Ok, I got my confirmation for the scavi tour. Unfortunately, it is the day before my vatican tour and papal audience. I am only in Rome for 3 days, do I forfeit other sights(which ones, I don't know)in order to go to Vatican City two days in a row? I will still see St. Peter's etc. but have heard mixed reviews of scavi. Thoughts?

The Scavi Tour has been so hyped here and in other travel forums that people feel it is a "must." In my opinion, it is *not* a must and particularly not on a first three-day visit to Rome.

Hi E,

IMHO, a vote for "it's a must".

There are so many great sites in Rome outside the Vatican. I may be in the minority here...but I say skip the Scavi.

I agree, I wasn't overwhelmed by the scavi tour either.

I disagree. My daughter and I thought that the Scavi tour was the highlight of our trip! However, we experienced the tour from a Catholic perspective, so others might have a totally different experience.

Thanks for your insight! I, too, am Catholic which is why I am having trouble deciding. I have another day to mull it over before I confirm. Still undecided, but getting there. Thanks!

I am an Episcolian and found the Scavi tour a definite highlight...Being lucky enough to get tickets I would "GO"

I went in November - a highlight to our trip. As a matter of fact, we're going next month and I've requested 2 tickets for DH & DS in order for them to experience what I did. Might I ask - when did you apply? How long did it take for your confirmation to come? When are you going? I'm getting antsy that I haven't heard back for them.

In any case, I just know you'll love Rome! Happy planning...

If you have an interest in Roman and/or Catholic history I'd urge you to go.

Note that it takes about 1 1/2 hours, maybe less. You can easily combine it with another site in Vatican City, the Castello San Angelo for example, or visit Trastevere via the Janiculum, or simply return to Rome proper.

I love Roman history and have made many visits to the city. I thought the Scavi tour one of the most evocative of ancient times.

The Tracy, Kim, Mary, Tom, Linda and Dan vote (from our 2005 trip):

A Must.

Yes, it was a highlight for me. Our group had a great guide, so maybe that makes a difference too.

Hi elcon, if you are going anyway to visit the Vatican, you can do everything the same day, I mean the visit and the Scavi. The Scavi itself is by appointment only and no time is lost. So I feel it is up to you. Is it a fascinating tour yes it is.
When I visit a city on limited time I try that my itinerary flows, what I mean is : I try to avoid going in some direction and then returning for another thing. In this perspective if you manage your time properly I think it will dol

Go to the scavi!! It was one of our most interesting tours. A young priest was our guide and did a wonderful job highlighting the history of St. Peter. We were only in Rome for 3 days...it does not take that much time. You can combine it with your visit to St. Peters.

Yes do go! Great history and information. We obtained our reservation through our church so you have a definite time for the tour. It did not mess up our day as we left there and walked through out the town until the late hours. It just depends how much freedom you have while in Rome.

dorkforcemom: I sent an e-mail to the scavi office on a Friday(Good Friday, I believe). They sent me an e-mail the following Wed. saying they received my request. I then got my reservation via e-mail on April 3. They give you ten days to respond to confirm the reservation by phone, fax or e-mail with your credit card #. The cost is 10 euro and non-refundable. I am scheduled for May 6 at 1:45. Good Luck with your request! Thanks to all for your thoughts and suggestions. I can't wait to get to Italy!

Oops, one more wrinkle...I have reservations for Galleria Borghes for 11-1.Can I make it from there to the vatican for the scavi tour in time? Scavi reservation is 1:45. What's the best way, taxi, bus? I will be alone and have never been to Rome before. Thanks again!

The Borghese will throw you out a few minutes early, probably, or you could choose to leave a few minutes early.

You could trot to the metro (I'm not sure whether Barberini or Spagna is closer, but either is probably about 1 km away), jump on the metro, get off at Ottavio, and walk about 500 meters to St. Peter's and go to the place where the Swiss guards let you in. I know I've done a similar sort of thing relatively quickly, but since you've never done it before, I'd certainly allow 45 minutes.

On the other hand, if you could get a taxi, which you likely can, but I don't know where the stand is, I'm sure you'd have enough time.

Is your 11-1 Borghese time set in stone? A 9 AM tour would be more relaxed, and you could have time to peruse the grounds at either or both Borghese and St. Peter's, plus get a snack or a drink.

Yes it is worth it. We went in Oct 07, got there early around 7am in case we got lost. No one in the square. Once we found where we had to go for the tour, we went ahead and went into St Peters (openned at 7am) had the place practically to our selves. After our Scavi tour you leave thru a hall that gives you access to St Peters and St Peters was packed wall to wall people. Not to mention the line and the square also mobbed. I love the Scavi tour and seeing St Peters in the early morning.

elcon: Now I am less hopeful. I also applied for the Scavi tour about Good Friday and received the notice that they received my application. It also said that they would be closed for a week. I will be in Rome for 10 days in June and hoped that extended period might give me a better chance.But unlike you, I haven't heard anything yet. I am not Catholic, but did not think that mattered.