Visit Venice, Florence, and Rome before your Mediterranean cruise

Planning a cruise from Rome? Turn your vacation into a dream Italian adventure by exploring Venice, Florence, and Rome before setting sail! This detailed itinerary will help you plan, book, and travel stress-free with expert advice on hotels, transport, and must-see attractions.

Plus, we’ll share easy ways to book your train tickets, excursions, and accommodation to make your trip seamless.

The perfect pre-cruise itinerary

• 2 full days in Venice (3 nights)
• 2 full days in Florence (3 nights)
• 4 days in Rome (5 nights) before embarking on your Mediterranean cruise from Civitavecchia Port

This flexible itinerary allows you to reverse the order if you cruise from Venice, Port of Ravenna, or Trieste Cruise Port instead of Rome.

Booking your flights

The key to a smooth pre-cruise adventure is booking an open-jaw ticket (arriving in one city, departing from another). This saves time and avoids unnecessary backtracking.

• Fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
• Return flight from Rome Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO)

💡 Tip: Allow at least 5 hours between cruise disembarkation and your departing flight to account for transfers, security, and check-in.

Venice Marco Polo Airport (Venezia Airport VCE) is the international airport in Venice. It is located on the mainland, about 16 km from Venice Island. 
The international airport in Rome is Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Fiumicino (L'aeroporto di Roma-Fiumicino FCO), located 35km southwest of Rome.

Getting from Marco Polo Airport to Venice Island

Venice doesn’t have cars, so arriving here is unique! The main transport hub is Piazzale Roma, where your transfer will drop you off. You walk or take a Vaporetto (water bus) to your hotel from here.

🚍 Transport options from the airport to Piazzale Roma:

• Bus: ~10€, ~20 min
• Taxi: ~40€, ~25-30 min
• Private water taxi: ~100-120€, ~70 min (ideal for groups)
• Alilaguna public water bus service: ~ 15€, ~40 min

Bus

Buses are located outside the arrival terminals. You can buy bus tickets from machines in the luggage collection area or the ticket office in the arrivals lounge.

Taxi

The official taxi company at the airport is Cooperativa Artigiana Radiotaxi. Confirm the price with your driver before you start your journey. If you arrive late in the evening, the taxi fare may be higher.

Prefer a stress-free arrival? Pre-book a private airport transfer and have a driver waiting for you. 👉 Book your transfer here

Private water taxi

After luggage collection, look for the signs for “Water Transport.” You will find a moving walkway on the terminal’s first floor. Take this straight to the dockside. Purchase tickets at the ticket machines at airport baggage collection or onboard the water taxi. Tell the water taxi driver which hotel you are staying at so he can get you to the closest stop.

Alilaguna water bus service

The Alilaguna public water bus service operates from Marco Polo Airport to various stops in Venice. It’s a scenic and affordable option. Buy tickets in the arrivals hall or at the ticket office by the dock.

Where to stay in Venice

Staying on Venice Island is the best way to experience its canals and historic streets – you’ll be steps away from major attractions. While Venice Mestre (mainland) is cheaper, daily travel to the island is time-consuming.

Here are some of our favorite hotels in Venice. We have included top-rated hotels and more affordable ones, so there is something for everyone.

Hotels in Santa Croce (close to Piazzale Roma & train station)

The district of Santa Croce is close to the transport hub Piazzale Roma on Venice Island. This is located at the entrance to the island and is very popular with travelers booking cruises from Venice as the hotels are easy to get to, and the logistics to get to your ship are simpler.

From Santa Croce, St. Mark’s Square is a 25-minute walk, or you can hop on a Vaporetto water bus outside the hotel. 

1. Carlton on the Grand Canal
2. Santa Chiara Hotel
3. Hotel Canal Grande

Hotels in Cannaregio (close to Santa Lucia train station)

1. BW Premier Collection CHC Continental
2. Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani Venice
3. Ai Mori d’Oriente Hotel

Hotels in the San Marco district (close to St Mark’s Square)

1. Hotel Cavalletto & Doge Orseolo
2. Hotel Casanova
3. Baglioni Hotel Luna
4. Hotel le Isole
5. Star Hotels Splendid
6. Hotel Bonvecchiati

To get to these hotels from Piazzale Roma, take a Vaporetto to Saint Mark’s Square (the stop is San Marco/Vallaresso).

Alternatively, a private water taxi from the airport can take you to the hotel’s private landing. 💡 Tip: Many hotels offer a private water taxi service from the airport – email your hotel and ask before you leave home!

Venice Visitors Fee: Remember, if you visit Venice but choose not to stay on Venice island, you may have to pay a daily visitors fee. Read our article here for more information.

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How to spend 2 days in Venice

Venice is compact but full of wonders—here’s how to maximize your time:

Day 1: Discover Venice Island

• St. Mark’s Basilica & Square
• Doge’s Palace & Bridge of Sighs
• Gondola ride (or Vaporetto on the Grand Canal)
• Rialto Bridge & Market

Read more about these sights and more here.

🎟 Want hassle-free entrance to the best sights? Book a Venice City Pass to cover entrances to 30 attractions, including Doge's Palace, a Gondola ride or Grand Canal tour, and skip-the-line entrance at St. Mark’s Basilica - great value for money if you are intent on seeing as much as you can during your visit. 👉 Get your city pass here

Day 2: Explore the Venetian Lagoon

• Murano: Watch master glassblowers at work
• Burano: Colorful houses & lace-making
• Torcello: The quietest island, full of history

Read more about exploring these islands here.

🎟 Want a guided tour? Save time & meet a knowledgable local guide for a better experience 👉 Check available tours

Getting from Venice to Florence

• Best Option: High-speed train (Le Frecce) from Venezia Santa Lucia to Firenze S. M. Novella.
• Journey time: ~2.5 hours
• Ticket price: from €40 per person
• Book in advance for the best fares 👉 Compare & book train tickets

Book tickets with Trenitalia ticket office at the station, or with our travel partner Omio before you leave home. Choose Venezia S. Lucia on Venice island to Firenze S. M. Novella which is the main station in Florence and your preferred date of travel. Click for more help about how to search, compare and book train tickets in Italy.

There are several different routes, so look for the shortest journey time. Choose the option “Le Frecce” (and not “regional train”). Le Frecce is a high-speed train that gives you a direct, non-stop route.

Food and drinks are available to purchase on the train. Be sure to choose the English language on their booking site so you can read and understand all the conditions of purchase before you pay.

Upon arrival at Santa Maria Novella train station in Florence, your city-center hotel is within walking distance. If you prefer not to carry your luggage, taxis are available outside the train station.

Where to stay in Florence

1. Hotel Brunelleschi
2. NH Collection Palazzo Gaddi
3. Mercure Firenze Centro
4. Morandi alla Crocetta

👉 Find the best Florence hotels here

How to spend 2 days in Florence

Day 1: Florence’s Renaissance highlights

Start your day in the heart of Florence at Piazza del Duomo, home to the iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo). Its striking dome, designed by Brunelleschi, dominates the skyline. Admire the Baptistery’s gilded Gates of Paradise and take in the grandeur of City Hall.

Start at the heart of Florence, at Piazza del Duomo.

For a breathtaking view of Florence, you have two options:

• Climb 186 steps inside the Duomo for a close-up look at its impressive dome (queues can be long, so book tickets in advance).
• Ascend Giotto’s Bell Tower, standing 90 meters tall, for a spectacular 360-degree city view.

From the Duomo, stroll along Via de’ Martelli, turning onto Via de’ Gori, to reach the vibrant Mercato Centrale.

Mercato Centrale

Florence’s most famous food market is a must-visit for food lovers. Open daily from 10 AM to midnight, it offers fresh produce, local delicacies, and a lively food court serving authentic Italian cuisine.

Next, art and history enthusiasts should head to the Uffizi Gallery. On the way, stop by Piazza della Signoria, built in 1565 to commemorate a Medici family wedding. The square is surrounded by elegant shops and often features live music.

For a quick bite:

• Try Cantinetta del Verrazzano for delicious pastries or stuffed focaccia.
• Prefer street food? Stop by I Fratellini, a tiny but famous sandwich shop just two minutes away.

Uffizi Gallery

Home to masterpieces by Botticelli, including The Birth of Venus and Primavera, the Uffizi Gallery is Italy’s most visited art museum.

💡 Tip: Buy tickets early at the Uffizi’s ticket office when it opens. Admission is around 12 euros, and you’ll need to book a timed entry slot. Closed on Mondays. For Saturdays and public holidays, we recommend you buy tickets in advance of your visit.

From here, it’s a two-minute walk to Ponte Vecchio.

Ponte Vecchio

Built in 1345, this historic bridge is famous for its gold and jewelry shops. It’s one of Florence’s most picturesque spots, offering stunning views over the Arno River. Cross the bridge to reach Pitti Palace.

Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens

Once the Medici family’s grand residence, Pitti Palace is now Florence’s largest museum, showcasing Renaissance art and historical collections. Behind it, the Boboli Gardens are perfect for a scenic stroll or for kids to run around.

After lunch at a local trattoria, return across Ponte Vecchio and walk to the Basilica of Santa Croce, where great minds like Galileo, Machiavelli, and Michelangelo are buried.

From here, it is just a 10-minute walk to Galleria dell’Accademia.

Galleria dell’Accademia

A visit to Florence isn’t complete without seeing Michelangelo’s original David. The Accademia Gallery is small but houses Florence’s most famous sculpture. Buy skip-the-line entrance tickets before you leave home as they sell out very quickly on the day.

🎟 Book your entrance tickets and guided tours: 👉 See the best tours

Piazza San Marco and Fiesole

A short walk away, Piazza San Marco is a lively square and a great meeting spot. Take Bus No. 7 to Fiesole, a charming hilltop town offering the best panoramic view of Florence from the San Francesco monastery grounds.

Check out Maggio Musicale, Florence’s renowned outdoor concert series, if you visit in spring or summer.

Piazzale Michelangelo – Sunset Views

In the evening, take a taxi or local bus to Piazzale Michelangelo, a hilltop square with breathtaking panoramic views of Florence. Time your visit for sunset—it’s an unforgettable sight.

Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely downhill walk back to town, stopping for a bit of shopping before calling it a day.

Day 2: The best day trips from Florence

• Siena, located nearly 80km south of Florence, is known for its 5-century-old horse race, Palio di Siena, and Gothic architecture. Palio di Siena is held in the historical center in July and August amid a festive atmosphere. Competing neighborhoods meet in the center, Il Campo, which is transformed into a race track.
• The hill town of San Gimignano is a picture-perfect medieval Tuscan town. After walking the center of the city and stopping for Gelato, visit a vineyard that offers wine and olive oil tasting, a truffle hunt, or a Tuscan cooking class with a spectacular view of the unique skyline of the town’s 14 stone towers.
• Cinque Terre – the five colorful seaside villages on the Italian Riviera are located on the coast 175km northwest of Florence. Hiking trails are fantastic, or for the less energetic, visit the villages for quaint shopping and stunning views.
• Chianti – famous for its vineyards, castles, market towns, and monasteries, the region of Chianti, located 50 km from Florence, offers iconic views of the Tuscan landscape straight out of a Renaissance painting. Chianti is one of the main reasons why visitors flock to Italy.
• The northwest Tuscany towns of Pisa and Lucca are doable in one day. Visit the famous leaning Tower of Pisa and the small elegant city of Lucca.

🎟 Book your Florence day trip here: 👉 See the best tours

It is possible to book a day tour to Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano, all in a day. We did this, and it was a fantastic, memorable day. Be prepared for a long day; bring plenty of bottled water and good walking shoes.

Getting from Florence to Rome

• Best Option: Frecciarossa high-speed train (1 hr 35 min) from Firenze S. M. Novella to Roma Termini.
• Book online 👉 Find train tickets
• Ticket price: from €20 per person
• Journey time: 1 hour and 35 minutes

Depart Florence by high-speed train and head to Rome. Buy tickets online before you leave home or at the ticket office at the Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station.

How to get from Rome Termini (train station) to central Rome

The main train station of Rome, Rome Termini, is centrally located. But we would not recommend walking around the area at night. The best, safest, and quickest way to get to your hotel is by using one of the official taxis outside the train station. It will be a fixed charge. If you are approached, do not accept a ride from anyone else offering a taxi.

Where to stay in Rome

Here are our best recommendations for hotels in Rome for cruise guests:

• Hotel Savoy Roma
• Hotel Mancino 12
• Augustana House
• Hotel Forum Roma
• Hotel Accademia
• Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo
• Pantheon Hotel
• Hotel Barocco
• Napoleon Hotel Roma
• Relais Fontana Di Trevi

👉 Browse all Rome hotels here

How to spend 4 days in Rome

Our daily itineraries cover four primary areas of Rome, each of which you can explore as much or as little as you have time. And in any order you like. There is so much history and architecture to admire; it’s a good idea to pack a pocket guidebook so you don’t miss anything.

• Day 1: The Jewish Quarter, Trastevere, Vatican City, Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museum
• Day 2: Piazza Navona, The Pantheon and Trevi Fountain
• Day 3: The Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese
• Day 4: Ancient Rome, Roman Forum, Vittoriano, and the Colosseum

Click here to read our free walking itinerary on how to explore these areas best each day.

Alternatively, book at least one guided tour before you leave home. A guided tour is a great way to explore imperial Rome to see the best and most famous sights.

🎟 Book your Rome guided tour here: 👉 See the best tours

Getting from Rome to Civitavecchia Cruise Port

The Port of Civitavecchia, where most cruise ships depart, is about 78 km northwest of Rome. Since it’s quite a distance, be sure to plan accordingly to allow enough travel time. Here are your main options for getting there from your hotel in Rome:

Private Transfer
If you’re traveling with a group of four or more, booking a private transfer in advance is a convenient option. Arrange for pickup directly from your hotel, and let the service know your desired arrival time at the cruise port—they will calculate your pickup time accordingly.

Private transfers drop passengers off at Largo della Pace, the main passenger hub of the Civitavecchia port, where all cruise passengers arrive before boarding free shuttle buses to their ships. From there, complimentary shuttle buses transport passengers to their cruise ships.

🎟 Book a private transfer with Viator here: 👉 See transport options

Taxi
Your hotel can help you pre-book a taxi for a direct ride to the port. Keep in mind that traffic and queues can be unpredictable, especially during peak season, so allow extra time for the journey.

Taxis charge a flat rate of around 120 euros from central Rome to the port. Be sure to confirm the fare with your driver before starting the trip. Like private transfers, taxis drop passengers off at Largo della Pace, where you can board a free shuttle bus to your cruise ship.

Train from Termini Station
Taking the train is the most budget-friendly option. You can purchase a ticket for around 5 euros from Rome’s Termini Station to Civitavecchia Station. Tickets are available at ticket windows (which may have long queues) or automated machines, and you can also buy them online in advance. Look for the route “Rome Termini to Civitavecchia Porto.”

Termini Station has shops, cafés, a tourist office, and a shopping center on the lower floor, making it a convenient departure point. If you opt for a paper ticket, don’t forget to validate it at a stamping machine before boarding failure to do so could result in a hefty fine.

🎟 Book your train ticket before you leave home: 👉 See train options

Once you arrive at Civitavecchia Station, you have a few options to reach Largo della Pace:

• Local Bus: Costs 2 euros, takes about 10 minutes, and departs every 20 minutes. Tickets can be purchased inside the train station.
• Walking: A budget-friendly alternative—it’s about 1.5 km (15 minutes on foot). Keep in mind that you’ll need to carry your luggage.
• Taxi: Taxis from the train station can be scarce, but if you find one, it’s a quick option to reach the service center.

Once at Largo della Pace, you’ll find the free shuttle buses that transport passengers directly to their cruise ships.

Cruises from Rome – which cruise line suits you best?

Choosing the right cruise from Rome depends on your travel style, preferred destinations, and onboard experience.

Royal Caribbean offers family-friendly ships with thrilling activities, sailing to the Greek Isles, Italy, the Adriatic, and the Western Mediterranean.

Norwegian Cruise Line focuses on flexibility with freestyle dining and diverse itineraries, covering Italy, France, Spain, Greece, and Croatia aboard ships like Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Epic.

Celebrity Cruises brings a luxury touch to Mediterranean cruising, with immersive itineraries including Florence, Portofino, Venice, the Greek Isles, and Malta aboard Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Edge.

MSC Cruises offers an elegant yet affordable experience, with ships like MSC Seaside and MSC Meraviglia sailing the Western Mediterranean.

Each cruise line has something unique—whether it’s adventure, flexibility, luxury, or a taste of Italy at sea.

No matter which cruise line suits your style, booking early ensures the best selection of cabins and itineraries. Explore top-rated cruises from Rome and find the perfect voyage for your Mediterranean adventure. Check out the latest deals and discover your ideal itinerary here.