Romantic 4* Bernina Express mini break in Italy

Tirano

This is a fantastic package for those that want to discover the Alps from the comfort of a panoramic train ride, as you ride across the Alps in style on board the famous 'Red Train', the Bernina Express, along a beautiful route that was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 2008 - making it great for those seeking a unique romantic break for their partner. This unique single track railway climbs to a maximum height of 2,253m – the highest point reached by a train in Europe - offering spectacular views of mountain lakes and glaciers along the way, before descending into the chic mountain resort of St. Moritz. The journey is beautiful at any time of year, lush and green in the summer, completely snow covered in winter, and offering beautiful, vibrant colours in the autumn.

You will be based in the pretty, historic town of Tirano which is located in Valtellina, Northern Italy, very close to the Swiss border. Tirano has an abundance of interesting places to visit for lovers of history, food and wine. While it may not look impressive at first glance from the main road, head towards the historic centre and main piazza and wander around the streets there, and you will not be able to deny the charm of the place. The imposing Madonna di Tirano shrine that you see when you arrive in Tirano from the direction of Milan is the most important religious monument in Valtellina, and there are a number of other historic buildings to visit in the area.

The terraced vineyards on the mountainside surrounding the town produce some robust red wines from the nebbiolo grape, the most common are Inferno, Sassella and Grumello, and the highly regarded Sforzato. Most vineyards offer tours and wine tastings, so you can explore as many as you like during your romantic break.

You will be staying at one of the following two hotels, please inform us if you have a preference and we will do our best to accommodate you accordingly.

Hotel Centrale****

This small, recently refurbished hotel is located in the pretty, historic centre of Tirano, just a short walk from the Bernina Express train station.

The comfortable rooms come complete with private bathroom, hairdryer, LCD TV, safe, minibar and WiFi access.

The cosy hotel spa also offers a sauna, steam room, aromatherapy showers and a jacuzzi bath making it an ideal location for your romantic break. Massages and beauty treatments are available on request.

A continental buffet breakfast is served, public parking is available nearby (approx. € 12,00 per day).

or

Le Suites****

These eight, spacious elegant suites are uniquely furnished in the style of a country or city; England, Thailand, Austria, Japan, Kenya Morocco, Dubai and New York. Each comes complete with private bathroom, hairdryer, satellite TV, safe, minibar, WiFi access and a living area.

A continental breakfast is served at the nearby Hotel Bernina. Private parking is available nearby (approx. € 8,00 per day).

Nearest Airport: Milan Bergamo (Orio al Serio) – 130km / 2 hours 30 mins

Other airports: Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa, Verona

By Car

Exit Orio al serio, follow signs for Lovere, then Edolo-Passo del Tonale. At Edolo, turn left at the crossroads and continue on to Aprica then Tirano via the Aprica Pass.

Alternatively take the road alongside Lake Como following signs to Lecco, then to Colico, Sondrio, Tirano. This route is straighter than the first and there are no winding mountain passes.

By Public Transport

From Bergamo airport take the bus to the train station, take the train to Tirano, changing at Lecco. From Milan airports head to Milan Central station and take the direct train to Tirano. Both routes take around 2 and a half hours, and there are lovely views of Lake Como on the way. All hotels can be easily reached from the station.

By Private Transfer

Taxi available outside airport. Private transfer available on request after main booking.