Bernina Red Train Experience by train from Lecco - Varenna

The view was spectacular we took numerous photos!!! I recommend reviewing the speaker volume for announcements

The communication on this "product" is excellent, the product inconsistent. We're talking about a cute little train that climbs up the mountains with great agility, but to take a very normal trip through the mountains where the only attractive thing was a location known for the "giants' mufflers". The trip itself deserved two dots, the third in honor of the friendliness of the people met (I know, it seems like an oxymoron) and the excellent management of the structures visited.

I was expecting a 1st Class experience on a train with oversized viewing windows, food, drink and service. What I got was a typical 2nd class train ticket on an over-crowded train with no services on board at all. The markup was over 300%! Even though I purchased 2 months in advance, the tickets were provided last minute and too late to do anything about it. I would have done much better doing the research and buying the tickets direct from Bernina. The scenery was truly spectacular and the journey worthwhile, but financially was a bust. St Moritiz was disappointing and our taxi driver took us $35 out of the way. Hanselmann's downtown had good atmosphere and served a delicious lunch, but everything we tried from their bakery was disappointing at best, unedible at worst. It was all made for presentation only... really did look yummy. I would still take the train ride but would certainly do it differently.