Scavi/Vatican museum plans, May 2011
Feb 9th, 2011, 09:55 PM
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Scavi/Vatican museum plans, May 2011
A friend and I are going to Rome in May. We arrive from the US on a Sunday around 8:30am, and then have tickets for the Scavi tour at 10:45am the next day (Monday). My first question - how would you get to the Vatican for our tour? We have an apartment booked via Sleep in Italy on Piazza del Fico, near the Piazza Navona. Google Maps says it should be about a 30-minute walk to Vatican City - does that sound about right? We're good walkers (~30 with no health issues), so that seems like it might be simplest. Any tips to keep us from getting lost would be welcome!
Second, we do want to visit the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's. Would it be best to grab some lunch in the Vatican cafe, then tour the museums the same afternoon? Or better to come back on another day? I think we would prebook the tickets.
Third, for both the Scavi tour and the museums, can anyone advise me on how large a bag is acceptable to carry with me? I have an SLR camera that I carry in this bag when I travel:
http://www.lowepro.com/passportsling
I don't think it's a large bag, but I also don't want to get to the Vatican and have them tell me I can't go in with it! For those who have been on the Scavi tour (and in the museums), would that bag be allowed in with me? I'm really excited about that tour, and am slightly paranoid due to almost not being allowed in a U2 concert last year with my SLR.
(I definitely realize that no pictures are allowed in the excavations or, I'm guessing, in the museums, and I will absolutely respect that. But I would prefer to have it with me for whatever we do the rest of the day.)
Thanks in advance for any advice!
Second, we do want to visit the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's. Would it be best to grab some lunch in the Vatican cafe, then tour the museums the same afternoon? Or better to come back on another day? I think we would prebook the tickets.
Third, for both the Scavi tour and the museums, can anyone advise me on how large a bag is acceptable to carry with me? I have an SLR camera that I carry in this bag when I travel:
http://www.lowepro.com/passportsling
I don't think it's a large bag, but I also don't want to get to the Vatican and have them tell me I can't go in with it! For those who have been on the Scavi tour (and in the museums), would that bag be allowed in with me? I'm really excited about that tour, and am slightly paranoid due to almost not being allowed in a U2 concert last year with my SLR.
(I definitely realize that no pictures are allowed in the excavations or, I'm guessing, in the museums, and I will absolutely respect that. But I would prefer to have it with me for whatever we do the rest of the day.)Thanks in advance for any advice!
Feb 10th, 2011, 07:15 AM
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I have been twice to Scavi and many times to St. Peters and that would be considered a large bag IMO and IME.
The tour takes about 90 minutes and I would do both on the same day since you will be in the area. There are lots of rip off places for lunch in this area so do some research to find a bite in a place where the food will be edible. We just do not bother any more and pack a protein bar or similar to hold us until we are in an area where the food options are more pleasant.
I would walk. This is how we prefer to get about in Rome and 30 minutes sounds about right.
The tour takes about 90 minutes and I would do both on the same day since you will be in the area. There are lots of rip off places for lunch in this area so do some research to find a bite in a place where the food will be edible. We just do not bother any more and pack a protein bar or similar to hold us until we are in an area where the food options are more pleasant.
I would walk. This is how we prefer to get about in Rome and 30 minutes sounds about right.
Feb 10th, 2011, 07:21 AM
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Based on my experience on the Scavi tour, that bag is too big and you would need to check it. It is very tight in the excavations and you are not allowed to lean on or touch any of the walls. The Scavi office will not keep it for you during the tour, you would have to check it at the Vatican bag check. They are stricter on the Scavi tour then for what is allowed in the museum.
For what size bag is allowed in the museum you can see exact dimensions on the Vatican website.
It is not worth the risk of being turned away from the Scavi tour because of the bag. Check it before you show up for the tour, otherwise you will not have time. Allow plenty of time to check the bag in case of a line. Bag check info is on the Vatican website. Keep in mind that this is a large area with lots of people. Personally, I would leave the bag at hotel.
You can certainly walk to the Vatican or it is a cheap taxi ride. Streetwise Rome is a good map that will help you not get lost. The streetwise series is available in bookstores or Amazon.
You could visit the Vatican and St. Peters the same day as the Scavi. Definitely buy advance tickets.
For what size bag is allowed in the museum you can see exact dimensions on the Vatican website.
It is not worth the risk of being turned away from the Scavi tour because of the bag. Check it before you show up for the tour, otherwise you will not have time. Allow plenty of time to check the bag in case of a line. Bag check info is on the Vatican website. Keep in mind that this is a large area with lots of people. Personally, I would leave the bag at hotel.
You can certainly walk to the Vatican or it is a cheap taxi ride. Streetwise Rome is a good map that will help you not get lost. The streetwise series is available in bookstores or Amazon.
You could visit the Vatican and St. Peters the same day as the Scavi. Definitely buy advance tickets.
Feb 10th, 2011, 07:57 AM
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How many days are you in Rome? All three (St. Peter's, the Scavi tour, Museum) might be overwhelming for your first day - especially if you factor in jet lag. Spreading it over two days is a good option, if you have the time.
I stayed in the Piazza Navona area and walked to the Vatican for the scavi tour,and it took about 20-30 minutes. Get a good map of the area, and if you're prone to get lost (I am...) stick to the major streets.
My Scavi tour was booked for the morning. First, I went to St. Peter's (avoiding the crowds, and very long security line) then down the stairs and to the right, for the tour. I loved it - it was a major highlight from the trip.
I stayed in the Piazza Navona area and walked to the Vatican for the scavi tour,and it took about 20-30 minutes. Get a good map of the area, and if you're prone to get lost (I am...) stick to the major streets.
My Scavi tour was booked for the morning. First, I went to St. Peter's (avoiding the crowds, and very long security line) then down the stairs and to the right, for the tour. I loved it - it was a major highlight from the trip.
Feb 10th, 2011, 08:04 AM
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Thanks, kfusto and Lynninaustin - that's exactly the info and experience I was hoping for! I think we'll plan on walking over there and doing the museums that afternoon (good tip on the restaurants, kfusto - I've been once before, about 11 years ago, and that was what I remembered! We had terrible, expensive pizza for lunch).
Bummer about the bag, but I'd rather leave it at our apartment and not risk it if you both think it will be too big. I have a little point & shoot I can stick in my pocket for taking photos of the outdoor areas if I want to.
Bummer about the bag, but I'd rather leave it at our apartment and not risk it if you both think it will be too big. I have a little point & shoot I can stick in my pocket for taking photos of the outdoor areas if I want to.
Feb 10th, 2011, 08:12 AM
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mebe, we were posting at the same time! Thanks for the additional tips. We'll have nearly five days in Rome, counting the day we land (I'm hoping that since our flight lands early, we'll be able to get at least a little sightseeing in). We do want to take a cooking class one day, so our major sightseeing days are down to 3.5 or so. I'll talk to my friend about spreading it out. It would be nice if we could just wait and see how we felt, but I don't much fancy standing in long lines either!
We've both traveled internationally a bit, mostly to the UK, and don't usually do too badly with jet lag. Especially if we can check into our apartment and take a shower when we get there, I think we'll recover pretty quickly.
We've both traveled internationally a bit, mostly to the UK, and don't usually do too badly with jet lag. Especially if we can check into our apartment and take a shower when we get there, I think we'll recover pretty quickly.
Feb 10th, 2011, 01:04 PM
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Thanks, kfusto! I'm getting more excited about it the closer we get. I'd like to see St. Peter's that morning, but I think we'll have to wait and see how early we can get moving on our first morning.
Feb 10th, 2011, 01:56 PM
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Just in case you get rain and do not want to walk I am sure that the number 64 bus which runs all day on the Corso Vitorrio. Emanuele, (a main street not far from the P. Navona area) goes right to the Vatican. Maybe someone on the forum can confirm that.
The suggestion to get a good map of Rome before leaving is a very good one. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with where things are in relation to where your apartment is. This can save valuable time when you get there as you will be less likely to get lost.
The suggestion to get a good map of Rome before leaving is a very good one. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with where things are in relation to where your apartment is. This can save valuable time when you get there as you will be less likely to get lost.
Feb 10th, 2011, 05:32 PM
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I have been on two Scavi's and will be on my third next month.
Agreed- leave the big bag at home. My daughter bought a travel bag that lay flat against her belly and she wore it under her light jacket. You might look into something like that. Remember you are at risk with a "backpack" type bag, anyway. Thieves have been known to just take a razor and slice open the bottom before you know they've been there. Someone here suggested a scottevest and they look awesome! (If they had one that fit me I would definitely buy one!):http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/W...ght-Vest.shtml
Also, I realize people are telling you to see St. Peter's first. But know that when you come out of the Scavi, you can go right up into St. Peter's, no waiting/no line. That might be a better option.
You most definitely can do all of them in one day. You might consider taking a Context Rome tour of the Vatican Museums. We loved ours and it was great to get the highlights without having to spend 4 hours in the museums. Many on this board can confirm it was well worth it: http://www.contexttravel.com/blog/vatican-tour/
Regarding restaurants. About 10-15 minutes southeast of the Vatican (spitting distance from Castel Sant'Angelo) is Sor Eva. We had two excellent meals here and will be making a point to return next month when we are again in Rome. Sor Eva is right on the Tiber river road. Here is a google map link: http://maps.google.com/maps?rlz=1T4T...N&hl=en&tab=wl As a matter of fact, I made up a Google map of Rome Restaurant recommendations from Fodorites. I'd be happy to email it to you. Just email me at paulam910 at hot mail.
If it is raining on the morning of your Scavi tour, you should probably taxi. It will probably be around E7 or E8. Not bad.
Also, don't forget to visit the Vatican gift shop and post office. THey are on the same side as your entrance to the Scavi (south gate of the Vatican). You could certainly spend time there before your tour. They have some nice gifts, but mostly I love the postcards and it is kind of special to mail them from the Vatican post office, with the special cancellation from there. (Don't forget to send yourself one!)
(As a matter of fact, when I first arrive in a city, I buy a number of post cards. I address them to myself and then at the end of the day, I write about what we did that day. When I get home from my trip, I have all the postcards to remind me of all the places we saw, places we ate at, the weather, etc. Makes it really easy to write a trip report!)
Have a wonderful trip! You will fall in love with Rome!
Agreed- leave the big bag at home. My daughter bought a travel bag that lay flat against her belly and she wore it under her light jacket. You might look into something like that. Remember you are at risk with a "backpack" type bag, anyway. Thieves have been known to just take a razor and slice open the bottom before you know they've been there. Someone here suggested a scottevest and they look awesome! (If they had one that fit me I would definitely buy one!):http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/W...ght-Vest.shtml
Also, I realize people are telling you to see St. Peter's first. But know that when you come out of the Scavi, you can go right up into St. Peter's, no waiting/no line. That might be a better option.
You most definitely can do all of them in one day. You might consider taking a Context Rome tour of the Vatican Museums. We loved ours and it was great to get the highlights without having to spend 4 hours in the museums. Many on this board can confirm it was well worth it: http://www.contexttravel.com/blog/vatican-tour/
Regarding restaurants. About 10-15 minutes southeast of the Vatican (spitting distance from Castel Sant'Angelo) is Sor Eva. We had two excellent meals here and will be making a point to return next month when we are again in Rome. Sor Eva is right on the Tiber river road. Here is a google map link: http://maps.google.com/maps?rlz=1T4T...N&hl=en&tab=wl As a matter of fact, I made up a Google map of Rome Restaurant recommendations from Fodorites. I'd be happy to email it to you. Just email me at paulam910 at hot mail.
If it is raining on the morning of your Scavi tour, you should probably taxi. It will probably be around E7 or E8. Not bad.
Also, don't forget to visit the Vatican gift shop and post office. THey are on the same side as your entrance to the Scavi (south gate of the Vatican). You could certainly spend time there before your tour. They have some nice gifts, but mostly I love the postcards and it is kind of special to mail them from the Vatican post office, with the special cancellation from there. (Don't forget to send yourself one!)
(As a matter of fact, when I first arrive in a city, I buy a number of post cards. I address them to myself and then at the end of the day, I write about what we did that day. When I get home from my trip, I have all the postcards to remind me of all the places we saw, places we ate at, the weather, etc. Makes it really easy to write a trip report!)
Have a wonderful trip! You will fall in love with Rome!
Feb 10th, 2011, 06:38 PM
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Thanks to both of you. Lowcountry, a map is on my shopping list for sure!
sarge56, restaurant recommendations are always welcome! We're not major foodies, and don't plan to spend a lot of money on meals, but do want to enjoy some good local food. The bag isn't a backpack style (and really isn't that big) - it's worn like a messenger bag, and I'll carry it in front of me with my arm on it most of the time. I don't think my SLR camera will quite fit in that vest.
Looks cool, though.
Thanks for the information about St. Peter's! If we can't make it up and out of the apartment in time to see it before the tour (a strong possibility), that's definitely good to know.
sarge56, restaurant recommendations are always welcome! We're not major foodies, and don't plan to spend a lot of money on meals, but do want to enjoy some good local food. The bag isn't a backpack style (and really isn't that big) - it's worn like a messenger bag, and I'll carry it in front of me with my arm on it most of the time. I don't think my SLR camera will quite fit in that vest.
Looks cool, though.Thanks for the information about St. Peter's! If we can't make it up and out of the apartment in time to see it before the tour (a strong possibility), that's definitely good to know.
Feb 11th, 2011, 06:33 AM
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With only a few days in Rome, I agree to do all three in one day.
Sarge, I forgot you can zip up into St. Peter's after the tour. Great tip!
I'm so envious! I love Rome and would do the Scavi tour again in a heartbeat.
Sarge, I forgot you can zip up into St. Peter's after the tour. Great tip!
I'm so envious! I love Rome and would do the Scavi tour again in a heartbeat.
Feb 11th, 2011, 08:20 AM
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mebe, I'm so excited! I've been to Rome, but only very briefly (about a day and a half!) 11 years ago. The Scavi tour was on my must-do list when we started planning.
About how long does the Scavi tour take? Just trying to figure out how long we should allow for the tour, St Peter's, and lunch (whatever we end up doing) before booking our museum tickets.
About how long does the Scavi tour take? Just trying to figure out how long we should allow for the tour, St Peter's, and lunch (whatever we end up doing) before booking our museum tickets.
Feb 12th, 2011, 10:46 AM
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kfusto, that's why I'm slightly less than jumping for joy about the museums. But it's been 11 years since I've been, and my friend has never been in and really wants to, so we'll brave it for awhile. I'll be doing some research beforehand to figure out what exactly I want to see!
But it's been 11 years since I've been, and my friend has never been in and really wants to, so we'll brave it for awhile. I'll be doing some research beforehand to figure out what exactly I want to see!
Feb 12th, 2011, 11:03 AM
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Check out the website Ron in Rome. He used to have great tips for visiting the Vatican. I read that he had moved but the website is still up, also great tips on transportation, cooking classes, etc.
I haven't used the website recently but it was a wondeful help when I did.
I haven't used the website recently but it was a wondeful help when I did.
Feb 12th, 2011, 02:38 PM
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I just threw my SLR in my purse when we went on the Scavi Tour. It was a little tight, but then I had it available when we went to the museum and St. Peter's and I had it in my hands taking pics. We did all 3 in one day and it was a long day, but worth it. We absolutely loved the fascinating Scavi Tour, St. Peter's is amazing (try to fit in walking up to the top of the dome for the views), but the Vatican Museum was a little overwhelming. We went in the afternoon and there was no line to get in, however it was extremely crowded once we got inside. So much so, that it was a little hard to appreciate all the treasures (which are abundant).
