Tirano Advice

Judy, Under the circumstances, my choice would be to take the short train ride (1H:26M) from Tirano to Varenna, and spend a few days there. It's one of the most beautiful locations on Lago di Como, and one of my favourites. There's not a lot to do in Varenna in terms of Museums or Galleries, but it's a good "home base" for touring other spots on the lake. The famous resort of Bellagio is only a 20-minute Ferry ride, and Mennagio and other locations are also close. The trip on the Bernina Express is fantastic, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. You'll probably have to spend at least one night in Chur, as the BE leaves fairly early as I recall. Hopefully the weather is better for your trip than it was last year when I travelled that route. Happy travels!

Nigel, Great information on the Bernina Express schedules! Judy, I'd suggest taking the 8:58 that goes straight through to Tirano. They won't be using the open-top cars at that time of year, but the panoramic cars with the large windows provide great views. Going around the circular viaduct and watching the end of the train is an interesting experience. At the Tirano end, the train runs along the streets, so cars and buildings are onlly a metre or two from the train. Be sure to get reservations well in advance. Cheers!

Thanks Ken for your helpful suggestion. We will definitely look into this as an alternative destination. Keep our fingers crossed re the weather. Is there only one train (Bernina Express) per day to this region from Chur?

Spring time is also a wonderful time to explore the area around the Stelvio (Bromio), which is close by.

The timetable is now set for the time of your journey. There is 1 fancy Bernina Express train, but the service is very nearly hourly when you include the local trains. From Chur to Tirano, the details are: The 0644 departure requires changes in Samedan and Pontresina. The 0758 requires a bus for the last portion of the journey. That would be a shame as part of the fun of that journey is the stone circular loop where you can watch the other end of train on the loop as you are approaching. The 0858 is the fancy Bernina Express which goes straight through. The 0958 requires a bus like the 0758. The 1058, 1158, 1458 and 1558 are just like the 0644. Those are all for Monday to Friday. The Bernina Express through train is at 0931 on a Saturday. Trip time is about the same with each, somewhere between 4:19 to 4:28. When taking the ones with the bus its about 15 or 20 minutes quicker.

Thanks wonderful people. We will take the Bernina Express. Our TA is organising our rail journeys for us now.