I'd avoid having a car in Venice for obvious reasons, but also in Rome unless you were born Italian.

This still takes some legwork by YOU. We're not travel agents.

If Venice and Rome are your must sees, start there. Surely you have a reason why you choose them, yes? Read about them! There are the obvious attractions and some not so obvious. See what is in between that picques your interest - you need to do this yourselves. From there, we can certain provide suggestions on logistics

November is not exactly beach weather any way. You may need to have enough to keep you occupied IF there is rain and bad weather, though. You may also need to plan for the acqua alta in Venice (bring water boots).

Not sure if you're a serious photographer or if you are just wanting to do basic tourist photography. But if you're on the "serious" end of things, then that is your starting point for planning as well.

If big cities are all you're planning, ditch the car. You just described having a rail pass in Switzerland - and your original post mentions trains multiple times. Why is the car a factor now? Should you decide to venture (note: you decide!) to countryside or even day trips, then a car might be worth it.

Noted. But I'm not sure if OP is as serious as you are. Usually when we've had serious photographers post, we know it by how they describe their plans - they tend to also be good planners because they are aware of light and other factors. They aren’t going to typically spending that precious light on a train, especially with such shorter days as when OP is traveling. Just my observation, maybe off base.

We just did two weeks flying into Venice, enjoying Venice and then picked up a rental car and drove to Tuscany for a week. Used the rental car to explore in Tuscany every day. It was a perfect two weeks. We drove back to Venice to fly out.

On a previous visit we flew into Florence and stayed in Florence for two nights. Then picked up a rental car at the train station for a week in Tuscany. Returned it to Florence and took the train to Venice. After Venice we flew to Naples, but you could fly to Rome instead. We ended our trip in Rome.

Both trips were great trips. We saw a lot but enjoyed being there instead of being on "a death march" for the entire trip. Since you are comfortable with trains, you can fly in and out of wherever you want, pick up a rental car for non-Rome/Venice portion of the trip - if you decided to explore in between and take the train the rest of the time.

Choose the order that works for you. I love the countryside so always fit in a week in Tuscany (in this case) or Provence in France.

Harsh mid day light is well harsh. OTOH if it's overcast or rainy or foggy Venice the most you need to do is switch to B/W. Venice is very photogenic in the rain.

Mid day? Nap time.

I admit there is a curve but plenty of people who want to may not be great at planning or may lack the experience.

I've seen people hauling three tripods and then setting up all three pointing in the wrong direction for sunrise. Still if you haul that much gear you care.

Great tip on the B&W. Some of my prettiest photos have been in the rain.

Nap time = first hour after 3 pm-ish check in to the next hotel. Just lay down and "rest" for a while. Set alarm to be sure to get up in time for dinner.

Perhaps we shall see what the OP clarifies. OP has not even decided on what they want to accomplish on their own itinerary. I'm sure Nick can then recommend photography forums and other spaces IF that is truly their goal.

Regardless, something about all of this feels "off" to me. But perhaps, once again, I may be off base.

You see those frantic plans a lot from people traveling from Asia. I've become almost accustomed to it

Hi Sano,

Your plan to visit Europe is fantastic! I have few suggestions for you:

If you choose train then it would be quite fast with long train rides (like Zermatt to Bruges, in almost 10 hrs). It will be mkore relaxing for your wife, maybe drop one stop.

Best spots to take photographs: Duomo rooftop (Milan), sunrise at St. Mark’s (Venice), Ojstrica Hill (Lake Bled), Gornergrat (Zermatt), and Christmas markets in Prague & Munich.

For food: According to me Rome is a highlight, and Bruges has waffles, chocolate, and mussels.

So it might me possible, but trimming in one or two places will make your journey more smoother.

Thank You
Be safe and happy travel for more you can ask!

Venice, Padova, Bologna, Florence, Siena and Rome are nice easy visits. I'd only consider a car for Siena.

Trains are easier, more comfortable, faster and the ZTL https://www.autoeurope.com/italy-ztl-zones/