<i><font color=#555555>"I also don't feel anyone has the "right" to define or judge good food for anyone else"</font></i>

Everyone is entitled to an opinion, and everyone has the right to define and judge good food for themselves. Tastes vary. Knowledge varies. Many people can't tell the difference between a Spanish olive or an Italian olive. Many people can't tell the difference between frozen fish and freshly caught. And many people can't tell whether their pizza has canned mushrooms on it or fresh slices.

What is a food or wine opinion worth when it comes from a complete stranger? What good is a stranger's definition of romantic?

<i><font color=#555555>""Venice is far more romantic""</font></i>

Well, as StCirq said, there's something about the softness of water. A boat ride can make you feel light on your feet. When you step off a rocking boat, your body still wants to sway for a bit, almost like a dance or a moment of happy intoxication. Then there's the light, and the reflection of light on the water can create the magic of twinkle. If romance is defined by how one sets a stage, Venice has her art direction talent down. Where else can you find the gondolier's life?

<i><font color=#555555>""Venice is a must see""</font></i>

Venice is unlike any other city I've ever visited, and after countless visits in 30+ years (I was there just a few weeks ago), I'm still completely bewitched and bedazzled. There's a reason why she's also known as <i>La Serenissima</i>.

<i><font color=#555555>"I think I am going to stick with the original plan of dong Rome -> Tuscany -> Lake Como."</font></i>

The month of September can be magical in each. If romance is defined by color and wine selection, each destination knows how to seduce.

Don't obsess. Your plan is fine. And I say that as one who has visited Venice more than once and loves it.

You might want to start in Lake Como and then work your way down as most flights that leave from VCE back to the US leave very early in the morning versus Rome or Florence.

I like your thinking. Both cities are great, so if you have an interest in seeing Rome, go to Rome. Five nights is the right amount of time there too, to see the major sights. I really like your plan. Fly into Rome and out of Milan. Happy anniversary!

Ha - this is quite funny I just finalized my plan. Or so I thought. I was settling on five nights in Rome, four in Tuscany and another five in Lake Como. I came back here to let folks know and to start figuring out hotels (I have some awesome choices) - and then I saw dutyfree's point about the timing of the flights home. Oh That IS a bit of a factor, so now I am thinking about reversing the order. That's JUST the sort of snippet that is really easy to miss - unless I call on the experts on this forum! Thank you dutyfree (and to everyone).

So, rethinking the order.

Mark

If Lake Como is your last stop, you will probably find it easiest to fly out of Milan, not Venice, so dutyfree's advice may have little bearing.

Driver service from Lake Como to Milan MXP will make it easy for your departure flight.

I love both Venice and Rome. But If I had to choose Rome would win. Although Venice is a city so unique... Try to see both! Fly into one and out of the other. You will not regret the effort.