Have added another area to trip, and any comments about this area in Italy--my BFF family from there and you are all so informed, I went here after short Google quest.

Thank you for your time.

Europe--oops

Novara can be a base for day trips to
Lake Maggiore
Lake Orta
Sanctuaries of Madonna del Sasso d'Opaglio, Santa Caterina del Sasso, Varallo, Oropa
Alagna Val Sesia and the glaciers of Monte Rosa
Macugnaga and the glaciers of Monte Rosa
Turin
Milan

neckervd--Thank you!!! Very helpful to have insight. Have you been to Novara? It looks like an hour by train from Milan because I would met a friend in Milan and go to Novara and then off to Rome to end my trip.

I am sorry I have never been but if I were in that area I would also be interested to go to Pavia and Vercelli, and Vigevano. Depends on train schedules if and if you will have a car.

If your BFF still has any connections there, it is a good idea to make time to visit with these people. They will give you the best food.

It is an excellent area for food, if you like cheese and risotto especially (and frogs and geese).

http://www.italythisway.com/places/novara.php

http://www.italia.it/en/discover-ita...nt/novara.html

sandralist--the reason I added Novara to trip is her , my best friends great grand parents come from there and she will try to connect with any remaining relatives. HOW exciting!! Going off now to check out links. I am next asking question in new thread about Austria!!! Hope to get more of your insight.

At least 1 train per hr from Milano Centrale to Novara, journey time 40 min, fare 5.50 EUR
At least 1 train per hr from Milano Malpensa airport to Novara, journey time 50 min, change at Busto Arsizio FNM
Furthermore some direct buses from Milano Malpensa airport to Novara.
You will have to backtrack to Milan in order to board a Rome bound train.
Yes, I've been several times at Novara, but for business.
Novara has a very nice city center (Piazza delle Erbe, Corso Cavour, Duomo, Basilica San Gaudenzio...), but can be visited within a few hrs. Some excellent restaurants (see above).