How Far in Advance Do You Need to Book Experiences and Family Activities in Italy
If you’ve started researching your trip to Italy, you might have already learned the importance of making bookings early, particularly in high season for hotels and tours. Popular activities and experiences, including photographers are no exception.
As a full-service photographer, I often photograph families undertaking a favourite activity during their travels like learning to row in Venice, or truffle hunting in the Italian countryside. As you can imagine, I’ve learned who to suggest you book these experiences with, (and who to avoid) to ensure a wonderful time. As you’d expect, the best service providers are often the first to book out.
Booking Timeline
Accommodation and Intercontinental Airfares (12-9 months)
Activities and photographer (2-6 months, earlier for boutique options during peak season)
Trains (Tickets open 90-120 days in advance)
Restaurants (2 weeks, even earlier for popular or exclusive restaurants particularly weekend sittings)
Exceptions
Exclusive and Famous Restaurants
Exclusive restaurants such as Villa Crespi at Lake Orta, Osteria Francescana in Modena and La Pergola in Rome, typically have 3-4 month waits. If there is a famous restaurant on your wish list, check their online booking options well in advance.
Many restaurants are closed for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Years Day. Those which are open usually have a set menu and will require advance bookings.
Popular Experiences
The Last Supper in Milan: Reservations open on a quarterly basis through the official website: Cenacolo Vinciano Museum
The Colosseum in Rome: Tickets are released 30 days ahead of your desired date, although smaller batches are released during that 30 day window. This article is super informative regarding Colosseum tickets.
Note: Official Colosseum tickets are sold by Coopculture.
The Vatican Museum: Tickets are typically released 60 days in advance. This is the official website for tickets.
When to contact your preferred Vacation Photographer
This trip will be one that your kids take life lessons from. What better way to ensure they hold onto these memories than through beautiful photographs displayed on your walls?
Here at Classico Portraits my goal is to make your trip planning easier and the photoshoot a relaxed experience that simply feels as though you’ve spent the afternoon with a new friend.
I find that having ample time to plan your dream photoshoot helps to ensure it’s a pressure-free experience. Getting in contact at least two months in advance allows time to get to know you and your family over Zoom, design an experience to accommodate your children's schedules, preferred locations, and to secure your preferred activity vendor.
To ensure each client receives the dedication they deserve for their photoshoot experience, sessions should be booked at least eight weeks before departure and limited sessions are available each month.
Shoulder season sessions book out 3 months in advance while summer sessions tend to book out four to five months in advance.
Remaining photography spots with Classico Portraits for early 2023:
August: three
September: six
October: six
Last-Minute Options
While planning ahead is advisable, last-minute opportunities might arise, especially during off-peak periods. Joining the e-mailing list of your preferred photographer and following up with them closer to your travel dates might present unexpected availability! You can join ours here, which will also give you access to our free guide to Taking Better Family Vacation Photos in Italy!
If you love the idea of enjoying big framed portraits on your walls of your family here in Italy, let’s chat!