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Peaks and perks of a National Geographic tour of Switzerland by rail and Italy’s Lake Como

A National Geographic Expedition guided tour taking in the sights of the Swiss Alps and Lake Como in Italy offers a variety of experiences

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A train on a tourist railway taking passengers between Zermatt, Switzerland, and a viewpoint from which to admire with the Matterhorn (in the background). It’s an option for guests on National Geographic Expeditions’ Swiss Trains and the Italian Lake District tour. Photo: Shutterstock

“What a fantastic mountain; if a kid drew a mountain, it’d look like this,” our guide, Tim Jepson, said.

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It was the second morning of our Swiss Trains and the Italian Lake District group tour by National Geographic Expeditions – which offers exclusive travel packages with expert guides unavailable to regular tourists. The tour had begun in Zurich, Switzerland, with a comfortable train ride to the alpine town of Zermatt.

Day one had been a 10 out 10 in terms of scenery. Now we listened to the first of three lectures – one of the unique draws of National Geographic Expeditions.

Tim, our guide for this particular itinerary and a successful writer, mixed humour and fun facts with important historical details.

The Glacier Express, which connects the mountain resorts of Zermatt and Saint Moritz, offers idyllic views of the Swiss countryside through its panoramic windows. Photo: Shutterstock
The Glacier Express, which connects the mountain resorts of Zermatt and Saint Moritz, offers idyllic views of the Swiss countryside through its panoramic windows. Photo: Shutterstock

He was, of course, speaking about the Matterhorn, the mountain featured on the packaging of Toblerone chocolate bars, and which stands above Zermatt as a mysterious monument, changing appearance from one minute to the next. We would get the chance to see the mountain.

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