Travel iconic Route 66 on a 15-day escorted tour from Chicago to Los Angeles. Visit the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Las Vegas & more.
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Embark on the ultimate road trip along America’s iconic Route 66, the “Main Street of America,” on this 15-day escorted tour. Starting in Chicago and ending in Los Angeles, experience the heart of American history, culture, and natural beauty. From the architectural wonders of Chicago to the neon lights of Las Vegas, the stunning Grand Canyon, and the cinematic landscapes of Monument Valley, this journey is packed with unforgettable sights, legendary landmarks, and classic Americana charm.
Tour Highlights
- Discover Chicago’s architectural marvels and the start of Route 66
- Stroll under the Gateway Arch in St. Louis
- Explore the natural beauty of Meramec Caverns
- Visit the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum and see Cadillac Ranch
- Marvel at Monument Valley’s famous movie backdrops
- Take a scenic Grand Canyon Railway journey
- Drive through historic Route 66 towns, including Seligman and Kingman
- Capture a photo at the iconic “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign
- Explore Los Angeles with stops at Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and more
- Celebrate with a Farewell Dinner to toast your Route 66 adventure
Day 1: Chicago Arrival
Arrive at Chicago O’Hare International Airport and transfer independently to your hotel. Meet your Tour Director at the Hospitality Desk between 2 PM and 8 PM. Take the rest of the day to relax or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Windy City.
Day 2: Chicago City Tour
Enjoy a guided city tour highlighting Chicago’s architectural gems, including works by Mies van der Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Daniel Burnham. Visit the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, Grant and Lincoln Parks, and the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (“The Bean”). The afternoon is free to explore further or join optional excursions, such as a river cruise, dinner cruise, or visit to Willis Tower Skydeck.
Day 3: Chicago – St. Louis
Begin your Route 66 adventure, travelling through Illinois’ prairies and small towns. Arrive in St. Louis and marvel at the Gateway Arch, a monument to America’s westward expansion. Explore the surrounding parklands or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Mississippi Riverfront.
Day 4: St. Louis – Springfield
Travel through the scenic Ozark Highlands to Springfield, the birthplace of Route 66. Stop at Meramec Caverns, a dramatic limestone cave once used by outlaw Jesse James. Learn about its fascinating geological formations and underground river.
Day 5: Springfield – Tulsa – Oklahoma City
Journey through south-eastern Kansas into Oklahoma. Stop at quirky Route 66 landmarks, including the Blue Whale of Catoosa. Cross the historic Avery Route 66 Memorial Bridge in Tulsa, then enjoy an orientation tour of Oklahoma City, the state capital.
Day 6: Oklahoma City – Amarillo
Continue west across Oklahoma’s vast plains. Visit the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton to explore six decades of Route 66 history. Stop in Shamrock and McLean, Texas, for classic photo opportunities at historic gas stations.
Day 7: Amarillo – Albuquerque
Visit the world-famous Cadillac Ranch, an outdoor art installation of half-buried, painted Cadillacs. Travel to New Mexico and arrive in Albuquerque, known for its art scene, rich Native American culture, and the International Balloon Festival.
Day 8: Albuquerque – Gallup – Holbrook
Stop in Gallup, a city famed for its neon signs and Southwestern souvenirs. An optional excursion to Canyon de Chelly introduces you to Navajo culture, ancient cliff dwellings, and spectacular landscapes. Continue to Holbrook for overnight.
Day 9: Holbrook – Monument Valley – Page
Drive through the Navajo Nation to Monument Valley, a breathtaking landscape of mesas and buttes. Optional jeep tours take you closer to these cinematic landmarks featured in countless western films. Overnight in Page, Arizona.
Day 10: Page – Grand Canyon – Williams
Visit the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon National Park. In the afternoon, board the Grand Canyon Railway for a scenic journey to Williams, a historic Route 66 town with charming Americana character.
Day 11: Williams – Seligman – Kingman – Las Vegas
Stop in Seligman, a town that helped preserve Route 66 history. Continue through Kingman and the Mojave Desert to Las Vegas, the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” Enjoy an orientation tour of the Strip and see its iconic lights.
Day 12: Las Vegas
Day at leisure to explore Las Vegas. Optional excursions include a visit to the Hoover Dam, a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon, or a dazzling dinner and show experience.
Day 13: Las Vegas – Barstow/Yermo – Los Angeles
Before leaving Las Vegas, snap a photo at the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign. Journey through the Mojave Desert with a stop at Calico Ghost Town, a reconstructed 19th-century silver mining town. Continue to Los Angeles for overnight.
Day 14: Los Angeles City Tour
Discover LA’s highlights, including Downtown, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Farmers Market & The Grove. End at Santa Monica Pier, home to the iconic “End of Route 66” sign. Celebrate with a farewell dinner and reminisce on your journey.
Day 15: Los Angeles Departure
Check out and transfer independently to LAX Airport for your return flight.
Your Tour Includes:
- 2 Nights at The Whitehall Hotel, BW Premier Collection (or similar), Chicago
- 1 Night at Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Convention Centre / Courtyard St Louis Downtown West (or similar), St. Louis
- 1 Night at Holiday Inn & Suites Springfield - I-44 (or similar), Springfield
- 1 Night at Springhill Suites Oklahoma City Downtown (or similar), Oklahoma City
- 1 Night at Comfort Inn & Suites Amarillo (or similar), Amarillo
- 1 Night at Best Western Plus RIO Grande Inn Albuquerque (or similar), Albuquerque
- 1 Night at Best Western Arizonian Inn (or similar), Holbrook
- 1 Night at Best Western Plus Lake Powell (or similar), Lake Powell
- 1 Night at Grand Canyon Railway Hotel (or similar), Grand Canyon
- 2 Nights at Luxor Las Vegas and Excalibur (or similar), Las Vegas
- 2 Nights at Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX (or similar), Los Angeles
- Selected entrance fees: Meramec Caverns, Cadillac Ranch, Calico Ghost Town
- Grand Canyon Railway ticket
- Farewell dinner in Los Angeles
- Comfortable Air Conditioning Coach Equipped With Wi-Fi
- Experienced driver and Tour Manager
- Multilingual Tour
- Direct return flights from London Heathrow to Chicago, returning from Los Angeles
- Indirect return flights from Manchester and Edinburgh (maximum 1 stop each way)
- 5kg hand luggage and 20kg hold luggage allowance per person included
Chicago is full of surprises and is simply a magnificent destination that caters to every kind of traveller. No matter what time of year, visitors in search of a city break will love Chicago's legendary lake front, world-class museums, innovative architecture, hot clubs, award-winning restaurants and unsurpassed shopping options. In the heart of the Midwest, Chicago boasts soaring skyscrapers, 77 colourful neighbourhoods, 42 kilometres of lakefront with 26 beaches and 580 parks and green spaces. Take a trip up to Willis Towers Sky deck to witness "The Ledge" - four all-glass bays extending off the west side of the 103rd floor for a completely unique view of the city. When the summer sun arrives, Chicago restaurants and bars take sustenance to the streets, offering patio and garden seating throughout the city. Piccolo Sogno, Corosh, The Park Grill and Puck's at The MCA are few al fresco favourites. If it is music you have come for, you’ll find everything from live music venues to outdoor events like Millennium Park concerts, Lollapalooza and the Chicago Blues and Jazz Festivals. For nightlife, head to the many cocktail lounges, sports bars or dance clubs that dot the entertainment landscape.
St Louis is the largest City along Route 66 between Chicago and Los Angeles, and there are many “must-sees” and related sites on The Mother Road. Its iconic, 630-ft. Gateway Arch, built in the 1960s, honours the early 19th-century explorations of Lewis and Clark and America's westward expansion in general. With its cache of vibrant museums, gardens, parks and breweries, you'll find plenty of reasons to meet in St. Louis. Family-oriented travelers will likely venture to Forest Park for a Saint Louis Zoo visit. Others will savor complimentary drinks at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery before embarking on a pub crawl around The Loop.
Springfield, Missouri, often referred to as the "Queen City of the Ozarks," is a vibrant hub of culture, history, and natural beauty in the heart of the Midwest. With its rich heritage dating back to the pioneer days and its central location along the iconic Route 66, Springfield offers a blend of nostalgic charm and modern amenities. Visitors can explore the city's diverse array of attractions, from the immersive exhibits at the Discovery Center of Springfield to the captivating performances at the historic Gillioz Theatre. Outdoor enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of parks and recreational opportunities, including the scenic trails of Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park and the tranquil waters of Lake Springfield. With its lively downtown district filled with eclectic shops, delicious dining options, and vibrant nightlife, Springfield invites travelers to discover the warmth and hospitality of the Ozarks in an unforgettable setting.
Oklahoma City, the capital of Oklahoma, is a vibrant metropolis that seamlessly blends rich history with modern charm. Steeped in Western heritage, the city offers a plethora of attractions for visitors to explore. The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum stands as a poignant reminder of the tragic events of 1995 while paying homage to the resilience of the community. For culture enthusiasts, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art boasts an impressive collection spanning centuries of artistic expression. Adventure seekers can immerse themselves in the outdoor beauty of the Myriad Botanical Gardens or catch a thrilling NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. Foodies will delight in the city's burgeoning culinary scene, offering everything from traditional barbecue joints to upscale dining experiences. With its friendly locals, diverse attractions, and vibrant energy, Oklahoma City promises an unforgettable experience for travellers of all interests.
Amarillo offers a true Western heritage, a unique geographical area with wide open spaces and breath-taking sunrises and sunsets. Amarillo is also a gateway to Palo Duro Canyon, America's second largest canyon. With its relatively mild climate, the city is rated as having some of the cleanest air in the country. Indians, conquistadors, buffalo hunters, settlers, cowboys, adventurers, lawmen, gunfighters, and the railroad all contributed in many ways to the development and growth of the area. That heritage is still felt here, where "cowboy" is still an honorable profession. Here you can enjoy the very best of the Old and New West! Founded in 1887, the city charter was adopted in 1913.
Immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of Albuquerque, rooted in centuries of history. Soak in its blue skies and sun that shines 310 days a year-perfect for outdoor activities. Breathe in the high desert air scented with sage and piñon, and you'll understand why Albuquerque is a destination like no other. There are a variety of things to do in Albuquerque. Whether you're visiting one of the 14 beautiful golf courses, taking a hot-air balloon flight over the scenic Rio Grande Valley, mountain biking in the Sandia Mountains, hiking among dormant volcanoes, horseback riding along the river or strolling through Old Town, you'll find Albuquerque offers a real breath of fresh air.
Holbrook, Arizona, situated in the northeastern part of the state, is a small but historically rich town brimming with charm and character. Known for its iconic Route 66 heritage, Holbrook offers visitors a nostalgic journey through time, with vintage motels, diners, and roadside attractions dotting the landscape. One of its most famous landmarks is the Wigwam Motel, featuring teepee-shaped rooms, evoking the spirit of classic American roadside lodging. Additionally, Holbrook boasts the Petrified Forest National Park nearby, home to ancient petrified wood and stunning painted desert landscapes, drawing nature lovers and adventurers alike. With its blend of quirky Route 66 allure and natural wonders, Holbrook provides a unique experience for travellers seeking a glimpse into Arizona's vibrant past and breathtaking scenery.
Vast, magnificent and inarguably beautiful, the Grand Canyon is easily Arizona’s most distinguishable landmark – and a natural wonder that you simply must see to believe. Stretching 277 miles from end to end, steep, rocky walls descend more than a mile to the canyon’s floor, where the wild Colorado River traces a swift course southwest. Many visitors utilize Flagstaff, a Ponderosa Pine-covered mountain town, as a gateway to the Grand Canyon. Other natural features include the saguaro cactus-filled Sonoran Desert and the rugged formations of Red Rock State Park.
Page, Arizona, is a picturesque desert town renowned for its proximity to some of the Southwest's most breathtaking natural wonders. Nestled on the shores of Lake Powell, it serves as the gateway to iconic attractions like Antelope Canyon, a stunning slot canyon of swirling sandstone, and Horseshoe Bend, a dramatic overlook of the Colorado River. Outdoor enthusiasts flock here for boating, fishing, and hiking, while photographers revel in the area's vibrant landscapes. Rich in Navajo culture, Page offers a unique blend of adventure and heritage, making it an unforgettable destination for travelers seeking beauty and serenity in the American Southwest.
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