Full day at Vatican and Scavi tour- worth doing it?

It is very easy to spend a Full day at the Vatican. Besides what you write, don’t forget to climb the dome. Just an FYI, the first part is by elevator. On the roof of the Basilica is a lovely cafe, amazing views, a great shop - nice gold pieces, and bathrooms. So, if anyone wants to climb the rest of the way, the others have plenty to keep them busy while waiting.

And the Scavi Tour is definately worth your time. We were 3 couples who took the tour in 2017 and still talk about it.

Thanks for mentioning the cafe! We are wondering how to get food during this busy day?
When we looked for tickets at the Vatican we saw you can prepay for a meal inside the Vatican?
Anyone know how this works? Is there a choice of what you eat?

Yes, I think the Scavi tour is well worth it. From a historical perspective it is interesting, the location is a neat factor (that huge basilica on top of you), and depending on your beliefs, the connection to St. Peter can be moving.

The Vatican has opened another excavation, the Via Triumphalis Necropolis, it is available as a guided tour, but through the Vatican Museum (As opposed to the excavations office). It is located not under St. Peters, but under a car park nearby.

An added benefit of taking the Scavi tour is that you get to skip the line into the basilica. If you don’t take the tour, you would have to wait in the security line before entering.