I just got the email that I have a reservation for 4 on the Scavi tour but highlighted was the statement that one must be 15 to go on the tour. My 14-year old son is 5'11" tall and looks/acts 15+. Do they check ID? Yes, one shouldn't lie to the nice people at the Vatican but we all really, really want to go on the tour. I await your advice.

Sorry to report that they did ask to see our passports when we checked in. It was a quick glance that I think was mostly a check that we were the people whose names were on the reservation printout I presented. However, we are soooo over 15 that I'm sure age was not a question.

How close to turning 15 is your son?

He's 14 1/2 - he turns 15 in August 2007 and we'll be there late December 2006.

My 14 year old was able to go on the tour this last summer. I went into the office to check our family in by myself (the others stayed outside as the office is very small) and had no trouble.

Good luck!

Last August we were there with our twelve year old son. He is 5"9" and looks, acts much older. No one questioned his age and there was an even younger boy on the tour with us.

You really should not have a problem. I think they are more concerned with the behavoir of younger children.

This is a relief - I think we'll go ahead and go and just hope for the best. In another 4 weeks he'll probably be 6 feet tall anyway and certainly looks old enough.

Last year they were allowing accompanied 12, 13 and 14 year olds on the tour.

It was earlier this year that the Scavi Office changed the rules to only allowing persons of 15 and over on the tour. This was clearly stated on their website from May onwards. When did you apply for reservations?

I think it would be terribly embarassing to get to the Office, asked for ID and be turned away - and who would go on the tour, stay with your rejected son if that happened? You maybe need to consider that possibility.

Incidentally, do carry copies of your passports with you in Rome - last month I was there with my 15yo daughter and I handed over her passport everywhere to get reduced admission, also you need it for ID when leaving bags (at Galleria Borghese for example) and at every internet cafe.

Good luck with the Scavi Tour.

Hi Julia_t -
I applied several weeks ago but didn't look carefully until I received the confirmation which had the 15-year old rule in BOLD.

I'm wondering now if he waits in the apartment (if they check for ages) or if he comes with us (if they don't). I saw the catacombs 26 years ago and I know my son would love the tour.

It sounds like other families took their 14 year olds after the new rules were in effect. So... I think we'll try but have a back up plan.

Thanks for the information about carrying passports.

Actually it's been 15 for a while on some of their information but elsewhere it said over 12. So it was inconsistent.

Mostly I think your son's size and maturity will help you out. But it can be touchy. Be humble and prepared.

Also, if he really is eager to go, I'd have him tuck his shirt in and dress neatly. It can't hurt.

Look on my trip report for our story.(Wednesday Dec 28, Check Friday Dec 23 for when we got lost).

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...live&fid=2