9 night taste of italy

I would go with three nights Roma, two nights Firenze, two nights Tuscan countryside or near one of the lakes, and two nights in Venezia, if you like a fast pace. Or, three nights Roma, four nights Firenze (daytrip to the countryside), two nights Venezia.

Thanks Zoe!

Or, three nights Roma, four nights Firenze (day trip to the countryside), two nights Venezia

Definitely the better option.

4 places in 9 nights is a lot of moving

Day 1: Arrive in Rome (3 nights)
Day 2: Rome
Day 3: Rome
Day 4: Early train from Rome to Florence (4 nights)
Day 5: Florence
Day 6: Day trip to Pisa+Lucca
Day 7: Day trip to Siena
Day 8: Early train from Florence to Venice (2 nights)
Day 9: Venice
Day 10: Depart Venice

I disagree totally with Riccardo. Flying into Venice for one night makes no sense to me. That first day is often a jetlagged/sleep-deprived mess. The odds of four people all being really productive that day are very, very low. I'd say even two nights is too short a time if Venice is your first stop after a transatlantic flight. A quick trip to Venice more or less means you'll spend all your time at the top few destinations where everyone goes, walking shoulder to shoulder with thousands of other visitors. You'll be among those who don't like Venice because it is "too touristy". You need time in Venice to walk away from the crowds and explore the back streets and side canals. If you don't have time to do that, I vote for leaving Venice for another trip.

I like the idea of including one or two small towns in any trip, so--though I adore Venice--I'd probably opt for Rome + Florence with time for some side trips. Less time wasted on the train = more time actually seeing things. In my view, eight full days isn't really enough for Rome+Florence+Venice. I'd suggest that if you want to base yourselves in three different places, they should be closer together and smaller.

Lots of different ideas here - thank you!
i think we may be leaning towards leaving out Venice (sadly) to really enjoy Tuscany which means we could include a hike in the CT, weather permitting.
Although I have also read that the CT is best to stay overnight To enjoy it without the day trippers!!
Decisions decisions!

Yes, there is no perfect solution. Even if you have unlimited time (well, 90 days because of the Schengen Zone restriction), that is not enough time to see all there is in Italy. There are always tough choices to make. Just focus on enjoying what you have time for.