MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2012, ROME, ITALY -  Our day began with a rather early breakfast at the hotel followed by an early check-out and the storing of our luggage at the hotel.  This morning we were schedule for the famed "Scavi" tour of the Vatican.   In late May 2012 I had read about this tour and sent my application.  The info stated: 

Special visits to the necropolis underneath the Basilica, where the tomb of St. Peter is located, are only possible following special permission granted from time to time by the “Fabbrica di San Pietro”. Visits are organized according to the schedule set by the Excavations Office.

- In order to preserve this exceptional historical, archaeological site and due to the limited premises around the venerated tomb of the Apostle Peter, only around 250 visitors per day are permitted to enter.

- Groups are composed of approximately 12 people and according to language.
- Only those who are 15 years or older will be admitted – no exceptions will be made.
- Each group is accompanied by a guide especially trained by our office.
The guided visit lasts about an hour and a half.
We kindly inform all visitors to the necropolis that environmental conditions will be different underground, with possible increase of temperature and humidity.  Those who suffer specific and serious physical problems that could be effected by these conditions, including claustrophobia, should not visit.
 

In a discussion with someone who was on one of our tours we had learned exactly how to reach the entrance for this tour and proceeded to it on foot.  Once there, we were met by Swiss Guards who told us we were too early; that we would need to wait about 1/2 hour before being admitted.  The area where we entered the Vatican grounds looked like this:

I took these photos with my phone.  (Cameras were not allowed in the Scavi tour).  I believe this to be the newly renovated Vatican guest house where the Cardinals are housed during the voting procedure for a new pope.  As we walked toward this area, a large, black limo pulled away from the door with one occupant in the back of it.

Once our appointed time arrive we were allowed into the area by the guards and after a long walk we entered St. Peter's Basilica through a back or side door.  We were immediately escorted to the level below the ground floor of the basilica and to levels below that where we viewed tombs of many popes and lots gold "trappings".  Finally, we reached the area under the basilica where, it is claimed, the bones of St. Peter are laid to rest.  The air was thick and sticky and I was very glad when we were finally brought back to the ground level and proceeded outside.

Returning to our hotel we gathered our bags and waited for our limo transportation to the Rome airport.  Arriving shortly after noon for our 3 p.m. flight we had a short wait before we were allowed to check in.  When we proceeded to get in line to check in for our British Airways flight to London Heathrow, two young women airline employees began at the front of the line checking peoples' carry-on luggage and telling people that it was too large for the overhead bins and would have to be checked at a cost of $50 per bag.  We watched two couples that were in front of us pay $200 extra before proceeding away from the counter.  When the young women approached us, I told them that I was..."traveling on American Airlines frequent flyer points and my bags were acceptable to American Airlines".  They basically departed from the area and we proceeded to check in, taking our usual carry-on bags with us to the gate.  On the plane we encountered no opposition to taking our bags as we boarded for London.  Our flight to London Heathrow was without incident and once we had gathered our bags and cleared British customs we proceeded to the waiting area to meet our bus, National Express, that would take us to Southampton.  We arrived there about 10 p.m. and after a short cab ride arrived at our hotel for the night.