What do i need to book in advance?
 

My partner and I are going to italy for the first time in October, We will be landing in Venice 1st for 3 nights, then training it to Florence for 3 nights..then off to Rome for our last 3 nights. We already booked our hotels. The trip is still 3 months away , but i was wondering if anyone could advise me on what I need to book in advance ..such as the vatican, museums, etc. Any other suggestions as well would be greatly apprciated. We want to do this trip on somewhat of a budget..but still eat at great local places that aren't overpriced. If you can suggest any restaraunts as well i'd be thankful. bob

In Florence you can book the Uffizi and Academy ahead through your hotel. If you get to these museums and find that the lines are short, you don't need to claim your reservations.

In Rome you need to book ahead for the Galleria Borghese and any special tours at the Vatican (such as excavations under St. Peter's). These can be done on line.

In Venice we were glad we purchased a "Chorus" pass and a three-day pass for the ferries that ply the canal. I also especially recommend paying the extra fee for the "museum" in St. Mark's. It gives great views of the interior of St. Mark's and of St. Mark's Square.

HI C,

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.

Have a nice visit.

((I))

In Venice you should book in advance the museum (extra cost but worth it)of St. Mark's & the tour of the Doges Palace. Make sure you sign up for the English-speaking tour. Don't eat at any of the restaurants on St. Mark's Square (way overpriced). There are many quaint restaurants all around. I'm sure you can get some local recommendations when you're there. Our host at our B&B gave some. Unfortunately right now I cannot remember them, but I'll look through our material & get back. Take happytrailstoyou's advice regarding the 3-day ferry passes.

Hey happytrailstoyou,

Thanks for the advice. what is a CHORUS pass??

A Chorus Pass is a ticket that gives admission to sixteen wonderful churches located throughout Venice. It costs 9 Euros and is for sale in any church with a Chorus Pass sign by its door. (Without the pass, admission is 3 Euros to each church.)

This pass gave us interesting destinations that helped us explore most neighborhood in Venice.

I also urge you to get hold of the 2008 edition of Rick Steves' guidebook for Italy. It is a very worthwhile investment that will answer all your questions and give you additional useful information.

The Venice Chorus Pass allows entry to many of the "art" churches. Rather than pay for each entrance fee, you can purchase the pass. It's very inexpensive (I believe I paid E8 in 2005) and is good for one year. Unlike most churches you'll visit in Italy, some of the major Venice churches charge an admission which is used to help conserve the art.

Hey happytrails..

thanks for the tip.. where do you live? Can anyone reccoend any great(inexpensive ) restraunts worth eating at during my stay in Venice, Florence , and rome. Not looking for touristy places..more local joints with good prices that will make me feel like i live there

In Venice we loved Trattoria Alla Rivetta, Ponte San Provolo 4625 Castello--not far from St. Mark's. And we had a way-above-average pizza and salad at Muro, Campiello dello Spezier (www.murovenezia.com).

In Florence stumbled on a delightful restaurant at which we ate several times: Hostaria il Desco at Via del Terme 23, which is near the Rialto Bridge. This place--opened for less than a year--is family run and had great lunch and dinner specials.

happytrails,

what price range are you tralking about with your recommendations.I'm not quite sure what to expect to pay,,thanks

These places have have reasonable prices--pastas that start at 7 or 8 Euros and second courses starting at about 9 or 10 Euros.

The place in Florence has an amazing lunch deal--7 or 8 Euros and wonderful. They also had a 15-Euro dinner in May, but you have to ask for the menu.

Alla Rivetta, in Venice, is a convivial place that you will love. It has excellent prices and great guys serving the tables.

At Muro we shared a huge and delicious pizza and meal-sized salad for about 20 Euros.

I found that eating breakfast with the hotel was usually worthwhile and allowed us to start the day without thinking about eating. I didn't like the meat sandwich offerings so we usually ordered appetizer type things which were not expensive, sometimes we would order pasta for lunch and then eat lightly for dinner. We were too busy seeing things and wondering to look specifally for gelato and restaurants but tried to find restaurants that offered a handwritten menu or had specials of the day.