As luck would have it, I applied for both the Scavi tour and the Vatican Museum tour provided by the Vatican itself, and was successful in having both respond in the affirmative.

That's the good news.

The bad news is that when I received the Scavi confirmation, I immediately gave my c.c. info, and was finally confirmed, last week, for the morning of July 3, at 9:15.
Today I received my fax confirmation from the Vatican for the Museum/Sistine tour at 10:30 on the same day.

When I phoned each office this morning, I was told that I couldn't get on to a different Scavi tour that day (all booked up) and that the 10:30 Museum tour was the only English tour being offered that day.

This is the only day that we are able to tour the Vatican (we arrive mid-day Saturday, and leave for Rapallo at 5:45 pm on Monday), so we are in a bit of a quandary.

Can someone who has taken the Vatican own tour comment as to whether it is really better than, say a tour provided by another company( Angel or Odyssey, both of which offer tours in the early afternoon at seemingly reasonable rates)AMD MORE IMPORTANTLY, should I even consider taking it and foregoing the Scavi tour?

Thanks for your advice.

topping up

I wouldn't give up the Scavi Tour since, as you say, you can take a different Vatican tour with one of the tour companies (and this is not an option with Scavi). I can't say whether they're better than the Vatican's own tours, but my tour with Icon was excellent. They do have larger groups than some, although I've read recently that they are now limiting the size more.

When did you get your reservation to the Scavi? I'm still awaiting mine for July 8-11 for availablity. I called last Monday and they said to call back in two weeks if I didn't receive confirmation. They said they were still booking July tours! Mary

In March, we were in Rome for a week and went on both the Scavi Tour and the Vatican's Museum Tour. Both were excellent and I highly recommend them.

Given your dilemma, I would definitely keep the Scavi Tour since it is the <b>only</b> way to visit the excavations. You can visit the Vatican museums and Sistine Chapel on another tour or on your own.

Woody

Zyde - I believe that I received my confirmation on May 24 for the July 3 Scavi tour.

Thanks to all for your advice.

I'll take the Scavi and either do Angel tours at 12;30 or wait in line after Scavi, and do the Sistine and Museums with Rick Steves.