My husband and I are going to Italy the first week in April. I have read that we should get tickets for the Uffizi Galleries in advance. I have tried calling the number from a guidebook but can't seem to get through. Is it worth it to purchase tickets in advance? Does anyone have a number in case mine is wrong? Thanks for the help.

Laurie, <BR> <BR>Is this what you're using? <BR> <BR>Uffizi Gallery -- Avoid the two-hour peak season midday wait by making a reservation. It's easy, slick, and costs only L2,000 ($1.50). Simply telephone during their office hours, choose a time, leave your name, and they'll give you a 15-minute entry time window and a five-digit confirmation number. (In Italy, call 055-294-883. From the US, dial 011-39-55-294-883. Open Mon.-Fri. 8:30-18:30, Sat 9:00-12:00). At the Uffizi, walk briskly past the 200-meter-long line to the special entrance for those with reservations, give your name and number, pay (cash only), and scoot right in. <BR> <BR>Courtesy of www.ricksteves.com/0999museums.htm <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex

You can also book over the web, although I believe it costs a little more. The website is: <BR>http://www.weekendafirenze.com/musei.htm <BR> <BR>We went in September and I was very happy to have a pre-arranged reservation. The line was 90 minutes long. With only a day and a half in Florence I really didn't want to wait. <BR> <BR>If neither phone or web method works you can ask your hotel to do it for you. They may even be able to do it just a day or two in advance.

Thanks for your replies. I just called the number Rex suggested and have my reservations. We also do not have a lot of time in Florence and did not want to have to wait. Thanks again!

The reason you haven't been able to get through is because the number you have is missing a 0. I just checked my guidebook and called to make my own reservations for the Uffizi. 011-39-055-294-883. Good luck.

Last June, we ordered tickets over the web, but ended up changing our itinerary in mid-trip. So without reservations, we got to the Uffizi 30-45 min. before opening, stood in a short line outside, and entered a few minutes after the museum opened. This would be my suggestion to any who come without reservations.

Thanks, Susan. Actually the number I was trying did have a zero. The one posted here didn't so I added it and got right through. You didn't used to need the 0 before country code in Italy but now you do.