Christine

Can anyone tell me how far we would have to go to get to the start of the Scavi tour from St. Peter's Basilica? I want to make a reservation to line up with the end of one of our escported tour mornings but not sure how much lapse time I need. Also - If I left a gap.......is there anyplace to have lunch near St. Peter's or do we have to travel outside of the Vatican area?<BR>Please help - - I am clueless!

jpm

When we took the Scavi Tour we met at the office that is located at St. Peter's Basilica. If you are outside the main doors (facing them) go to then end at your left and there is a road that goes between St. Peter's and some other buildings (there is a guard). Go up to the guard and say you are there for the tour and he will point out the office.<BR><BR>You should have no problem taking the escorted tour and then the Scavi tour (which is basically the basement of St. Peter's).<BR><BR>Can't help with lunch except becareful or you will get charged an extremely high price near St. Peter's.

Nancy

Agree with abouve poster entriely. Just returned. There are a couple of cafes, a tavola calda (hot table - buffet)in the first block east of St. Peter's Square. Niether of which are very good. Didn't think them expensive, just very plain food. However, if you're on a time budget, they are perfect. A couple of blocks away toward the Vatican Museum entrance, there are more. Check out Rick Steves he lists several that he thinks are good bargains. Our experience with Rick Steve's restaurant recomendations was that they either were very good or closed (out of business). Nothing in between.

Doug Weller

The Scavi tour is on the left (and along the left as jpb describes) as you face the Vatican. But you will have to check purses, etc. first, and that is on the right front of the Vatican, so allow time for that.<BR><BR>Doug

jim

Outstanding advice Doug! We were there the first week of June and another man on our tour did not know to check his bags at the checkroom and nobody told him either, not the Swiss Guard at the gate, not the crabby old guy at the Scavi Office. When he asked the guy in the Scavi office they told him that he would not have been allowed on the tour. He had to walk back out, and beleive it or not the guards standing at the bottom left side of the steps would not let him up the steps to the checkroom on the right side. He had to run all the way around St. Peters Square, including the Papal audience area, go through the security checkpoint, check the bag and run back to the Scavi area. You've been there and can appreciate the distances involved. He barely made it back in time for the tour. Our guide had already arrived and was making the preliminary introdutions. nAnother couple of minutes and his wife would have gone on the tour alone.

Sherry

Hi Christine. If you intend to go directly to the Scavi tour upon entering the Vatican area, allow a little extra time.<BR>They are funneling people into the general area and scanning them. The line can get a little backed up.<BR>If you intend to go into St. Peter's before hand, you won't have a problem.<BR>