We are going in March of next year (yeah) and I'm really unsure of how much time to give ourselves in Rome and Venice. We have 8 days is this too short of an amount of time to do both? We MAY be able to add a couple of days. Are we better off just doing one city?

I would do 5 in Rome and 3 in Venice and fly open jaw. Train between is less than 3 hours and then it would give you a feel for both cities.

Hi K,

I agree with kfusto. 5 - 3 is a good plan!

Buon viaggio

The open jaw ticket is important. Will save money and time. I agree totally with kfusto.

Open Jaw I also agree thats what we did in april\may of this year.

Karussel,

Are you talking about flying out on a Saturday and returning on a Sunday. This would give you only six full days to tour/sightsee (Monday thru Saturday).

One city (with possible daytrips) would be less hectic. It really depends on the travel pace that you are comfortable with and how you figured travel time and jet lag into 'eight days'.

We would fly into Rome on a Wednesday evening and start our trip on Thursday then leave Venice the following Friday. So it is 8 full days.

I really hate feeling rushed when traveling so maybe I'll look into my options.

With a short schedule, it's important you plan your days carefully. Make a list of the things in each city that require entry and then note the open/closed days and hours. Find these places on maps and determine a logical path for each day.

In general, Mondays are a good day to be travelling because many museums are closed. Make reservations wherever you can (i.e., various Vatican tours, Galleria Borghese).

Don't over-schedule yourselves. We often spend more time at places than I thought we would. Always factor in time for lunch. Enjoying the wonderful food and atmosphere is half the joy of a trip to Italy.

In March I'd try and stay in Rome and maybe have a day trip to Pompeii or Orvieto.
I usually spend no less than 6 nights in Rome and that's never enough.
If you can add a day or two, do 6 nights Rome and train to Venice for the remaining days.
I agree with the open-jaw tickets. It's not that I disagree with the 5-3 split, with the short days I really believe you will maximize your stay with more time in one location.
If you hate feeling rushed ,you need to consider the short days.
Rome also may have a bit better weather.

If it's possible, I would add a few days. You won't want to leave Italy!

You will definitely need 4 days in Rome.

We returned a few weeks ago from a 2 week trip to Italy. Although we've been to Venice before, we stayed 4 nights this trip. One day, we took a boat to the island of Burano which takes about 40 minutes. We enjoyed the day looking in various shops and seeing the lovely little colored homes.

Have fun planning your trip!

Check average weather for Venice very, very carefully. It is less crowded in the off-season and easier to enjoy the beauty, but the damp chill can get a little unpleasant. And it's not a short train ride between the two cities. 8 days for Rome is not a great deal of time; Rome is a city that most people like better the longer they spend there. Side trips to Hadrian's Villa, Tivoli or Ostia or even the Pontine Islands or a lovely hill town like Assisi can be worked in spontaneously if you're nervous about staying put for too long, but on the whole, I think you'll have a better trip with just Rome. Plus, you can't try all the great gelaterie with only 8 days.

I agree w/ the 5-3 plan. Just returned from Rome/Florence/venice and we especially liked the Doges Palace Secret Tour in Venice. Get reservations for this!

The train between Rome and Venice is 4.5 hours--still not that long, but longer than "less than 3."

Sorry! I had Venice and Florence on my mind as that is the next train trip I am taking.

Thanks for pointing it out!

We did Rome in 4 and had a great time. Plan your train time to coincide where you need more time. Think of a private guided tour to see more...Book all tours before you go so you don't spend time doing that and also see everything you want.

Hi K,

I suggest that you fly into Venice - 3 nights and out of Rome - 4 nights. You get better schedules leaving from Rome.

I think that an even better trip is 3 nights in Venice and 4 in Florence (in that order).