purchasing tickets

If you tell us which sites you want to visit we can list the official booking websites. You should book some of the sites before leaving home as they have long lines and are difficult to get in. Also, you should book any tours you wish to take before leaving home. Donna

Thanks for the help...I have gone on line at pierreci.it and viaport to find the cheapest tickets ....do you have any other sites to use? We want the Vatican, Colesseum, Academia, Pitti palace, Doge palace, and the water taxi in Venice. Do you know if the hotels can get tickets?

Dee, I'd suggest checking your local Chapters (or other) large book stores to see if you can find a copy of the RS Italy 2013 Guidebook. That would be an excellent information resource to pack along, especially as it has all the information on the easiest method for buying tickets for various Museums. If you're travelling by train, there are some potentially expensive "caveats" to be aware of. You may already have that information, but if not post another note. Buon Viaggio!

For the Vatican museums you can use the official site: http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/do?weblang=en&do To book either tickets or tours of the colosseum you'll need to call because the official website is down: 39 06 399 67 700 Call during Italian business times of 9-1 and 2-5pm. Donna

I just booked tickets for the Accedemia in Florence next month using this site. You can also book other museums here. You get an email voucher you must take with you to exchange for tickets. http://www.b-ticket.com/b-ticket/Uffizi/venueAccademia.aspx One CAUTION..if you do book, make sure of your dates. The calendar you use on the site is European, so the days of the week are off for us in the US. you have to show up for your appointed time, or loose use of the ticket. That being said, I think it's a good idea to have your tickets ahead of time for the major sites. your hotel front desk should be able to get you tickets, but you risk not being able to get in due to over sold situations for the most popular sights. You get to determine which sights are the most important to you. Some like museums, some do not. Having a ticket already in hand to go to the Colosseum in Rome I feel is essential - or risk standing in line for hours to buy a ticket. Why waste time standing, when you can be prepared? Google searches are great, or keep asking your questions here....everyone has been really helpful! PM me if you have questions about the site I suggested for Florence.

Thanks for all the info.....I do not know about the train and unsuspecting costs...can anyone clue me in?

Re: trains, all of your cities have high-speed train service, can book ahead at trenitalia.com and perhaps save some money if you are sure of your dates for travel - cheapest tickets are available up to 120 days ahead, but for this fare you are committed to a specific date, time, and train number; this ticket gives you a reserved seat but allows no changes to the ticket. The next price level allows some changes with certain limitations and extra fees to make changes to the ticket; it also gives you a reserved seat on a specific train. The base fare is the highest cost, the same whether you buy in advance or not - you have a reserved seat but more flexibility in making changes. Check out roninrome.com for step-by-step directions.

Thanks again everyone....I will try the site for tickets...and luckily, the train tickets were part of the package....one less thing to stress over.

Hi Dee, You'll love travel in Europe! Be sure to pack light (one carry-on suitcase), so that getting on & off trains will be a breeze with one hand free. Also, Venice is absolutely wonderful, but if you have large suitcases you will hate all of the lovely up/down steps to go everywhere. We've been to Europe several times and a really helpful hint is to look up your hotel on Google maps - put the person at street level to "walk up & down" your street. Also, do it for the train stations. It's so nice to arrive & already feel like you know at least which direction to head, and recognize your hotel from a block away. Use a moneybelt, especially in Rome. Enjoy!

Thanks....we were hoping to travel as light as possible...so I am taking almost no clothes...unfortunately, due to a medical need...I will be taking 122lbs of liquid medication with me...luckily Venice is the last stop ...so 1/3 of the meds will already be used.......maybe I can fill that empty suitcase with new clothes....just a joke!!!!!
I do love the idea of seeing where we will be good thinking and thanks again