St. Peter's - does anyone know which specific tour takes you into the Grotto under St. Peters. I have a vatican tour scheduled with "Through Eternity" which I used a couple of years ago and they were great, but I don't see who does the "Grotto". Please advise, thank you

Do you mean the Scavi tour, booked through the Vatican? http://www.vatican.va

I suspect that you mean the area under the main altar at St. Peter's where many popes and most recently, of course, John Paul II have been buried. That area is normally open to individual members of the public without prior reservation. According to my guidebook, it can be reached by either of two narrow staircases near the main altar, one behind the statue of St. Andrew (who holds an X-shaped cross), the other opposite the statue of St. Longinus (probably shown with a lance).

However, given the present interest in everything to do with John Paul II, admission may be restricted or may require long waits. It is also conceivable that the Vatican would close access to the Grotto either until the conclave is over or for an indefinite period of time.

Correction/clarification to the above: The Vatican has reopened the Grotto, according to today's news, but thousands of people are lining up to visit John Paul II's tomb.

I don't know when you will be in Rome, but if it is any time soon, you may have a longish wait if you want to visit the Grotto.

Thank you for the information. We will be there May 24th.