March Spring Break in Italy

Stresa might be a good choice, you can take the ferry along the lake. I really like Bergamo (Citta Alta), about an hour by train from Milano. Perhaps spend two nights there and one in Milano at the end of your trip?

There are two cities between Venice and Verona that are worth your time: Padua and Vicenza.

I don't think you can count on nice weather in northern Italy in March. You may have that, but it may be chilly and wet (i.e., raw), so do some research on indoor attractions in each of the cities you plan to visit. If you aren't really picky about hotels, I'd be inclined to have tentative plans but not make non-refundable reservations till about 4 or 5 days before arrival in every city, except for the first and last nights. That way, you can make route decisions with solid weather predictions in mind. I would not go to the Cinque Terre in March without a reasonable expectation of decent weather. I'm not sure a lake destination would be great in iffy weather, either.

I'm very cold-natured. For traveling to that area in March, I'd take a set of quick-drying long underwear (I have Cuddl Duds), two or three pairs of slacks, two long-sleeved mostly-cotton turtleneck shirts (should be comfortable even if it's rather warm), two other tops, a non-bulky warm layer (fleece jacket, merino wool sweater, packable down jacket, etc.), and a waterproof/windproof outer layer. I hate dragging around a full-length raincoat so would try to avoid that unless the weather forecast right before departure looked very rainy. In recent years I've just traveled with rain jackets that I can shove into my purse on days with changeable weather. Something with a hood is good. Plus some sort of waterproof hat to keep the rain off your face.

At that time of year I'd like waterproof walking shoes, but for such a short trip I wouldn't buy them if I didn't already own them. Something enclosed, though, preferably sturdy since you'll probably encounter your share of slippery, wet pavement. If you're not confident the shoes will dry overnight if they get soaked, best to have a second pair of some kind.

In the unlikely event the weather forecast shows really low temperatures, I'd throw gloves and something to protect my ears into the suitcase, but I don't think you'll run into that degree of cold.

We have been to northern Italy for the past 2 years in early to mid-March and are planning to go back again this March. Our itinerary has included Milan, Florence, Siena, Verona, Venice, Ravenna, and Parma though we've never been to Cinque Terra. The weather has been cool (50s - low 60s) but pleasant. I usually wear a lightweight fleece under a down jacket and also take a packable goretex jacket in case of rain. In Venice we have stayed at Hotel Campiello (recommended in Rick Steves Venice book) and recommend eating at Al Chianti. In Verona we stayed at Hotel Milano near Piazza Bra and ate at Ristortante Torcolo (both are recommended in RS Italy book). Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!

My 2 eurocents (and I assume you are college age). I'm reallocating your 8 nights in Italy as follows:

Venice:
I'd probably take 3 nights here.
Verona:
1 night is right. But you could also stay an extra night in Venice and visit Verona on a day trip. One hour each way from Venice by train.
Cinque Terre:
In March? What for? Skip it.
Florence:
My addition. 3 nights. Am I biased on this choice because Florence is where I grew up? You bet!
Milan:
1 night. Leave in the morning from Florence and be in Milan less than two hours later. You have almost a full day before the next day when you return home.

If you want to visit a bit more of Tuscany as a day trip from Florence, stay 4 nights in Florence and 3 nights in Venice. In such case skip Verona or visit Verona for half day to a day while in Venice.

Stresa is pretty but it would not satisfy my desire for mountain scenery. I recommend Bellagio on Lake Como for mountain views and a restful few days. I have been there twice in October and the weather was nice - cannot speak for March.