Scavi tour of the Vatican excavations

Dick, We had to have picture ID with us so I had a small bag. They checked our bags & backpacks, no cameras inside, so the answer to your question about photography is no. Even without photos you won't be sorry that you did it. I would suggest printing out your confirmation and having it with you, there was another couple that was having a mixup with them about what day they were supposed to be there. To the credit of the Scavi tour people, they worked it out very nicely, even though she was there on the wrong day. Have a Great trip!

This is from the Scavi website:"While purses and small handbags are permitted in the excavations, visitors are reminded that large bags and backpacks are not permitted in the excavations at all. St. Peter’s Basilica offers a free bag check service located in the lower right façade of Basilica. Large bags and backpacks must be deposited there prior to coming to the Excavations Office.Photography, with or without flash, is not permitted in the excavations.Visitors should dress in a way befitting a holy place (no shorts or exposed shoulders).Those who do not observe these norms will not be permitted to visit the necropolis."Also, no children less than 15 years old are permitted.Here's the website: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/institutions_connected/uffscavi/documents/rc_ic_uffscavi_doc_gen-information_20040112_en.html

I loved the scavi tour. No photos though. The area is a little cramped in some places and doors open and shut automatically as you and the guide pass through them to control the humidity. 2 things stick in my mind 1) it was neat to approach the vatican guards and have them move the barrier and allow you to pass. Everyone will think that you are royalty. 2)Our tour ended in the crypt. We visited shortly after Pope John Paul II died and we passed by his burial place easily without waiting in the 2 hour line. Enjoy!

For those who have experienced both:

How does the Scavi Tour compare to Basilica San Clemente and its excavations? I feel like the two would be a bit similar in general, am I wrong?

I had already planned to go to San Clemente, but should I choose the Scavi Tour instead?

Thanks.

The scavi tour is significant becuase you actually visit the Tomb of St. Peter and see his bone fragments. The tomb is directly below the altar in St Peters. Excavation finally gave definite proof that the existing St. Peters was built on the original St. Peter's that was actually built on St. Peters tomb. So, the tour is pretty amazing from a religious and historical perspective.

We did the tour last Friday the 24th. Tour guide's name was Peter, young college student studying Latin. He was great. Small bags were fine. We carried a camera around our neck, but were not allowed any photos. The tour was awesome, enjoy.