Share in the dream conjured by Bobby Troup in his 1940s classic 'Get your kicks on Route 66', a lyrical map of this legendary highway. This iconic and enjoyable drive, of ‘more than 2,000 miles all the way’, explores the best parts of this historic road.

 

Travel from Illinois to California, past open plains and historic cities, with a short detour to the unmissable Grand Canyon and glittering Las Vegas. The roads have been changed and modernised through the years, yet your route still encompasses the Route 66 spirit that has enthralled many since its inception in 1926.

 

Day 1: Chicago
On arrival into Chicago make your way to your downtown hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Stroll the shores of mighty Lake Michigan and wonder at the city’s architecture and sculptures. For a bird’s eye view of the city, visit the majestic Sears building, which towers at 1000ft above the city.
2 nights: Holiday Inn Mart Plaza or similar.

 

Day 2: Chicago
Chicago is one of America’s most beautiful cities and is filled with fantastic shopping, stunning architecture, pretty green parks and affords a wonderful lakefront position. For shopping head to the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier or for a swim take a dip in Lake Michigan.

 

Day 3: Chicago - Springfield
Pick up your car downtown this morning and drive west stopping at Wilmington to see the Gemini Giant before experiencing an authentic Diner at the Polka-a-Dot-Drive –In, famous for its chilli-cheese fries. A worthwhile stop is at Pontiac, a town Time Magazine called one of the ‘ best small towns in America’. Take a walking tour to see the 19 outdoor murals and visit the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum.  A great photo opportunity awaits to snap your car in front of the Route 66 mural before you continue to Springfield, the capital of Illinois where Abraham Lincoln lived until he became president. Approx 220 miles

Overnight:  Holiday Inn Express or similar.

 

Day 4: Springfield - St Louis
Travelling through the heartland of America today, you’ll have the opportunity to drive a piece of Route 66 dating back to the 1930’s.Head to St Louis, home of the infamous Ted Drewes frozen custard! Admire the spectacular 630ft Gateway Arch, opened in 1965 to honour President Jefferson or take a paddleboat cruise along the Mississippi river. Approx 100 miles

Overnight : Crowne Plaza, St Louis Downtown or similar.

 

Day 5: St. Louis - Springfield, Missouri
St Louis and Springfield are two old Route 66 towns and as you travel between these two charming towns, almost every exit drops you within minutes to trading posts and gas stations offering wonderful photo opportunities. Missouri also holds one of the greatest Route 66 attractions- Meramec Caverns that are home to over 6000 caves. Next stop Springfield was instrumental in the immergence of the‘wild west’when the town square was the site of a duel between Davis Tutt Jr and a certain Wild Bill Hickock in 1865. Approx 218 miles

Overnight: Clarion Hotel or similar.

 

Day 6: St. Louis - Oklahoma City
Travel to the state of Oklahoma today, a mecca for old-road fans with more still-drivable miles of Route 66. There are many historical sites worth visiting
including the courthouse in Carthage, a magnificent Romanesque Revival building constructed with Carthage stone with medieval castle features. On arrival in Oklahoma City, perhaps visit America’s only skeleton museum, The Museum of Osteology or the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Approx 285 miles.

Overnight: Best Western Plus Saddleback Inn or similar.

 

Day 7: Oklahoma City - Amarillo
Travel through the land where the Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians lived and hunted buffalo. Visit the Route 66 Museum in Clinton before entering the Texas Panhandle, the haven of cowboys and oil tycoons. Continue into Amarillo, which has experienced many things, from civil war battles to the creation of many millionaires from the ‘black gold’of the area. Tonight maybe visit the famous Big Texan Steak Ranch home for mouth-watering steaks and a true Texas experience. Approx 259 miles

Overnight: Ambassador hotel or similar.

 

Day 8: Amarillo - Santa Fe
Before leaving Amarillo, visit the Cadillac Ranch, where you will find ten tail fin Cadillac’s half buried in the sand. Continue on to Santa Fe, state capital of New Mexico. The city is designated as a UNESCO Creative City and is home to a large number of artists who have been drawn over the years by the flora, fauna and natural beauty of the landscape. Approx 292 miles

2 nights: Courtyard by Marriott or similar.

 

Day 9: Santa Fe
Enjoy today exploring the arts and culture of this beautiful city. Start by visiting The Plaza, the real heart of the city where fiestas and fairs are held. Be sure to include a visit to the Palace of the Governors, which was built in 1610, and remains as the oldest continuously used public building in the United States. Santa Fe also ranks as the country’s third largest art market and boasts some of the finest galleries, shops and museums in the southwest.

 

Day 10: Santa Fe – Albuquerque
A short drive takes you to Albuquerque, a city famous for its annual hot air balloon fiestas. Just outside Albuquerque visit the famous Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway and be transported high in the clouds to an observation deck that affords 11,000 square miles of stunning panoramic views of the Rio Grande Valley and the Land of Enchantment. Explore the historic old town of Albuquerque with its museums and galleries.  Approx 63 miles

Overnight:  Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn or similar.

 

Day 11: Albuquerque – Holbrook
Today you have the option to go off the beaten track and travel on old Route 66 from Albuquerque to Gallup, one of the most scenic portions of Route 66. This route boasts huge mesas, jumbled boulders and distant mount peaks. Another of today’s highlights is a drive through the Petrified Forest National Park, with its 250 million year old logs that have literally been transformed into rocks in shades of red, purple, amber and blue. Approx 232 miles

Overnight: Best Western Adobe Inn or similar.

 

Day 12: Holbrook –Grand Canyon
This morning drive west on Route 66 through Navajo Indian Country to the jaw-dropping site of the Grand Canyon.  Make time to enjoy a walk along the rim of this magnificent canyon and enjoy incredible and colourful vistas. Approx 180 miles.

Overnight : Maswik Lodge or similar.

 

Day 13: Grand Canyon – Las Vegas
Drive west to the colourful Route 66 town of Seligman and charming Kingman where you will find the Historic Route 66 Museum. Continue to the magnificent Hoover Dam, an engineering masterpiece, before arriving at the Las Vegas Strip where you can experience this glittering entertainment capital. Approx 300 miles

2 nights: Tropicana Las Vegas or similar.

 

Day 14: Las Vegas
Stroll along the Strip to see the enchanting hotels, trying to surpass each other with their unique styles and themed entertainment. Enjoy the mind blowing dancing fountains at the Bellagio, watch an erupting volcano at the Mirage, and see the Eiffel Tower and Venetian waterways. Wander through the extravagant casinos or take in a world class act at Caesars Palace.

 

Day 15: Las Vegas - Santa Monica
Travel through the Mojave Desert to Calico Ghost Town, an abandoned silver mining town now enjoying a new lease of life as a popular tourist attraction, with an ideal location half way between the lights of Las Vegas and the beaches of Santa Monica, your final stop on your epic journey. Approx 284 miles
2 nights: Best Western Plus Gateway Hotel or similar.

 

Day 16: Santa Monica
Enjoy a morning at leisure in this oceanfront community. Perhaps do some shopping in Santa Monica’s excellent stores, including the British store selling your favourite snack or stroll along its famous pier and miles of sandy beach.

 

Day 17: Los Angeles
A final day in the City of Angels for further exploration, perhaps driving out to see the Hollywood sign or driving to Rodeo Drive and Hollywood Boulevard before returning your car to Los Angeles airport and continuing with your onward journey.

 

• 16 nights accommodation
• 15 days Alamo compact car with the fully inclusive rental package, pick up Chicago downtown and drop off Los Angeles airport as detailed.
• A personalised travel kit with full itinerary and vouchers
• All taxes

 

• Airfares and airport taxes
• Meals and sightseeing, unless otherwise stated
• One way drop off charge between Chicago downtown and Los Angeles airport of US$ 500 payable locally
• Transfers (unless otherwise stated), petrol and parking charges and national park entrance fees
• Gratuities

 

Your Accommodation
Hotels may be altered, upgraded or extended upon request. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be substituted. This will be advised at time of booking.

 

Extend your holiday
Spend a little longer in Chicago, Los Angeles or any of the cities along Route 66. Alternatively, after Las Vegas, consider a detour to the desert oasis of Palm Springs. With its near perfect climate, it is ideal for relaxing by the pool, playing golf, tennis and other outdoors pursuits.