Trafalgar has offered exclusive access to private dining within the Ethnological Museum for the past two years. And for those travelling to Italy next year, Trafalgar has amped things up, revealing four new after-hours experiences within the Vatican, which will be available during the company’s 2018 operating season.

Guests travelling on Trafalgar’s Contrasts of Italy, Grand European, Best of Italy & Sicily, and Rome Explorer tours, can dine in the open air - al-fresco - at the Cortile del Giardino Quadrato (Square garden courtyard), situated outside of the Ethnological Museum and offering spectacular views of the cupola of St Peter’s Basilica. The Vatican Museums close to the public each day at 6:00 PM but guests on these Trafalgar itineraries will have the opportunity to dine in the gardens after hours. Should there be adverse weather, dinner will take place in the Bistrot della Pigna, the newly-created dining space within the Cortile della Pigna, (Courtyard of the Pinecone), also located inside the city walls and named for the large niche and four metre high bronze pine cone statue. Prior to dining, Trafalgar travellers on these four trips also have the opportunity to view the array of artefacts at the Museo Gregoriano Profano.

For guests choosing Trafalgar’s Grand Italian Experience or Rome & Tuscan Highlights, they can absorb the ambience of the city within the Eternal City and then dine at Museo Gregoriano Profano, or the stunning surrounds of the Salone di Raffaello (Raffaello Hall) of the Pinacoteca, amidst three centuries of Vatican art, history and antiquities. Guests can also join a local specialist for a guided evening tour of the Vatican Museums, including a visit to the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling, when it is less crowded.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer our guests the optimum opportunity to experience the Vatican as a VIP after-hours.” said Liesa Bissett, Trafalgar product development director. “It truly is an honour for Trafalgar to be extended such privileges to reveal another side of this spectacular site.”

For our agent partners looking to provide their clients with the chance to truly connect with the places to which they travel, we look forward to working with you to secure your sales success for 2018 and beyond.” Bissett continued.

Trafalgar also reminds agents that they are offering early payment discounts of 10 per cent on the land-portion of selected Trafalgar trips when booked and paid in full by January 11, 2018.

For more information on these trips, visit the Italy section of Trafalgar website.

Follow @TravelPulseCA