I too have tickets to the Scavi but mine are at 11:30am so I'm trying to figure out how to plan the day. Like Rick and others suggested we plan to be at St Peters Church by 7am - but how long will touring the Church take. And then what should we do? We want of course to see the Sistine Chapel and the Museum but my understanding from a past answer is that we can't get back into the Museum if we go on the Scavi tour. Also the past answers indicate the Scavi tour should take an hour - if we see the Museum after is there enough time? Would love to book it today.
Posted by
Texas
144 posts
Couple thoughts to consider in deciding how much time. 1- What day are you going? Wednesday has a large mass in St. Peter's square.
2- Are you Catholic? If yes, you may want to take Confession and/or sit in one of the small chapels and pray and soak in the once in a lifetime experience of being in your church's holy place. There would be plenty of time to see the museum after you scavi tour is done by 1pm. You could have all afternoon to enjoy the sistine chapel.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
The basilica is huge so you won't have an issue filling a couple of hours. You can also climb the dome before the tour if you wish. Once you leave the museums you won't be allowed back inside on the same ticket. You'll have plenty of time after the scavi tour to visit the museums and chapel. The last entry is at 4 and they close at 6. Even if you stop for lunch the latest you would get there would be 2-2:30. That will give you plenty of time to see the rooms you wish to see. Donna
Posted by
San Jose, CA
1994 posts
You can spend an hour to days in St Peter's Basilica, depending on your interests. At 7, FYI, there will be a large number of Masses starting at various "side" altars; that's the when external clergy can come to celebrate Mass. Even if you don't climb the dome of the basilica, you might consider allowing some time for the roof if the weather is good. The views are lovely. You can either climb stairs or take the elevator to the roof (and the walkway at the base of the dome), although you should check the website for the hours (which are shorter than the basilica hours, as I recall). And for planning purposes, it's probably a 20 to 30 minute walk from where the Scavi tour start/end areas to the museum entrance/exit areas. Leave yourself enough time to for transit.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8176 posts
My wife lost her somewhat sizable engagement ring 6 mos. before our trip to Italy. She deconstructed the bedroom to no avail. Upon our trip to Rome Easter, 2012, she was (as a good Catholic) in awe of St. Peters. She prayed to find her lost rings. Upon our return home, she found her rings. God is in St. Peters. Don't cut your visit short. We were in awe that a relatively small group of people from such a small place could and would go throughout the world (before they had airplanes) to carry The Word.
You're smart to get reservations. On Good Friday, the line was 1/2 mile long, four abreast to get into the Vatican Museum. The Sistine Chapel was actually difficult to take in as we were being herded through. My best suggestion is to go at non peak times on a non peak day of the week.
Posted by
OP
Glendale, CA, usa
34 posts
Good advice and LOVE the story about the ring. Maybe I'll come home to find my lost fortune.
Posted by
OP
Glendale, CA, usa
34 posts
I also notice no one has mentioned going to the Gardens
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
You can only visit the gardens while on a tour. You cannot see them on your own. Also, depending on the time of year they can be rather plain. Donna