Germany to the Italian border

Day 1

We drove to Pfalzgrafenweiler-Kälberbronn, Germany and stayed in the Waldsägmühle Hotel and Spa.  It was in the middle of nowhere.  The nearest town, Freudenstadt (pop. 23,000), is a half hour away.  

Everything about the place was really nice.  The room, the food and the spa.  We were looking forward to the steam room, sauna and heated pool.  Fortunately we didn't have to endure too many other spa-goers because Jim and I were the only ones wearing swimsuits.  

I did not take photos.

You're welcome.

This is a little village we passed on our way to the hotel.  I thought it looked just like a postcard.

Day 2 and 3

We left Germany and headed for the Italian border.  Mostly driving through Switzerland, the Swiss Alps and then into Italy.  Specifically, stopping at Lake Maggiore and the town of Verbania.

This map shows the 41 mile long Lake Maggiore which begins in Switzerland and ends in Italy.

On the road in Switzerland.

We stopped for a little break and this was the view.

We arrived in Verbania, Italy and this was the view from our hotel room.

It wasn't long before it got dark and we got out and walked along this promenade.  The weather was chilly, but nice.  Then we ate the best pizza and panettone we've ever eaten!

Here's the promenade the next morning.  We walked along it all the way to the next town about 2 miles away.

And took these pictures along the way.

One of the little islands in the lake.

We saw this boat later noticed it is a company with yachts for hire. I googled the website and at this time of year you can rent this one for a weekend for 500 euro.

Here's a close-up of one of the islands.  That's not a hotel.  There are actually 2 residences on the island. 

I could probably get used to living here.

Another picture that looks like a postcard to me.

It was not too cold, but the trees were just beginning to turn and flowers were still blooming.  

We even took off our coats for a few hours.

Lake Maggiore, Italy