Villa del Balbianello on its point above Lake Como
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Private Access

The doors that open by arrangement: museums, palaces and sites seen privately.

Last checked October 2026.

Villa del Balbianello on its point above Lake ComoPhotograph: Pexels

Portugal

  • Exclusive VisitsParques de Sintra, Sintra

    Parques de Sintra, which looks after Sintra's palaces, opens the National Palace of Pena, the Palace of Monserrate, the National Palace of Sintra and the gardens of the National Palace of Queluz for exclusive visits at times when they are closed to the public, such as an evening walk through Monserrate or the Queluz gardens at sunrise. Requests are made in writing at least ten working days ahead. Visit website ↗

Italy

  • Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican MuseumsVatican City (Rome)

    Patrons in good standing can request morning visits before public opening, covering the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms and the Borgia Apartments, plus afternoon visits to the restoration laboratories for groups of no more than ten. Access comes through patronage, not a ticket, and requests must be made at least 15 days ahead. Visit website ↗

  • Vatican Necropolis and Tomb of St PeterVatican City (Rome)

    Guided visits to the Roman burial ground beneath the nave of St Peter's Basilica, leading to the apostle's tomb. Visits are by reservation request only, through the Basilica's own booking service. Visit website ↗

  • Secret Itineraries of the Doge's PalaceVenice

    A guided route through rooms closed to general visitors: the Council of Ten's offices, the Secret Chancellery, the Chamber of the Inquisitors, the torture chamber and the Piombi cells where Casanova was held. Booking with the palace is mandatory. Visit website ↗

  • Truffle hunting with Savini TartufiForcoli (Pisa), Tuscany

    The truffle house takes guests into its own woods with its hunters and trained dogs, followed by a truffle menu with local wines at its headquarters; cooking classes and its Truffle Academy can be added. Visit website ↗

Greece

  • The Acropolis ExperienceAthens

    A private visit to the Acropolis outside public hours, at sunrise or sunset, for up to five people, run by the Ministry of Culture and the Hellenic Organisation of Cultural Resources Development, with proceeds going to heritage conservation. It ends with Greek wines and cheeses at the Acropolis café.

That makes 6 entries in all.

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