Discover the Magic of Route 66

A 15-Night Epic Road Trip from Chicago to Los Angeles

The Ultimate Route 66 Road Trip Adventure

Experience the Iconic Mother Road from Chicago to Los Angeles with Our 16-Day Itinerary

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Explore the legendary Route 66 with our detailed 16-day itinerary. Starting in Chicago and ending in Los Angeles, this unforgettable journey includes iconic stops like St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, and Las Vegas. Enjoy accommodations at top-rated hotels, car hire, and direct flights from London. Experience America's historic landmarks, unique attractions, and scenic landscapes along the Mother Road. 

Day 1: CHICAGO ARRIVAL
Upon arrival at Chicago Airport, transfer independently to your hotel in Downtown Chicago where you will be staying for the next two days. Check-in and settle in. Spend the evening exploring the vibrant city of Chicago at your leisure, immersing yourself in its rich culture and attractions as you prepare for the exciting journey ahead on Route 66.

Day 2: CHICAGO
Step outside today and experience mile after magnificent mile of the Windy City. Stand on the corner of Michigan and Adams, marked as the starting point of Historic Route 66. Enjoy coffee and a big breakfast at Lou Mitchell's, a Chicago institution since 1923 and a must for Route 66 travellers. Stroll the lakefront, peruse the shops, bike the parks, grab a Chicago Dog, or explore the city's incredible sights and architectural treasures including Willis Tower, one of the tallest buildings in North America. Don’t miss the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park with its iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, and Navy Pier. Enjoy a river architecture tour to see Chicago’s famous skyline from a unique perspective.

Day 3: CHICAGO - ST. LOUIS
This morning, pick up your rental car and prepare for an unforgettable journey along Historic Route 66, spanning the essence of America then and now. Begin your adventure by tracing the traditional east-to-west path from Chicago to St. Louis, Missouri, passing through expansive cornfields and vast prairies. Along the way, don't miss Wilmington's iconic 'citizen', the larger-than-life green Gemini Giant, and Atlanta's Bunyan Giant, a towering 19-foot statue of Paul Bunyan clutching a colossal hot dog. In Springfield, indulge at the Cozy Dog Drive-In, the birthplace of the corn dog, and delve into Abraham Lincoln's legacy at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Upon reaching St. Louis, explore the majestic Gateway Arch, America's tallest monument, and visit landmarks like the Old Courthouse, Forest Park (which hosts the St. Louis Art Museum, Zoo, and Science Centre), to truly immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture.

Day 4: ST. LOUIS - SPRINGFIELD
Continue through the Ozark Highlands of southern Missouri to Springfield, recognised as the birthplace of Route 66. En route, stop at Meramec Caverns, an extensive set of natural limestone caves whose formations and colours are as unique as they are beautiful. Adding to the pleasure of exploring the caves is learning that Jesse James used them as a hideout and took advantage of the underground river to escape through the 'back door'. In Springfield, visit the Route 66 Car Museum and take a stroll through the historic downtown area.

Day 5: SPRINGFIELD - TULSA - OKLAHOMA CITY
This morning, cut through the southeastern corner of Kansas on your way to Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma section of Route 66 contains more drivable miles than any other state, as well as several miles of the original 9-foot road segment that served Oklahoman families, headed west in search of better opportunities during the 1930s. En route to Oklahoma City, stop to view the beloved 20-foot tall cement Blue Whale in Catoosa, a landmark along Route 66, and the Cyrus Avery Route 66 Memorial Bridge in Tulsa honouring the 'Father of Route 66's' memory and connection to the historic highway. Once in Oklahoma City, the state's capital, be sure to check out the old Route 66 motels, gas stations, and numerous vintage buildings. Explore the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and the Oklahoma City National Memorial.

Day 6: OKLAHOMA CITY - AMARILLO
Continue to Amarillo, located in the pancake-flat plains of the Texas Panhandle. This area of Texas was once the buffalo-rich grasslands of the Great Plains, inhabited by bands of Kiowa and Comanche Indians. Stop at the Route 66 Museum in Clinton where you experience six decades of Route 66 history. See Shamrock's Tower Station and the U-Drop Inn Café whose towering spire is still a reminder of the booming business it once saw. See the first restored Phillips 66 gas station in McLean and in Groom, the leaning water tower and a 150-foot tall stainless steel cross. Once in Amarillo, be sure to stop at Big Texas Steak Ranch where you can attempt their 72oz. steak challenge. In the evening, visit Cadillac Ranch and perhaps add your own graffiti to this unique art installation.

Day 7: AMARILLO - ALBUQUERQUE
Before leaving Amarillo, be sure to visit Cadillac Ranch, a unique display of art featuring a row of ten colourfully painted Cadillac cars buried grille first in the ground. Continue to the Midpoint Café in Adrian, famous for its 'ugly crust' pies, marking the halfway point between Chicago and Los Angeles. From Adrian, you'll follow Route 66 to Albuquerque, New Mexico for a great taste of the Land of Enchantment. The state's largest city, Albuquerque spreads north and south along the banks of the Rio Grande. Spend the day exploring Downtown Albuquerque's Central Avenue, a treasure trove of Route 66 landmarks. Historic Old Town offers a taste of New Mexico's Spanish colonial past while the Indian Pueblo Cultural Centre, owned by the state's 19 different Pueblo communities, traces the history of the region's Native American cultures.

Day 8: ALBUQUERQUE - HOLBROOK
This morning, the state of Arizona welcomes Route 66 travellers with an overwhelming display of trading posts. View huge concrete tepees that stand at the foot of brilliant red-rock mesas en route to Petrified Forest National Park, the only park in the National Park System containing a section of Historic Route 66. Here you will come face-to-face with over 13,000 years of human history and one of the world's largest and most colourful assemblies of petrified wood, historic structures, and archaeological sites. Catch a sunset over the Painted Desert from the park's Kachina Point before heading to Holbrook. Once in Holbrook, stop at the Wigwam Motel whose steel and concrete teepees featuring modern conveniences have welcomed guests since the 1950s. Visit the Navajo County Historical Society Museum for a glimpse into the local history.

Day 9: HOLBROOK - FLAGSTAFF
Continue to Meteor City, a true vintage trading post whose distinctive dome can be seen for miles along this stretch of Route 66. Visit the Meteor Crater, the best-preserved meteorite impact site on Earth. Arrive in Flagstaff, a beautiful college town surrounded by large stands of Ponderosa Pine forest, and a town surrounded by many National Monuments: Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater Volcano, and Wupatki. From red rock canyons to soaring peaks (Mt. Humphreys is 12,635 feet/3,852 meters), take time to explore the wide open spaces or visit the 127-year-old Lowell Observatory, the Home of Pluto, for stargazing before you make your way to your hotel for the night.

Day 10: FLAGSTAFF - WILLIAMS - GRAND CANYON
Today you have ample time to explore Grand Canyon National Park, a natural wonder that you simply have to see to believe. Spend the day discovering the distinct South Rim of the Canyon. Stop at one of the numerous overlooks, walk part of the Rim Trail or along the historic Hermit Road. Visit a Photo Hot Spot, or climb to the top of a stone Watchtower for panoramic views that extend over 100 miles on clear days. Consider a helicopter tour for a breathtaking aerial view.

Day 11: FLAGSTAFF - LAS VEGAS
Leave the town of Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon behind, and drive through Williams as you make your way to Seligman, the first stop heading west on the longest uninterrupted stretch of Route 66. Continue through Kingman whose old Route 66 cafes and motels still flourish, to one of Arizona's hidden treasures, Hoover Dam. Considered the largest single public works project in the history of the U.S., Hoover Dam straddles the mighty Colorado River, which forms the border between Nevada and Arizona and brings much-needed water and power to the Southwest. Continue to Las Vegas, Nevada, a city that needs no introduction. Take an evening stroll along the Strip, explore the various themed hotels, and perhaps catch a world-famous show.

Day 12: LAS VEGAS
Enjoy a full-day Las Vegas style. Walk the famous Strip lined with mega-resorts and flashing neon lights, place a bet at one of the many casinos, dine at world-class restaurants, catch the latest must-see show, shop designer boutiques, ride a rollercoaster, lay by the pool... the list goes on. Visit the Neon Museum to see classic Las Vegas signs, or the Mob Museum for a dive into the city's notorious history.

Day 13: LAS VEGAS
More time to explore Las Vegas or take a day trip to Red Rock Canyon for stunning desert landscapes, or venture further to Zion National Park for incredible hiking trails and breathtaking views. You can also consider visiting the Valley of Fire State Park, known for its vibrant red sandstone formations.

Day 14: LAS VEGAS - SANTA MONICA - LOS ANGELES AREA
This morning, set out through the Mojave Desert for Calico Ghost Town, California's authentic silver mining town and one of the few original mining camps of the Old West. Rejoin Route 66 in Barstow where a collection of historic photographs and artifacts related to Route 66 and the Mojave Desert communities are on display at the Route 66 Mother Road Museum. Continue through Pasadena, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills to Santa Monica for a true Hollywood ending to your cross-country journey. Park and venture the last few blocks on foot to view the 'End of the Trail' sign on Santa Monica's Pier. Enjoy the beach, visit the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, and take in the bustling atmosphere of the Third Street Promenade.

Day 15: LOS ANGELES AREA
Spend the day strolling along the beaches of Santa Monica or browsing the adjacent indoor/outdoor shops at Third Street Promenade. Explore Venice Beach, with its eclectic boardwalk and Muscle Beach. Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, and the Getty Centre. Consider a tour of the famous movie studios or a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood. Disneyland Park in Anaheim is also a popular nearby destination.

Day 16: LOS ANGELES DEPARTURE
Return your rental car to Los Angeles International Airport prior to your departure. If you have time before your flight, consider a last visit to one of LA's many attractions or enjoy a final meal in this vibrant city.

Tour Includes:
-Chicago, IL: Two nights at Silversmith Hotel Chicago Downtown (or similar), Room Only
-St. Louis, MO: One night at the Aviator Hotel & Suites, BW Signature Collection (or similar), including Breakfast
-Springfield, MO: One night at Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven (or similar), including Breakfast
-Oklahoma City, OK: One night at Best Western Plus Oklahoma City Yukon Hotel (or similar), including Breakfast
-Amarillo, TX: One night at Best Western Santa Fe (or similar), including Breakfast
-Albuquerque, NM: One night at Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn (or similar), including Breakfast
-Holbrook, AZ: One night at Best Western Arizonian Inn (or similar), including Breakfast
-Flagstaff, AZ: Two nights at Little America Hotel (or similar), Room Only
-Las Vegas, NV: Three nights at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (or similar), Room-Only
-Los Angeles, CA: Two nights at the Hyatt Regency Orange County (or similar), Room Only

Additional Inclusions:
-One piece of hand luggage and one piece of hold luggage per person
-14 days of car hire starting from Chicago Downtown and ending at Los Angeles Airport
-Car hire includes the one-way drop-off fee
-Direct flights from London Heathrow to Chicago O'Hare Airport, returning from Los Angeles Airport

 

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