On the advice of some of you, I booked the Scavi Tour and got my confirmation. I am so excited. Thank you for this tip. Prior to that I booked an Early morning Vatican Tour the next day. Too much...do both...? The Scavi Tour is on my jetlag day so I might be done after the tour. Any insights if you have done similar tours?

Do both. The Scavi tour isn't physically demanding, and as long as you aren't falling asleep on your feet you should be ok for both. But, just FYI, while I frequently recommend the Scavi tour, I try to remember to mention it can be a challenge for people with claustrophobia. We don't have that problem and were a bit surprised when one woman in our tour couldn't handle it and had to leave.

Thank you for mentioning that. I wouldn't say I am claustrophobic, but yes...I need to rethink it.

You might want to read through this thread. I'd probably go on the tour and hope for the best, knowing you can leave if you must.

Scavi tour -- how claustrophobic?

Thanks. I think it will be fine. I have always avoided catacombs, but I think those are a bit different. I appreciate your response.

Back for yet another logistic question.If someone has recently done this tour, what entrance do I go to? I will be coming from the Parthenon area. Thanks !

When did you book yours?


I tried to book this, they said scavi is closed aug 17 to nov 3

It's been a few years, but we were directed in the tour confirmation to approach the Swiss Guards at the left side of St. Peter's Basilica (facing the doors), show them the confirmation, and they directed us to the Scavi office a short distance inside the barriers.

We were not allowed to carry any bags inside the tour area, so if you like to use a day pack or large purse, you'll want to leave those at your lodging. I think we had to show our passports, but I assume the confirmation would state that.

I found this FAQ page... link below.

There is a free baggage check but it's inside a security area so you'd need to allow lots of time if you want to do this.

Also, I had forgotten about the dress code... You need to dress as though you were going into St. Peter's.

https://www.stpetersbasilica.info/Ne.../ScaviTour.htm

Yes, as Jean says go to the left from the Swiss guards as you are facing St Peter’s Basilica. There’s a big gate with a kind of guard gate where they check your ticket and send you in. You then walk to the Scavi entrance where you pay, then go in for the tour. Our guide was actually waiting for us at the big gate, he was a young Irish priest and brought it all alive for us.

We were there in November 2023 and didn’t show id, we certainly didn’t have our passports with us. It can be chilly underground, so do take a light jacket. And of course no shorts or sleeveless shirts, it’s after all part of the basilica complex.

Thanks so much! I will update this for anyone else once I have the tour!