Italy in shoulder season — best decision I made

Visited Italy in shoulder season deliberately and the decision paid off completely. Cinque Terre without peak crowds is a totally different experience. Rome felt lived-in rather than touristy. Found a small place doing the best gelato I've ever tasted — something that would have been invisible in high season when everything fills with visitors.

passionate locals was particularly magical with fewer people around. The weather was fine. The prices were better. If you have flexibility, avoid peak season.