Flying in and out of Rome, should we do Venice or Rome first?

If it were me, I would hop on the train & head to Venice. We spent 3 days there & 5 in Rome last month. Rome was great, Venice is magical. Enjoy your trip!

The first day is going to be wasted so you might as well waste it on the train to Venice so go to Venice. An open jaw to Milan would have worked if available.

I'd start in Venice, it's easier to deal with than Rome. You are already at the airport so why not fly to Venice for about $80? There is a direct train to Venice from FCO but it's the same cost as flying and takes 4-1/2 hours. Take the bus from the airport to the island.

Yes, I agree with Richard to fly..... BUT, from the Marco Polo airport, take a very short walk to the dock and catch an alilaguna water taxi into Venice. A colorful, memorable, beautiful way to begin a visit to magical Venice!

It is best to sleep in Rome, not another city, before your flight home, and taxis from central Rome to the airport are easy, even at 4 a.m. Save Rome for last to avoid booking two separate hotel stays there.

Whether you fly or train from Rome to Venice, you can take a little nap onboard. But don't book a flight connection too tightly, since a separate airline won't take responsibility for any delays by the first airline. If traveling by train, don't book ahead at all; just buy tickets in the airport train station upon arrival; they will be reserved for the next train with seats available.

Might as well fly on to Venice and "recover" there. Then ease into Italy with Venice and end with the whirlwind that is Rome

What time is your departure flight out of Rome ??