Pullman Class on the Bernina Express

Why it is on the list

The Bernina line crosses the Alps from St Moritz to Tirano, and with the Albula line it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.¹ Pullman Class is one historical saloon car on the Bernina Express, in teak with bay windows and armchairs, and it takes no more than 32 passengers a route.² Champagne and canapés are served from St Moritz down to Tirano, coffee and petits fours on the way back, and an open scenic carriage is kept for Pullman passengers from Tirano up to St Moritz.² Lunch, included in every ticket, is three courses with wine at La Gatta, a 16th-century Dominican monastery in 13 hectares of vineyard at Bianzone in the Valtellina.²³

It is the wrong day for anyone who needs step-free access: the car is historical and not barrier-free.² It takes no dogs, has little room for luggage, offers vegetarian dishes but no vegan menu, and a ticket cannot be cancelled.² For a day closer to Milan with less time on rails, take the private tour of Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como.

How to get it

Book the return journey or a single journey on RhB's Pullman Class booking page; lunch at La Gatta comes with either.²⁴ Every seat can be booked by one group, at no group discount, and the whole car can be taken for private use by writing to reservation@rhb.ch.² Allergies and intolerances go to Panoramic Gourmet AG at least 48 hours ahead, on +41 81 300 15 15 or info@panoramic-gourmet.ch; any not given in advance cannot be catered for.² Children may come, and alcohol is included throughout, with alternatives on request.² From Milan, Trenord regional trains run from Milano Centrale by Lecco and Sondrio to Tirano, beside the RhB station.⁵ Leave large bags in a station locker.²

Discretion

The car holds 32, and a party can take every seat or the whole car, so no one else need be aboard.² On the climb from Tirano an open scenic carriage is kept for Pullman passengers alone.²