i understand that there's a lot of talk online about reservations of tickets for entry to some museums in particular the Uffizi Galleries and the Accademia Gallery in florence, is that absolutely neccesary? thanks

It depends on the time of the year. When are you going?

Francis - it's not necessary, but I would highly recommend it. When we were in Florence last fall it was lovely to just walk past the lineups of people waiting to buy tickets as we already had ours. Lovely, stress free way to see all the lovely art. Knowing when you are scheduled to go in lets you schedule your time better instead of wasting it waiting in line all the time.

Our hotel made reservations for us in Florence. It is nice to know that if some huge tour group comes in, you won't have to wait. If it's not crowded you can always breeze in and not pay the extra charge the museum charges once you get there with a reservation. If you are going to the Borghese in Rome, you MUST make reservations. And the Borghese is wonderful.

Here are some websites for PRE-ordering your tkts to the Uffizi....Yes, it would be wise to do this to avoid the lines:

http://www.goporta.com/tickets/Florence_tickets.htm

http://www.tickitaly.com/xcart/custo...5f31b2370aee7d

http://www.weekendafirenze.com/museifi/uffizi.htm

and this hotel also books tkts for you ahead of time, and you pick them up 1/2 hr before entrance time directly AT the museum...I think this place is the cheapest..:

http://www.florenceitaly.net/uffizitk.html