I read that it is possible to make reservations to get into the Uffizi at a specific time and avoid the long wait for tickets. But the web site listed is for a tour which would include reserved entrance time. Is it possible to get the reserved time without the higher cost of the tour?

Hello. I'm just back from Florence and yes I did make reservations via the internet from the U.S. for the Uffizi and Accademia. <BR>Try WEEKEND A FIRENZE, <BR>http://www.waf.it or <BR>http://www.weekendafirenze.com/musei.htm <BR>Email: [email protected] <BR>(Via dei Servi 9/11, 50122 Florence) <BR>Fax 39-55-670520 <BR> <BR>I was able to get individual tickets, not for a tour. It was very easy and convenient. <BR>However, there is a service charge which brought the ticket price to something like L24000. For me it was worth it as I was only in Florence for 2 days and didn't want to spend any of it waiting on line. <BR>The art is fabulous in Italy -- enjoy!

You can also call directly and make reservations: they'll ask what day you're interested in and what time, and tell you what they have available. It's only 2000 L extra on the 12,000 ticket, and thus considerably cheaper than making the web reservation. On the reserved day, just look for the entrance w/ the sign that says, "Reserved ticket pickup" or something along those lines--you'll breeze by the zillions of people waiting (up to 3 hrs!) in line. I think the Uffizi has a 600 or so visitor max, which is the reason for the lines (nice, actually, except for being buffeted about by tour groups, it's not horribly crowded). Don't have the number offhand, but if you search "Uffizi" on this forum, you should find it. (And yes, often whoever answers speaks some English; just say, "Bon giorno" and "Parle inglese?" and you should be on your way.)

call the Uffizi directly 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 to the special entrance for those with reservations, give <BR>your name and number, pay (cash only), and walk right in. <BR>

also you can ask the front desk at your hotel to make the reservations for you...but defintely do it, it saves sooooo much time!