I am scheduled for the scavi tour at 9:15am then the garden tour at 11am. do you guys think I will be able to make it in time to do both tours? I was told scavi is only about 1 1/2 hr long but not sure if I'd have to recheck in again for the garden tour at 11. Or is the garden tour even worth it?
Thanks :)
Just wondering what the time frame was for your reply from the Scavi Tour. I will be in Rome the week of the 17th of September, and sent an email requesting tickets about a month ago. I know that they don't answer until closer to the time of your visit, but wondered what the time frame was on your reply, so I can still have some hope---or not. Thanks!
I didn't know they had a "garden" tour also! I, too, am interested to know about this. Can anyone help us out!?
But, I think you should be able to do both. The only issue would be how far of a walk it is from St. Peters where the SCAVI ends and where the entrance to the garden is. I wouldn't worry.
Also, as to time frame for SCAVI confirmation. I emailed in March for 3rd week in Sept. No response (no auto-reply either). I emailed again in June (and got an auto-reply). I just heard last week that I have a reservation for 9/22. So, they should be starting to fill the September dates now. I'd re-send a request (especially if you didn't get an auto-reply). Good luck!
Thanks for the info, I did get an auto-reply, but haven't gotten any reservation info yet (as to any date) I am hoping that doesn't mean that we aren't getting the tour, as it is one of the ones that are first on the list of "want to do, and don't miss". Do you think that I should email again even tho I got an auto response? We are going to be there the same week (sept 15 through 22) don't want to be to pushy!
Naomi--That's the week we'll be there, too. Our tour is for Sat. 9/22 at 9:15. I would send another request if I were you. Don't give up! Keep in mind there may be last minute cancellations if you don't end up with a reservation now. However, from what I've heard all over the Excavations Office is rather random as to when/how they reserve people. I've heard many people say they didn't get a response until the week of! I will cross my fingers that you get in, too!
Thanks Kelly, I did send another request, and maybe since I said any day any time, I am being left as a fill in. I really want to see this one, the first tour that I sent a request to. Thanks again, and keep the prayers coming!
Hey Kelly I'm doing that EXACT same scavi tour on the same date small world. If I can't make the garden tour oh well. But yes they have a garden tour and the gardens can only be accessed by a tour from the vatican office itself.
As far as reply goes I emailed them in March for Sept for the scavi tour but only faxed them 2 weeks ago for the garden tour. Should be fun see you on the tour kelly.
Success! I just received word Kelly that I got my reservation, unfortunately it is not the say day as you all. It will be on Wednesday Sept 19, at 1:45, and we are to have a Papal Audience that am. So, this should work out perfect for us. Thanks for the prayers! We will all have a great experience.
I'm glad to hear you got in too Naomi - and (lucky you) you are doing the Papal audience! We won't be in town (from Tuscany) until Thursday, so we will miss the Wednesday event. I know we will all have an experience of a lifetime nonetheless. We are lucky we have message boards like these to talk about everything. I wouldn't have even known about SCAVI if it wasn't for TripAdvisor.
Hi Melanie,
You should be able to do both. Let your scavi guide know that you have the garden tour. When I took the scavi tour in May, it ended up in the grotto where the popes are buried and the guide (an American seminary student) took us around to see the John Paul II's tomb and gave us a bit of time there. The scavi tour is excellent. For the scavi tour, be sure to bring a copy of your confirmation letter with you. The Swiss Guards will not let you go back to the Scavi office until about 10 minutes before your tour begins and they will ask for your letter.
Enjoy your time in Rome.
How did you book the scavi tour. I am going in October and would love to do this tour. Thanks Becky
Here is the website that explains how to request the tour.
Basically, you send an email with the requested info. The scavi office acknowledges that they have received your email. Then you wait to hear back. I did not get confirmation about the tour until about 2 weeks before the date that I had requested. I was actually already in Italy and just happened to stop in an internet cafe. I then had just 5 days to confirm and send them my credit card number to book.
It is a fascinating tour. Good Luck.
