[sonick]

As mentioned above, for what you are looking for in terms of a guide of where to go/see/highlights, a travel agent is very useful rather than scouring and reading through pages and pages of forums and websites or just showing up at the destination and going in blindly. You also get tips that you might not have found out from searching, like how you can buy pre-buy a ticket that gives priority access for all three Colosseum/Palatine Hill/Forum without having to wait in line to buy tickets at the destination.

Below is what I sent to my friend when he had a few days pre-cruise in Rome; doesn't really apply to you since you have more days.

The Ron in Rome site is really good for everyday tips and stuff (e.g. how to use bus ticket machines, etc.). Rick Steves audio tours were nice at the main monuments.

Feel free to PM me if you have questions.

This is where I got tickets for Colosseum/Palatine Hill/Roman Forum:
(click on "COLOSSEUM" option) Biglietti Online. Musei, Mostre, Parchi divertimento, Eventi in Italia.

For St Peters at the Vatican, you can reserve your time here:
Hours and tickets

Here's that site I was telling you about for info on rome:
Ron in Rome!Ron in Rome! | Assistance, Coaching, & Thoughts on Visiting & Living in Rome!

Here is some good info on the rail system:
Rome Trains and Stations With Prices, Maps, Passes & Ticketing

The train to Civitavecchia cruise port you'll take train route FM5, it takes about 1hr if I remember right.

Here are Rick Steve's audio tours: Audio Tours for Europe by Rick Steves | ricksteves.com

Here's a good outline of what to see, the two/three day schedule is kinda what we ended up doing inadvertently: Planning Your Time in Rome by Rick Steves | ricksteves.com

I would recommend this itinerary:

Arrival day just wander around and get the lay of the land. You will probably run into a few landmarks randomly, there's so much history around every corner. Also it's fun to see all these weird car models we don't get here. Especially the cheap economy cars from BMW and stuff lol.

Day 1: (going from South to middle of Rome)
Colosseum/Palatine Hill/Roman Forum
Piazza Venezia
Campo di Fiorini
Piazza Navona
Pantheon
Trevi Fountain

Day 2: (going from North to middle of Rome)

Vatican/St Peters
Piazza del Popola (take metro rail from Vatican to Flaminia station, saves time)
Spanish Steps
Walk South down Via Del Corso, where you'll end up in the area where you ended off Day 1
Other notable neighborhoods and places I recommend checking out:
Trastevere & Piazza di Santa Maria
Sora Lella | Il Ristorante dell'Isola Tiberina Michelin restaurant on Tiber Island
Pizzeria ai Marmi in Trastevere
Jewish Ghetto

Missing from list above: Borghese Gardens.

A bit of info on Venice & Florence etc. from my previous coworkers that went (I haven't been):

ROME

Rome I stayed in Trastevere, it's a less touristy area just over the bridge, about 15 mins walk into the main area. It's kinda like the Gastown of Rome vs. downtown. Tons of little mom & pop restaurants and locals just hanging out walking the streets in the evening. Super quaint.

We stayed here, it's like a B&B, the owners make coffee and cornettos each morning.
http://www.zentrastevere.com
http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Hotel_Revi...ome_Lazio.html

Coworker stayed here said it was also good: www.romefromhome.com at the Falegnami apartment. Apparently it is near the big local farmer's market (Campo di Fiori) in the main area in that opens up during the day, for fresh fruit/veg it is great.

Also this is a great website for basic day-to-day advice in rome: http://www.roninrome.com/


SORRENTO/AMALFI COAST

Amalfi Coast is kinda like the french riviera of the area. Small towns, chill and relaxing. The nearby towns are known to be super baller, but very nice sights. Sorrento is where most tourists stay with hotels and such. There's tours that go to each nearby island each day that pick you up directly from the hotel. This area is where Limoncello is made.

We stayed here, they say it's a hostel but it's actually really nice www.ulissedeluxe.com


These other places I haven't stayed at before but are recommendations from coworker:


VENICE
In Venice we got there a couple days after it flooded so we were fine! Just late going into port because on the way we passed by a liferaft! Luckily no one on board! But they had to turn the ship around and check it out to make sure. Venice was beautiful! Stayed at the Hotel Papadopoli just a short walk from the terminal and beside the train station. We did the Secret itineraries tour at Doges palace which was really neat! We got to see the old jail cells and the story about Casanova! Supposedly he was put in jail because of his reputation with the ladies. The story was that found a metal bar and piece of marble and was digging his way out. The day he was going to escape he was transferred to a new jailcell. The guard seen his hole and then Casanova blackmailed the guard. Once he was in his new cell he made friends with a priest where they both ended up escaping! Then years later Casanova was part of the secret service.

FLORENCE
We took the train to Florence and spent 5 nights there. I rented a apartment overlooking Saint Maria Novella square. I loved Florence! Can’t wait to go back. The shopping was incredible if you are a male! I went shoe crazy and bought 5 pairs since it Is impossible to find my size! And went to the Accademia museum and saw the real Michelangelo’s David Statue! It truly was awe inspiring! ( and not for that reason!)

Our apartment in Florence – http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p11939