Yes, I know. That's what I did. I'm just asking because two other posters said they had to go through security on the right side of the colonnade.

Well, I haven't been for a couple of years; but the last time I went, there was a security checkpoint on the right before the basilica.

And you don't have to go to the cloakroom unless you need to deposit bags. From what others have said it sounds as if sometimes they are stricter than others; but when I did the tour, *everything* (including small handbags) had to be left in the cloakroom. A few people arrived at the excavations office with bags and were sent back to put them in the cloakroom - and I'm not sure they all made it back in time for the tour. Just check them in anyway - why take chances ?

Thanks for the clarification caroline. Since no one responded for a few days, I asked this question over on the Slowtravel website and several people there who took the Scavi Tour in the past month all agreed that you DO NOT need to go through the main security line UNLESS you are checking bags. Some stated that it was no problem bringing a backpack or messenger type bag to the Scavi Office and leaving it there. So, if you aren't checking anything, don't go through the long security line. Simply go to the gate on the left of the Basilica, show your Scavi reservation to the Swiss Guard, and he will send you through to the office. 30 minutes should be more than enough time. One Slowtraveler even said the Swiss Guard told her to come back just a few minutes before her tour was to start.

I went on the Scavi tour two weeks ago, and they did not make me check my daypack (medium size but flat.) But the line was very long for the coatcheck, if you need to do that, I recommend getting there early.

The tour is not horribly long or strenuous, so stamina shouldn't really be an issue. As another poster mentioned, the Vatican Museums are though.

It is VERY warm and humid down there; that would probably be your biggest concern so dress in layers that can be removed down to a short-sleeve shirt.

Just back from Rome and wanted to thank you all for your insights.
The Scavi Tour was remarkable. There were 4 of us on the tour. Our guide was a delightful, knowledgeable woman who welcomed questions and was another 'Roman Treasure'