The Bernina Express from US$176

price per person From

US$176

Based on 2 adults

(US$352 Total Price )

Created: Friday, October 3, 2025 - Departure: Friday, October 24, 2025

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About the destination

Tirano is a small yet captivating town nestled in the Valtellina valley of northern Italy, right on the border with Switzerland. Framed by vineyard-covered hills and Alpine peaks, it’s best known as the Italian gateway to the Bernina Express, the scenic red train that winds its way to St. Moritz. Despite its role as a transport hub, Tirano has a relaxed, authentic atmosphere, with quiet streets, family-run cafés, and a compact historic center that encourages slow exploration. The heart of Tirano is Piazza Cavour and the surrounding old town, where cobbled lanes reveal stone archways, small churches, and traditional houses with wooden balconies. A short stroll leads you to the imposing Palazzo Salis, a 17th-century residence that offers a glimpse into the life of local nobility, complete with frescoed rooms and Italian gardens. On the opposite side of the river Adda lies the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Tirano, a richly decorated Renaissance church said to have been built on the site of a Marian apparition in 1504, and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the region. Food and wine are central to any visit to Tirano. This is the land of hearty Valtellina cuisine: try pizzoccheri (buckwheat pasta with potatoes, cabbage, and cheese), sciatt (crispy cheese fritters), and bresaola (air-dried beef), all best enjoyed with a glass of local Nebbiolo-based wine known as Valtellina Superiore. Many restaurants and osterie are family-run, emphasizing local ingredients and traditional recipes, while the surrounding hills are dotted with terraced vineyards that can be explored on foot or by bike. Tirano also makes an excellent base for outdoor activities. Beyond taking the Bernina Express into the high Alps, you can follow cycling routes along the valley floor, hike to panoramic viewpoints, or visit nearby villages like Teglio and Bormio. Whether you stay for a night before boarding the train or linger for a few days, Tirano rewards unhurried travelers with a blend of Alpine scenery, cultural heritage, and regional flavors.

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