Pullman Class now operates on the famed Bernina Express, the Alpine railway linking St Moritz with the Italian border town of Tirano. The new offering adds a vintage carriage to the already celebrated scenic route.
Vintage Carriage Enhances Alpine Journey
The upgraded service seats only 32 passengers in an original 1930s Art Deco carriage. Brass fittings and polished wood panels preserve the carriage’s historic charm. Armchair seating and fine teak wood details create a period atmosphere rarely seen on modern rail.
Personal hosts attend to guests throughout the trip, serving champagne and canapés outbound, then coffee and petit fours on the return leg. The hosts wear period-appropriate attire, adding to the immersive experience.
Departing at 9:17 am, the train’s bay windows frame continuous mountain panoramas, allowing travelers to watch the scenery unfold without obstruction. The windows stretch from floor to ceiling, offering an unobstructed view of the passing peaks.
Riders encounter snowy peaks, glaciers, and alpine lakes along a line that spans 196 bridges and 55 tunnels. A highlight is the circular viaduct at Brusio, a 360-degree loop supported by nine stone arches, a celebrated piece of engineering that draws rail enthusiasts.
As elevation drops, the scenery shifts to gentle valleys.
Wine Estate Stop Adds Flavor
About two hours after leaving the Swiss resort, the train reaches Tirano, where guests are shuttled to the historic La Gatta vineyard.
The estate, once a Dominican monastery, has remained in the same family since 1969 and is celebrated for Nebbiolo-based red wines grown on terraced hillside plots that benefit from the sun-warmed slopes.
Visitors may return to the railway at 4:06 pm for the afternoon leg, this time in an open-air scenic carriage, and arrive back at the Swiss resort at 6:25 pm.
Practical Information
The package includes carriage travel, a personal host, onboard catering, transport to the vineyard, lunch with wine pairing, an English-spoken cellar guide, a travel guide for en-route highlights, access to the open-air carriage on the return, and a personal souvenir. The travel guide contains historical notes and suggested activities for the region.
Pricing starts at CHF 490 for a one-way ticket and CHF 625 for a round-trip.
Pullman Class operates seasonally from 1 June to 25 October, while the underlying railway runs year-round. Vegetarian meals are available; allergies should be reported in advance. Children can be accommodated, with alternatives provided to the alcoholic beverages on offer.