rholt

I am taking the family to Veniece/Siena/Rome (with a day trip to Forence) next April 13 - 23. Very much looking forward to the trip.

At this point I have made hotel and rental car arrangements. I am also getting e-mails from Kayak (hoping we get something less than 1K (from Washington)).

My question is - what other arrangements should I be making ahead of time? I know that 60 days prior I need to purchase tickets for a Vatican Museum tour. Are there other very popular (hence crowded) sites or museums that I should consider making prior arrangements for?

Thanks,

Rick

bobthenavigator

Book a time slot for Galleria Borghese online---the finest art in Rome. Get the IDP from AAA to drive in Italy.

rbnwdlr

Can I ask what you found for rental cars? We are going in June and want to rent a car for three days in Tuscany?

hetismij

Remember to get your International Driving Permit before you leave home. It is compulsory in Italy. You can get it at The AAA.

rholt

bob - good point about the international driver's liscence. i forgot Italy requires that.

rbnwdlr - nothing fancy - hertz.com. i just had to research a little on the drop off point (didn't want to drive into Rome).

MargaritaS

Hi Rick,
I'm assuming that your passports are in order. Remember to notify your credit cards (the ones you are taking) that you are leaving the country along with your bank(s) at least 3 weeks before. If you purchase a Roma Pass that will let you speed thru most sites. Villa Borghese needs reservations prior to. The Colisseum - has opened new sites. Also Uffizi I believe need reservations to see David etc.
I hope this is some little help.
Do you arrangement to & from hotels from the aiports or are you picking up your car and driving? Possible a Garmin would help if you are driving to these cities.

kybourbon

FYI - Hertz does DCC so beware. You might want to look at booking through AutoEurope instead.

rholt

What is DCC? Does that have soemthing to do with currency conversion?

yorkshire

I think of more fun stuff than necessities. Maybe learn a little Italian (at least the niceties), read up on your particular interests--be they art, history, or food (the latter was my research project).

rholt

Just read about DCC. Very eye opening.

Jean

Make reservations for the Scavi tour in Rome, if that interests you.

http://saintpetersbasilica.org/Necropolis/Scavi.htm

Decide what you want to see in Florence and make reservations where possible. Uffizi, Accademia Gallery, Brancacci Chapel, etc.

Jean

Another thing in Rome: the "underground" Colosseum.

http://www.revealedrome.com/2010/10/...-there.html#tp

kybourbon

FYI - In addition to DCC, the Hertz quote will not include 0 deductible (collision damage waiver). It will be extra and purchasing from Hertz will double the price of your rental.

enzian

We booked a rental car for Italy with Hertz, prepaid in dollars (no FTF and no DCC) and there were no extra charges. It was very straightforward.

CYESQ

I've used Avis in Italy with no problems. Check your rental reservation - you must be specific if you want an automatic as most European rentals are manual.

dtaylorburke

I would also consider visiting Domus Aurea (Nero's Palace)
There are tours in English and reservations are a must.
The palace is always under going excavations, so more and more rooms are being opened.
Wear a sweater because you will be underground.

dtaylorburke

mike7

Another vote for the Scavi tour and Borghese gallery. Both were two of our highlights and at both places we saw people trying (almost begging) to be let on the tours at the last minute without success.

Jean

Domus Aurea is closed after a partial collapse. There is no date for re-opening.