Rome is a bucket list item for many, and having seen most of the world I find myself entitled to give my take and advice on travel. And my foremost advise on going to Italy is stay out of Rome, except for a detour to the Vatican on your way from Florens to Naples. Rome is a fine city. The Colosseum is okay, the Pantheon is actually quite spectacular considering how preserved it is.

But most people can't see everything in their lifetimes and then Rome is, in my opinion, a waste of the vacations you have. Especially if you're american.

Bologna, Venice, Florens, Genova, Naples and Sicily in general is to prefer if you're going to Italy. Bologna if you like food, Florens if you like arts and history. Naples if you want a genuine Italian experience.