I have an extra of the cheapest tickets to hear Zubin Metha conduct Aida on May 12, Florence Teatro Communale. This is part of the Maggio Musicale. Anyone interested? How early should I reserve the Vatican museum/Sistine for the first few days of June? Or perhaps I would like to go on a tour of limited people. Any recommendations? May l is an Italian national holiday. I know the Vatican will not be open. What about the Bargello Gallery, Ostea Antica, the ancient sites – pantheon and the forum complex, churches? I just reserved for the Ufizzi and found the add-ons making the price up to 19+Euros. So, am wondering about waiting until I get there for other museums. Any advice on what can wait to do while there since I will have 10 days to work with? I suppose, I would have to at least reserve ahead a few days (If I don't want to stand in a long line.) for some? Maybe some I might not need to reserve at all? At least then I don't have to also pay the online fee. I would like to spend a little time, artist to artist (not a tour) with someone who makes the beautiful Florentine marbled papers. I can't get any leads on the web. Perhaps someone can guide me to an individual artist or even an artist's guild that would know? Lastly, I am looking for an organization that connects visitors with locals for conversation, a walk, etc. I have seen paid sites but I don't want to join for just this one time in Florence. Thanks, Annie
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
You can only reserve entry or a tour of the vatican museums about 60 days ahead of time so you have a little time to wait. Donna
Posted by
Ottawa
1446 posts
Call or book online DIRECTLY to make your Uffizi reservation: http://www.uffizi.firenze.it/english/orari/orari.asp?
http://www.b-ticket.com/b-ticket/uffizi/default.aspx You don't have to deal with a middleman and it is best to book ahead.
Posted by
Portland, OR
282 posts
When we were there in 2009, we had some "one-on-one" time with Guido Giannini, who makes the marbled paper. His store is right near (maybe across) from Piazza Pitti. Our guide arranged the demonstration, but this is his website that may have contact information: www.giuliogiannini.it We also visited the Opificio Pietre Dure, the Museum of Precious Stones on Viale F. Strozzi. Amazing works of art made with precious stones. We had a 9 a.m. appointment there, so I am not sure if they only let a certain number of people in at one time, so you might check before you go.