This September will be our fourth trip to Italy. Usually go with a few other people and rent Villas. This time there will be two of us so we thought we'd stay in hotels. Have spent a lot of time in Tuscany but little time in Firenze. Love Venice so we thought we would train to Venice and Firenze, skip renting a car, and bus or train to outlying areas. While we fly in and out of Rome, we don't have to spend too much time there. My question is, considering the limited time we have (a little less than 3 weeks) would we be foolhardy to consider a couple days in the Lake District without a car or should we use the extra few days in the Veneto?

Jim, After 12 trips to bella Italia my favorite destination is still the Lakes. I would make the time. The only question is which one and how long. Flying home from Milan or Venice would sure help--is that feasible?

I agree with bob. Fly into Milan or Venice. You can do a nice train triangle between the Lakes, Venice and Florence. You have plenty of time to follow this travel, with other stops along the way in the Veneto.

I agree with bob. Fly into Milan or Venice. You can do a nice train triangle between the Lakes, Venice and Florence. You have plenty of time to follow this triangle, with other stops along the way in the Veneto.

I'm curious to know what lakes areas are the best? Lake Orta, Bellagio???

Thanks very much for your replies. Would love to fly into Milano but want to use upgrades from coach to business on American. I'm from Maui so the trip is too long to sit squirming in coach. American doesn't fly to Milan but you answered my questions anyway. It sounds very "worth it" to vist the Lakes.

There are 5 primary Lakes in this area and I can build a strong case for any of them. It really depends on how much time, your preferences, if you are driving, and where you are going when you depart. I see Orta/ Maggiore as a combo---the same for Como/Lugano. I love them all--how much time will you have?

Well, we arrive in Rome on the 11th and leave on the 31st. I really don't need more than one additional day in Rome when we leave as we've spent a lot of time there already. I want a minimum of 5 days each in Venice and Florence. Other than that, I'm free. Do all trains to the Lake District go through Milan? My guess as to the best itinerary for me would be to fly to Rome and train to Florence first day. Then train to Venice. Train to Milan and rent car. Return car to Milan and train to Rome. Make sense?

Hmmm ! Now you have me in an itinerary mode Why 5 days in Florence and none in rural Tuscany. I like the first day scenario. Yes, all trains will route thru Milan. But, I am not sure why you do not get the car as you leave Venice, perhaps include a Veneto or Dolomite destination, and then train back to Rome at the end. You have 20 days--you can afford to be creative:

Arrive Roma--to Florence--5
Train to Venice--5
Get car--to Castelrotto--2
To Lake one [Como]--3
To Lake two [Orta]--3
Drop car--to Rome--last nite

That is a good start. I love north Italy in Sep.--you will too !

Thanks Bob. I like your suggestion. BTW, the reason I am not spending time in rural Tuscany is because we have spent Sept-Oct in Lucca area or Sienna for the past several years and very little time in Florence itself. Decided we haven't been fair to this city. Also figure if we don't find enough to occupy us in Florence, it is easy enough to leap on a train in almost any direction and be in a quiet little town for the day!