-15-minute rail ride from St. Moritz to Tirano, Italy, famous for exploring the rich environment of Switzerland. You’ll see many high points, the highest being Ospizio at 7,392 feet, Alp Grüm over Palü Glacier, and Kreisviadukt von Brusio, the 360-degree spiral bridge on the Italian border. I definitely recommend sitting on the right-hand side. This offers the best views of the glaciers, mountain lakes, and the descent toward the Poschiavo Valley. I also suggest packing your own headphones to plug into the "Infotainment" system for live GPS-based commentary about the sites you are passing.

After departing the Bernina, enjoy a relaxing dinner at Merizzi, a 10-minute walk from the train station. A comfortable and relaxing dinner spot—make sure to try the Pizzoccheri and Sciatt (deep-fried cheese balls)! End the day by checking into the Hotel Corona, a seven-minute walk to your comfy, cozy room—located downtown and only minutes away from many amazing experiences.

Wake up bright and early after your relaxing night at Corona, leave your luggage and your worries, and hop in a car for a 15-minute ride to Villa Visconti Venosta. Once the official summer residence of the aristocratic Visconti-Venosta family, the land now serves the public as a beautiful garden and park, while the building itself became a library and museum. Walk around (or reserve a guided tour!), reading about generational treasures and artwork.

Continuing deeper into Grosio, Italy. A mere seven-minute walk from the museum lies Giardino Roccioso Nicola di Cesare, a unique artistic environment that is often called the "Castello di Gaudí" (Gaudí’s Castle). It is a private garden that the artist, Nicola di Cesare, built by hand for over 40 years, including magical staircases, archways, and terraces. Each mosaic is made from recycled materials, including ceramic shards, glass fragments, and pieces of mirrors.

Journeying back to Tirano, stop at Ristorante Pizzeria Belvedere Tirano, an incredible restaurant that offers mouth-watering wood-fired pizza, pastas, and many more Italian specialties. Finish off the evening by relaxing in your hotel room at Hotel Corona.

Slow down, take a deep breath of the crisp mountain air, and spend a luxurious day in Tirano.

Make a stop at Caffè Lucignolo for a morning cup of coffee, or Posteria Del Rosso for an exquisite lunch while you await your departure. Enjoy walking the Adda Canal, or go sightseeing towards the edge of the city where many historical buildings still stand. Visit the Torre Muraria Ludoviciana, the city’s defense tower that protected the city from numerous raids in 1487, or take small walk to Porta Poschiavina, one of the three historic city gates in Tirano and once one of the few entry points in the city.

After a short walk back to your hotel, pack your luggage and your driver will whisk you off to the airport in Milan.