Ann, as far as I understand it, it's a completely different necropoli. The Scavi Tour (please correct me if I'm mistaken) is the one under the Basilica, leading to the alleged tomb of St. Peter (who was actually never in Rome, but that's a different story). The S. Rosa necropoli is not under the Basilica, but somewhere under the Vatican Gardens.
You don't need to become a member, but if you don't, there's no guarantee that you're getting a place in the tour (limited number of participants). They will let you know in time, however, by email. And as far as I remember (I don't find it on their website, however), the "guests" are paying 1 Euro more for the tour than the members.
As for Pommidoro: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...estaurants.cfm - posts of Oct 21, 07 at 12:06am, and Oct 22, 07 at 1:30am.

franco - grazie mille.

i will let you know whether the scavi tour is as described. I suspect that for my DH and DS, one Roman excavation is enough, especially as we are thinking about going to Orvieto, where there are more underground excations to explore. but if we change our minds, I'll let you know how it was.

I didn't see any mention of a cost to guests, either. in fact, when i had another look, the italian was clearer than the english. Whether that is a comment on my improving italian, or the bad translation into english, i'm not sure!

thanks for the link to the pommidoro.

If you are interested, we are building a photo database of about 50 churches in Rome. The photos on the site now are of about 25, many are missing. The photos have not been processed, so many have a weird amber tint, this is because we use only natural light or the lights in the church and had to shoot without tripods. On our return in February (yep also going) hopefully that problem is taken care of. Anyway, you can view the photos we have posted to get an idea of what is available. You'll also find a google map we have created for all of the churches.

www.romechurchart.com

dave

How crowded is Rome in February? I'm guessing that it is much less crowded than other times of the year.

ann - I remember Walter (ParadiseLost) posting about another necroplis a few years ago. See if either of these threads are about the other necroplis tour.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-autumn-06.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...in-vatican.cfm

It is a wonderful time to really see Rome! No lines or queues except at The Vatican if you hope to see The Sistine Chapel. It will most likely be cool and rainy so be prepared with warm waterproof footwear if you love to walk and take a warm raincoat and gloves and an umbrella. We LOVE to visit Rome in February and March because we can see and do so much sans tourists! ENJOY!!

Find time to wander in Trastevere and eat there...research this site for recomendations.