I have direct tickets to all of the above places for my trip to Italy. However I did not book any guided tours since I'm on a budget and generally less patient with group activities.
I have Rick Steve's audio guide on my phone to be able to have a self guided tour. But I was wondering if there are some other options that I can try? Is it possible to hire a guide at the site? If yes, what is the general price range?
Also, are there any other, tried and tested audio guide options that folks may have tried?
Posted by
Sioux Falls, SD, USA
3100 posts
We seldom use guides. We visited Uffizi, Accademia Oct 2022 - not sure what a guide would give you. It really depends on your background. We go to art museums a lot, and appreciate the history of the art (from the guidebook and signs on the wall) and the aesthetic quality. The museums were not packed, but were busy. Not sure when you are going.
So I didn't answer your question really.
Posted by
San Franciso Bay Area, USA
1011 posts
I have visited the Uffizi and Accademia twice and the RS guides were very good. On the Vatican Museum, I would highly recommend a guide. The place is so crowded (even when you go early) that having a great guide not only helps you see the highlights, but they can effectively navigate the crowds. Last May we took the early entry tour with Walks of Italy and it was excellent. For Pompeii, we used the Mondo Guides (recommended by RS). It was an excellent tour/
Posted by
OP
37 posts
@Paul-of-the-Frozen-North unfortunately, we're art illiterates which is why I'm worried if RS audio guide would suffice. Though we do appreciate the aesthetic quality of museums. Any way we can better prepare ourselves for all the art and architecture on the trip?
I'll be in Italy for the first 10 days of October.
Posted by
London, UK
392 posts
Yes, read! Google ‘Florentine art and architecture’ for a start and see where that leads you. Look at the websites for each museum to see what’s in their collection and read up on them. There are so many books on the artists and the cities, just find out what interests you.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16364 posts
Here's the website for Mondo Guides shared tours mentioned above:
Very attractively priced; €20 for the 2-hour Pompeii tour not including €19 Pompeii admission entry fee. You can stay longer for further exploration on your own after your tour concludes, if desired; the site is vast and a tour of this length can't begin to cover it all.
Posted by
Rockville, MD, USA
629 posts
You can listen to the Rick Steves audio guide before your trip and see if you think it's appropriate for your level of art appreciation. It might be particularly helpful if you have a way to look at a photo of the painting while you're listening.
Posted by
Los Angeles by way of Providence and Rome
610 posts
Your local public library doubtless has books on Italian art, and there are Youtube videos if you'd rather watch than read. Try Rocky Ruggiero who is an American art historian and leads art-focused tours.
Posted by
OP
37 posts
Rick Steve's audio + painting photos is what I'm gonna try I think. Also this post made me a bit envious of the folks who have good public libraries around :')
Pompeii plan got scrapped since I'm meeting family there but those Mondo tours look very attractive.