Comments on itinerary: Italian lakes plus
 

Everyone has been so helpful as usual. I would like to get some comments and suggestions for our "draft" itinerary. Thanks!
Day 1: Arrive London, spend the day
Day 2: Fly to Milan, rent car, drive to Lake Como, probably Bellagio
Days 3 and 4: sightsee around the lake
Day 5: drive to Lake Garda
Days 6 and 7: trips around the area including Verona (and opera) and Trento
Day 8: drive to another town in area, maybe Cremona or Parma? But hate to spend one night in a hotel.
Day 9: Drive to Bologna
Day10, 11 : sightsee, including day trip to Ravenna
Day 12: fly home

I am wondering if I should include an extra day in one of the lakes or more time visiting other towns after the lakes? (sorry for the double posting)

Looks like a good overview trip. Why are you skipping Florence, have you been there already?

You will love Bellagio!

Yes, we've been to Florence, Rome (many times), Tuscany, Umbria, Amalfi Coast, Capri and Cilento Coast. This area was next on our list. I am considering an overnight in Parma...any thoughts?

I would spend all of my time in 3 destinations---Como, Garda, Bologna.
Stay at the north end of Garda for best access into Trentino and the best scenery. Why do you want 5 hotels in 11 nites? I assume you fly home from Bologna.

I don't really want to stay at more than 3 hotels in Italy if I can avoid it. But I am not sure how easy it is to get from one place to another for day trips. As for Lake Garda, where on the north end would be a good choice (for a great hotel with beautiful views from a room balcony)? I would prefer the north west coast only because of the planned trip to Verona which would include getting back late from the opera. Any suggestions?

The town of Riva del Garda has several very nice hotels on the north end, but that is not very close to Verona and the opera gets out very late. But, even the south end will be a good drive that late. As for driving times, you need to use viamichelin.com--a very good tool.