Historic Route 66

Day 1 - UK - Chicago

Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your flight to Chicago. On arrival transfer to our hotel for the next two nights.

Claridge House, Chicago (3-star)

Day 2 - Chicago

A morning tour introduces this magnificent city along the shores of Lake Michigan. The afternoon is free to explore the ‘Windy City’, with lots to see. You can join an optional excursion to the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck or take a cruise on Lake Michigan. For those wishing to explore on foot, enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, a 1.25-mile stretch on the south bank of the Chicago River. Along the way, stop for a drink at one of the many breezy riverside cafés and watch the world go by. The famous 24.5-acre Millennium Park is also nearby, home to the well-known Cloud Gate, perfect for a photo opportunity. Art lovers may wish to visit the Art Institute, home to thousands of artworks, from paintings to photography and textiles. The city also offers plenty of museums, including the Museum of Science & Industry and the Field Museum. Before the end of a busy day, take a photo beside the historic Route 66 ‘Begin’ sign on Adams Street.

Claridge House, Chicago (3-star)

Day 3 - Springfield

This morning marks the first steps along the ‘Mother Road’. Although sections of the highway have changed and modernised over the years, the route followed over the coming days still captures the spirit of Route 66 that has fascinated travellers since its inception in 1926. Stop to visit the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame & Museum, housing thousands of artefacts and memorabilia on this world-famous road. Then continue south to the Springfield area, which President Lincoln called his home for so many years.

Comfort Inn & Suites near Route 66 (3-star)

Day 4 - Springfield - St Louis

Spend today learning about the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. Visit President Lincoln’s tomb and his home, a National Historic site, then travel to New Salem, where he lived and worked for six years in the 1830s. This reconstructed village includes houses, shops and a general store, with information imparted by costumed interpreters. Later head for St Louis, where the evening is free to explore.

Drury Inn Union Station, St Louis (3-star)

Day 5 - St Louis

Today take a trip to the top of the 630ft Gateway Arch, opened in 1965 to honour President Jefferson’s vision of the continental United States. At the top, take in the stunning views stretching up to 30 miles east and west. The rest of the day is free to discover all that St Louis has to offer. Why not take a riverboat cruise along the Mississippi, tour the huge Anheuser-Busch Brewery or take some time to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings of the Botanical Garden.

Drury Inn Union Station, St Louis (3-star)

Day 6 - St Louis - Springfield

The first stop today is at the Museum of Transportation. Take a few moments to picture yourself driving on a Route 66 road trip in years gone by as you see the large collection of classic motor vehicles, as well as over 20 classic locomotives. Later, take a tour of the aptly named Fantastic Caverns to view the spectacular cave formations. Tonight stay in Springfield, Missouri.

Oasis Hotel & Convention Centre (3-star)

Day 7 - Oklahoma City

Departing Springfield, cross into Kansas and on to the state of Oklahoma and our lunch stop in Tulsa. This afternoon continue to Oklahoma - a city bursting with fascinating history, where in 1889 tens of thousands of settlers surged forward in the Great Land Run to grab their piece of glory and stake their claim on part of the two million areas of unassigned land opened for settlement. Not surprisingly, Oklahoma City became known as ‘the city born in a single day’. On arrival enjoy an orientation tour, before checking into the hotel.

Hampton Inn & Suites Oklahoma City-Bricktown (4-star)

Day 8 - Amarillo

Continue west, leaving the plains of Oklahoma for the oil-rich Texas Panhandle. Take time to view Palo Duro Canyon State Park, second largest in America and where spectacular vistas greet the eye. Continue to Amarillo for an overnight stay. Since its founding in the 1880s, Amarillo has witnessed many chapters of history, from Civil War battles to the rise of fortunes built on the area’s ‘black gold’.

Drury Inn & Suites Amarillo (3-star)

Day 9 - Amarillo - Albuquerque

Just outside Amarillo, catch a glimpse of a strange sight - ten half-buried Cadillacs, tail up in a field, which is said to represent the golden era of the car. Head onward to New Mexico, known as ‘the Land of Enchantment’ and Albuquerque, a historic city dating back nearly 300 years. Take a brief orientation tour before checking into the hotel.

Best Western Rio Grande, Albuquerque (3-star)

Day 10 - Albuquerque

Today is free to explore at your leisure. The charming historic Old Town is worthy of exploration with its winding brick pathways, fountains, and an abundance of restaurants where you can try out some New Mexican cuisine. There are also plenty of museums and galleries to discover. If you’re feeling energetic, there are lots of walking trails allowing you to explore further afield.

Best Western Rio Grande, Albuquerque (3-star)

Day 11 - Flagstaff

Visit Arizona's enchanting Petrified Forest National Park, where the remnants of an ancient forest have fossilised, creating an almost otherworldly landscape. Incorporated within the park is the Painted Desert, a vast arid badland scattered with buttes and mesas. Continue west to Flagstaff, a city situated at an elevation of almost 7,000 feet and surrounded by Ponderosa pines and national parks. Stay here for the next two nights.

Little America Hotel, Flagstaff (4-star)

Day 12 - Grand Canyon

Today's journey heads to a true world wonder - the Grand Canyon. The colossal scale is difficult to comprehend, especially as the mighty Colorado River appears so small in comparison. Spend most of the day exploring the canyon in different ways. Take an unforgettable flight over the canyon in a helicopter or plane, watch the breathtaking IMAX film for unique perspectives, or simply enjoy the view from the South Rim viewpoint. After an enchanting day, return to the hotel in Flagstaff.

Little America Hotel, Flagstaff (4-star)

Day 13 - Williams - Kingman - Las Vegas

A scenic journey today continues with a brief stop in Williams, a town steeped in Route 66 history. Explore the town before travelling through Hualapai Indian country to Kingman, then continue onward to Las Vegas.

Horseshoe Las Vegas Hotel & Casino (4-star)

Day 14 - Las Vegas

Enjoy a whole day at leisure to explore the dizzying delights of Las Vegas. Perhaps wander down the famed Strip and watch the Bellagio Fountains, or try your luck in one of the casinos. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities for souvenirs, or you may wish to dine in one of Vegas’ many eateries and simply sit back and relax, enjoying views of this bustling city.

Horseshoe Las Vegas Hotel & Casino (4-star)

Day 15 - Las Vegas - Santa Monica - Redondo Beach

Today, continue west to Barstow and stop off for an intriguing visit to Calico ghost town, an old silver mining town. Then, have your camera ready for the journey ahead as you travel through the San Bernardino Mountains and down to Los Angeles. Taking Santa Monica Boulevard to the coast itself and the actual end of the road at the Pacific Ocean, the journey is now complete. For the last night, stay in Redondo Beach.

Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina (4-star)

Day 16 - Los Angeles - In flight

After check out, head to Hollywood and Beverly Hills for a city tour. If there's time, visit Manhattan Beach to experience the laid-back life of the South Bay region before transferring to the airport for a return flight to the UK.

Day 17 - UK

Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.