Rhaetian Railway (RhB) has unveiled a new premium travel option on the Bernina Express, blending the glamour of 1930s rail travel with the dramatic landscapes of the Swiss Alps. The Pullman Class experience, which launched this season, operates between St. Moritz and Tirano, with a curated stop at the historic La Gatta vineyard.
The Bernina Express, already celebrated for its scenic passage from Chur or St. Moritz in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscapes'. The new Pullman Class elevates this journey with Art Deco interiors, featuring fine teak wood and panoramic bay windows, creating an intimate atmosphere for up to 32 passengers.
Pullman Class details and itinerary
Passengers on the Pullman Class are treated to a three-course local lunch at La Gatta vineyard, set within a former Dominican monastery. The return journey offers coffee, petits fours, and exclusive access to the Open Scenic Carriage, allowing travellers to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking Alpine scenery.
The service is available until 25 October 2026, and again from 24 April to 3 October 2027. Bookings open up to 365 days in advance, providing ample opportunity for travellers to secure their place on this nostalgic journey.
For travel professionals, this launch underscores a growing trend in experiential rail travel, where heritage and fine dining are combined with iconic routes. Similar initiatives, such as the Polar Express train ride returning to UK stations and the Orient Express wellness crossing, highlight the sector's appetite for themed and upscale rail experiences.
The Pullman Class also aligns with broader luxury travel developments, including Oceania Cruises' new Sonata Class ship and La Dolce Vita Orient Express golf itineraries, as operators seek to differentiate with unique, immersive offerings.
RhB's move is a strategic response to rising demand for premium rail experiences in Europe, particularly among affluent travellers seeking sustainable yet luxurious ways to explore the Alps. The Bernina Express already attracts thousands of visitors annually, and the Pullman Class is expected to appeal to both leisure and incentive travel segments.
Travel agents and tour operators can leverage this new product to create bespoke packages, combining the train journey with stays in St. Moritz or Tirano. The vineyard lunch adds a culinary dimension that resonates with food-and-wine tourism trends.
As the travel industry continues to recover and evolve, such innovations are crucial for maintaining the allure of classic rail routes. The Bernina Express Pullman Class is a testament to how heritage and modernity can coexist, offering a memorable journey that honours the past while meeting contemporary expectations.
