Help! Paris and Rome/Venice Itinerary

I would go to Venice.
If you go to Venice stay in Cannaregio
I would stay in Trastevere in Rome or by Piazza Navona.

Venice is small so anywhere you stay will be fine. We spent two weeks in Cannareggio and enjoyed it there, out of the cruise tour mobs.

Don't skip Venice, even if your time there will be very short. It can be magical. It's not big, and all the areas are well connected by the vapporettos (bus boats.) The first time I went I thought I should stay somewhere "central" meaning near St. Mark's, and that's probably the worst area -- much too crowded with cruisers who can't find their way anywhere else, I think. Any of the other areas are fine. My own favorite is the Dorsodura, the area generally near the Academia, where the University is. Think you would enjoy the nightlife around there, especially on Campo Santa Margherita. I always rent apartments in Venice now, but for a short stay and a first visit you need a hotel with someone to answer your questions. I have liked Ca San Trovaso in the Dorsodura.

The "downtown" area of Rome is surprisingly small also. Look on a map for the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Campo dei Fiori, and find a hotel generally within this triangle if you want to be in the heart of the historic area. Nearby Trastevere has become party central if that's more your liking. The area near the big train station Termini has more budget lodgings, but lacks the charm of the centro historico for me. First trip, go for more magic!

If you haven't already, invest in the three Rick Steves city guides for your trip. They will answer so many of your questions, and you will hit the ground knowing so much more. Sounds like a great trip!

Venice, definately stay on the Venice islands, not on the mainland. Anywhere on the islands is equaly convenient.

The overnight train from Venice to Rome is:
From: Venezia S. Lucia (00:08) To: Roma Termini (06:35)
That is 6 hours 26 minutes on the train, not a very long night. I would suggest getting a day train. These take 3 hours 45 minutes, run ever hour and if you buy now, prices start at €25.90

You could also spend 1-2 nights in Florence, which is conveniently between Venice and Rome.

Otherwise, I Like your plan.

Good itinerary. I would not add another stop.

Take an evening train to Rome, not an overnight. You’ll never get any sleep. Take a train at 5 or 6 pm, giving you time for a late dinner in Rome.

Venice is so small that you can stay many places. San Marco and San Polo are our favorite areas as it is easy to get the vaporetto and also easy to walk most places.

In Rome, stay near the Pantheon or Piazza Navona for good atmosphere, walking, access to good bus service. Prati , near the Vatican,is convenient as well.

Laurel's right: With the fast trains (Frecciarossa and Frecciargento) taking just 3 hr. 45 min., it doesn't make any sense to subject yourself to the probable misery of a night train. There are direct trains at least hourly, the final weekday departure being at 7:25 PM. If you want to maximize your time in Venice, you can pack food and eat on the frain.

I would agree with the comments “don’t take the night train”. You will get little sleep, the train makes quite a few stops along the way, and you will arrive in Rome feeling pretty ragged, yet unable to check into your hotel.

Take an evening train, maybe buy some food and wine to enjoy on the train, a picnic at 200 kilometres an hour.

I was just in Italy and Paris a couple weeks ago and one of my favorite places was Montepulciano in Tuscany. Your itinerary is all cities. Consider a small town. They’re typically less crowded, more charming and authentic than overrun hot spots like Paris and Rome. We just spent two full days in Rome and saw the highlights.