My husband and I are traveling to Italy for our first time next May for a two week stay. We are flying into Milan on FF miles and then connecting with dear friends from another US state. They have arranged the itineray. Tuscany first, Florence, then Venice then Lake Como. That concludes the itineray. We've never been to Rome so I've arranged for us to go there at the end of the trip from Lake Como and flying out of Rome. After reading some of the posted messages I feel I have made a mistake. Should we go to Rome first based on logistics? How long a train ride would it be from Lake Como to Rome?
Thanks.

A common mistake that first-timers make is: Trying to do and see too much. I think that is the case here IMO.

The itinerary that your friends have arranged is bountiful enough for the two weeks. Please think of this being your "First Time to Italy" but not your last - you'll get to see Rome on one of your many future trips...

Yes, it would have been better not to have Rome at the end of your trip, just after Lake Como. Como City to Rome is about 6 hours by train.

But like TuckH said, given that you'll only have 2 weeks, it won't be possible to see the Big Three PLUS Tuscany PLUS Lake Como without feeling rushed. For two weeks, you can reasonably do three destinations, maybe 4 if your logistics are perfect (unlikely, but possible). But certainly not 5.

This will give you an excuse to have to come back to Italy!

Hi B,

>Should we go to Rome first based on logistics?<

If you go to rome at all, I suggest that it be last. You will have gotten into the swing of being in Italy and Rome won't be quite so unfamiliar.

I also agree that you save Rome for another visit, unless this is in addition to your 2 weeks.

for train connections, fares and reservation you may use www.trenitalia.com
I suggest advance reservations in first class Eurostar (ES).

Milan Malpensa airport (MXP) is very close to Lago di Como so I wonder why you want to do Tuscany first and then backtrack north to Lago di Como before going back south to Rome.
Do Lago di Como first then head south to Tuscany and fly out from Rome.
Save Venice for the next trip combined with Naples and Amalfi coast !
If Venice is your priority then skip Lago di Como.
With 2 weeks I would do:

4 days Venice (flying in)
5 days Florence with 2 side trips into Tuscany (Siena and Pisa + Lucca)
5 days Rome (flying out)
or vv with train connections Venice-Florence-Rome or vv

Buon viaggio !