I will be accompanying my husband on a business trip to Italy in May and need some help planning an itinerary around his meeting. We would need to fly out of either Atlanta or New Orleans, of course prefer non-stop flights. We want to see Venice, Florence, Cinque Terra and possibly Lake Como. We could either have the meeting in the middle of the trip, or on either end, our dates are flexible except for having to be in Barga May 20-25 (Sunday-check out Friday). I am just working on the itinerary for now, and the logistics of getting from place to place, how many nights each, etc. We have been to Italy before (only Rome & Orvietta) and we are comfortable with the trains and with renting a car for a portion of the trip. Would like to do this in 2 weeks (including the 5 nights in Barga for his meeting, but somewhat flexible on # of days). I know some sights are closed certain days of the week, so we want to take that into account in our planning. Can't wait to hear all your suggestions! Thanks!

Well you will have to do the legwork on your flights and itinerary, but I will tell you that you are going to love Barga! It is gorgeous and there are excellent restaurants.
I came from Pisa, and Barga was easily reached from Lucca by bus. A car rental will allow for some excellent exploring and hiking opportunities.
Do note that LCT may still be having difficulties next May.

Given 13 nites to sleep in Italy---and 5 of those in Barga---that only leaves you 8 nites for your other destinations. I would start in Venice for 3, train to Florence for 3 more, and then decide the sequence of Barga/CT depending on flights home from either Pisa or Milan. I am surprised at Barga as a conference location---the town is quite small and a bit isolated.

Yes, I guess there is a conference center there at "Il Ciocco Hotel and Resort Lucca (Barga), Italy. Castelvecchio Pascoli is situated in the northern Tuscany region of Italy approximately 40 km (26 miles) from Lucca, 60 km (39 miles) from Pisa and 110 km (74 miles) from Florence." They go on to describe it as scenic, mountainous, with horseback riding and hiking trails. I think it is a newly renovated Marriott property (new to Marriott).

If possible, I would schedule the pleasure portion of the trip following the conference. That way your husband can relax with his business out of the way.

Be careful of Cinque Terre. It has suffered damaging floods and may not be ready for tourists. From Barga, think about goint to Venice, Lake Como and Florence and fly home from either Florence or Pisa. That is more than enough for the 8 days you have. While your husband is conferencing you may want to visit some nearby Tuscan towns by bus. You might want a car for Lake Como but won't for your other destinations.

Have a wonderful time.

Thanks everyone...I am going to post my tentative itinerary on a new thread.. love for you to comment.