Sammygrll

So we just got our Scavi tour confirmed for a 9:30AM tour. Our plan is to have breakfast and just start heading over there with the metro.
Since we'll be in that area...what else can we do after the tour?
Is the Birghese gallery near the Basilica? Should we do the Vatican museums/Sistine Chapel another day so we have more time to roam around?
Thanks in adcance.

Samantha

bardo1

Don't underestimate the amount of time you can spend in St. Peter's Basilica itself after the Scavi tour - possibly four extra hours depending on your interest in art and if you climb the dome. You might even add on the Castle St. Angelo while you're right there in the area.

I would walk just across the river from Vatican City (on the Vittorio Emanuele II bridge) for your lunch break. The restaurants are much less expensive AND have much better food. than those in Vatican City. There are plenty to choose from along Via dei Banchi Nuovi, Via del Governo Vecchio, or Via dei Banchi Vecchi.

At any rate, definately save the Vatican Museums/Sistine chapel for its own day and resist the temptation to squeeze it in with St. Peter's and the Scavi tour.

Grinisa

No, the Borghese Museum is not near the Vatican but you could have lunch after the Scavi Tour/St. Peter's and then get a reservation for the Borghese in the late afternoon.

Sammygrll

Bard...thank you...that was exactly the reply I was looking for. We are very fasinated in art, culture...especially since I'm Jewish...lol
So we'll just hang around there...go over the river...etc. And thanks for the food recommendations...we are trying to roam away from the touristy places.
Grinisa...thanks to u too..we'll make the Vatican another day deff.
Is it recommended to book the Borghese far in advance? Or can we do it the same week we're there?

mary09

Sammy, when did you email the Scavi office and how long did it take to get a response? And how far ahead of your trip did you email? I ask because I just emailed them today for a trip at the end of May, and I'm worried I waited too long.... many thanks!

bardo1

You should book the Borghese far in advance. It is a double whammy: a VERY small museum and near the top of many tourists "to see" list!

Sammygrll

Mary...we requested the Scavi tour on March 18 and JUST received email confirmation, today March 28. We gave them a few options for our trip in the first week of May and have one set for May8th at 930am.

Good luck!

mary09

Thanks, Samantha. I'm somewhat relieved to hear that you made the request in March, at least, maybe I can still get a spot! Have fun on that day, whatever else you decide to do!

Graziella5b

After visiting the Vatican for lunch I can recommend
la Taverna da Giovanni, via Banco di Santo Spiritu 58
,directly across the bridge from Castel Sant Angelo.
A family run trattoria, with excelent friendly service , good food and reasonable.