Rome and Venice are Italy's two most famous cities and couldn't be more different: the ancient imperial capital and the dreamlike floating city. In five days the honest split is three days for Rome and two for Venice, connected by a fast train of under four hours. They are far apart, so skip squeezing Florence in between this trip. Two contrasting cities done well beat three rushed. Book the headline sights and enjoy the swing from ruins to canals.
No car ever, least of all in Venice. The high-speed train links the two directly. Book the Colosseum and the Vatican in Rome and the Doge's Palace in Venice, and base centrally so you can walk.
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5-Day Rome and Venice Itinerary
Days 1-3: Rome
The ancient core, the Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine, the Pantheon and Baroque fountains, and a day for the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter's. Evenings in Trastevere.
Day 4: Train North to Venice
A morning fast train north (under four hours), arriving by water into Venice, then a first wander: St Mark's Square, the Rialto, and a sunset on the Grand Canal. A magical contrast.
Day 5: Venice
St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, getting lost in the quiet back lanes, and a sunset gondola through the side canals. The floating-city finale.
Q&A: Rome and Venice in 5 Days
Is 5 days enough for Rome and Venice?
Yes: three days for Rome's huge highlights and two for compact Venice make a striking, well-balanced trip. The cities are wonderfully different, and a fast train links them, so five days works well.
How do I get between them?
By high-speed train in under four hours, city center to city center. Book ahead for the best fares. You arrive into Venice by water, with no car needed or wanted at either end.
Should I stop in Florence between them?
Not in five days. The train passes near Florence, but adding it means rushing all three. Save Florence for a longer trip and give Rome and Venice their due here.
Is a gondola ride worth it?
For the romance, yes, especially at sunset through the quiet back canals rather than the busy Grand Canal. Agree the fixed price first, and it becomes a memorable Venice moment.
When should I go?
Spring and fall for comfortable weather and lighter crowds. Book the big sights regardless. Summer is hot and packed, and Venice can flood (acqua alta) in late fall, though it is atmospheric then.
