we will be on a cruise which has the 2 typical stops of livorno and chivitavecchia any suggestions on where to go while there e have been to rome and florence many times but must tour close enough to get back to the ship on time please make some suggestions also looking for a hotel in venice which is in a great location, and clean

For Livorno..have you been to Pisa or Lucca?

not lucca

From Civitavecchia, you can train to Tarquinia in about 15 minutes and see some Etruscan tombs.

http://goitaly.about.com/od/northern...p/tarquina.htm

What's your budget for Venice?

Lucca is a much nicer place to visit than Pisa, IMHO. Pisa doesn't have much apart from the famous leaning tower, and is bigger and busier. Lucca would make a good trip for a few hours, it's very walkable. (Or hire a bike and cycle round the top of the walls.) Lots of good restaurants.