Backpacks and cameras on Scavi tour

Last time I had to store a daybag at St. Peter's, you had to go through the security screening on the RIGHT side of the colonnade and into a bag check area. Then you can exit and head to the LEFT side for the Scavi Offices. I remember being in a bit of a panic because the security line was so long. I think it took an hour to go through.

Your camera will be permitted on the Scavi tour. Not sure your daybag can go up the Dome climb. Others will have to weigh in on that.

Thanks, Laurel. We were thinking of maybe leaving our day bags with the luggage storage place, but would we have to through security anyway? Or do they just send you over without anything. I'm thinking we could just have our money belts and cameras to go to the Scavi tour, but I'm afraid they would want us to go through security anyway.

Thanks!

I was just there and still had to go through security. It doesn't matter if you have bags or not, everyone goes through the security check point because you end under the basilica with the ability to go directly into the basilica.

Donna

Thanks, Donna. That makes sense. I just wondered how they would know you had been through security. I sounds like you have to walk outside from one side of St. Peter's to the other to get from Security to the Scavi office. Did it take about an hour and a half to go through the Scavi tour? If we get there early enough and want to make the climb to the top of the dome, do we first go through security for that, come down, and then go through security again for Scavi? I think we might have enough time to do both, but maybe not if we have to wait through two security lines.
Thank you.

Barbara,

Backpacks are not a good idea when climbing the dome, as the "tunnel" that leads to the top is very confined. Even if they were allowed, there's no way I'd want to try that. It should be possible to take Cameras to the dome, but it's been a few years since I last did that and the rules may have changed. It can be a bit challenging to climb to the dome while holding a camera, but I found that it is possible.

When I did the Scavi tour some time ago NOTHING was allowed; no photography and certainly no backpacks. This was a fairly big deal. We left stuff at the baggage check at St. Peters after going through security and then headed for the scavi.

The last part of the walk to the cupola at the top of the dome is very tight, tall people usually have to lean a bit, and when I did it, there was just a hanging rope to hold on to.

You can get very good views from the roof, before the dome climb.

I don't know if it was a new thing or a temporary thing but they had the scavi office blocked off and said I must go through the security scanner first. They were nice and put me at the front of the line so I wouldn't miss the tour.

Donna

Barbara, how far in advance did the SCAVI office contact you with your reservation. I requested the last week in February and want to book other tours but can't till I hear from them. Another poster was very informative and told me I might not hear till October.

Barbara
We did the Scavi tour last May and no backpacks are allowed. There are 2 layers of security which you must pass through...the regular line at St Peter's for the Basilica and then go to the left and around to where you must be there 15 minutes prior to the tour. We only brought our letter and phones, but photography is not permitted. This is a very sacred area and you must adhere to their rules. Also, as stated above, the climb to the dome is not easy (the elevator is very crowded) we walked the entire way up. You got through small openings to climb and a backpack would be hitting the person behind you in the face. After the scavi tour, you can go back inside the church and/or go around to the right to climb the dome.

I am so glad I came across this question today as I have a tour booked for the 7th of October but I have only have an email confirmation and nothing else? Do you also get a reservation letter in the mail?
I was not aware that I would have to go through security for St Peters..good to know this so we can be there early. I am glad to know that we have access to St Peters Basilica when our tour is complete.
Sorry I hijacked this question ;)
Pat

Barbara, regarding how long it took for Scavi to reply to me, it was almost immediate, just a day or two. If you haven't heard, I would write back right away. Did you contact them at this e-mail address? [email protected]

Be sure to give them the dates you will be there, how many tickets you need, the names of all in your party, any time restraints. I wrote in January for our tour in June and had no problem getting what I wanted. We did not get any confirmation by mail which Margaret wanted to know.

My husband and I actually had to cancel our trip because of health issues, but our traveling companions did make the trip and enjoyed the Scavi tour, although they said it was very humid and warm, perhaps because it was in June.

Good luck!
Barbara

I checked and had a different email address, [email protected]. I will resend the email, thanks.