My husband and I are leaving for Italy Aug 1st - 14th for our 15th wedding anniversary. We know that August is not a good time to see Italy, but this is the only time we can get away. I would appreciate any input on our itinerary and hotels. We are looking for smaller/non-chain hotels that are rich with character and romanctic, but must have a/c and a good location. We will be traveling by rail and can rent a car if absolutely necessary. We would like higher end hotels probably $300 - $450/night.

Day 1-2: Arive in Milan at 10:00am. Car transport to GH Tremezzo, located on Lake Como's North Shore. My concern is that since we are not planning on swimming or hanging out by the lake, what is there to do? Should we go up to Lucerne?

Day 3 - 4: Morning train to Venice. Stay at Hotel Palazzo Pruilil.

Day 5,6,7 Morning train to Florence. Stay at Hotel Berchielli. Are there any daytrips by train that are "must do's"? Sienna, Piza, etc?

Day 8,9,10 Morning train to Rome. Stay at Hotel Piranesi. Has anyone heard about this hotel?

Day 11, 12, 13 Train to Naples, then to Sorrento. Staying at Hotel Belair: Is it worth the extra money to stay in Positano or is Sorrento ok?

Day 14 depart from Naples.

Any help would be appreciated.

I think the Lakes are perfect for your two first days. Relax, enjoy cafes, the ferries to the different towns around the lake, there are a few houses and gardens to tour. It is one of the most beautiful places we have been. If you don't think you are going to be that into it, consider revising itinerary and go right to Venice to add a little time there.

Your hotel choice in Sorrento is quite a way outside town and taxi's are very expensive. It is not in walking distance to the main part of town. We stayed in walking distance to town but it still cost more for the taxit to the harbor than the ticket to Capri. How do you plan to get around and what do you want to do while there?

Not much time for so many stops. Only 1 day in Venice Remember you will be jetlagged on arriving in Milan and for at least a day or 2. Skip Lucerne this trip.

How are do you plan to get to Venice from Tremezzo? Train from Como?

Must-sees in and around Florence depend on your interests. In Florence I think the Uffizi Museum a must, but I like art.
I've never been to Pisa and feel no need. Siena by bus, not train, is good. (The bus drops you in the center of Siena; the train leaves you outside the walls needing a taxi.) Lucca is a nice town and an easy train trip.

You should consult an assortment of guidebooks and web sites to get information about what to see and do. The Michelin green guides rate sights.

As for Sorrento, personally I like the town. It's perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Gulf of Naples. Sorrento is not a cute small village; it's a biggish town, kind of pretty. Plus it's the best location for transportation to Pompeii and Herculaneum, Capri, and the Amalfi coast. But I'd stay in town, not on the outskirts.

That is 5 destinations in 13 nites--easily one too many. You are really cutting Venice too short--only 1.5 days to see anything. I trust you will have a private driver to GH Tremezzo--it is not easy to access. And, if you do go to the AC, then Positano is what you want.

If you are looking for a high-end hotel in Sorrento, I suggest the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria. It is a beautiful hotel in the center of Sorrento, on the cliff overlooking the bay. It is surrounded by gardens and even has an elevator down to the marina.