All Aboard the Bernina Express

My head is full of fantastic images seen today, all viewed from the inside looking out of our coach and later a panoramic train, but still serene and all unbelievably beautiful. We began this morning with a drive from Lugano to Tirano, Italy. On our way we passed by the world famous Lago di Como (Lake Como) where people like Madonna, George Clooney, and Sly Stallone retreat to million dollar lakeside homes when they want to escape the pressures of real life and enjoy la dolce vita. Unfortunately we didn't spot any of the rich and famous as we drove around the lake, or their houses for that matter, but it was quite lovely and made me long for more time in Italy and a vacation home of my own in a little corner of the Italian landscape. Somewhere after Lake Como I drifted off and awoke about the time we stopped for a coffee break. More driving filled the morning hours, more treacherous roadways and crazy Italian drivers who refuse to give way, even for an eighteen ton tour bus. Finally, we arrived in Tirano just about lunch time. We were directed to meet at the train station at 2:00 where we would catch the Bernina Express to Saint Moritz.

The Bernina Express is a scenic rail journey that takes place in rail cars with panoramic windows so you can see all the way up to the sky. It's quite fantastic really. We departed right on time (Swiss efficiency!) and spent the next two hours watching what was essentially a scenic movie on both sides of the train. It was truly frame after frame of gorgeous landscape! Our group was lucky to have nearly an entire car to ourselves which meant we could move about from seat to seat to take pictures and some of us took full advantage of this! Not every photo is a masterpiece seeing that you are taking pictures through glass from a moving train, but the photos below give you a good idea of what the journey looked like.


Here's our train for the afternoon--notice the windows.





The church in Tirano.


A very unique roundabout which our train spiraled around onto.



Quite picturesque, isn't it?!








Lake Miralago, the mirror lake, was shrouded in fog.


Oh good, we're going the right way!


One of the many towns we passed along the way.


Our adorable ticket checker and the stuffed goat on the snack cart.


Lovin' the goat so I had to take another photo. The snack man, however, was not nearly as excited about the goat:).


Just a tiny village here.


It was amazing how quickly the clouds rolled in.


It's a long way down!


Breathtaking scenery!





Quick! Look over on that side!


Janis and Michael enjoying the ride!


One of many waterfalls we passed. With late snowfall and high temperatures, there the waterfalls are abundant right now.

At about 4:30pm we pulled into the station at Saint Moritz and our faithful coach driver, Max, was there waiting for us with the bus! I imagine he had a nice scenic drive too. We checked into our hotel which is just outside the center of Saint Moritz and had a bit of time to relax before dinner. After so many late nights, I'm quite happy to turn in early tonight. We're lucky enough to have two nights here, so no packing up and heading out early tomorrow--Yay!


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Location:Lugano to Tirano, Italy to Saint Moritz, Switzerland