We are planning on being near Florence in mid April. Do you think it necessary to pre-reserve tickets for the Ufizzi and Academia this time of year? We are also planning on leaving a few nights open to find a small hotel or pensione in Tuscany as we drive around. Is this a safe thing to do in April?

Hi Doug - <BR><BR>It's my understanding that these popular museums are busy at any time of year. I can tell you from experience that it's worth the small service charge ($3 per ticket?) to reserve at the Accademia. We did, and scooted right in, despite the line that wrapped the building three times. We felt like royalty, getting in so quickly while others waited. And a little guilty.<BR><BR>This was in late June last year, and we had an italian-speaking concierge at one our hotels to make the reservations for us. Worked like magic.<BR><BR>Buon Viaggio! - Kris

I'd say that the reservation service for the Uffizi is just as worthwhile, just as important as for the Academia - - maybe even more so. More and more hotels are connected to the ability to do this for you. Worthwhile to simply e-mail your hotel and ask if they can do this for you - - either in advance or the morning of your intended arrival, if you're on a less-structured itinerary.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

You are getting good advice above. We did the advance booking for the Accademia in October and it was worth it. The line was long and we walked right in at our appointed time. <BR><BR>We did not do the Ufizzi but were able to get in there easily about one hour prior to closing...not enough time, but we were able to hit the high spots.

Try to get to the Academia early -- like the first reservation. The later you go, the bigger the crowds around David. I was there early and within 30 min you couldn't get a tourist free view of him.

A must. make your resevation early. We reserved our tickets for both museums on the web (for a minimal fee) printed our confirmation and walked right into the museums like royals. I think the wed site is www.weekendfirenze.com

&lt;&lt;I think the wed(b) site is www.weekendfirenze.com&gt;&gt;<BR><BR>I take mild exception to calling the URL listed here as "the" website for reservations - - it's "a" website for reservations. The museums themselves actually make the reservations, and you CAN call them direct yourself. Or you can use this commercial service to do it for you. Likewise your hotel.<BR><BR>

We went to Italy over Easter break last year. I had reservations for the Uffizzi and at the Acadamia (David)- I made reservations prior to going. You have to specify the hour you will be arriving. THere were very long lines at both museums. Went right up to the admissions area, stated we had reservatins and got right in. <BR>-Good luck.

We were in Florence in October which many say is the busiest tourist month of the year. We went to the Uffizi twice and the Accademia once, all without reservations. We arrived at the Uffizi about 20 minutes before opening and were in the galleries within 40 minutes (including buying tickets). Returned another day at 5:30/6:00 p.m. and walked right in. When we were there, the Uffizi was open until 11:00 p.m., and there were no lines at all after dinner. Arrived at the Accademia shortly after opening and walked right in. Same at the Pitti Palace.

Haven't been to Florence for 2 years but we booked our tickets for Ufizzi the day before at the information office at the train station. A small fee was involved but it was worth it. Don't remember having a problem at the Accademia. The Ufizzi is worth a visit.

We booked through www.weekendinfirenze.com for all the museums. It worked perfectly-we would do it again when back in Florence. The wait can be up to 3 hours to go stand by.

I just checked - it's www.weekendafirenze.com, not weekendinfirenze.com. Looks like a great resource!