2 nights in Florence and 3 nights in Venice or vice-versa?

If you are going to be on a 12 hour tour exploring Tuscany, then I would spend the three nights in Florence. I would however, plan on getting an early arrival in Venice so that you could maximize your time there.

My suggestion would be 3 nights in Florence and 2 in Venice, especially considering the fact that you're planning to take an "Explore Tuscany" tour. There's much more to see in the Florence area, and some good day trip possibilities. There are also lots of opportunities for relaxing at cafés, window shopping and people watching. In my experience, Florence is also less expensive than Venice.

Do you really need 2 nights in Milan? I'd rather take one night from there and add it to Florence. Otherwise, I'd rather spend 3 nights in Florence and 2 nights in Venice.

Remember to not let Mom sit down on St. Marks Square for coffee, etc. The "sitting fee" will scare her when she gets the bill.

"The "sitting fee" will scare her when she gets the bill."

I second that suggestion! Sitting down at the sidewalk patios of those high brow restaurants is extremely expensive. One of joints I priced last year was charging €19 for a cup of coffee!

Wow, there's an overhead charge just for sitting! Thanks for letting me know.

BTW, I've planned 2 nights in Milan because that'll be the first stop -- from JFK to MXP. I initially planned only 1 night in Milan, but I figured my elderly mom (almost 80 years old) wouldn't appreciate landing for 1 night and then jumping on a train the next day.

At least, with the first 2 nights in Milan she'll have more time to acclimate to the new time zone. And yes, I'll be sure to book an early train ride on our Florence-to-Venice leg so that we can maximize our time in the two other cities. Looks like 3 nights in Florence and 2 nights in Venice is the better schedule; thank you all for the suggestion.

I'm so glad the Milan-Florence and Florence-Venice train rides are non-stop and not too long. And I'm sure she's going to love Tuscany... :D

Two nights in Milano will be fine, especially if one is your first night.

The "sitting fee" skyrockets when one of the orchestras is playing. Usually during late afternoon/evening. Sometimes people dance in the piazza during these times.

Despite the sitting fee, I think you should visit one of the cafes in St Marks plaza. The atmosphere is great for people watching if only the tourists. Florian's is the oldest in the city. Not sure if inside seating is as expensive as outside, but since you are going in November, inside may be more appropriate. If you can afford it, do it! Then you can boast you went to Florian's.

I would suggest 3 nights in Florence and 2 nights in Venice. With your full day tour in Tuscany, you will have almost no time in Florence if you only stay 2 nights in Florence.