We are travelling to Italy as a family of 5,this summer. We will be going to Venice,Verona,Milano,Florence,Umbria,Rome,Naples,S orrento,Capri,Sicily and Calabria. We are travelling by car. Does anyone know if there are any attractions that we need to buy tickets for ahead of time? I do not want to arrive in Rome,and find out we should have purchased tickets months in advance to see the Colosseum. If anyone could give me any input,that would be great. Thanks

I never travel during peak season and never found the Colisseum line a big deal, always purchasing a ticket at the bottom of Palatine Hill instead regardless of how short the line is. Same ticket works for both. I don't know if the famous summertime crowds make this option moot and pre-reservation is helpful here. Anyone?

Now, museuems and galleries we ALWAYS reserve in advance to avoid wasted time and possible dissapointment.

If you are going to climb the leaning tower you certainly need advance reservations. Tickets go on sale 45 days before and people jump on them.

I forgot to add: planetware.com is a great site to find out about attractions. Lots of good info on operating hours. Enter the city in search box. Then scroll down to (city) attractions. Not the ones in the (ads by google box)

Hi D,

How wonderful to be spending 2 mos in Italy.

In Florence, you will want reservations for Uffizi and Academia Museums.

The easiest and cheapest way is to call Florence 1016868 (dial around number), 011 (U.S. international access code) 39 (Italy's country code) then 055-294-883 8:30-18:30 M-F and 8:30-12:00 Sat. Florence time. You will get an English speaking operator and in 2-3 minutes YOU CAN RESERVE FOR BOTH. This is through the reservation service at the Uffizi and costs beyond the normal entry fee only about 3 euro for the service. This is MUCH cheaper than the commercial booking services.

You will not be charged for the reservations unless you use them.

Thanks to everyone who is taking the time to add info. I want to make sure I am avoiding as many long lines as possible,travelling with 3 kids. I also don't want to be dissapointed that I didn't reserve tickets. Any more info is greatly appreciated. Thanks