Spring break is another ideal time. Just keep in mind that if your spring break falls along with Easter, Rome is going to be extra crowded for religious observations and many shops and restaurants ...

But the outlook is much better for the eastern Mediterranean, particularly Italy and Greece which will enjoy the driest and warmest weather over Easter. Rome and Palermo will both be hot and sunny ...

Christian and Catholic holidays will be especially busy times to visit Rome, with papal masses at Easter expected to draw crowds of one to two million.