Accademia

Assuming you're asking about the Accademia in Venice and not Florence, if you're at the door when they open at 0815, this time of the year, you should not need reservations. They only let 300 in at a time so your 0815 suggestion is a good one.

Sorry Kent I actually meant the Accademia in Florence.

Glad you clarified which one: Rick "highly recommends" (his words) reservations for the Florence Accademia. But they are not required by the museum. You're there in May, not the summer. You have several options:You could take a chance and show up. Better would be to ask your hotel to make reservations for you, give them the day you want. If that's not possible, you could wait until you get into town and try to make reservations a day or two out, but only if you're going to be there that long. Or you could spend the time on the phone trying to get through to make reservations directly with the city of Florence reservations system. I don't know the Australian prefixes to dial Italy, the Italian phone # is 055294883 to get the English operator and have to call during business hours Italian time. Remember the Accademia is closed Mondays, but you can call on a Monday to get a reservation.

Or, you can do it on-line: http://www.b-ticket.com/b-ticket/uffizi/venueAccademia.aspx

I was there yesterday. I had a 2pm reservation but was nearby at 12:30 and decided to just wait in line. I was in the museum in less than 45 minutes amd saved myself the 4 euro reservation fee and met some interesting people while waiting in line!

Carol, Your hotel in Florence can make your resv. for you or you can call the #'s Rick lists in the book. I direct a study abroad program and I always book my tickets weeks in advance of my attendance. Also the first entrance time is 9:15. Buona Fortuna!!

Lol. well Jane, I have a reservation for 8:15 am on May 20th, arranged thru my hotel. Perhaps the opening time varries with season? Ciao...