Itinerary for toddler and fit 61 yr old

We need more info-
What sort of things are you interested in? Art, history, nature, food??

Looks like you have 9 nights between Lake Como and Rome- I would limit that to 2 or 3 locations and travel by train.
Major places would be Venice, Florence and Rome
Venice should get 3-4 nights
Florence 2-3 nights plus 1 night for every day trip
Rome should get at least 3 nights- or more

Where in Lake Como are you staying?

I don’t think I’d have the nerve to wrangle a two year old in Venice, so if you want highlights only, Florence and Rome would be a lovely combo.

Are you hoping to use public transportation (trains and buses) or renting a car for part of your trip?

If no car and traveling with the 2 year old I would choose 2 locations allowing for a couple days trips.

Where are you staying in Lake Como? That will help determine your route.

Yes, we are hoping/planning to use public transportation as we've been told driving is too dangerous! ;-)

Any idea what crowds will be like from 4/26/26 through 5/8/26?

Do you think using a car would be okay/safe? Or is it a big "no"? We are not against it, just heard so many stories about "getting run over" by local drivers. ;-)

Assuming your driver understands the rules of driving in Italy, obtains an International Driving Permit (basically just a translation of your state driver's license) and understands the importance of avoiding restricted driving zones (ZTLs) to avoid fines, driving in Italy is safe.

That said, with just over a week, there is no reason not to use public transportation in Italy.

Again, where on Lake Como are you staying, please?

Yes we need to know where on Lake Como you are coming from and what your interests are

If you are visiting the “major places” like Venice, Florence, Rome there is no need for a car
It would just be an expensive headache

There are a few places in Italy where a car in beneficial (driving around Tuscany countryside, for example)

You need to decide on where you are going first
You are very late to be booking accommodations and you are traveling over May 1 Italian holiday so deciding on itinerary quickly is imperative

Daughter and wedding party staying at Relais Villa Vittoria. I want a less expensive place that is near their hotel.

Has the wedding host offered any guidance/suggestions for nearby lodging?

I would go to Google maps, locate the wedding venue then search for nearby hotels
Book something soon, looks to be very limited
Book a refundable rate then keep looking

Have you figured out how to get there?
Are you flying in to Milan?

Yes, we are flying into Milan. Train to hotel? I've searched nearby hotels just not sure how to rate them or what to expect for a price range of $150/night USD. Will i be sleeping in a garage for that or will it be okay?

I don’t think there is train access to that town
No train on that side of the lake

150/night is a very low budget for Lake Como

Search on booking.com
Read the reviews there, they are legit as can only be left by those who have actually stayed at the property

hey hey drholcomb13
you are really late planning anything for next month with 3 people especially on lake como.
figure out your transportation from milan (MXP) to lake como and where on the lake? $150 for 3 is totally outrageous and probably worse than a garage or maybe a dog house. it is high high season, crowds will be everywhere and tiring for a 2 year old, sounds cruel. long lines for ferries, restaurants, walking along the promenade, besides grumpy, tired, obnoxious travelers all over and many tour buses, cars, vans, private companies wanting to go & see lake como. italy and the other big cities will be just as crowded.
you will need to up your budget, ask wedding planner or wedding family where? plus book your other places ASAP good luck & have fun.
friends of mine are going for a wedding first part of june for a wedding and first time to italy and her & husband can't believe how expensive it will be between rome, florence and lake como
aloha