Thanks for all the input. My itinerary is

NY --> Rome Florence Pisa - just saw on the news this morning about discovery of ships 2000 years old - hopefully some artifacts will be on display when I get there. Venice Milan -->NY

I will be traveling with one other person, so according to all the advice, my guess is its better - to wait till I get there to buy the ticket - its 15% less. - maybe buy the kilometric pass instead of the flexi pass.

Definitely looking forward to this trip.

Thanks. Larry