Checking a bag for the Rome Scavi tour

Haven't been for about 18 months, but unless its moved, the bag-check area is a good distance from the office of the Scavi tours (ie, back through the Swiss guards, around whatever barriers are in front of the church, and to the other side of the church). I've taken relatively large Ameribag (kind of a cross between a pack and a purse, but it goes over one shoulder) and had no problem. I'd suggest you get there early and ask in the Scavi office if you need to check your bag. You could then go and check it. (I'd allow an extra 30 minutes, to allow for lines)

Thanks, Sherry! That's just what I needed to know.

I think the Scavi tour is more pleasant without a bag, and checking it was easy enough. I'd do it to save myself a little running to and fro. One thing to consider, I'm not sure the Swiss Guards will let you through to the office to ask about your bag if you arrive much earlier than your alotted time. If you're facing St. Peter's, the bag check is through security, to the right of the stairs where you enter the basilica. Our tour was first thing in the morning, and we had no lines. The gate to the Scavi office, where you show your reservation to the Swiss Guard, is just to the left of the stairs.

Will you have to check your bags for the Vatican museum also? I have a pacsafe Metro 250 that goes across the shoulder and will be my purse/daypack (of course with valuables in money belt). Will that make it through?

If you're talking about the scavi tour they probably won't let it in. They only let in small bags. You'll be fine taking it into the vatican museums, though. They don't really make you check your bags unless you have luggage. Donna

I didn't have to check a messenger bag on the scavi tour, but it was 3 years ago already. It seemed they cared more about backpacks and those types of things that can actually get in other people's ways.

The official website says this: "While purses and small handbags are permitted in the excavations, visitors are reminded that large bags and backpacks are not permitted in the excavations at all. St. Peter's Basilica offers a free bag check service located in the lower right façade of Basilica. Large bags and backpacks must be deposited there prior to coming to the Excavations Office."

I did the Scavi tour 2 weeks ago and carried in a medium sized messenger bag as well as a larger camera (which I didn't use) without having to check them.