Hi - we will be in Italy November 9th through the 17th and I am wondering whether reservations will be needed for the major sights that time of year. I am interested in the Vatican, the Scavi tour, the Forum and Colosseum in Rome, the Accademia in Florence, and the Doges Palace in Venice. Appreciate any help!
Posted by
Lubbock, Texas
89 posts
We were in Italy last year from Nov. 1 through 14. We went to each site you list and had reservations for all before we left home. I believe we got the Scavi tickets in June. I would be surprised if you can still get them for this Nov. Although it was not crowded like summer, there were lines everywhere except Venice. There, the aquae Alta left high water in the St. marks Plaza and the Doges Palace and the church were void of people...just water. You can just walk through the Forum without a reservation but do try to do the Underground Tour of the Colosseum. It is wonderful! Just google it and you will find the email for ordering tickets. The groups who get to go into the underground below the Colloseum are small so order those tickets soon.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15585 posts
I went to the Vatican museums in February (okay, it WAS a Monday). I booked online the night before, and it was worth the €2 for the reservation. At 9 am the wait in line was an hour. I highly recommend the Secret Itineraries Tour at the Doge's Palace - you should book that in advance. The Academia - probably not. There may be a line early in the day, but in the late afternoon, it's unlikely.
Posted by
Cartersville, GA, USA
101 posts
No matter what, you must have reservations for the Scavi tour.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
The link below takes you to the explanation of how to apply to the Scavi Office for the Scavi Vatican necropolis tour: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/institutions_connected/uffscavi/documents/rc_ic_uffscavi_doc_gen-information_20040112_en.html As was already mentioned, this is the only way you can do the Scavi tour.