Scavi Tour

Did this tour about 3 weeks ago and it is excellent. The majority of the tour takes place underneath St. Peters. You will be touring the necropolis (i.e. city of the dead) of ancient Rome which was discovered when they were trying to enlarge the area where the popes are interred.

Is it long? Is it a tunnel? Is it claustrophobic?

It is a very confined space so if you suffer from claustrophobia it may not be the tour for you. The tour takes over an hour and goes through some cramped hallways. You are underground the entire time. It can be very hot and humid.

http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/necropoli/scavi_italian.html

Here is a virtual tour so you can see what it's like. The tour begins after the Cardinal speaks.

Donna

I took this tour 3 years ago. Absolutely amazing. Most inspirational part of my Rome visit. It is a must see.

I hate small places but I didn't find it too bad at all. Don't miss this experience.

I too hate confined spaces but this tour did not bother me at all. It is a little humid and stuffy but that also was not as bad as we were told. All in all, it was an excellent tour and we were really happy to take part. I recommend the link below to anyone visiting the tomb of St. Peter. It helped our family have a much better understanding of what we were about to see. Enjoy!
http://www.culturaltravelguide.com/real-tomb-saint-peter-under-saint-peters-basilica

I'm another one who is going to say that while confining spaces aren't my favorite places to be this was one of the best tips ever gotten off this board. The tour was downright fantastic. Small group and while you have to stay together you don't have to stay on top of each other. I found the experience of the Vatican museum to be more difficult to manage in terms of crowds. Highly recommend going.

We were there in 2012 and we thought the place was a little creepy, humid, hot, and close. We realized the significance, but were not overwhelmed with the experience. This is just our opinion, which is opposite the majority of posts here and on other forums. We thought it was ok. You can make your own decision after taking it.

Buon viaggio,

I also did this tour. One person in our group had to leave and the guide was very good about escorting her out. It was highlight for us too.

I suggest you give it a try. I've done the tour 3 times. The work they've done to protect and preserve the environment/art has made it feel less enclosed, less claustrophobic. I've experienced some claustrophobia in the Great Pyramid and underground crypts in Egypt and in other catacombs in Rome. I didn't have any problem with the Scavi tour.

We took the tour in April and it was excellent. There are only about 10-12 people and the tour guide was very informative. You end up in Saint Peters, so do the RS Audio tour after the Scavi tour.