We plan on being in Florence for three days, and Rome for four days. In looking up the web sites to purchase these cards, I notice that I will still need to pick them up in those cities upon arrival. Is there any advantage to purchasing ahead, or is it just as easy to wait until we arrive to purchase these cards?
Posted by
Kansas
1175 posts
We thought the same thing. We are also debating whether or not to get either one. We can book the Colosseum and one other museum much cheaper and we already have booked at the Vatican in our 4 days there. Same with Florence except there are more places we want to see. Even at that it may be better to book individually depending on what we decide to visit in Florence. We're awaiting the experts' answers.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
There is no advantage to buying the romapass online. You still have to pick it up in Rome so it's best to wait until you get there to get it. The romapass will save you money if you use it for three or more sites covered by the pass. If not, it's best just to book each site individually. The romapass does not cover any tours, it's just an entry pass. It does include three days of public transportation. donna
Posted by
San Diego, CA, United States
864 posts
The Florence card is a real winner. Go to the head of the line without scheduling a time ahead (what if you want to linger over coffee at breakfast). You will probably have to wait to get in either the Uffizi or Academia but not for long (it's a internal crowd control issue). Go to the "reserved entrance" line - don't wait in the regular line. The Frienze card gets you into all those interesting little museums (and some not so little ones). One time entry each museum. The 72 hour clock starts ticking upon first use but even if you arrive in the mid-morning of day one and don't use it until 3 p.m. you're going to get a great bang for your buck. Check out the website for covered museums. My sister and I would just pop in to museums that we came upon - if it was a dud we left, no harm no foul. Buy in Florence. I bought the Rome card when I went with my sister but when we go (annually) we don't bother. We do book a good tour of the Vatican Museum most times - just make sure your tour leaves you on the post security side of St. Peter's. Most tours drop you off in front of St. Peter's after the museum - talk about long security lines - phew!
Posted by
OP
Enon, Ohio, USA
6 posts
Thanks for the info, very helpful. What tour do you book for the Vatican Tour. Not sure I follow you on the locations since I haven't been in Rome.