We arrive in Rome Monday May 18 and plan to stay probably only 3 nights as we've been to Rome before. Our goal is to visit and probably stay in the Cinque Terre for a few nights and then make our way to Domodossola where we would take the train through the Simplon Pass to Brig, Switzerland where we have the 2nd half of our trip booked. Flying biz class and looking for moderate priced accommodations. In Rome as we are early 70s, we'd like something very centrally located so we're looking at the Hyatt Tribune although the only complaint I've seen is perhaps noise levels from street and adjoining rooms in the old building. Looks like easy walking distance to the Spanish steps, and I think the Metro where we'd like to see the Colliseo-Fori Imperiali station. Perhaps the Trevi late evening.

No idea yet where to stay in the Cinque Terre? And if we could fit in something between the Cinque Terre and Domodossola.

For the Cinque Terre, you might consider La Torretta in Manarola.

We spent 5 weeks in central and northern Italy last May. One of our stops was Cinque Terre, which we loved! We stayed in Manarola for 3 nights at Hotel Marina Piccola.
Home - Hotel Marina Piccola 5 Terre

The hotel is lovely and conveniently located. We had a very nice, but smallish room overlooking the sea. The owners are very nice, and the price included a delicious breakfast buffet. Jessica also offers to cook eggs any way you like and also pancakes. How will you be traveling? If you come by train, the hotel is a very short walk from the train station.

Thought I would add the below information for your consideration. (The information is for access to the Via dell'Amore.)

Would you be interested in visiting Milan or Parma on the way to Domodossola?

Tourists staying in Manarola or Riomaggiore

If you have booked an accommodation in Manarola or Riomaggiore, and are in possession of the Resident Tourist Card (Guest Card), you can buy a resident supplement ticket which costs 8 euros. In this case, access is allowed in both directions and outside the reservation time slot for the duration of the stay. In addition to the Guest Card you will need the Cinque Terre Card.

Thanks!!

Thanks so much for the excellent suggestions, including reminders about the reservations and time slots!! We will be training through Milan on the way to Switzerland, but don't want to spend time in the major cities (except Rome). Parma on the other hand, sounds very interesting!

5Terre (Monterosso) - Domodossola is only 5-6 hrs by train.
The cities of interest in between are Genova, Pavia and Milan.
But what do you plan to do at Domodossola?

I'm not sure if Domodossola is worth spending a day? It is only the stop on the way to Switzerland.