Scooter

I used to own a scooter and lived in New York City. I'd drive it anywhere fearlessly. But I would NEVER drive in Italy. Traffic in Milan and Rome is insane. And since Venice has canals and no roadways, it's a moot point. If you're thinking Audrey Hepburn in "Roman Holiday" remember that was over 60 years ago and traffic was a little different. :>) don't let your Roman Holiday include a visit to the ER.

Here's a link to scooter rental info.

None the less, there are scooter rentals available in Rome. Been there, done that. Caveat Emptor.

I've never ridden a scooter but I have driven a car in Rome. In my opinion, it was easier than driving in Manhattan. If it's your dream, I'd do it and Rome would be an awesome city to do by scooter. Be careful and have fun!

Karen

Make sure you read this from someone who lived in Rome as an expat.
http://www.roninrome.com/%20transportation/riding-a-scooter-in-rome

My husband and I did a Vespa tour outside Florence in the countryside and even that had some nervous moments since we don't drive scooters in our normal lives.

I had a friend who did the vespa tour in Tuscany. Not sure if there might be something like that near the cities, but the scenery was beautiful and the tour included a mini lesson in case you haven't ridden before. I haven't been to Italy yet, but from pictures and videos, the traffic looks terrifying to me. It sure sounds fun though!

I have driven extensively in Italy, in a car, not a scotter. I would not drive in a City such as Rome, but if it is your dream do so. Try a tour, if possible. Traffic in any Italian city is chaotic, but if you can handle the stress do it.

Make sure your affairs are in order.

More from the excellent "Ron in Rome":

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/renting-a-scooter-in-rome

When you follow the links to the Ron in Rome website be really sure to actually watch the video which says much more than words ever can. Then you will be informed.

Are you also hoping to be swept off your feet by a hunk-and-a-half named ... Paolo? Good luck with that.

Do you understand how much time it takes to change cities and hotels? I urge you to go to the library and read some of Rick's general travel tips before you implement this 3 cities in three days plan. Is this your first time in Europe?

Yikes! I missed that part!

I'd go DIRECTLY to Rome; you'll see almost nothing at all of the three cities on your list in that little bit of time. You'll barely scratch the surface of Rome alone in 3 days. I assume your cruise is leaving from Civitavecchia?

OH DOH!!!!

I totally missed the 3 days. I was sooooo focussed on the scooter and trying to keep Cici alive that I t-o-t-a-l-l-y missed the 3 cities in 3 days.

No way. Won't happen. And then to fritter away (this from a guy who used to ride a bike on the Santa Monica Fwy in LA) half a day on a scooter.....

There's simply insufficient time. Milan and Venice and Rome are not right next to each other like LA, Pasadena, and Santa Monica. They are half a country apart.

BTW - I don't know if you guys are bikers or not so I may be teaching you how to suck eggs, but have you ever ridden a bike on cobblestones? On wet cobblestones?

Rent it in Livorno when your cruise stops there; of all the places you list, it is the most survivable on two wheels.