Thank you all in advance for your help!

I am starting to plan a weeklong trip for spring 2026 to Venice and Florence—my first time going. I can go in late March, mid-April, or early May. But I’m trying to decide what time to go will be best—with the lowest crowds, the lowest prices, the most enjoyment in terms of weather, activities, what’s open.

One problem is that in 2026, Easter is April 5th. I assume that traveling to either city the week before Easter is a non-starter in terms of crowds, high prices, etc. But the week before that includes March 25th, which I’ve learned is a major holiday in Florence, being both Dante Day and the Florentine New Year. If I were to arrive in Florence on, say, March 27th, would the crowds (and high prices) from the holiday have dissipated, or would they still be going strong? And what does Venice tend to be like around that time?

If I were to go in April, I would go April 13th-April 20th. This is, however, the most personally inconvenient, though potentially still doable.

If I were to go in May, I would go May 4th-May 11th, hoping that would help me avoid the crowds around the May 1st holidays in both cities and the April 25th holiday in Venice (Liberation Day and the Feast of St Mark).

Which of these three possibilities would you say are the best overall times to travel?

(And, conversely, are Dante Day and the Florentine New Year—or Liberation Day and the Feast of St Mark in Venice, for the matter—unmissable cultural experiences or just a source of miserable crowds?)

Avoid the week before Easter because of tons of tourists from Northern Europe.
Otherwise I wouldn't care too much about "crowds".
It's clear that you will not be alone, neither at St. Marks Square nor at Santa Maria dei Fiori.
If you plan meticulously your visit and book ahead everything that's bookable (except outdoor things)
you will not run into problems.

I would shoot for May on the chance that the weather might be better. As neckervd says, make the reservations for the Uffizi and Accademia in Florence and St Mark's and the Doges' Palace in Venice in advance, if those are on your must-do list. In all cases, the earlier in the day, the better. Some folks say to visit in the last hour of opening to avoid the tour groups, but I would feel rushed. Mid-day expect the Rialto and St. Mark's to be mobbed. Take a break and/or wander the quieter neighborhoods. Have a spritz and enjoy your trip.

I'd shoot for two weeks, but I'm not allowed to tell you why

Bilbo has been muffled!!

I'd go in March.

I'd go to Florence anytime but high season, but only avoid Venice in January/February..it can be very cold and damp during those months. But of course, we had a wonderful visit during a January years ago!! It's Venice!!! What could be bad!? Weather, schmeather--wear a raincoat or a padded vest or jacket. What would you rather deal with: Hordes of tourists or a little rain or cold?


Certainly two weeks!! With only one week, I would choose one city or the other, not both.

I agree with ekscrunchy March because it's quieter. You'll be gone by the time the school holidays start. May will be busier, more likelihood of kids and teenagers on school trips. Also, May can be wet in northern Italy, so no guarantee of better weather. Also agree one week one destination.

Thank you all so much for your comments! This is really great advice and I'll be coming back to this thread often while planning.

New question: I've been playing around with dates for 2026 and I think I may be able to go from Sunday March 8th to Tuesday March 17th, which gives me nearly eight full days in Italy. Is mid-March a better option than my other three date ranges?

If it meant I would be able to stay longer I would go for those dates.....