Open jaw decision.

I haven't been myself, but based on everything I have read here, I would fly into Venice and out of Rome. That way you avoid the hassle of the really early flight out of Venice, and you travel in one direction. Have a great trip.

Your correct in that getting to the airport from a hotel in Venice can be a little more work but I have found that you just tend to leave earlier and plan ahead with either a water taxi (more expensive but straight to the airport) or a combination of Vapertto and bus, etc. If you want to go to Rome 1st then that's what I would do, trips to Europe are those rare times when we can save up and spend a few wonderful days enjoying another country's culture and ambience so I would say go for it! Hope you have a great time, nothing is better than sharing travel experiences with your family!!

You could end in Rome or end in Venice. Neither are difficult airports to get to.
We took a short cab ride last time in Venice to the airport--and they do have late a.m. flights out. The water taxi's are just too expensive, and even the vaparetto to the airport was 15 euros each.
Last time in Rome, our B&B arranged for a car to take us to FCO--relatively short and easy ride from the Vatican area.

you've discovered the problem with going home from Venice - that so many of the flights are very early morning so that screws up a relaxed last evening and little sleep before heading out at 4 or earlier in the morning.

That's why so many suggest into Venice, out of Rome.

But you know your kids best. At their ages I wouldn't have been tired, but if you know they will be then you need to do what is best.

Maybe shorten the whole trip and leave out Florence?

I wouldn't expect 20-somethings to be tired after just five days in Italy. I'm 67 and walk up to 13 miles a day in Europe, averaging about 7. And I do that for months at a time.

I think I’m going to go to Venice first. I agree that the boys shouldn’t be tired and I can make the last day a relaxing one....meaning no set plans. Also, it looks like it would be cheaper by $800 to go to Venice first, and I think that’s substantial.

Thanks for all who responded.

Heck, we are in our 70s and are on the go for longer trips.

I remember the early flights out of Venice. We found a hotel near the airport for the last night.

I like flying into Rome and out of Venice.

Venice is spectacular after the throngs of day trippers head back to their cruise ships and other places. You’ll notice the crowds thinning about 3:00pm and soon after you’ll have the beautiful city to yourself. Don’t shortchange your stay in Venice. Stay as long as you can, and do consider taking a water taxi from the airport to your hotel because that’s part of the excitement to speed across the lagoon. Choose a hotel with a private taxi door so your taxi just drops you directly into your hotel. We really like the Hotel Saturnia and International, but there are many good hotels in Venice from which to choose.

And we usually precook our water taxi from the airport with www.motoscafivenezia.it for 115Euro to our hotel. That would be the price for all 4 of you.

There is an adorable town just outside of Venice by train called Treviso. We flew into Venice and stayed there overnight to catch the train in Venice south. The food was good and easy assess to the airport and Venice as well.