I know you have to get tickets in advance for the galleries, but how far in advance? Should we book them online now, or wait until we're in Rome to do so? We'll be there Aug. 10-13, so just wondering if a few days' notice is sufficient or if we need to do it before we leave.
Also, do the villas/parks nearby require the same reservation or are they free to whomever whenever?
I would reserve at least a couple of weeks in advance, and sooner is better if you want your pick of day and time. Will you have a Roma Pass? If so, simply call the musuem during the Italian business day and reserve. They speak English. You will show your pass at the time you pick up your tickets. If you are a no show, they sell them to someone else. Go early! the 9:00AM opening is best in the heat....
The Villa Borghese is a park surrounding the Galleria and also featuring a Zoo, another more obscure museum, a playground, a cinema, lots of paths, a lake, a couple of cafes. The Zoo requires an entrance fee, otherwise you are free to walk around. Or rent an Ascol Bike and pedal around.
I agree . Get the tickets now. I would suggest mapping out your must sees and booking as much as possible in advance.
My biggest regret in Rome was not booking the recommended on RS tours of the Coliseum in advance. Ended up with a crappy one only so that we could pass the considerable line. Didn't do so because wanted flexibility - big mistake. SO GLAD we had booked the Vatican Pristine Sistine tour and Borghese tickets in advance. We enjoyed the Borghese very much and then the park afterward.
Last year when we went to Rome, we went to the Borghese gallery and I bought the tickets online from home (Virginia), it's better if you buy them ahead of time because they only allowed 200 people at a time. They also set the times, BTW, you need to be 30 minutes earlier in order to pick up the tickets.
In bocca al lupo!
Thank everyone! We already have tours booked for the Colosseum/Forum and the Vatican, so next on the list is the Borghese. We're less than a month away from our trip and I am SO SO SO excited! First time to Italy (and Europe in general)!!
Katie, take a small tube of sunscreen, maybe a hat, cross the street to walk in the shade, drink lots of water, have a great time!
I am in Roma now and it is hot!
