The journey over the Simplon Pass shows how close different landscapes can be to each other. At the top of the pass, at 2,005 meters, there is still snow in mid-April. The pass, which is open year-round, is considered one of the most beautiful Alpine crossings. The Simplon Pass offers fantastic mountain scenery and beautiful routes in both summer and winter.

We are heading properly into Italy. Within an hour, we move from late winter into spring. You could almost imagine experiencing two seasons in one day.

Once we arrive in Italy, it has become a tradition for us to make our first stop at Bar Gelateria Lollypop. A panini and a cappuccino are simply a must.

We have experienced Italy for years as extremely dog-friendly – whether in Rome, Venice, Pisa, or Cinque Terre, our four-legged companions are welcome everywhere. You can immediately feel the warmth of Italians; time and again you hear a loving “Amore!” or “Ma che bel cane!”, and our dogs are naturally greeted like little stars.

We continue to Feriolo – a small village directly on Lake Maggiore. Lake Maggiore lies partly in Italy and partly in Switzerland. Here in Feriolo, the real Mediterranean feeling begins. After a short walk by the water, we stay for a while in this charming little village.

Dogs are, by the way, very welcome everywhere here in Italy. You can even take them into shops, and there are special shopping carts designed for them.

My Havanese dogs Bonny and Fiona wear the Hurtta Seeker Harness in soft pastel colors. The two Bolonkas, Jimmy and Scooby, who can be seen in the photos, are wearing the same model.

All the dogs are well secured with the harnesses without restricting their movement. At the same time, the colors fit perfectly into the southern scenery. Bonny and Fiona weigh around 6 to 7 kilos, while Jimmy and Scooby weigh between 4 and 5 kilos. All four dogs wear size 40–50. Thanks to the good adjustability of the harnesses, the sizes can be reliably adapted.