I sent an email request for a reservation to visit the Vatican Scavi back in June. <BR>On June 22nd, I received an email confirming the receipt of my request and stating that if they could accomodate my reservation, I would receive another email. It also states that if I receive no email, I should not reapply.<BR><BR>Has anyone else experienced long delays in receiving confirmation? I am seeking a reservation for the end of Septemeber and thought they may not confirm reservations so far in advance. Any thoughts?<BR><BR>Thanks

I would definitely re-apply. I have visited the Scavi twice, once with reservations arranged over the internet and once with reservations made in person at the Ufficio de Scavi: both times someone at the office insisted we had no reservations, and required a bit of (pleasant enough) arm waving discussion to sort it out. <BR><BR>In theory, your request couldn't be accomodated, and you are in a queue in case of cancellations. However - this would require regular and systematic re-checking of the queue in order to work, and since the Germans aren't running the Vatican, this probably happens seldom, if at all. <BR><BR>Send a second e'mail and make it clear this is NOT a second request, but an inquiry about the first request. Give a range of days because they are being very restrictive about numbers allowed to take the tour (the whole tour gives archeologists the vapors anyway, and they've been cutting back).<BR><BR>It won't hurt to mention your devotion to St. Peter or an anniversary, if applicable. Sentiment goes a fair distance in Italy - actually got me (a simple priest)and my group the use of a vatican chapel on short notice(bumping the bishop of somewhere), because the sacristans knew it was my mother's first visit to Rome...

LOL at your tactics, John!<BR><BR>Jude, if you don't get a response to your second request before you leave for your trip, just walk to the Scavi office to the left of the front of St. Peter's and make your reservation on the spot. I'm not sure if this will work, but there were only four people on our tour in October and they could have added two more easily. If you display a pleasant attitude (see Jon's post above) you may have a chance.

We were in your exact spot last year this time, Jude. I refrained from re-confirming before we left (okay, I forgot!) We turned up early in the day we had the appointment and had no trouble whatsoever. <BR><BR>However, as a Protestant minister, I have to confess that, like my Catholic brother in the previous post, I was prepared to pull the "anniversary-lifelong student-broken hearted-true believer" turn if thats what it would have taken. Mercifully, for my husband, who would have watched in horror, it was not necessary. <BR><BR>But, you know what? It would have been worth it...it was one of the most memorable visits of my life. Do go now as the historians and archeologists will get their way soon and it will not be accessible to mere mortals, however divinely inspired.

Thanks so much for the advice. I will pull out all stops. As a practicing Catholic hopefully I could persuade them with our devotion. The anniversary trick may work as well since my husband and I will be celebrating our first wedding anniversary.<BR><BR>Thanks again!

We just got back from Rome and the Scavi tour last week. We made email reservations back in Feb or the first of March and they confirmed our reservations that far in advance within a day or so. I would do what others have suggested. Show up and see what happens. We had two from our group of 11 drop their reservations and that meant two more came with us at the last minute......The tour is wonderful and I hope that you are able to go.

Whatever you do, do not forget to check all bags, purses, backpacks FIRST at the baggage check on the opposite (right) side of St. Peter's. It's a long walk all the way around through the security checkpoint, and you are not allowed back up the exit steps to go across.