You will NEVER regret choosing this tour. I have been 3 times now and it gets better every time. You see the layers of the church on your way. Biggest benefit - it spits you out at the line to get tickets to the dome and then directly into the church skipping the long security line out front that can be up to three hours itself. They have a separate entrance and security area and you are the only people using it. I highly recommend this as a way to tour the church.

I'm stunned that I was able to get into this Scavi tour--very limited in number allowed into this holy space. This tour was the highlight of my entire 8-day visit in Rome. I can't stop thinking about it.

This was an amazing tour ! Book on the website as soon as you know your dates that you will be in Rome . Email them at scavi@fsp.va They will want your # of participants and names also language and dates you are available . Don’t forget to also include your email. They responded to me very quickly with date and how to pay . I was so excited ! This guided tour starts underground showing you some amazing sites , then brings you to the next level where you can view some of the popes tombs and then you can start your visit to St Peters Basilica from there without waiting in line . Makes for an amazing day ! If I may suggest afterwards, a visit to Castle Sant Angelo for some amazing views . It’s about a 10 minute walk from St Peters Basilica.

HIghly recommend this tour. We booked well in advance directly with the Scavi Vatican site. This small group tour ( ~12) is led by a Vatican guide and was so interesting. Our guide shared so much of the history of the necropolis. The excavation is amazing. The tour lasted about 90 minutes. No photos allowed to be taken in the necropolis so cant show you what we saw but it was so worth the effort. The passageways are not tight but it is very humid in there so be prepared for that ( they keep the humidity high purposefully for preservation of the structures). As mentioned in other reviews, at the conclusion of the tour, you are at St Peter's basillica and bypass the long lines outside. You also are able, with your Scavi tickets, to purchase reduced rate tickets for the cupola lift

I have been here twice and both times it was my favourite tour in the Vatican. You must book this well in advance ( a few months) and book it directly with the Vatican Scavi office, its only €13 and great value. Tours limited to about 12 or 15 people. You see the 3rd layer down, under the popes tombs layer. It is where the excavations went down to the beginning and St. Peter's tomb was discovered. Highly recommended!

The necropolis beneath St. Peter's was only discovered in 1940, excavated, and accessible to 300 visitors daily until the 1970s. Numerous Romans are buried there, but St. Peter, the first Pope, is the most significant. Amazing how they discovered St. Peter's tomb and remains! Make reservations well in advance of your trip.