which season

Tough call--don't remember exactly when in October I was in Italy, but it was when the German schools were on holiday and it was very crowded. We have been several times in November to Rome, Milan and the CT and the weather was cool but fine(wife was still teaching so she would meet me during Thanksgiving break).
We will be in the South for the last two weeks of March this year, so I can only think that April/May would be prime too, however in April you will be fighting spring break.
Finally, I like those seasons because airfares drop into shoulder season(along with hotels), so it is between September-May that I try do plan all by business trips.

Joann

This May will be our 3rd trip to Europe and each time we chose May- Weather was ideal and the crowds were acceptable. If you are doing the larger cities - the exhibits will be busy. Venice you have to contend with tour boat people during the day but stick to the back streets and do the big exhibits after 4PM when the people leave to go back to the boats. Do not go on May lst as that is a major holiday.

We were there mid Oct to early Nov and I would do it again. The weather was comfortable and crowds weren't bad. I would also travel April/May but probably try not to in between (if I had a choice).

I always go in November. It's less crowded, weather is nice and rates drop on November 1. I'm in the planning stages for a trip next year and thought I'd shake it up a little and go in the spring. When I looked at hotels, rates were still quite a bit more than November. If you're going to Venice, there's been quite a drop in hotel prices from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1.

Hi, Have been both times. November is cheaper, less crowded. You might be taking a chance with the weather, but I felt it was worth it. We actually had wonderful, warm, sunny weather in Rome. Venice was a tad cooler and cloudy. Didn't stop us from enjoying it. Like I said - less crowded and less expensive in November.

thanks for all the info. I've decided Oct18/Nov,19 will be our travel time.