3. Bernina Express – Switzerland & Italy

The Bernina Express connects Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy, crossing the Alps without a single rack-and-pinion system, an engineering marvel.

The route passes glaciers, turquoise lakes, and palm trees as it descends into Italy. It feels like traveling through multiple climates in a single afternoon.

The Brusio Spiral Viaduct is a standout moment, looping gracefully through open countryside.

Few train rides offer such dramatic contrast within a single day. You begin surrounded by icy glaciers and high-altitude alpine terrain, then gradually descend into sunlit Italian valleys dotted with vineyards and palm trees. The shift is subtle but powerful. Engineering marvels along the way — tunnels carved through solid rock and elegant bridges suspended above deep ravines — highlight the ambition behind the railway’s design.

The experience blends natural beauty with human ingenuity. It’s as much about admiration for the landscape as it is respect for the craftsmanship.