HI! I have already searched around, but cannot find good current info about a couple of details regarding the Scavi tour. Can you go straight into St. Peter's basilica at the end of the Scavi tour? Or do you have to go outside and enter the big security line to get in? The Scavi information mentions bag check. What size bag will be allowed on the tour? Will I be allowed to carry my standard travel tote (large purse size) or will I have to check it? Thank you!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
You will be able to enter the basilica directly after the Scavi tour. You will be required to check all but the smallest bags.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11851 posts
Backpacks must be checked, but I got in with a large cross-body purse.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Laurel, I wonder if the policy on the size of the bag is like the one on shorts length for the basilica - it depends on the mood of the guard at that particular moment. :-)
Posted by
Monterey County, CA (formerly Verbania Italy-Lago Maggiore)
1658 posts
Yes, you can go directly into St. Peter's after the tour. You should be fine with a travel tote/purse. Since you go through security before you report to the office to check in for the tour, no need to go through security again.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
It really depends on the guards at the time you check in. Some are much more strict than others. I would check the bag before the tour to be safe. If you don't and they insist that you must check it you may miss the tour. They only let you check in a few minutes before the start of the tour and that wouldn't be enough time to get to and from the baggage check area. Donna
Posted by
OP
Sammamish, WA
403 posts
Thanks for the help, everyone!
Posted by
Washington, DC
893 posts
As others have stated, you can go directly into the basilica at the conclusion of the Scavi tour without having to go through security (again). It's rather nice. Regarding the bag, I was able to go through the Scavi tour with a VB messenger bag (14 ¾" x 11 ½" x 4" - 51 ½"). This bag is cloth/light and was relatively empty at the time, so even though I considered it a bit big, they did not have an issue with it at all. What are the dimensions of your tote?