As Rome prepares for a surge in travellers following the election of Pope Leo XIV, Railbookers has announced a rare opportunity: private after-hours access to the Vatican Museums for one night only this September.
For a limited group of travellers, 8 September 2025 won’t be a typical evening in Rome. That’s when Railbookers’ Exclusive Event: After Hours at the Vatican will take place, offering guests two uninterrupted hours inside the museums once the doors have closed to the public.
A private audience with the Vatican
The one-time-only experience gives guests crowd-free access to iconic locations, including the Sistine Chapel and the broader grounds of the Holy See. The evening concludes with an apericena, an Italian-style meal that blends light dishes with the informal, social feel of an aperitivo. This blend of culture and cuisine gives guests a rare opportunity to experience the Vatican as few ever have.
“We’re thrilled to offer our guests this extraordinary event, exploring one of the world’s most iconic sites in a serene, intimate environment,” said Frank Marini, President & CEO of Railbookers Group.
“By offering an exclusive event like this, we are breaking the mould 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.”
Three ways to access the after hours tour
The private access forms the centrepiece of three newly launched Railbookers itineraries:
- Masterpieces by Rail: London to Rome with Vatican Access
- Rome, Naples & Sorrento with Exclusive Vatican Experience
- Venice, Florence & Rome with After-Hours Vatican Access
Each of the itineraries includes luxury five-star hotels, first-class rail travel, private transfers, and a mix of private and small-group sightseeing tours. Guests are offered a balance of independent travel with premium inclusions, and the Vatican evening is designed to elevate the overall experience.
While the after hours Vatican access is exclusive to these itineraries, the broader offering signals Railbookers’ intention to explore more bespoke, event-led options for independent travellers. According to the company, this is just the first in a potential series of special experiences that will be rolled out over time.
Why now and why it matters
The debut event coincides with heightened interest in Vatican City following the recent Conclave and the election of the new Pope, Leo XIV. Travel advisors working with clients considering a trip to Europe in September may find renewed demand for Italy itineraries that include Rome. For clients seeking a premium rail-based experience with a rare-access hook, this may provide strong booking appeal.
Railbookers’ ability to package culturally significant moments into its independent tours may also offer a point of difference in a crowded market. As more travellers seek meaningful, experience-rich travel over traditional sightseeing, event-based access could become a key differentiator.
The company is encouraging those interested in future one-off events to sign up via its website for priority access as they are announced. The events are expected to be rare, limited, and tied to significant cultural or seasonal milestones in key destinations.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Railbookers’ Vatican access product blends independent rail touring with the kind of insider experience typically reserved for escorted groups. This one-night-only event gives agents a new upselling angle tied to Rome’s renewed relevance post-Conclave.
