This After-hours Tour Lets You Visit the Vatican Without the Crowds—but It’s for 1 Day Only

On the heels of the announcement that an American has been chosen as the next pope, train travel company Railbookers revealed its brand-new VIP experience for guests: a chance to enter the Vatican without navigating around the thousands of other visitors who travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site each day. 

During the Railbookers Exclusive Event: After Hours at the Vatican on Sept. 8, a “limited number” of travelers will get to explore the Vatican for two whole hours after it’s closed to the public. Walk beneath the iconic ceiling of the Sistine Chapel—painted by the one and only Michelangelo—meander around the Holy See grounds, and discover all of the other art, history, and incredible architecture found in one of the most revered cultural landmarks in Europe. When the tour concludes, there will be an apericena (the Italian tradition of relaxed drinks and a light meal) in the Vatican Courtyard. 

For the chance to experience this rare opportunity, you’ll need to book one of three Railbookers journeys: Masterpieces by Rail: London to Rome with Vatican Access; Rome, Naples & Sorrento with Exclusive Vatican Experience; or Venice, Florence & Rome with After-Hours Vatican Access. Each of the journeys is between eight and 10 days long, and the itineraries will include overnight stays at luxury hotels, private transfers, sightseeing activities (both private and in small groups), and first-class rail travel. Tickets start at $6,459 per person.

“We’re thrilled to offer our guests this extraordinary event, exploring one of the world’s most iconic sites in a serene, intimate environment,” Frank Marini, president and CEO of Railbookers Group, said in a press release shared with Travel + Leisure. “By offering an exclusive event like this, we are breaking the mold for independent travel. The chance to enjoy the Vatican after hours, away from the crowds, is a rare, unforgettable experience that is not to be missed.”

To learn more or book your spot, visit railbookers.com.