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Passes during VFR tour

We got our final tour documents today for the Best of Venice, Florence and Rome tour next month, so the clock is running, yay! (not that I'm excited). I've been researching, compiling lists and posting a few questions here since last August, when I booked everything. I wonder if those who have been on this very popular tour might address what additional city, museum or transit passes might be of value.

Especially since we're arriving two days before the tour starts in Venice, I'm pretty sure we want to pick up a vaporetto pass, either the 48- or 72-hour versions. I've made reservations for the Secret Itineraries Tour in Venice and the Borghese Gallery in Rome. Also booked Alessandro's back streets and cicchetti tours in Venice. Beyond that, are there other advance-reservation tours or inclusive passes/tickets I might want to consider?

My wife and son are always up for climbing domes and towers, but my knees probably won't be up for it (I'll be looking for elevators this time around). Do we need to make Duomo reservations before leaving home or can we figure on doing it once we're there?

I'm confident we don't need the Firenze Pass or Roma Pass, as we're only in each city for a few days and the tour will cover many of the major sites. Anything else?

As an aside, I see our guide for the tour is Reid Coen. I have a feeling we're going to be very happy about this.

Posted by
21346 posts

Not that you need an advance ticket, but speaking of fabulous views with elevators, take the vaporetto over to San Giorgio island and go to the top of the campanile. Elevator, half the cost of the San Marco campanile, no line, and you will be looking down at the Piazza San Marco from across the water.

Posted by
11613 posts

If you have free time, perhaps one evening, take the bus to Piazzale Michelangelo in Firenze. Great views.

After your Galleria Borghese visit, walk through the park to the Pincio (good signage will direct you) for views of Piazza del Popolo from the terrace. There is an easy footpath that will take you down to the Piazza and Via del Corso.

Posted by
806 posts

Zoe: Piazzale Michelangelo is definitely on our list. Thanks for the Borghese suggestion. That sounds like it would be nice in the evening. Our Borghese reservation is 17:00-19:00.

Posted by
422 posts

Second Sam's suggestion for San Giorgio visit. From its tower, the view of Venice is amazing. Here's a sneak peak (top-right photo): http://europetravelsjuly2015.weebly.com/venice.html

And as Sam mentioned, you pretty much have the place all to yourself. We were there during busy summer/tourist season, and there was only one other couple on-premise. Have a great trip!