I had requested tickets a couple of weeks ago for the Scavi tour, but I realized I was really late in requesting them. (We leave for Rome in 2 days.) This morning I had an e-mail saying we have tickets! 10:45 a.m. on Monday, which was the only time we could go. We are excited!

I know you can't take pictures in there, but I think it's okay if I carry my camera in the camera bag, right? I usually carry it any time we're out, even if I'm not able to take pictures everywhere we go. It's a large SLR Digital camera, but the bag isn't too big. The e-mail says no large bags allowed, but I'm hoping that this bag will be okay, just sort of tucked under my arm.

When I went no bags of any kind were allowed, but I've seen different experiences on here and I think it must depend on the staff member at the time. People on my tour were sent away to check any bags into the left luggage office.

But since you can't take pictures, why do you want to take it anyway ?

If they decide the bag is not allowed, then you will probably miss the tour, so it's up to you whether to take the risk. But if you want to take the risk and if it's as small as you say, wear a jacket and keep the camera bag under your jacket at least until the tour is underway.

Yeah, I only want the camera with me for the things we do before and after the tour. We will be checking out of our hotel that morning, and I also hate to leave my camera at the hotel. We will picking up our bags later to check into the other hotel. Maybe I could just wear it under my jacket. It says no "large" bags or backpacks, but it says purses are allowed. This bag is smaller than a purse.

Hello Samsaf,

Congratulations on getting your reservation for the Scavi Tour. It is well worth the time.

We took the tour last spring, and there was no problem taking a camera. DH even had it hung around his neck the whole time. Our guide didn't seem to mind, as long as we didn't take a photo.

Have a great trip!

Samsaf, we are leaving tomorrow for Rome, also doing the Scavi, my advice is do not take the camera nor a bag.....why risk everything they have been enphatic in setting up the conditions......
Have fun I think the weather is fine in ROme, aren't we lucky?

I had a small purse with me and no one said a thing.

Graziella, when are you doing the Scavi tour?

We were on the Scavi tour two years ago and we had two cameras with us. Mine was in my medium sized purse and my husbands was in a case around his neck. There was no problem, at that time.

I agree with previous posts that I don't know if I would risk taking a very large camera. We found the people checking us in at the Scavi office to be very brusque to all of us checking in, regardless of our nationality. Not terribly hospitable! That being said, it was just a phenomenal experience for us touring the Vatican and the Scavi tour. We were there for 10 hours and loved every moment.

Enjoy the moment!

I went through the scavi with my shoulder bag - relatively flat but large -they dont take away purses. I wouldnt try anything larger. Im sure my camera was in that bag but it never crossed my mind to pull it out.

I'm sure you'll enjoy the tour. have a great vacation!

Samsaf, you don't seem to have picked up on the fact that St Peter's has a *left luggage office*.

It's on the righthand side of the basilica, as you look at it. If I were you I'd take no chances & leave it there first, before going to the excavations office which is down the lefthand side of the basilica.

Thanks; will check it out.

Congratulations, Samsaf. I was actually surprised by a large bag one member in our group carried and wondered if size determination was left up to the guide? She didn't seem concerned, no one checked the size of our bags which I expected. Space in the site is tight so I understand the concern. After stressing over whether or not to take it I ended up wearing the messenger bag I carry with us. Enjoy a great trip!