Driving stopover between Moselle and Lake Maggiore?

[Clariman]

Six years ago we took our car to Italy and had a great time driving through Europe, so are thinking of doing it again. We don't want to do exactly the same trip but a variation on it. I have most of it drafted out but am looking for somewhere nice where we could stop for 2 nights about halfway between Traben-Trarbach on the Moselle in Germany and Lake Maggiore. This would take us somewhere around Basel.

Any suggestions?

The above route takes us through the Gottard Tunnel which is fine. An alternative route to Italy would take us further east from Innsbruck towards Bolzano and then Verona. What is the road like through the Alps there? I really don't like the idea of going on narrow windy roads up over mountain passes but am fine with tunnels and decent roads that feel 'safe' that go through the mountains.

Thanks
Clariman

[SeagoonN]

Freiburg in Germany or Colmar in France, both not far from Basel. They are roughly opposite each other and both have interesting and attractive old towns.

Gothard vs Brenner - the Gotthard route will be quicker and will bring you out a lot closer to Lago Maggiore. The Brenner route is a main road with an autostrada on the Italian side with a huge amount of truck traffic and is not a pleasant drive. After that you will then have to contend with the Verona - Bergamo - Milano autostrada which is also extremely busy and not for the faint-hearted....

HTH
Neddy

[Clariman]

Thanks Neddy. That is really useful. If we did the Brenner pass, then we'd skip Maggiore and spend time further east. However, the route is taking shape with the Gottard route. We'd come back part of the way by Motorail and the only option these days is from Verona so we'll head there for a night before the train.