Arrive in Madrid, load your team/group's motor coach and head to explore the capital city and heartbeat of Spain. After being acclimated and having time for your first lunch in Spain, tapas anyone?, gather for a walking tour of this proud and artistically rich city. Marvel at the beauty of Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, the world-famous Prado Museum, and of course the Puerta del Sol - ‘Gateway of the Sun’. After some free time to explore, head to your hotel to check-in, refresh, have dinner and then the evening is open.

Following breakfast, transfer nearby to the phenomenal, historical gem that is the city of Toledo home to some of the greatest wealth of monuments in all of Spain. Known as the “City of Three Cultures” it is here that Christians, Arabs and Jews lived together harmoniously for more than three centuries. Enjoy a professional guided tour inside the immense walls of Toledo where there are abundant fascinating cultural, artistic and architectural legacies in the form of churches, palaces, mosques, synagogues, statues and other works of art.  There will be time for lunch and further exploration before returning to Madrid for dinner and a free evening.

Head east for Valencia arriving late in the morning and be oriented to this remarkable city that originated in 138 BC. Valencia impressively displays its deep historical roots while also now hosting some of the most beautiful and stunning avante-garde buildings from this new millennium.  Along with Barcelona, this may be the best place in Spain to enjoy paella. After lunch, benefit from a guided tour. Free time may allow travelers to further explore the city or one of the fascinating modern museums.  Very late in the afternoon move up the coast a little ways to the beautiful Peniscola peninsula.

Arriving the evening prior, hopefully you will have wandered to the castle for evening dessert or other refreshments. Thus begins your enjoyment of this uniquely imposing “City in the Sea”. Peniscola Castle sits at the end of a peninsula and seemingly rises up out of the water. The original fortification was started as early as the 11th century then further fortified by the Knights of Templar. For periods of time it was home to the Crown of Aragon and at one time a Roman Catholic Pope. The castle has been featured in many works of cinema including El Cid as well as recently during the 6th season of Game of Thrones.  

The morning will involve a pre-game practice for the team, then a day of relaxation on the beach that looks on to the stunning castle, make sure to wander back into this structure - which some call the “Gibraltar of Valencia” - possibly for lunch or to explore a place to make reservations for dinner.  This evening's meal will be at traveler's choice and expense.  Enjoy your time in this most unique setting.

Transfer up the coast to Tarragona where you will be oriented to this small city that once flourished during the Roman Empire and beyond. Within the old Roman walls see its well-preserved amphitheater, the remains of a Roman chariot track and other fascinating ruins aligned along the Mediterranean Sea – all designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Besides the ancient ruins within the walls, we hope for time to see modern Tarragona “outside the walls” including Rambla Nova and its famous “Mediterranean Balcony”.

In the early afternoon there will be a pre-game meal, then the team and group will transfer to the athletic facility where in the late afternoon the Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops will compete with the local Spanish American Football Club or a select Spanish team. Afterward we hope for post-game festivities with your Spanish opponent-hosts. Afterward the group will transfer north to Barcelona for a later night check-in. A provided dinner will be scheduled in at an opportune time.

After resting in this day, begin your exploration of one of the most popular cities in Europe. Wedged between mountains to the west, the sand beach coastline of the Mediterranean to the east, Montjuic to the south and Costa Brava to the north this is a strikingly beautiful area. Within Barcelona you will find a dynamic cosmopolitan city with Roman remains, medieval quarters, influences of Northern Africa and the most impressive examples of 20th century Modernism and avant-garde art and architecture where numerous works have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

In the later morning receive a guided tour of Barri Gatic, the well-preserved medieval core of Barcelona. Walk the narrow streets and discover the magnificent hidden courtyards. View Barcelona’s magnificent old cathedral. Your tour will finish either in the impressive Placa Reial or on La Rambla where you can then venture for lunch and other refreshments. Consider La Boqueria, a fascinating maze of food stands filled with the freshest of meats, fish, fruit, sweets and more.  

After lunch gather for a drive tour that takes in the artistic beauty of Parc Guell, stunning views from Tibidabo (mountain-top amusement park), world famous Football Club Barcelona and Mountjuic with it’s 1992 Olympic sites perched overlooking the city and coast. Be dropped off at Port Olimpic (converted home of athletes for Barcelona Olympics) with its beaches, oceanfront cafes, restaurants and bars. Dinner is 'traveler's choice' in small groups with your tour managers on hand to offer attractive options that fit your interests and budget.

After breakfast depart for a awe-inspiring visit of the incomparable Sagrada Familia one of the world's most famous Basilicas - and likely one of the most unique and studied structures in the world.  After the tour transfer through the L'Eixample district to view the famous architectural sites of Casa Mila and Casa Battio. You will then be released for lunch and have the afternoon free for more exploration potentially taking in more of Barcelona’s fascinating city centre including La Barceloneta Port and Columbus Monument, Museu Picasso, City Park and more. Your tour manager and AFW coordinator will be available for assistance. In the early evening a final celebratory group dinner will take place.

Checkout and transfer to the Barcelona airport for your flight to the USA. Gracias and Adios España!  Arrive home with a valuable education, fantastic memories and stories to share with family and friends.  SCROLL THROUGH PHOTOS OF TOUR SITES BELOW