Booking Needed to see David?

Q: I would like to ensure that I have tickets to visit the Accademia Gallery in Florence to see Michelangelo's David. Is it necessary to book before we arrive in Italy? If so, what is the easiest way to do it? - Fiona Buys

A: It is essential to book for the gallery in the peak summer season, but you may as well book whatever time of the year you intend to visit to make sure you get in when you want to. The easiest way to facilitate this is to ask your hotel to do if for you. They will be quite used to doing this - just give them a list of one or two prepared times. You will pay when you visit the gallery. Please note that the gallery is closed on Mondays and operating hours are 08.15-18.50. If you have not booked a hotel or are staying with friends or relatives, then you can book through the Uffizzi and Accademia website (www.uffizi.com) or use the official phone booking serivce (telephone +39 55-294-883). I did a test booking on the website for a date in September. The cheapest fare was advertised at 9.49 Euros, but my full-fare ticket would cost me 20.59 Euros. The face value of the ticket was 15 Euros, with the remainder in booking fees. I also did a test booking with www.florenceart.it in September and the rate was practically the same at 20.70 Euros. (5/6/11)