Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie, and the Sunny Sonoran.
Baseball lovers, take note. The Cactus League is the pre-season home to 15 MLB clubs. Our plan involves enjoying games at 4-5 stadiums (including at least one home and away game each for the Brewers and Cubs). In addition, we'll day trip to view a WELS Apache mission, attend Sunday and Wednesday worship at our area churches, visit several tourist attractions (Old Town Scottsdale, Desert Botanical Garden, Heard Museum, Saguaro Lake), and dine in some unique spaces (Organ Stop Pizza, Top of the Rock, Rustler's Rooste, Taco Guild). This small group tour is limited to just 10 attendees.
Amazing Accommodation
Our seven nights will be spent in ONE location - an 800 sf condo (with balcony or deck and washer/dryer in each unit) at the lovely Legacy Golf Resort in Phoenix. Additional amenities include a resort pool, pickleball courts, and Lands End restaurant (open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Incredibly, the central location (just 10 minutes from PHX with easy access to I-10, I-13, and the 202) is surrounded by greenery with an extensive urban farm to the north, mountain views to the south, and an 18-hole golf course wrapping the property.
Faith & Fellowship
A day trip to our Apache world mission field (San Carlos Reservation - Peridot church and school) will be a highlight. As with all Father’s World Tours, this journey includes daily devotions and weekend WELS worship (Emmanuel, Tempe). These moments provide spiritual connection and reflection throughout our time together. We'll also enjoy Lenten Wednesday worship at Pilgrim, Mesa, along with a visit to our WELS high school, Arizona Lutheran Academy.
Travel in Comfort and Style
With just 10-14 total group members, we will travel via van and/or SUV. Complimentary water and occasional snacks will be provided during the trip. Most of the daily itineraries do not leave the Phoenix metro. For the occasional longer journey, regular rest stops will be part of the routine.
Meals
Most Father's World Tours make use of 2.5-3 star accommodations that offer complimentary breakfast. This one is different as most meals are on your own. Our resort condo comes complete with a full kitchen. We will make at least 2 supermarket stops so you can stock up. Lunches will typically take place at the ballparks (1:00 first pitch). Evening meals will be most memorable with plans to dine at Rustler's Rooste, Top of the Rock, Taco Guild, The Farm, and Organ Stop Pizza. One evening meal at the onsite restauring is included.
Inclusions
All ballgame tickets, attraction admissions (including the Desert Belle cruise on Saguaro Lake, Desert Botanical Garden, Heard Museum, Old Town Scottsdale, and the Western Spirit Museum.) Also included are transfers from PHX to/from the Legacy Golf Resort and transportation/parking throughout the trip. As a special bonus, you will also have opportunities to visit amazing gardens and museums for the year to come at no charge. Each traveler will receive an annual "Family" membership to the Edison/Ford Estates in Fort Myers, FL. The membership provides reciprocal benefits with three associations (NARM, AHS, and Time Travelers) for free admission to many amazing places in AZ and across the country.
Exclusions
Transportation from your home to and from Phoenix (PHX) is not included. Nearly all meals are also on your own (see note above).
Minimum/Maximum
10-14 registered travelers are required by January 31 for the tour to operate.
Leadership Team
It is a distinct privilege to be a part of a family affair serving you along the way. Brother Bill and Bob Balza will serve as our daily devotion leaders and Bill's boys (Dave and Steve) will drive and manage the daily schedules.
Tour Communications
Confirmed passengers will receive an email with basic trip details in mid-January. A final communication will be emailed around February 1. It will include a passenger list, packing suggestions, a “final” itinerary, pickup/meeting instructions, etc. Passengers will be asked to download the free Whatsapp cell phone application so that we can share pictures and communicate easily and effectively to the group throughout the tour.
The tour is open to all members of the WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod) or ELS (Evangelical Lutheran Synod).
We rate this tour as a 4 of 10 on the Mobility Scale. This means that to fully enjoy this tour, you should be at or just below average mobility. You will need to get in and out of the van or SUV multiple times each day. Hiking is not required, but every venue requires some level of walking/standing.
We are thankful to have the OWLS (Organization of WELS Lutheran Seniors) as our marketing partner/tour sponsor. A portion of Father's World Tours proceeds goes to support this worthwhile group. Dues paying members who register as such will receive $20 in gift cards on Day 1 of the trip. Be sure to note your OWLS membership on the registration form.
Waitlist Policy
If registrations exceed capacity, a waitlist will be maintained. In past years, a high percentage of individuals on the waitlist were accommodated due to cancellations.
Payment Schedule
A $250 deposit is due upon registration to secure your spot. Two equal payments of the remaining balance are due on December 1 and January 1 . Those registering after January 1 will need to make full payment at time of booking Please note that the payments will be automatically withdrawn on their due dates from the account used for the deposit unless you change or cancel it. An email reminder will be sent a few days prior to that payment coming out.
Cancellation Policy
Refunds are offered on a sliding scale based on your cancellation date. If a waitlist exists and a replacement traveler is found, only a $50 administrative fee will apply regardless of when the cancellation occurs. See the schedule below.
Cancel prior to November 30...$50 cancellation fee applies.
Cancel between December 1-31...$250 cancellation fee applies.
Cancel between January 1-31, 2026...$500 cancellation fee applies.
Cancel between February 1-15...$1000 cancellation fee applies
Cancel after February 15...$1250 cancellation fee applies
Travel Insurance
Father's World Tours is not offering travel insurance. For those interested in protecting their trip investment in case of unforeseen illness or emergency, travel Insurance (optional for this trip) may be purchased through a vendor of your choosing.
Tour Communications
Confirmed passengers will receive an email with basic trip details in mid-January. A final communication will be emailed around February 1. It will include a passenger list, packing suggestions, a “final” itinerary, parking/pickup instructions, etc. Passengers will be asked to download the free Whatsapp cell phone application so that we can communicate easily and effectively to the group throughout the tour.
Fri, Feb 20 - Arrival, Welcome
Arrive at your leisure today. Those landing at PHX will be picked up from the terminal and transported to the Legacy Golf Resort, our home for all 7 nights. Grocery store/supply runs will be offered to ensure that your full kitchen is well stocked with your breakfast favorites, snacks, etc. A "mini-mixer" will be offered to help us get to know each other.
Sat, Feb 21 - Heard Museum, Brewers vs Guardians, Taco Guild
Estimated Distance Traveled: 35 miles Estimated Time in Vehicle: 1 hr 30 mins
Our morning plan includes a visit to the renowned Heard Museum (world class collection of American Indian art and antiquities). Baseball is back, and we start our tour of Cactus League stadiums with a visit to the American Family Fields of Phoenix, spring training home of the Milwaukee Brewers. There we will take in the 1:00 game against the Cleveland Guardians. Dinner will be at the unique Taco Guild restaurant, a former church now serving us some exceptional Mexican fare.
Sun, Feb 22 - Worship, Old Town Scottsdale, Afternoon Options, Desert Belle
Estimated Distance Traveled: 95 miles Estimated Time in Vehicle: 2 hrs 40 mins
We begin the new week with 8:00 WELS worship at nearby Emmanuel, Tempe. You'll have an opportunity to change, then it's off to Old Town Scottsdale for some shopping and strolling in a unique setting. The afternoon offers three options (no additional cost):
A) Attend the Cubs at Giants game in Scottsdale Stadium
B) Enjoy a hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
C) Extend your Old Town exploration
D) Explore Scottsdale's Western Spirit Museum
Later in the afternoon, we'll board a scenic Desert Belle criuse on lovely Saguaro Lake. Our day concludes with dinner (Portillo's, etc.) and necessity shopping (Target, Sam's Club, etc) at Tempe Marketplace.
Mon, Feb 23 - Peridot (Apache Mission) , Tonto NF (Cliff Dwelling), Tortilla Flat, Ghost Town
Estimated Distance Traveled: 240 miles Estimated Time in Vehicle: 5 hrs 45 mins
Our one excursion outside the the Phoenix metro takes us east to Peridot Lutheran Church and School on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. There, we will learn about the blessings and challenges at our synod's oldest mission. We'll return to Phoenix via the scenic Apache Trail. Planned stops along the route include:
Theodore Roosevelt Dam overlook
Dinner will be on your own back at the resort's Trail's End restaurant (or in your condo unit).
Tue, Feb 24 - Legacy Resort Enjoyment, Brewers at A's, Rustler's Rooste
Estimated Distance Traveled: 40 miles Estimated Time in Vehicle: 1 hr 15 mins
A leisurely morning is planned with options to golf ($), hike, and/or enjoy breakfast at the nearby Farm at South Mountain. We'll head to Hohokam Stadium in Mesa to take in the Brewers at A's game in the afternoon, then catch an Arizona sunset and dinner at Rustler's Rooste with incredible views of the valley below.
Wed, Feb 25 - Desert Botanical Garden, Rockies at Cubs, Organ Stop Pizza, Worship
Estimated Distance Traveled: 50 miles Estimated Time in Vehicle: 1 hr 45 mins
A full day out and about starts with a visit to one of the nation's premier plant parks - Phoenix's famous Desert Botanical Gardens. You'll marvel at the incredible variety and beauty God gave to this arid area. From there, it's on to Sloan Park (MLB's largest spring training stadium) to view the Cubs vs the Rockies. Dinner will be a special treat with the mighty Wurlitzer entertaining us at Organ Stop Pizza. The evening concludes with lenten worship at Pilgrim, Mesa.
Thu, Feb 26 - Legacy Resort Enjoyment, Cubs at Angels, Top of the Rock
Estimated Distance Traveled: 30 miles Estimated Time in Vehicle: 1 hr 15 mins
A second opportunity to enjoy a leisurely morning at the resort also offers optional activities at nearby Papago Park. Those who opt to venture out can golf ($), hike, and/or enjoy breakfast at Lou's. The afternoon plan includes our final included ballgame at Tempe Diablo Stadium (Cubs at Angels) and then a final sunset and dinner at Top of the Rock.
Fri, Feb 27 - Heading Home or More Fun in the Sun
Today, we'll shuttle you to PHX to arrive 2 hours before your flight. If your flight leaves after noon, you have the option to:
A) Check out of the resort, but hang around at the pool and enjoy that amazing AZ sun.
B) Join a remnant for one final ballgame (Dodgers at Giants at Scottsdale Stadium - $) to see the world champion Dodgers (and future Hall of Famer Shohei Ohtani).
A final shuttle will take you from the ballgame or resort to PHX (or an airport area hotel if you prefer) at 4:30.
We are blessed to stay at the lovely Legacy Golf Resort.
Transfers from PHX to Legacy Golf Resort and daily van/SUV transportation is part of the package.
All admission costs for attractions and gratuities for the local guides are covered.
One group meal will be provided. Guests are on their own for selecting and purchasing their remaining meals.
Tips/appreciation for hotel staff and non-included meal servers are recommended. Gratuities for the chaplain, director, and assistant are appreciated but not expected. No "plate" will be passed.
No pre or post tour accommodations are arranged. If needed, FWT can help make an arrangement for Feb 19 or 27 in Phoenix. Feel free to ask!
We will enjoy some great seats at 4-5 included Cactus League ballgames.
Sat, Feb 21 - Guardians at Brewers (1:00)...American Family Fields of Phoenix
Sun, Feb 22 - Optional: Cubs at Giants (1:00)...Scottsdale Stadium
Tue, Feb 24 - Brewers at A's (1:00)...Hohokam Stadium
Wed, Feb 25 - Rockies at Cubs (1:00)...Sloan Park
Thu, Feb 26 - Cubs at Angels (1:00)...Tempe Diablo Stadium
A final optional (additional $) game is available for those sticking around on Friday.
Fri, Feb 27 - Dodgers at Giants (1:00)...Scottsdale Stadium
Before or after the ballgames,, we plan to visit some local atttractions including:
Saturday - Heard Museum
Sunday - Desert Belle (Saguaro Lake scenic cruise)
Tuesday - Optional Mormon Trail hike (golf also available - $)
Wednesday - Desert Botanical Gardens
Thursday - Optional Papago Park hike (golf also available - $)
Meals for this tour are generally not included. Lunch will often be eaten at the ballparks. As the sun sets, you'll have the opportunity to dine in some sensational settings.
Saturday - Taco Guild
Sunday - Tempe Marketplace (variety of popular chain options)
Monday - Trail's End (or cook your own) at our Legacy Resort
Tuesday - Rustler's Rooste
Wednesday - Organ Stop Pizza (included)
Thursday - Top of the Rock
As always, we intend to keep you connected to Christ through daily devotions shared by retired pastors and brothers, Bill and Bob Balza. Lord willing, we will also attend Sunday service at Emmanuel, Tempe and Wednesday Lenten worship at Pilgrim, Mesa. A day trip is planned to visit and encourage our faith family on the San Carlos Apache reservation (Peridot church and school). Time permitting, we will also visit our area WELS high school, Arizona Lutheran Academy.
Not only will we enjoy 7-nights at a single site, we'll be surrounded by gorgeous greenery, lush landscaping, and amazing amenities. The resort pool is pristine and the onsite Lands End restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All of our units are 800+ square feet and include a King bed in the bedroom, a full kitchen, washer/dryer, patio or balcony, and a comfortable living room complete with cable and a couch.
With average highs hovering in the mid 70s and lows reaching down into the 40s, it doesn't get much better. Phoenix is typically also blessed with bright, abundant sunshine.
