Lastly you’ll visit the majestic Basilica of St John in Lateran. Designed by the 17th-century architect Borromini, it is a vast, peaceful place with statues of the apostles lining the nave and golden mosaics decorating the apse. It is the most important cathedral in Rome for two reasons. It is the site of the first-ever legal Christian Church in the world and is also the seat of the Bishop of Rome – who is the Pope. It is called the ‘Head and Mother of all Churches’. The giant bronze doors were the original doors of the Roman Senate, and the world’s largest, oldest Egyptian obelisk stands outside. Opposite is the Holy Staircase, brought from the Holy Land by Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine who legalized Christianity. Once climbed by Christ, today it is protected by wood and pilgrims can only climb it on their knees.

Saint Paul’s Outside the Walls was built atop the tomb of Saint Paul of Tarsus who was martyred in that same area. A mighty fire destroyed 90% of the vast marble basilica in the 1800s so it was rebuilt along its original dimensions with donations of marble and money from Egypt, Russia, and Greece. It has a peaceful cloister for quiet contemplation before entering the nave, lined with 80 columns and the portraits of every pope since St. Peter. The Baldachin of porphyry stone covers the altar and the grave of Saint Paul below, and a giant marble Easter candle dating to the 13th century, which survived the fire stands in pride of place. A massive, solid gold mosaic of Christ crowns the basilica. Outside is a Vatican post office, souvenir shop, and a café for some refreshment before returning to the city center.

Meet your guide at Saint Mary Major, built in the 5th century, it is famous for its stunning 13th-century golden Byzantine mosaics, the tallest bell-tower in Rome, and housing the tombs of Paulina Borghese, sister of Napoleon and the Baroque genius Bernini. A relic of the Holy Manger is held in a porphyry casket beneath the altar, and the ceiling is reputedly Inca gold donated by the Spanish Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella. You will also have exclusive ticketed access to the Papal Loggia.