Our two days in the Domodossola area were idyllic, in a small agritourismo with only 4 rooms, each with bath. The owner was a doll and we had a lot of fun "talking", using hands, photos, and a smattering of Italian and English.
After this, whenever we took a train we took 1st class because it was much easier to navigate. There were a couple of times where 2nd class looked as good, but because of our luggage I opted for 1st. Money well spent for me.
In 21 days we traveled from Zurich to Domodossola, Varenna, Venice, Florence/Siena, Monterosso al Mar, ending in Rome where we stayed with cousins. Loved every bit of it.
As Ashley left a friend arrived and we did the big three back to Venice, she staying 2 days in Milan and I went back to the Alps, also leaving from Milan.
It was a gorgeous, wonderful trip. Ashley and I had one kind of vacation and Kathy and I had another. Kath was bound and determined "to see all the churches in Rome" Nuff said.
Ashley and I "lived" in Italy, taking our time, eating, wandering, some sight-seeing, talking with the locals, enjoying just being in Italy.
Kathy and I saw the museums and churches which were so very beautiful, especially the ones we found unexpectedly around a corner on a little piazza.
Ashley and I spent money on food, Kath and I spent money on admissions.
For food, Ashley and I often asked a shopkeeper where was a good, not too expensive restaurant, close by, and we came up with some really good ones, tucked away in little corners.