My husband and I are planning a trip to Northern Italy for April 2010. We have a friend who has a place in Venice so that is a must see. We also are committed to visit my cousin who is in Amsterdam by planning a layover there on our way from the states. The best layover option puts us into Milan and gives us a full day to spend with her in Amsterdam.
SO!! If we arrive in Milan and end up in Venice - what would be a good 7 night itinerary? We want to stay in Venice 2 or 3 nights, and we don't have much interest in Milan or any big city to be honest. My must-do list has always had the Cinque Terra on it, but I wonder if thats too out of the way to combine somehow with Venice. So I was thinking that maybe Lake Como, then Venice. I was also thinking of the Dolomites (we have a soft spot for natural beauty) and then of coarse we would love to see Tuscany. But how would Tuscany fit into things??? Should Tuscany be a top priority above the Lakes and the Dolomites?
Anyone have any suggestions or ideas for creating the perfect itinerary out of all these variables?
We are trying to manage with just rail as that seems the most affordable option.
Thanks in advance for any advice or insight.