Advance tickets to museums

The easiest way is to avoid the websites and follow the advice about ticket reservations Rick gives in his Italy and Florence/Tuscany books--call the Uffizi/Accademia line. You can speak to an operator who speaks English. Ticket pick-up is easy and it's an inexpensive way to assure you have tickets for the days and times you desire.

I gave up on calling for Ufizzi tickets. After several busy signals (cost nothing) I got through and went in the hold que...which timed out after about 3 minutes, so spent that $ with nothing to show for it. I spend the big bucks at weekendafirenze. We will see in 4 weeks if I can trust them. I will report back.

I have reservations at Uffizi and Academia which were happily made by my hotel. I was given a confirmation number, and all I have to do is show up 10 minutes before my scheduled time slot to pay for them.

Randy, I don't know how you called Italy, but I just called my hotel in Copenhagen to confirm a reservation for about 4-5 cents per minute using a calling card from Target. Even if you had to wait on the phone for an hour, that surely would be cheaper than the many euros that those reservation companies charge.

It isn't necessary to purchase tickets in advance. Just make your reservation by phone or by email to your hotel asking them to do it and show up at the museum to buy your tickets. Very easy. I have done it both ways. My hotel did it not charge for me for the service.

Debra, I exaggerate. Just frustrated. I did use a discount call card. BTW, speaking as a telecom specialist, the automated attendant you reach is designed to "time out" after 3-4 minutes, if call cannot be pushed out of cue. That is not uncommon. Also, I did not have a hotel to go through. We are renting an apt directly from owner.