Underhill

We went on the excavtions tour a year or so after tourists were admitted, back before advance reservations were even dreamed of, I suspect. I remember that the person at the office was quite pleasant, although the Swiss Guard was very formal and formidable. We took the French tour, all that was available the day that we were there, and delighted in a guide with strrrrong Marseille accent. Seeing the excavations was a fascinating experience.

greene

I just booked a Scavi tour and I am wondering if anyone can tell me what else I should do at the Vatican and whether I will have access due to the Scavi Tour. I realize that there is a museum, which I believe costs extra. Will there be enough time to visit the museum? Also, will I have to re-wait on line if my Scavi tour is early in the morning?

Thanks!

sandi_travelnut

The Scavi tour does not give you any additional access to the Vatican. You should go to the Vatican website and see what all there is to do. First, take as much time as you can to wander through the Basilica itself, and climb to the top of the dome or "cupola" as the sign says. You can go around the side of the Vatican walls to the entrance to the Vatican museums. You can stroll through seemingly unending corridors of spectacular art, visit many different galleries (all at a cost) and see the Sistine Chapel. The Vatican has changed their hours so be sure and consult the website.

You don't have to do all or any of this on the same day as the Scavi tour, they can be done on different days, as long as the Vatican is open.

greene

Thanks Sandi.

One more question. Assuming we finish our Scavi tour early enough (before noon), and then we take our time exploring the Basilica, is there any way to avoid the lines to get in the Vatican museum? I was looking online at booking the museum/chapel tour (no lines?), but was unsure what time to book it for. I would like to visit the Vatican/Basilica and do the Scavi tour all in one day if possible.

Thanks.

em_axo

I am intrigued about this tour and would love to add it to our itinerary in September. How far in advance should one book tickets? Is it silly to do it now, being 7 months away from our trip?

kamahinaohoku

topping

ekscrunchy

Greene, there is no connection between the Vatican Museums and the Basilica and Scavi tour. The entrance to the museums is located about a 10 minutes walk from St. Peters. I agree with all that has been written here about the Scavi tour. After the tour you can enter the basilica without standing on line (or "in line," as some would say). I think one ought to allow at least an hour, at the bare minimum, inside the basilica, although this would vary widely depending on your interest and attention span.