Just my experience, but after considering options about making reservations, I made several efforts to get though to the musuem last week and always got a busy signal (but I didn't know about the "dialaround number" so maybe that was the problem. Then I tried to book through directly through the Firenze Musei website, but kept getting error messages regarding something about browser settings in Italian. So...I emailed my hotel and, ta da! - they immediately responded with confirmation numbers for the dates and times I wanted at the Uffizi and Accademia.

bmk

FWIW - The Accademia wanted payment in cash when we went. If you wanted to pay some other way you had to get in a different longer line.

I wrote my hotel just last night for Uffizzi reservations, and when I woke up this morning, they had already taken care of it. we just need to go to the reservation entrance a few minutes before our scheduled time and pay, then we are all set!

I went to the Museum's web site and bought my "ticket." I printed out a voucher and went to the head of the line and was waived right in. The same at Tower of Pisa, and the Last Supper in Milan and Uffizi.

I would love to book the tickets thru a hotel, but we are staying in an apartment, and they don't offer those services. When I went on the website to reserve the tickets, I ended up on a page that asked for my credit card info. I had heard that you don't pay until you show up. Does that mean they will not actually charge my card till we get there? I just want to make sure I'm on the correct website.

If you do it by phone, you're not charged until you show up. If you use the official web site, then you do prepay.

Hello swisshiker, a followed your instructions to reserve the accademia museum in florence and can not get through all they ask is to press 1 or 2 , then i tried 4 like you said and still can't get through can you tell me if I'm doing something wrong...

thanks

I asked our hotel to get my reservations and it took the lady several days because she said the line was constantly busy...

thanks dina

Tribi,
If worse comes to worse and you can't get through, I think you should bite the bullet and go with agency. David is not to be missed, and I'm sure would be worth the extra euros.

I have reservations for seeing him a third time. I can't imagine being in Florence and not getting in.

Good luck!!
Dina

Thank you dina4, I finally made my reservation this morning, I was able to speak to someone and she gave me a confirmation number which I have to give them once i get to the reservations desk and pay cash.

Ira-
I have tried two times to call the numbers you listed, and I do get the museum, but I never get the choice to book. I first have to choose Italian or English ( the only two choices) then I have two choices again and both have just general information that is circular so I know when it has finished because it starts to repeat itself. I even tried to push 4 without it being listed as a choice. Anyone else with difficulty?

Try the online site.
http://www.b-ticket.com/b%2Dticket/uffizi/venue.aspx

Did you call during Italian work hours?

My hotel booked all tickets for me and I paid for them when I got to Florence.

I called at 6:00 a.m. eastern time on Monday Morning.

sewitall - Maybe that's your problem since they are closed Mondays although I think during the summer when they extend their hours they open every day.

We were in Italy for two months last year and found a guide in Florence to tour the City. He was able to get us tickets to Michelangelo and the Uffizi. We did not have to wait in any lines and his cost was about $65.00 US @ hour, the information about the art and Michelangelo was well worth the money. I would recommend getting a license tour guide.

I agree; you should get reservations in advance. There can be a line that is 3-4 hrs long (or longer) if there are cruise ships in the vicinity. Also, we happened to be going by the exit door and you could see "David" from there and we got some really good photos without paying the admission or waiting in line.

Definitely, reserve for the summer. AT LEAST a 2 hour wait to see "David." Reserve before you go there. Once you are there the next possible entrance maybe the next day or even later.