Itinerary Northern Italy

Use the SBB app for the Bernina Express. Search for starting point Tirano, destination St. Moritz, via Chur. All of these trains take the same route. The ones marked PE are the ones with the panoramic cars that require reservations. Are you trying to do Milan to Tirano to St. Moritz to Milano in one day? That is very ambitious.

Orta San Giulio is very small. Will you have a car to explore other areas? Like Lake Maggiore? I would expect much of Orta to be closed for the off season. You might consider Stresa. It’s bigger and you could visit other towns nearby, and the islands. You’ll definitely get the “we’re in italy” feeling, and it’s not that far from the airport. You’ll definitely could go on arrival day.

Milano to Tirano to St. Moritz is about six hours long, under the best circumstances. Going there and back in a single day is possible by leaving very early, it is still a very long day. It could be a bit faster if you return by bus to Chiavenna and then train to Milano, but this itinerary (4 hours and half) involves two changes. Be sure to check timetables two times in order not to be stranded somewhere.

We were warned by several friends not to stay in St- Moritz rather to stay nearby in lovely Pontresina. We did a day trip yo St- Moritz and were so glad that we had taken the advice to stay in Pontresina.

I don't think I'd pick Lake Orta in December. Those that end their Villages tour there have shared that there is not much to do even at better times of the year.

if you choose Stresa instead you could go there right from MXP- it is actually closer than Milan. There is a direct bus from airport. That would eliminate the 1 night stay in Milan.
I don't know the logistics but might put you closer to Bernina Express as well.

Here is the bus info:
https://www.safduemila.com/linee/alibus-malpensa-lago-maggiore/

On the 5th, take the train to St Moritz from Tirano

Doing this all in one day is way overly ambitious! Days are short in December/January

Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts on this with me.
People in this forum have always helped me to make my tríps wonderful experiences.
I’ll check everything you shared with me.
Thank you!

Hello,
I have taken that bus to Stresa it takes about an hour and was inexpensive and a comfortable ride- Stresa is a nice place to stay as well. Things are booking up I would definitely make my reservations now for your accommodations. Enjoy your trip!

If you are interested in visiting The Last Supper, buy tickets in advance. Also in Milan, the duomo and the Galleria. I love your ideas. I would probably choose Chamonix over St. Moritz because it's closer and I have heard wonderful things.

Six nights in Turin will be wonderful--there is plenty to see there. We have visited a few times, once in winter, and it was very cozy. Asti is a very, very easy day trip by train if you decide to venture out, only about 35 minutes. Alba is further, but again, no need to change trains and a lovely town.

Thank you ver much!
I’ll take notes about your ideas