I know this is a silly question. Last (and only) tour I did was with my sister-in-law. We just floated through free time with no real plans. This time I'm solo and trying to be more organized. (It's the South of France tour.) Should I prebook museums for free time or just wing it? I can't imagine most of the small museums need prebooking. Probably the Chagall Museum in Nice should be. The other thing I know I will need to prebook is a horseback ride through the Camargue and hopefully our guide will help me with transportation from and back to Arles.
As always, thanks for your help. 29 days and counting down!
Posted by
near San Francisco
4600 posts
My free time tour experience (May/June, 2022, in Turkey) was that smaller and lesser frequented museums and attractions didn't require prebooking, but the crowded and popular attractions were better if prebooked to avoid a ticket buying line. In some crowded cases there was still an entry line, but at least it saved the ticket line.
And of course some museums sell out weeks or months in advance, so it really depends on the specific attraction.
Posted by
Washington DC
27091 posts
I didn't prebook any sightseeing in that area for a trip beginning May 1, 2017, nor did I encounter any lines of significance. The one place that was buy was the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, where I happended to hit a special flower-related event.
Posted by
WA State
3961 posts
We stayed another night (2013) in Nice following the tour. Several of us went to the Chagall & Matisse Museums. At that time it wasn’t necessary to book in advance. We really enjoyed the museums.;)
Posted by
46 posts
I am wondering the same for St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace in Venice. pre-book or just wing it based on how the free time goes...
Posted by
10 posts
I went to Nice for 3 days after a tour in eastern France in 2019. I bought a 3 day museum pass and a 2 day pass on hop on hop off bus. Chagall and Matisse museums are on the stops. Great walking in Nice.
Posted by
San Francisco area
1803 posts
I only prebook if it’s a must see for me. While on tour I find most of my free time is spent exploring neighborhood’s we’ve been to. Getting pictures and enjoying a cafe or two.
Posted by
California
25 posts
I always prebook if possible, why chance waiting in line or missing something you want to see? I read about the museum in a Rick Steeve's book but always check the museum's official website as well. Sometimes I have found important information on the museum website that was not in the book (ie special exhibits, changes in opening hours, holiday closures, etc.)
Posted by
The Heartland USA
8434 posts
There's always a possibility that the tour schedule might change due to unforeseen circumstances.