Good morning! My first trip to Italy is in two weeks, and I am, well, STOKED. :-) Several weeks ago I was granted a slot on a 2 PM tour of the Necropolis. To maximize my time, I scheduled a 4-hour Vatican tour through Context Travel that starts at 8 AM the morning of the same day and ends at the Basilica. I was recently notified that my 8 AM tour has been changed to 9 AM, leaving me with only one hour between tours instead of two. Obviously, I would like to have my camera with me for the Vatican tour, but I understand that I may take nothing with me on the Scavi tour, requiring me to check my camera before the tour. To complicate matters, I apparently must go through security to get to the baggage check area. I am wondering if one hour is enough time, if I am over-analyizing, or if I should reschedule my morning tour (I don't want to skip the Scavi tour). I've heard of travelers successfully taking their DSLRs on the Scavi tour (turned off, lenses capped, etc.), but I am concerned I may be denied by a capricious guard if I try that. Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Posted by
OP
Phoenix, AZ, USA
5 posts
Thanks for your reply, Michael! I found a thread elsewhere where someone had linked to the following map: http://saintpetersbasilica.org/Exterior/SP-Square-Area.htm If I understand your instructions, after I finish my Context tour which ends within the Basilica I should be able to deposit my baggage at #22 (which is downstairs) and then head towards security at #3, which is security primarily for the Scavi tours and should not be a terribly long line. Do I understand this correctly? As for lunch, I am not sure! I'll only have an hour; perhaps I will be forced to fast! I might stash a snack inside my backpack...
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
You should be fine. Presumably the Vatican Museum tour will end up with you in St. Peter's Basilica itself after taking the group tour shortcut from the Sistine Chapel. (They offer several Vatican tours, so do confirm this.) If that's the case, you will already have gone through security at the entrance to the Museum. The baggage check is separate from the long security line that you will see in Piazza San Pietro. As you're facing the basilica, the baggage check is down below and to the right. It's usually a VERY quick matter to leave something there and then walk around to the left side of the Basilica for the Scavi tour. More problematic is what are you going to do for lunch?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
You're getting closer but still not there. You do NOT need to go to #3 to get in line once you're already in the basilica area. That line (#3) is for people who still need to go through security, but you already have (at the entrance to the Vatican Museum). All you need to do is go to #22 to drop off your bag, then go right to #21. Piece of cake.
Posted by
OP
Phoenix, AZ, USA
5 posts
Awesome. Thanks, Michael!!!