Women of Influence 2024
A Modern PILGRIMAGE to Rome – siena – Florence
September 21-28th 2024
Registration opens in OCtober
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.
Join Life on Pilgrimage for a week of discovery as we 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. We will visit the Roman Forum, the Coliseum, the catacombs, and early house church sites with local expert guides. Be inspired by daily spiritual teachers 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 a private FB group and three pre-travel calls leading up to our trip offering support for your practical and spiritual preparation.
Your fellow travelers
Women of Influence has a maximum of 16 women. This intimate size group 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, Coliseum, Mamertime Prison, catacombs, and multiple early house church sites. Our experiences will be paired with spiritual teachings and quiet time of reflection and journaling each day.
Siena
From Rome, we’ll travel north to Siena. We will spend the day exploring Siena and learning about St Catherine and its lasting influence on the city, and the Church. There will be time for independent exploring, shopping, and enjoying a coffee or gelato!
From Siena, we will continue on to our next “home away from home” the award winning Borgo di Vescine where we will spend the next three nights.
Borgo di Vescine
We will enjoy a day of rest and reflection during our stay at the Borgo. We will turn our reflection from women of the early Church to ourself, asking the question, “How is God calling me to be a woman of influence for His kingdom?”
During our time at the Borgo we will enjoy a cooking class, and unique nightly dinners featuring locally grown food, wine and olive oil from the Borgo’s own olive grove.
Florence
We will enjoy a day trip to the fabulous city of Florence where we will meet our local guide for a walking tour of the city. Along the way, we will learn about women who influenced this city, the Church, and some of the world’s most famous religious art during the Renaissance.
In the afternoon we will have time to visit local artisans to and have free time for exploring and shopping.
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?
Eight days / seven nights includes:
- 7 nights Luxury accommodations
- All tours, admissions, and gratuities
- 16 meals: All breakfasts, all dinners including wine, and two lunches
- Daily teaching sessions
- Ground transportation
- Airport transfers
- Fun, exclusive gifts
- Memories of a lifetime
Total Cost:
2024 pricing will be released in October
$1,500 non-refundable deposit required to reserve your spot.
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 Mid 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 Schulz 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 14 guests and two trip leaders.
What are our accommodations?
We will be staying in 4-5 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 3-5 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 private coach btw Rome, Florence and Siena. For those arriving on Sept 21 and departing on Sept 28th private airport transfers will be provided. If you are extending your stay, 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 pre-travel Zooms, our private Facebook group 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?
Email Wendy Schulz at wendyandersonschulz@gmail.com for a trip application. A $1500 non-refundable deposit is required. Full payment is due 6 months prior to departure. Check and Credit Cards are accepted.
What Covid procedures will you be following?
We will be complying with all Italian Covid regulations at the time of travel. Wendy will provide updates as we get close to traveling. As a baseline, all travelers should be able to meet the following criteria.
- Provide a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of departure.
- Be willing to comply with local mask regulations with a joyful attitude. (note Italy has not had any mask regulations in over a year)