Route 66
16 nights: Starts Chicago - Ends Los Angeles
Standard Hotels from £1,155 per person
Upgraded Hotels from £1,595 per person
Chicago - Springfield IL - St Louis - Springfield MO - Oklahoma City - Amarillo - Adrian - Santa Fe - Gallup - Flagstaff - Grand Canyon National Park - Las Vegas - Los Angeles
DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN CHICAGO
Welcome to Chicago, America’s “Second City” and most significantly the starting point of Route 66! From stunning architecture, world-class dining, shopping, museums and pop-culture, this vibrant city boasts something for everyone.
Standard Hotel: Chicago‘s Essex Inn
Upgrade Hotel: Hotel Lincoln Chicago
Welcome to Chicago, America’s “Second City” and most significantly the starting point of Route 66! From stunning architecture, world-class dining, shopping, museums and pop-culture, this vibrant city boasts something for everyone.
Standard Hotel: Chicago‘s Essex Inn
Upgrade Hotel: Hotel Lincoln Chicago
DAY 2 CHICAGO
For an excellent introduction to Chicago and its architecture, take the Architectural Foundation River Cruise. Other highlights: The Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile and the view from 360 Chicago (formerly the Hancock Observatory). Chicago’s dining scene is unparalleled: from deep dish pizza and steak houses to ethnic and lavish cuisine you’ll certainly find something to tempt your taste buds.
For an excellent introduction to Chicago and its architecture, take the Architectural Foundation River Cruise. Other highlights: The Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile and the view from 360 Chicago (formerly the Hancock Observatory). Chicago’s dining scene is unparalleled: from deep dish pizza and steak houses to ethnic and lavish cuisine you’ll certainly find something to tempt your taste buds.
DAY 3 CHICAGO - SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS
Allow time to mark the beginning of your trip on Route 66 with a photo stop at the historic “Begin Route 66” marker sign on East Adams. In Wilmington see the 23’ high Gemini Giant who has gazed down on visitors since 1965. Experience an authentic American Diner at the Polka-a-Dot Drive-In. 220 Miles | 355 Km
Standard Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Springfield
Upgrade Hotel: Crowne Plaza Springfield
Allow time to mark the beginning of your trip on Route 66 with a photo stop at the historic “Begin Route 66” marker sign on East Adams. In Wilmington see the 23’ high Gemini Giant who has gazed down on visitors since 1965. Experience an authentic American Diner at the Polka-a-Dot Drive-In. 220 Miles | 355 Km
Standard Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Springfield
Upgrade Hotel: Crowne Plaza Springfield
DAY 4 SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS - ST. LOUIS
Today you will have the opportunity to drive a piece of Route 66 dating back to the 1930’s. In St. Louis visit the Gateway Arch or take a paddleboat cruise along the Mighty Mississippi. A visit to St. Louis isn’t complete without a stop at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard with its legendary “concrete” malts so thick you can hold them upside down and they won’t fall out of the cup! 100 Miles | 160 Km
Standard Hotel: B.W. St. Louis Inn
Upgrade Hotel: Crowne Plaza Dowtown St. Louis
Today you will have the opportunity to drive a piece of Route 66 dating back to the 1930’s. In St. Louis visit the Gateway Arch or take a paddleboat cruise along the Mighty Mississippi. A visit to St. Louis isn’t complete without a stop at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard with its legendary “concrete” malts so thick you can hold them upside down and they won’t fall out of the cup! 100 Miles | 160 Km
Standard Hotel: B.W. St. Louis Inn
Upgrade Hotel: Crowne Plaza Dowtown St. Louis
DAY 5 ST. LOUIS - SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI
St. Louis and Springfield are two old Route 66 towns. Almost every exit drops you within a few minutes drive to mom & pop motels, trading posts and gas stations offering wonderful photo opportunities. Today, plan to visit Meramec Caverns. It’s one of the best attractions along Route 66. The caverns (which have existed for the past 400 million years) are a very cool blast from the past! 218 Miles | 351 Km
Standard Hotel: B.W. Route 66 Rail Haven
Upgrade Hotel: B.W. PLUS Coach House
St. Louis and Springfield are two old Route 66 towns. Almost every exit drops you within a few minutes drive to mom & pop motels, trading posts and gas stations offering wonderful photo opportunities. Today, plan to visit Meramec Caverns. It’s one of the best attractions along Route 66. The caverns (which have existed for the past 400 million years) are a very cool blast from the past! 218 Miles | 351 Km
Standard Hotel: B.W. Route 66 Rail Haven
Upgrade Hotel: B.W. PLUS Coach House
DAY 6 SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI - OKLAHOMA CITY
There are many historical sites worth a visit today including the courthouse in Carthage a magnificent Romanesque Revival building constructed with Carthage stone with medieval castle features that include turrets, towers, and arches. You reach Oklahoma today, the mecca for old-road fans with more still-drivable miles of Route 66 than any other state. 285 Miles | 459 Km
Standard Hotel: B.W. PLUS Saddleback Inn & Conference Center
Upgrade Hotel: B.W. PLUS Saddleback Inn & Conference Center
There are many historical sites worth a visit today including the courthouse in Carthage a magnificent Romanesque Revival building constructed with Carthage stone with medieval castle features that include turrets, towers, and arches. You reach Oklahoma today, the mecca for old-road fans with more still-drivable miles of Route 66 than any other state. 285 Miles | 459 Km
Standard Hotel: B.W. PLUS Saddleback Inn & Conference Center
Upgrade Hotel: B.W. PLUS Saddleback Inn & Conference Center
DAY 7 OKLAHOMA CITY - AMARILLO
Today offers an opportunity to visit the Route 66 museum in Clinton where you’ll experience the history and culture of each decade of Route 66. As you enter Texas you’ll be back on Route 66 for some famous stops along the Mother Road including McLean, one of the few real time capsules where you will be transported back in time for a true Route 66 experience tonight, dine at the famous Big Texan Steak Ranch home of the free 72 oz. steak. If you finish eating all 72 ounces of the steak including all of the trimmings in less than one hour, it’s free and you’ll become another Route 66 legend! 259 Miles | 417 Km
Standard Hotel: Big Texan Motel
Upgrade Hotel: Holiday Inn Amarillo West Medical Center
Today offers an opportunity to visit the Route 66 museum in Clinton where you’ll experience the history and culture of each decade of Route 66. As you enter Texas you’ll be back on Route 66 for some famous stops along the Mother Road including McLean, one of the few real time capsules where you will be transported back in time for a true Route 66 experience tonight, dine at the famous Big Texan Steak Ranch home of the free 72 oz. steak. If you finish eating all 72 ounces of the steak including all of the trimmings in less than one hour, it’s free and you’ll become another Route 66 legend! 259 Miles | 417 Km
Standard Hotel: Big Texan Motel
Upgrade Hotel: Holiday Inn Amarillo West Medical Center
DAY 8 AMARILLO - SANTA FE
East of Amarillo visit Cadillac Ranch, a row of 10 perfectly aligned old Cadillac cars buried nose-first into the barren landscape. Writing graffiti on or otherwise spray painting on the old cars is highly encouraged! At Adrian, Texas you reach the Route 66 midpoint between Chicago and Santa Monica. Arrive at Santa Fe where you will have 2 nights to enjoy the arts and culture of this beautiful city. 292 Miles | 470 Km
Standard Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Santa Fe
Upgrade Hotel: Inn of the Governors
East of Amarillo visit Cadillac Ranch, a row of 10 perfectly aligned old Cadillac cars buried nose-first into the barren landscape. Writing graffiti on or otherwise spray painting on the old cars is highly encouraged! At Adrian, Texas you reach the Route 66 midpoint between Chicago and Santa Monica. Arrive at Santa Fe where you will have 2 nights to enjoy the arts and culture of this beautiful city. 292 Miles | 470 Km
Standard Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Santa Fe
Upgrade Hotel: Inn of the Governors
DAY 9 SANTA FE
You will likely want to start your day exploring at The Plaza in the center of town. The Plaza is the pulsating heart of the city where fiestas and fairs are held annually. Be sure to include a visit to the Palace of the governors; built in 1610 it remains the oldest continuously used public building in the United States. Santa Fe ranks as the country‘s third largest art market and boasts some of the finest galleries, shops and museums in the southwest.
Standard Hotel: Comfort Suites Gallup
Upgrade Hotel: B.W. PLUS Gallup Inn & Suites
You will likely want to start your day exploring at The Plaza in the center of town. The Plaza is the pulsating heart of the city where fiestas and fairs are held annually. Be sure to include a visit to the Palace of the governors; built in 1610 it remains the oldest continuously used public building in the United States. Santa Fe ranks as the country‘s third largest art market and boasts some of the finest galleries, shops and museums in the southwest.
Standard Hotel: Comfort Suites Gallup
Upgrade Hotel: B.W. PLUS Gallup Inn & Suites
DAY 10 SANTA FE - GALLUP
A short drive today takes you to Albuquerque a city famous for its annual hot air Balloon Fiesta. As you arrive in mile-high Albuquerque enjoy a great stretch of Route 66 along Central Avenue with diners, motels and sparkling neon signs. If you’re looking for a route off the beaten path today you can travel old Route 66 from Albuquerque to Gallup. This is one of the most scenic portions of Route 66 with huge mesas, jumbled boulders, distant mountain peaks and a deep-red tone to the earth. 200 Miles | 320 Km
A short drive today takes you to Albuquerque a city famous for its annual hot air Balloon Fiesta. As you arrive in mile-high Albuquerque enjoy a great stretch of Route 66 along Central Avenue with diners, motels and sparkling neon signs. If you’re looking for a route off the beaten path today you can travel old Route 66 from Albuquerque to Gallup. This is one of the most scenic portions of Route 66 with huge mesas, jumbled boulders, distant mountain peaks and a deep-red tone to the earth. 200 Miles | 320 Km
DAY 11 GALLUP - FLAGSTAFF
Don’t miss a drive through the Petrified Forest National Park where you can see 250-million-year old logs that have literally been transformed into rocks in shades of red, purple, amber and blue. After following giant Jackrabbit signs for miles on end you will at last reach the Jack Rabbit Trading Post in Joseph City just west of Holbrook! Arrive in Flagstaff where you’ll spend two nights and enjoy many options for shopping, dining and entertainment. 185 Miles | 298 Km
Standard Hotel: B.W. Pony Soldier Inn & Suites
Upgrade Hotel: Doubletree by Hilton Flagstaff
Don’t miss a drive through the Petrified Forest National Park where you can see 250-million-year old logs that have literally been transformed into rocks in shades of red, purple, amber and blue. After following giant Jackrabbit signs for miles on end you will at last reach the Jack Rabbit Trading Post in Joseph City just west of Holbrook! Arrive in Flagstaff where you’ll spend two nights and enjoy many options for shopping, dining and entertainment. 185 Miles | 298 Km
Standard Hotel: B.W. Pony Soldier Inn & Suites
Upgrade Hotel: Doubletree by Hilton Flagstaff
DAY 12 GRAND CANYON SIGHTSEEING
Today’s highlight is to spend the day discovering the wonders of the Grand Canyon National Park. Time your day to arrive in Williams before 9AM and you’ll catch the Wild West shoot-out and entertainment leading up to the departure of the Grand Canyon Railway excursion train. Next to the train depot is a small Route 66 Museum and shop. We recommend reserving a scenic helicopter flight to coincide with your arrival at the Grand Canyon. Spend the rest of the day exploring the many options at the South Rim. Exit via the east rim highway and stop at the Cameron Trading Post for a Navajo Taco or to browse for souvenirs and Native American crafts before returning to Flagstaff for the evening. 185 Miles | 298 Km
Today’s highlight is to spend the day discovering the wonders of the Grand Canyon National Park. Time your day to arrive in Williams before 9AM and you’ll catch the Wild West shoot-out and entertainment leading up to the departure of the Grand Canyon Railway excursion train. Next to the train depot is a small Route 66 Museum and shop. We recommend reserving a scenic helicopter flight to coincide with your arrival at the Grand Canyon. Spend the rest of the day exploring the many options at the South Rim. Exit via the east rim highway and stop at the Cameron Trading Post for a Navajo Taco or to browse for souvenirs and Native American crafts before returning to Flagstaff for the evening. 185 Miles | 298 Km
DAY 13 FLAGSTAFF - LAS VEGAS
The longest stretch of old road starts from Seligman and you can follow it to Kingman before turning north to the glittering lights of Las Vegas. About 30 miles outside Las Vegas you’ll cross the Colorado River on the Hoover Dam which forms the border between Arizona and Nevada. Considered to be the world’s largest dam it was a true engineering marvel at the time of its construction in the 1930’s. 279 Miles | 446 Km
Standard Hotel: Golden Nugget Las Vegas (Carson Tower)
Upgrade Hotel: The Venetian or The Palazzo
The longest stretch of old road starts from Seligman and you can follow it to Kingman before turning north to the glittering lights of Las Vegas. About 30 miles outside Las Vegas you’ll cross the Colorado River on the Hoover Dam which forms the border between Arizona and Nevada. Considered to be the world’s largest dam it was a true engineering marvel at the time of its construction in the 1930’s. 279 Miles | 446 Km
Standard Hotel: Golden Nugget Las Vegas (Carson Tower)
Upgrade Hotel: The Venetian or The Palazzo
DAY 14 LAS VEGAS
You have a full day to explore the “city that never sleeps”. Explore the iconic casinos, sit by the pool or cool down on a river rafting trip starting just below Hoover Dam through the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. In the evening be sure to take in one of the world-class shows!
You have a full day to explore the “city that never sleeps”. Explore the iconic casinos, sit by the pool or cool down on a river rafting trip starting just below Hoover Dam through the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. In the evening be sure to take in one of the world-class shows!
DAY 15 LAS VEGAS - LOS ANGELES
Rejoin the old road in Barstow for the last leg of your drive to Los Angeles. Near where Santa Monica Boulevard dead-ends at Ocean Boulevard, a brass plaque marks the official end of Route 66, the “Main Street of America.” 284 Miles | 457 Km
Standard Hotel: B.W. PLUS Gateway Hotel
Upgrade Hotel: Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica (Classic Room)
Rejoin the old road in Barstow for the last leg of your drive to Los Angeles. Near where Santa Monica Boulevard dead-ends at Ocean Boulevard, a brass plaque marks the official end of Route 66, the “Main Street of America.” 284 Miles | 457 Km
Standard Hotel: B.W. PLUS Gateway Hotel
Upgrade Hotel: Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica (Classic Room)
DAY 16 LOS ANGELES
Today explore the sprawling city of Los Angeles. A short drive takes you to many of the famous sights like Universal Studios, Hollywood, Mann’s Chinese theatre, Beverly Hills or Disneyland. Or perhaps a relaxing day on the beach would be the perfect way to recharge your batteries at the end of this fabulous holiday!
Today explore the sprawling city of Los Angeles. A short drive takes you to many of the famous sights like Universal Studios, Hollywood, Mann’s Chinese theatre, Beverly Hills or Disneyland. Or perhaps a relaxing day on the beach would be the perfect way to recharge your batteries at the end of this fabulous holiday!
DAY 17 TOUR DEPARTURE
Your Route 66 Tour ends at check-out time.
Your Route 66 Tour ends at check-out time.
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