While we have traveled in Europe a good bit, this is our first trip to Italy. This is primarily a photography trip, with a concentration on ancient structures, cathedrals, castles, quaint smaller towns (smaller than Florence anyway), and walking ancient streets and alleys. We also like small, quirky hotels.
Having said that, the above four towns are on the short list. The plan is to fly into Venice, go to Florence, go to Pisa, got to Cinque Terre, and then go through three of the listed four before visiting Rome.
Any thoughts on which to leave out would be appreciated. As far as that goes, any advice of any sort wold be useful. Talk to me like I'm 4 years old and I'll do better :)