How does Roma Pass work towards the reservation for Borghese Gallery? Should we just go ahead and make a reservation (pay for the tickets) on Borghese's website? If so, what's the use of Roma Pass for this particular attraction?
Oh, and the seat selection! Is there a theater or something? @_@ So confused!
We phoned in our reservation after we arrived in Rome 3 years ago, and maybe things have changed, so I won't try to answer to the Website or a seat selection - don't know about those. HOWEVER, we actually paid when we arrived 30 minutes early to claim our reserved tickets, and we got the discounted price the Roma Pass affords. So we saved money with the Pass. With a limited time to view the Gallery, we were standing or walking the whole time -- I'm not sure there are any seats the public are allowed to use! Definitely go visit though.
Once you buy the Romapass, you need to telephone the Borghese to reserve your date and time of visit. Go to the Borghese website to find the telephone number. Yes, it is long distance and you have to call during Rome business hours. Do it as soon as possible. When they sell out or all reserved times are gone, then that is it. You just tell them you have or will have a Romapass. You dont need to pay or give credit card. They will give you your reserved date and time and youn just have to show up just before to pick up your reserved tix. You will need to show ID and your Romapass. I don't know if they will send you an email. You will need to ask them by phone. If you are late, they give away your time. The seating number means nothing.
I would not wait until you get to Rome to reserve. Chances are you will be too late because the BG books up weeks in advance.
Whew! Thanks so much for the replies. Planning the trip by ourselves.... have learned a lot and still lots to learn. :-)
A couple of things to add: you must be there 30 minutes ahead or your reservation can be given away. You will need to check any bags or purses you have; if there's something you must take with you, they will give you a small opaque plastic bag, like a gift bag.
Seat assignment is on your reservation because the Galleria uses a ticketing company that sells concert tickets.
A few minor things to keep in mind...
You don't need to have the romapass in hand before calling to make the reservation. You can call and book the tickets as soon as your dates are available. You don't need to buy the romapass before getting to Rome. All you need to do is to call, book the reservation telling them you'll be using the pass and then show the pass when you check in for the tour.
The gallery only books about 60 days in advance so start checking the site around that time to see if your dates have opened. There is no need to call before that as the tickets won't be available.
Don't bring anything to the gallery that you are not comfortable checking. They will not allow any bags inside but will give you a clear plastic bag for your wallet and other small items. Get there "at least" 30 minutes early because that is when they start giving away unclaimed reservations. I like to get there at least 45 minutes early, check in, check my bags and then visit the bookstore and get a coffee. You can also stroll the ground while waiting for your entry time.
Donna
I just bought tickets for the Borghese Gallery via their website and made the reservations at the same time. Better than trying to have a phone conversation and provide all the information requested.
ralph has the other way to do it - don't do the Galleria Borghese on the Roma Pass.
But for those people who do want to use the Roma Pass they should be reassured that the telephone call isn't difficult as long as you call when the staff are at work (Italian work hours), and they speak very good English.
I just called 2 days ago to make reservations and it wasnt any problem at all. They speak very good english and were very quick. I got a reservation number and we are all set.
If the phone call feels daunting, you can ask your hotel to make the reservation - just give them a date and a time range.
