Railbookers, a leader in customizable independent rail journeys worldwide, has announced its first-ever VIP experience: Railbookers Exclusive Event: After Hours at the Vatican. This once-in-a-lifetime event will take place in September, offering privileged access to the Vatican Museums in Rome after they close to the public.

On the evening of Sept. 8, 2025, a limited number of Railbookers guests will have the exclusive opportunity to explore the Vatican Museums after the crowds have cleared and the doors have closed. Over the course of two uninterrupted hours, guests will freely explore the Vatican’s grand halls and galleries, taking in masterpieces of art, architecture, and centuries of history in a setting of extraordinary stillness and reverence rarely experienced.

This unparalleled opportunity includes standing beneath Michelangelo’s iconic Sistine Chapel ceiling and wandering the tranquil grounds of the Holy See, entirely free from the usual crowds and bustle. The evening concludes with a traditional Italian apericena, a social experience that blends the relaxed atmosphere of aperitivo with a light meal.

“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 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.”

Guests desiring to take part in this one-time special event can do so by booking one of three all-new 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

In addition to the VIP private tour of the Vatican, each customizable itinerary has been carefully crafted to include luxury 5-star hotels, popular private and small-group sightseeing activities, private transfers throughout, and first-class rail travel between cities.

Those interested in future exclusive Railbookers events can also sign up for the priority access e-mail list to receive notifications as they are unveiled.

More information about the event can be found at https://www.railbookers.com/exclusive-events/vatican-after-hours.

ABOUT RAILBOOKERS GROUP

Railbookers Group is the home of Amtrak Vacations and Railbookers. Railbookers Group takes the complexity out of rail travel for its travel advisors and guests worldwide. With the largest selection of carefully crafted independent rail vacations, travelers can customize any of Railbookers Group’s rail travel experiences to the most sought-after rail-enabled destinations throughout the world.

Booking with Railbookers Group offers travelers a host of advantages, including:

• Unparalleled knowledge from Rail Experts who know the best routes and connections, including luxury, scenic and overnight rail
• Receive instant quotes for trains, hotels, sightseeing, transfers and more in one call, connecting the dots to save time
• Flexible booking window from today to two years out across entire product selection
• Extensive product collection of customizable independent itineraries, including multi-country, multi-city, pre- and post-cruise, rail and sail, luxury, and more
• Hundreds of cruise extension trips that can add to an existing sailing
• 24/7 Emergency Line support from global staff to handle unplanned disruptions or issues that arise on trip

From world-class luxury trains to overnight sleeping trains on breathtaking scenic routes, Railbookers Group offers a complete selection of accommodations, sightseeing experiences, and dining options. To learn more, visit www.railbookersgroup.com.