Women of Influence 2026
September 28- October 5th
A Modern PILGRIMAGE to Rome and Siena
Women of Influence is a four month discipleship program that culminates in a one week pilgrimage in Italy. For three months before travel our group will learn ancient pilgrimage practices including Lectio Divina (scripture reading), silence, prayer walks and more. We will gather for three pre-travel zoom calls for spiritual teaching and practical preparation.
In his letter to the church in Rome Paul commends, thanks, and gives greetings to nine women. Deacons and laborers, Jews and Gentiles, leaders, teachers, fellow prisoners, and a mother, all women of influence busy building the church in Rome.
While in Italy, we will walk the roads of Rome exploring women from the first to the fourth century and how they used their influence to build the early Church. Building on Paul’s letter to the Romans, we will learn about women he commended as deacons and laborers, Jews and Gentiles, leaders, teachers, fellow prisoners, and mothers. We will visit the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the catacombs, and early house church sites with local expert guides. Be inspired by daily spiritual teachings from Wendy Schulz as we explore themes of giftings, calling, and influence.
Who is going?
Meet Wendy
Wendy Schulz, founder of Life on Pilgrimage, will lead this pilgrimage, providing daily spiritual teaching and sharing ancient pilgrimage practices to renew your faith and draw you closer to the Lord in your faith walk. She will plan and lead each detail of our trip, giving you a worry-free, relaxing experience. Her guidance begins long before our trip. She will host three pre-travel calls leading up to our trip, offering support for your practical and spiritual preparation.
Meet Michele
Michele O’Leary will serve as our Trip Shepherd. After participating in two Life on Pilgrimage trips, she is excited to help other women navigate this life-changing experience. As Trip Shepherd, Michele will see to the daily details of our journey while we are in Italy, giving you a worry-free experience. Michele is a passionate prayer-warrior and compassionate friend who blesses all who get to travel with her on pilgrimage.
Your fellow travelers
Women of Influence has a maximum of 16 guests. This intimate group size gives you the opportunity to form new or deeper friendships with the women you travel with. Some women come knowing other travelers, some do not, but on each of our trips, one of the greatest gifts all of our travelers leave with is a group of new faith sisters and lifelong friends.
Where are we going?
The journey begins in Rome
We’ll spend three days exploring the Eternal City through the lens of the Early Church. During our time in Rome, we will stay at the modern Times Rome Hotel in the Monti district. We will tour the Roman Forum, Colosseum, Mamertime Prison, and multiple early house church sites. Our experiences will be paired with spiritual teachings and quiet time of reflection and journaling each day.
Heading North
Leaving Rome, we will stop at the Callixtus Catacombs, where 500,000 Christians were buried in the 2nd -4th centuries. These catacomb also holds some of the earliest Christian frescoes.
From there, we will continue to Siena via a private coach.
Siena
We will enjoy three nights staying on the outskirts of Siena, with easy walking access into town.
Our first full day in Siena will offer rest, reflection, small group time, and free time at our resort. The following day we will spend learning about Catherine of Siena, and her remarkable life. We will visit sites tied to her life as well as the breathtaking Duomo.
On day 7 we will head back to Rome for our last day and a celebration dinner to mark the end of a truly life-changing week together!
What does the daily itinerary look like?
What is the cost?
What your Life on Pilgrimage Experience Includes: (We are so much more than a one week trip!)
- Four-month discipleship program. Three months before travel, one month after
- Four group zoom calls including spiritual teaching and practical preparation
- Pre and Post travel devotion books
- 7 nights accommodations
- All tours, admissions, and gratuities
- 15 meals: All breakfasts, all dinners including wine, and one lunch
- Daily teaching sessions while in Italy
- All ground transportation
- Private airport transfers
- Fun, exclusive gifts
- Memories of a lifetime
Total Cost:
2026 pricing coming soon
Booking Instructions:
Are you ready to apply to be part of Women of Influence? All guests are asked to fill out our trip application below. Our application will open in late October.
Each application will be prayerfully considered. We want to ensure that this trip is a good fit for each of our guests. After your application has been considered you will be contacted by Wendy Schulz with your next steps.
If accepted for the trip, you must pay the $1,500 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot.
Spiritual Content
The heart of pilgrimage is to grow closer to God. Christians have gone on pilgrimage as a spiritual practice since the 4th century. Our spiritual content begins well before you arrive in Rome, with a pre-travel series of devotions designed to prepare your heart for the journey. During our week together, Wendy will provide daily spiritual teaching, tying together our daily explorations, scripture, and personal application.
Throughout the week we will have quiet time dedicated to personal reflection and journaling. We will explore ancient spiritual practices of pilgrimage through forms of prayer and worship. Our small group size will create an intimate environment for sharing and processing your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How many people will be in the group?
16. A maximum of 16 guests and two trip leaders.
What are our accommodations?
We will be staying in 4 star hotels in double occupancy rooms with twin beds in each room and private bathrooms. A limited number of single occupancy spots are available. There is a supplemental fee for a single room.
What meals are included?
Daily buffet breakfast with hot and cold food choices. Daily pre-fix dinners of 3 -4 courses served with one glass of wine, bottled water, and coffee. Two lunches.
What about transportation?
Airfare is not included, but Wendy is available to help you find the best deal. All group land transportation is included. We will travel on a private coach btw Rome and Siena. For those arriving on Sept 28 and departing on Oct 5, private airport transfers will be provided. If you are extending your stay before or after for personal exploration, Wendy is available to help you arrange transfers on your desired days.
How much walking is involved? Is this trip handicap accessible?
Unfortunately, this trip is not handicap accessible. We will walk an average of 3-5 miles per day. Guests should be comfortable with stairs, paverstone paths, and uneven surfaces.
I’m not an experienced international traveler. Are you going to tell me what I need to pack and bring?
Absolutely! We are going to walk you through every step of preparation, including packing lists, passport information, navigating currency exchange and credit card, as well as what to do about your cell phone. Through a series of pre-travel Zooms and emails, you will feel confident when you head for Rome. We’re here for you every step of the way!
What additional money will I need?
The vast majority of your expense are covered. You will be responsible for your lunch daily. We suggest budgeting $20 per day. Dinners include one glass of wine. You will be responsible for additional drinks. You will also be responsible for any souvenirs and snacks you may want.
How do I sign up and pay?
See the application link above. After completing your application, Wendy will confirm your spot on the trip and send you a deposit invoice. Your deposit must be paid before your place is finalized for the trip. Your balance is due 6 months prior to departure. Check and Credit Cards are accepted.