We will be in Florence the 2nd week in April and was looking online to reserve tickets to the Uffizi and Accademia Museums. Ticket costs are roughly 6,50 euro, but booking and presale fees are around 11 euro, thus making the reservation nearly 17 euro. Is this normal, or are the reservation fees different for different websites? It just seems a bit much that the reservation fees are twice the amount for the base ticket price.

any info would be great appreciated.

thanks as always,

the gazoo

Fodorite Ira has the best advice, which we have used several times:

"Uffizi and Academia Museum Reservations

The easiest and cheapest way is to call Florence 1010987 (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. There is a long listing of press 1 for this and 2 for that--press 4 for bookings. 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."

Hi, gazoo,

I suspect that you have fallen for the "official ticket" site scam - I believe that this is the link to the real official ticket site for the uffizi

http://www.b-ticket.com/b%2Dticket/uffizi/venue.aspx

the cost is €6,50 plus €4 reservation fee.

you should also be able to access tikets for the accademia through the same ministry web-site too.

regards, ann

Or just ask your hotel to reserve for you. There will be no fee.

Just make sure you reserve as it's then a breeze to walk into the museums past the usual long lines.

Tickets are 6.50€ and the booking fee whether you call the museum or use their online booking is 4€. You could save 4€ by standing in line (perhaps an hour or more) for tickets.

The museums website:
http://www.polomuseale.firenze.it/english/uffizi/

Use the official telephone booking service, they speak English.

As per
http://www.firenzemusei.it/00_englis...izi/index.html

[Begin Quote] The booking service is available at the two information desks in the Pitti Palace and in the reception area of the New Uffizi, and via a telephone booking centre.

The information and booking desks are open during the museum opening times (from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8.30 to 19.00); the telephone booking centre (+39 (0)55 294883) is open from Monday to Friday from 8.30 to 18.30 and on Saturdays from 8.30 to 12.30.


Visiting either of the two information desks or phoning the booking centre, you will receive free information on opening times, exhibitions, admission charges as well as being able to book a visit in any of the Firenze Musei museums.


There is a booking and advance sales charge of Euro 3.00. Booking will only be considered confirmed after payment has taken place.


Booking means reducing waiting times to the minimum, and avoiding the queues that often characterise a visit to major museums and galleries [End Quote]

DalaiLlama - Your website link is out of date as is Ellen's post by Ira. The one I posted is the official website for the museums of Florence. The booking fee is 4€ and has been since January 2008. The online booking was added last spring, but never lists much availability. When you click the online booking, it takes you to the booking link annhig listed.

Ira+ ellenem are the real deal. That is the right thing to do. Reserve directly.
Like in most cases on one hand you can deal directly on the other hand you can pay a little extra and have someone in between ....I always reserve directly.