Northern Italy - Milan, Lake Como, Cinque Terra - 7 full days

Lake Como (1) first, then Cinque Terre (2), then train to Florence(2), then back to Milan (1). (nights)

Florence is the center of the Renaissance. A beautiful place and close to your plan.

Venice is spectacular and unique. Also, a great place to visit.

Pisa is also close to 5 Terre.

Not sure about Lake Como in November though. Check November weather history for both Lake Como and Cinque Terre.

The end of November is a transition time for Lake Como--going from Fall to a snowy Winter. This time of year has hit or miss weather with relatively little sunshine. Daytime highs are around 50 degrees with nighttime temperatures in the high 30's.
The C/T is quite farther south, but it is a pretty rainy place at the end of November. High temperatures are about 60 degrees with low temperatures at night of around mid 40's. Cinque Terre is more of a summer destination.
Since this won't be 'high time' for tourists, accommodations should be available. You could start in Milan and check on the weather forecasts. If the weather's bad in the north, head farther south to Florence or over to Venice. With a tablet or laptop, it's easy to plan a trip and make reservations on the run.

IMHO, you will spend more time getting there than time being there. You have too many destinations and too few days.

Have you purchased your air ticket? if not, consider flying multi-city or open jaw. Fly into Venice and home from Milano. This will enable you to maximize your time in country.

Buon viaggio,

The hill town of Bergamo is a nice day-trip from Milan. However, such places can be windy, and it could be pretty unpleasant on a cold, wet November day. Be sure you pack appropriate layers, including rain gear with a hood.

Thanks for all the comments. We are coming from the northeast so the temp will actually be about the same or slightly warmer. Of course, no one likes rain - but you can't predict that. We are locked into flying in and out of Milan so no wiggle room there. There is so much conflicting info on CT and Como for November - don't go it's all closed to go but chilly and things are still open. Like the idea of doing Florence instead of Venice - less travel.

I was in Le Cinque Terre in 1994 and 2013. In 1994 the area were sleepy little villages and very quaint.

In 2013 it was jam packed, shoulder to shoulder, and crowded with both American and Italian tourists. In fact, we had train seat reservations from La Spezia to Vernazza, but the train was so crammed we had to take a later train. I explained to the conductor why our tickets did not match the later train and he just laughed and moved on.

The once typical shops were now selling tourist schlock.

In November the little towns may be closed. I know I present a dim view of the area, but these were my experiences.

Buon viaggio,

We were told that by the beginning of November in Bellagio most of the restaurants are closed for the season and most of the towns are turned back over the permanent residents so although the area is beautiful I'm not sure I'd head there in that late in November. As for Milan .... maybe 1/2 day. 7 full days.... 3 in Venice, 2 days Florence one day somewhere between the two and skip the CT since it's the other direction Or one day in Milan

Thanks again - itinerary has changed to this idea...

17 – arrive in Milan, see Milan with whatever energy you have after your flight
18 – morning train to CT if weather is good and trails are open.
19 – CT
20 – Morning train to Florence – afternoon in Florence
21 Florence
22 Rent car and travel to Tuscany – thinking of staying in Montepulciano
23 Tuscany – travel to Verona – return rental
24 Verona, see Verona – afternoon train to milan
25 – fly

If the weather doesn’t cooperate, then we will go directly to Florence. Can add Venice or less travel time and go to Sienna and/or San Gimignano.

Packing, checking out, moving, driving, checking in, unpacking ....
You're moving a lot. Maybe you've done it before and know that it works for you.
That's too much moving for me (us) (and most others).

mj,

Regarding the Cinque Terre, it will probably be very quiet in mid-November as many of the hotels and other tourist businesses will be starting to shut down for the season. As mentioned earlier, it may also be rainy and gray.

Regarding the C.T. trails, only two of the four Sentiero Azzurro trails have been open for the last few years. If the weather is wet, it probably won't be a good idea to hike as they may be a bit treacherous.

On the positive side, you likely won't have to worry about crowds in the C.T. at that time of year.