Darker cells are stronger weather or travel-fit months. The second row is crowd pressure.
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Darker cells mean a higher score for this topic on that metric.
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Quick answers
When is the best time to go?
Start with April, May, June, September & October. Choose August only with a written reason.
Is this a good honeymoon pick?
Romance score 94/100 sits next to crowd 88/100 — read both.
How crowded does it get?
On red months, empty midday or change region.
What should I budget per day?
Use bands in EUR. Mid is the baseline. Not a live fare.
Do I need a visa?
Schengen short-stay rules apply for many passports.
How many days do I need?
Countries breathe at 7–12 days, honeymoon islands at 5–8. Continents: pick one region.
The table starts at cacio e pepe.
A short phrase (ciao) is the door to etiquette.
Food
- cacio e pepe — cacio e pepe is a coordinate on the Italy table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
- gelato — gelato is a coordinate on the Italy table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
- Neapolitan pizza — Neapolitan pizza is a coordinate on the Italy table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
- risotto — risotto is a coordinate on the Italy table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
- Sicilian pastry — Sicilian pastry is a coordinate on the Italy table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
Etiquette
- Greeting — ciao — informal hi
- Sacred sites — Cover shoulders and knees; read no-photo signs before the caption.
- Tipping — Tipping customs differ; read whether service is already on the bill.
- Queues — Skipping a queue is not a time save; it is a scene you cannot unshoot.
Festival notes
- Easter in Rome — Easter in Rome lands in April — transport and beds move together. Lock dates first.
- Infiorata / late spring — Infiorata / late spring lands in May — transport and beds move together. Lock dates first.
- Ferragosto — Ferragosto lands in August — transport and beds move together. Lock dates first.
- Venice Film Festival crowds — Venice Film Festival crowds lands in September — transport and beds move together. Lock dates first.
Phrases
- ciao — ciao: informal hi. Timing beats accent.
- biglietto — biglietto: ticket. Timing beats accent.
- riposo — riposo: afternoon pause. Timing beats accent.
- vaporetto — vaporetto: Venice water bus. Timing beats accent.
Culture is a speed, not a checklist. Slow is more accurate.
When to goPlacesHow to travelCultureCostHoneymoon notesToday