what is a SCAVI Tour at the Vatican?

It gets you into the excavations under the basilica; the only way to see St Peter's tomb.

And "scavi" is the Italian word for "excavation".

The scavi tour takes you into the excavations under St. Peters basilica. You get to see and ancient burial city and what is thought to be the tomb of St. Peter. It is very hard to get on the tour as they only take about 200 people a day down into the excavations. They don't allow any children on the tour and you must book months in advance.

Donna

The SCAVI tour is separate from any of the other tours available at the Vatican, you have to make separate reservations, I think it was about $10/person when we went. The official website is http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/institutions_connected/uffscavi/documents/rc_ic_uffscavi_doc_gen-information_20090216_en.html

We thought it was really interesting.

the Vatican website has a virtual tour.

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

Dennis, if it is of interest to you then certainly try for the tickets. I just recently had confirmation within 4 days of submitting the request. They were very prompt in responding, sending first an email that they had received my request, and another to request payment, and then a final confirmation with instructions on specific time/date. Tell them upfront how many people, ages, and dates you want to take the tour. We are really looking forward to it!

I would really love to do the SCAVI tour, however, I'll be there with my three kids age 12, 8, and 6. That seems to be a deal breaker. Thanks for all the info but this tour looks like it will have to wait.

"I'll be there with my three kids age 12, 8, and 6. That seems to be a deal breaker."

Yes, that's correct. From the official Scavi website: "Only those who are 15 years of age or older are permitted to make the visit. No exceptions whatsoever to this policy can be made."