Appreciate feedback on Northern Italy Itinerary

Try to put in Sabbioneta when you're staying in Mantova. Perfect »ideal city«. Check at http://www.apam.it/it/ext_orari_mappe for bus schedule.

While you're in Rovinj, be sure to take a day to visit Porec. There's a 6th century basilica with wonderful mosaics. Also part of the complex is the bishop's palace.
One of the times we visited the Veneto, we took a Brenta canal cruise which included stops at Palladian villas. You should definitely plan to see at least one of them, either when you are in Vicenza or nearby. There are several scattered around the countryside that are open to tourists. Teatro Olimpico is another must-see in Vicenza. You might want to consider 2 nights there.
In addition to wonderful food, Parma has a beautiful duomo and baptistry.

You may consider another night in Vicenza, there are Palladian villas outside the city that can be a nice day trip.

Roslyn, how did you travel to Rovinj & Porec? I'm looking at ferries from Venice to go to Rovinj, but they arrive late at night and not every day of the week. Hoping for another option.

All these places are very close (well except Rovinj in Croatia), and as much as I like moving around, I think you might benefit by simplifying things ...
Fly into Venice
4 nights in Parma (with excursions to Cremona & Mantova)
3 nights at Malcesine (northern Lake Garda)
2 nights in Vicenza
3 nights in Rovinj, Croatia
3 nights in Venice
Fly out of Venice

We spent an amazing week on Lake Como based in Hotel du Lac (one of Rick's hotels so you get the discount if you book directly) right on the lake in Bellagio. This is a three star gem and we had a lake room. Fabulous place to wander. I lead garden tours so visiting Renaissance gardens at villas was high on my list. Spent a day at Villa Carlotta - fabulous art inside and lunch with the roses. Best day was Villa Balbianello - a dream of a villa garden. Relaxing but invigorating. You might want to visit the websites and re-think your itinerary. It was my third trip to Italy.

Will you rent a car? You can drive from Parma to Mantova in about one hour, versus two hours by train (with connection, and with departures most days at either 7:30 a.m. or 11:30; different on Sunday). Driving an hour in a different direction would also be the simplest way to get to the Ferrari museums at Maranello. I would also drive to Croatia, but make sure that the car rental company approves that plan.

Hi Laura, we've never rented a car in Europe. Guess we're spoiled with what we consider to be a fun way of traveling - mostly trains and the occasional bus. We use the time on the train to relax, look out the windows, read through a few pages of ideas for the next location and eat a snack, so we're ready to go when we arrive at the next location. Also, some of our fond memories of connecting with locals have been on public transportation.

Gail, thanks for sharing your experience at Lake Como at Villa Carlotta. I checked out some photos, and it reminds of me one of my favorites - Isola Bella near Stresa in Lake Maggoire which I think you would love.

Our first experience in Italy several years ago was taking a RS tour of Italy which started at Lake Como. Each spot was a wow moment....which explains why we've been back to several of them a second time. : )