I'm trying to put together a trip in late May including a Bernina Express day. This is primarily for my husband, who is interested in using the train trip for photo ops. He doesn't want to take pictures through the window - how can he manage this? Are there open air or "windowless" cars at that time of year? Would it be impractical weatherwise?

Is it advisable to take the train from Chur to Tirano? or... is the most scenic portions from St. Moritz to Tirano?

Thanks, in advance, for your help.

>I'm trying to put together a trip in late May including a Bernina Express day. This is primarily for my husband, who is interested in using the train trip for photo ops. He doesn't want to take pictures through the window - how can he manage this?

By taking one of the "normal" trains instead of the glass coffins. The local trains from St. Moritz to Tirano run hourly. In older cars, the windows can be open (the glass slides down) and you can lean out.

>Are there open air or "windowless" cars at that time of year?

Possibly - look at www.rhb.ch, but don't count on it. In high altitudes, late may is not summery - there will be still patches of snow. I don't know when the open carirages will be rolled out, butI guess it will depend on the weather.

>Would it be impractical weatherwise?

Who can know?

>Is it advisable to take the train from Chur to Tirano?

The Albula pass line between Chur and St. Moritz (or rather Chur and Samedan) is about to receive the status of world cultural heritage. I guess it means "yes". But again, take one of the hourly direct IR trains to St. Moritz instead of the "glass coffins". Change at Samedan and again at Pontresina - it is both a same-platform change, painless.

>or... is the most scenic portions from St. Moritz to Tirano?

Again, yes - only this section is actually the Bernina pass line.

I addition to altamiro's detailed response I'd like to say that the most scenic part of the Bernina route is definitely between Pontresina and Poschiavo. Maybe go to Miralago.

It is most unlikely that they'll have open cars end of May. AFAIK they run only late June to end August.

Mom, this page will give you one shot from the BE of the BE.
http://www.slowphotos.com/photo/show...829&page=4

Oops ! I did mean Glacier Express---I did the Bernina the next day from St. Moritz.

This is exactly the type of info I was hoping to garner - I'll plug away at my plans and will return with follow-up questions - many thanks!