Rome or Venice

Tami,

I'd suggest focusing on Rome, as there's definitely more to see and do. Are you including travel time between Rome and Venice in your calculations? Even though it may be feasible, I'm not sure it would be worthwhile (IMHO) to do a "day trip" to Venice from Rome. You could easily spend three days in Rome and leave Venice for a future trip.

Cheers!

The cruise begins in Rome and ends in Venice. I'm planning a 1/2 day to travel back by train. I think you're right to focus on Rome at this time however.

I have a different opinion which makes the world go round. I would go to Venice as well. It is a breathtaking experience. If you take the train, your mouth will drop open once you leave the station and see the Grand Canal for the first time. You only really need one day in Venice if you arrive early. Go to St Marks. Walk the back canals, eat lunch. It's a long day but well worth it. Sleep on the train. You can also take a plane. From the airport take the boat bus to St Marks.

I would focus on Rome, there is just more to see.

If I read your question right, you're not asking to choose between Rome or Venice, but which deserves more time. That's easy: Venice - 1 day, Rome - 2 days.

I don't think you can go wrong either way. Myself, I would choose Rome over Venice in your scenario.

Thank you so much for all of your suggestions. We will definitely give Rome 2 full days and Venice just one full day. Now for planning the train trip between the two. Fun, fun. Any suggested stops along the way?

Great choice Tami. Florence is just about in the middle of the train route. 2 or 3 hrs depending which direction you're going. I hear you can see some great stuff in an afternoon. We're thinking of doing it ourselves.

If you search on here, there were some threads on afternoons in Florence.

If you have to plan for only 3 days and these two cities: Rome 2 days, Venice 1 day.

Rome for the 2 days. I haven't been to Rome, but I have been to Venice, and I think you can leave feeling you got the heart of Venice in 1 day. If you want to return someday, you can do that, too.

Tami,

"Any suggested stops along the way?"

Given the short time frame of your trip, I don't think you have time for any "stops along the way". The time would be better spent in Rome IMHO.

Cheers!