Switzerland’s most famous rail route just added a touch of vintage luxury

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In Switzerland trains don’t just carry your clients from A to B. Thanks to the Swiss rail network’s world-class efficiency and the country’s fairytale scenery, the journey becomes a rewarding adventure. Whatever the season, all your clients need to do is sit back, relax and soak up the stunning views. 

This year, there’s a new product you can book, offering your clients a more exclusive way to experience one of Switzerland’s iconic scenic trains. The product is Pullman Class and the train is the Bernina Express, which runs across the Alps, linking St Moritz with Tirano. 

Vintage carriage, timeless views

Pullman Class has just 32 seats, occupying an original 1930s Art Deco carriage that has armchair seating and fine teak wood details. Onboard service matches the vintage aesthetic – personal hosts serve champagne and canapes on the journey to Tirano, and coffee and petit fours on the return. 

Once the train pulls away from St Moritz at 9.17am, Pullman Class’s bay windows supply endless scenery, packing in highlight after highlight. 

Rhätische Bahn

Clients will enjoy captivating views of snowy peaks, glaciers and alpine lakes along a track that crosses 196 bridges and through 55 tunnels. One of the most intriguing stages of the journey is when the Bernina Express passes over a unique circular viaduct at Brusio, a 360-degree loop with nine stone arches. As the route descends in elevation, the landscape softens into palm-tree lined green valleys. 

Transfer to a wine estate

A little over two hours after leaving St Moritz, the Bernina Express arrives in the centre of Tirano, just over the Italian border. From this quaint alpine town, Pullman Class guests are transferred to the picturesque La Gatta vineyard. 

Dating back to the 1500s, the former Dominican Monastery turned wine estate has been owned by the same family since 1969. La Gatta is renowned for its red wines, made primarily from Nebbiolo grapes grown in the hillside terraced vineyards. 

After a guided tour, clients tuck into a three-course lunch, which pairs traditional dishes such as the local pizzoccheri pasta with wine from the estate. This is served on La Gatta’s restaurant terrace, where the authentic menus are matched by exquisite views. 

Rhätische Bahn

Your clients can choose what time they leave La Gatta – there’s an earlier departure (1.45pm) for those who would prefer extra time to explore Tirano’s old-world charm. Wandering its cobbled streets, they’ll discover noble houses from centuries past, hidden courtyards and artisan shops. Or perhaps your clients would rather stay longer at La Gatta, to linger over another glass of its fine wine, and leave at 3.15pm. 

Either way, they’ll be back onboard the Bernina Express at 4.06pm, this time with the option to sit in an open-air scenic carriage, as the train makes its way back to St Moritz, arriving at 6.25pm. Elation is a common feeling after such an awe-inspiring day – that and possibly a little camera-fatigue from taking masses of photos.

What’s included in this day tour

• Travel in the Pullman carriage, which can be booked as a single ticket to Tirano, or a return back to St Moritz. 

• Services of a personal host throughout. 

• Onboard catering

• Transport to La Gatta, lunch and wine pairing

• Guided tour of the wine cellar (English spoken)

• Travel guide for highlights and orientation en route

• Access to the open-air scenic carriage for the return journey

• A personal souvenir. 

From CHF490 for single, and CHF625 return.

Check out the Switzerland Selling Guide