Venice, Milan, Florence, Pisa, Rimini, Rome by train

The itinerary sequence is improper. Assuming that is what you want to visit it should be Milan, Venice Rimini, Florence (Pisa on a day trip from Florence), Rome.
Are you flying to Milan and returning from Rome? That would be my suggestion. Not sure exactly why one would want to go to Rimini in August at the peak of the beach holiday season when the place is packed like a can of sardines, but you might have your reasons. Maybe you are a twenty something who loves clubs, bars, discos, parties, beaches (Rimini in August is like Miami Beach during spring break on steroids)

Yes, why Rimini? I am very curious. We were in the area in August and I thought it was just awful.

There are a couple of historical sights in Rimini, and it's Fellini's home town.

Thank you for your replies. I would like to swim in the Adriatic Sea and so was thinking somewhere South of Rimini on the beach. Also, the train will take me in that direction. I did forget about the crowds though so thank you for the reminder. My starting destination has more to do with jumping into sight-seeing first then getting my "ahh" factor at the Opera de la scala de Milan. I was basing the routes by how the trains appear to run.

Roberto has it laid out more efficiently then your original post above. You would be doing some back tracking. Go with Roberto's suggestion for the order.

Please forgive me, however, I do not understand why Roberto's suggested itinerary is preferable. Isn't Bologna a hub for train travel and therefore there would be back tracking regardless? Perhaps I read the train routes incorrectly. Can anyone suggest the best way to obtain tickets, passes, reservations to popular sights?

No, trains from Milan to Venice don't go via Bologna, they go straight across on the east-west line. Milan often has more flight options than Venice, as well. If you have Rick's Italy book or planning map, you can see the train lines on the color maps. Of course a map doesn't tell you everything; a train schedule will actually determine the fastest route and connection points.

Thank you very much for the explanation regarding the trains and flights to Milan and Venice. Very helpful and I appreciate the comments.

You can buy train tickets up to 120 days in advance on Trenitalia but you cannot make changes to the super-economy ticket, which is issued for a particular train departure and includes a reserved seat. For more flexibility, buy the next fare level (economy) or wait until you get to Italy.

About Bologna Centrale: the station is now huge with multiple levels, allow enough time to transfer if you are changing trains there.

Rimini and that general area is not the place to experience the Adriatic. Trust me. Have a lovely day elsewhere.

I'm not sure why you are in such need to swim in the Adriatic. It's not Holy Lourdes water. But if you are craving that swim, while you are in Venice, just hop on a vaporetto and go to the Lido. They have beaches there. A little farther away is Jesolo, which is a bit better. I wouldn't go out of my way to swim in Rimini. It's crowded there in August, and mainly an entertainment location for young crowds. Another place where you could go is the Versilia area in Tuscany, just north of Pisa (like Viareggio or Forte dei Marmi). Just as crowded though, but at least closer to where you want to visit. South of Livorno, close to Pisa, is Quercianella, which I find more amenable.

I agree with Roberto.
Rimini is not worth it. I also find it awful.
Keep in mind that you only have two weeks and that you have to travel in between places.

Quercianella is very nice indeed. Area of Porto Ercole and Porto Stefano is very nice. Off the Tuscan coast Elba Island and the Tuscan archipelago are also very nice.

Quercianella is very nice indeed. Area of Porto Ercole and Porto Stefano is very nice. Off the Tuscan coast Elba Island and the Tuscan archipelago are also very nice.

Thank you all for the replies, they have been very helpful. I have completely changed my plans and am now taking a Rick Steves Best of Europe Tour instead.