Hi - I have requested the Scavi tour and have given them two days to work with and have received confirmation of request. After having read many posts, I understand that sometimes you are not given a booking until several days or a day before. My problem is how to go ahead with planning other tours when I'm not sure if this is a sure thing. Does anyone know if the Scavi tour is at a set time - mornings or afternoons? I feel like I shouldn't book other tours like Colloseum/Borghese until I know. We only have 3 days in Rome.What to do?

That's a good question, but unfortunately there's no set answer to it. I'd go ahead and book everything else you want because there's no assurance you'll be able to get in to see the Scavi. It's the toughest ticket in Rome.

Then, if the Scavi *does* come through, you can see if the other bookings can be changed. If not, then you have to choose.

You *do* need a reservation at the Borghese but not at the Colosseum. If you want to see the latter, be sure to buy your tickets at the Paladian (in the Forum). The lines are MUCH shorter.

You might be interested in my blog article on how to avoid some of the line lines in Rome and elsewhere: http://travelhorizons.blogspot.com/2...ing-queue.html

Be careful with the Scavi tour. I booked both times through hotel Concierges. The first was at the Hilton Cavalieri and everything went smoothly. The second time was at a trendy, boutique hotel (can't think of the name) and the Concierge was not experienced. She sent us there with an email that basically said, "We received your reservation request." We were able to get past the Swiss Guards with the email, but once we got to the Scavi office, the grumpy manager pointed out we did not have a reservation. It was so disappointing.

If you received a confirmation of your request, I would not assume that is a confirmation of you tour. Persist until you get an actual confirmation with a date and time. Take the email with you to get past the Swiss Guards.

The Scavi tour is absolutely fascinating. I would make sure you have that first. I think you will have more flexibility with the Borghese reservations. They also allow people in if there are no shows.

We've been to Rome several times...sightseeing on our own, taken group tours (Angel tours) of specific sites and hired a private guide. I would highly recommend a private guide for a half day, particularly to visit the Forum/Colloseum area. A private guide will bring it to life for you and you can bypass the lines at the Colliseum. We learned so much from her. The group tours often just cover many of the things you can read in decent guide book. You can hire a private guide to take you on a church tour as well. The private guide will have more flexibility to reschedule if you find out at the last minute that you got into the Scavi.

Another suggestion is the Domus Aurea (Nero's Golden House). It was closed the last time I was there (June 2006), but I've been twice before. You must reserve a guided tour in advance. It's just across the street from the Colloseum. I'm not sure if it's opened now, but it's worth looking into.

We just got our Scavi confirmation for a date in February. They responded to our request within a week or so -- but that may be because it's getting close and it's off season. Once you do get a date, remember to send your deposit within ten days. I almost forgot.

Remember that the Borghese is closed on Monday. You might not need a tour of the Colosseum. If you're really interested you could read Fik Meijer's recent <i>Gladiators</i>, which has a complete description. Or here's a website:

http://www.the-colosseum.net/idx-en.htm.

I requested the Scavi tour for Mid April and their reply to me was if there is room for me I would be hearing from them approximately 2 weeks before my trip. Keeping fingers crossed.