Borghese reservation

Be sure to call during Italian business hours. 011 39 06 32810 Donna

Also, sometimes the European ringing on the phone sounds like a busy signal to us. You might also contact your hotel in Rome and ask them to make a reservation for you.

Elizabeth is correct! It may sound like a busy signal, and your hotel can make the reservation for you. NOTE: Make sure you arrive at the Borghese 1/2 hour before your entrance time, as they are very strict! If you are late, you will not be admitted. They will also make you check all baggage, cell phones, purses, etc. Your checked items will be safe, so don't worry. I went to Rome probably 5 times before I went to the Borghese -- and it was so wonderful, that in the future, I will not miss it again. Enjoy!

More tips - get there even earlier, use the toilet before your entry, and get in line. There are audio guides for rent - if you want one, get that beforehand too. You'll have to leave photo id as a deposit, your driver's license is sufficient. You have exactly two hours from when they open the doors until they shoo you out. Most people start on the first floor, so go straight to the second floor and see that before it gets crowded. Then go down to the first floor, which will (surprise, surprise) not be crowded. This does make using the audio guide a little tricky. Unlike other places, there are no numbers corresponding to the explanations. It's a tour, so if you start in the middle, it an be a bit of a muddle.

Also, they don't allow bags inside the gallery so if you need to check anything do that first as it seems to take the longest amount of time. The line for checking bags can get very long and still be long when they open the doors for you scheduled visit. Get there about 45 minutes early, check your bags then pick up your tickets. You can get a bite to eat in the coffee shop or check out the gift shop while you wait for the doors to open. donna

Thank you all for the info, we are staying in an apartment so I can't ask hotel to help out but I am confident I will get through. Linda

The advice about making sure that you are calling during opening times in Italy (meaning considering the time difference when you call) is a good one. Also, avoid calling right around the reserved entrance times (i.e., 9am, 11am, etc.). Perhaps they could be busy taking care of folks there. I was able to do what you are looking to do a couple of weeks ago, so you'll get it!

Yes,I finally made my reservation. Thanks for everyone's help. Linda

Can one of you tell me- you are only allowed 2 hours from the beginning of your reservation? Not sure I understand. Holly

Holly, you have two hours to tour the gallery, then the place gets emptied out and the next group comes in. Linda, if you have small items you don't want to check, the person at the baggage desk will give you a small opaque bag (I use it for my wallet, meds, bottle of water).