I just booked my trip for mid-March. I would rather not be locked into a specific time for museum visits, especially if the weather is nice and I'd rather be outside eating gelato that day. I'm mainly interested in the Villa Borghese in Rome and the Uffizi and David's museum in Florence. Does anyone know if the line-ups would be terribly bad at this time of year? <BR>Also, are they still on winter hours in March?

Dianne, The Borghese is required, the Uffizi is a good idea, but the Accademia is probably OK---especially if you hit it early or late.

here are a couple of websites for <BR>Florence museums <BR>www.uffizi.firenze.it <BR>www.italink.com/end/egui/hogui.htm <BR>You can check on the admission hours. <BR>I agree with Bob, will add that in March you could still consider booking Uffizi tickets (you've got nothing to lose) but you can try booking them one day or even just a few hours ahead of when you want to go. <BR> <BR>

Hi Dianne, <BR>Of course, this is all subjective...but I thought the Villa Borghese in Rome was a must-see...stunning. Therefore, I would definately, without doubt reserve for that, as you cannot get in without a reservation. Also, you don't have to reserve the Uffizi, but if you do, you'll avoid a 2 hour wait in line, so I'd recommend it. I didn't have any reservation, or any problems at the Accademia (is that the one with David?) <BR>Plus, March is before the big "season" so I think you should have virtually no lines. Have a great time!

Thanks everyone. I've only heard good things about the Borghese gallery, so I will make every effort to get to that one. I'll be sure to post when I get back.

Hi Dianne, <BR> <BR>When you get to Rome, you can ask your concierge to make a Borghese reservation for the next day. That's sufficiently in advance to assure you one. Enjoy.

Since you stated that you do not want to be tied down to a specific time, I would strongly recommend that you wait until you get to Florence to make reservations for the Uffizi. I seriously doubt that you'll have any problems with reservations in March. As for seeing David at the Academia, reservations probably are not needed at all.