Just returned from Rome & wanted to let you know how we received tickets for this "hard to get" tour. I had sent email request 2wks out from our departure, no response, so took that to mean we didn't get tickets. Once in Rome,my husband went directly to Scavi Tour ofc,gave our name, explained we had not recd reply...they found our name in computer & asked what day we were available & we were confirmed for 2 days later. So those of you that do not get a response, don't give up without checking with Scavi ofc direct(located left of Basilica,behind Swiss Guards). Pays to be flexible with day & time. By the way...it's worth the trouble!
Posted by
PARK
70 posts
How did you get past the guards? They usually will not let anyone in unless you have a printed confirmed reservation which they do check before they allow access. I have been there several times but only with a printed reservation with the date and time clearly stated.
Posted by
OP
Caldwell, NJ, USA
24 posts
My husband asked the "guard" at Basilica's exit if he cud speak to someone regarding Scavi tour & they waved him thru to the Swiss Guards, he asked if there was an office where he cud chk on tour & they sent him to the office. He received the confirmation slip after he spoke to the tour office. Either they were not as vigilant as usual or someone messed up! Maybe since it wasn't very busy (week of Thanksgiving)??
Posted by
Nanaimo, BC, Canada
20 posts
Many times I've found that it is best to check things out for yourself.
We wanted top visit the Scavi and as we only had three weeks to go before our departure date in September, many told us not to bother as you needed three months advance time to get a ticket. But I tried anyway. Got all of the confirmations I needed within a week of sending in my request. I experienced none of the reported difficulties with the process.
I also had a similar experience with the swiss guard, who let us through to the office without our reservation slip as we had stupidly left it in our hotel room (yes, another dumb tourist!!).
The tour was one of the highlights of our Italy trip.