Historic Route 66

Departures & Pricing

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Itinerary

1. 1

   Chicago

   Join your tour group at the hotel.

2. 2

   Chicago

   A morning tour introduces us to this magnificent city constructed along the shores of Lake Michigan. The afternoon is free to explore the ‘Windy City’ and there’s so much to see, you’ll be spoilt for choice. You could join an optional excursion to visit the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck and take a cruise on Lake Michigan. If you fancy exploring the city on foot, take a relaxing stroll on the Chicago Riverwalk, a 1.25-mile stretch along the south bank of the Chicago River. Along the way, maybe stop for a drink at one of the many breezy riverside cafés to watch the world go by. There’s also the famous 24.5-acre Millennium Park, where you’ll find the well-known Cloud Gate, perfect for a photo opportunity. For art lovers, a visit to the Art Institute is a must - with thousands of artworks from paintings to photography and textiles. There are also plenty of museums; try out the Museum of Science & Industry or the Field Museum. Before the end of a busy day, be sure to have your photo taken next to the historic Route 66 ‘begin’ sign on Adams Street.

3. 3

   Springfield

   This morning, we take our first steps along the ‘Mother Road’. Although the roads have been changed and modernised through the years, our route over the following days still encompasses the Route 66 spirit that has enthralled so many since its inception in 1926. We stop to visit the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame & Museum, housing thousands of artefacts and memorabilia on this world-famous road. We continue south to the Springfield area, which President Lincoln called his home for so many years.

4. 4

   Springfield - St Louis

   Spend today learning about the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. We’ll visit President Lincoln’s tomb and his home, a National Historic Site. We’ll also 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. We’ll then head for St Louis, where you’ll have the evening free to explore.

5. 5

   St Louis

   Today, we 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.

6. 6

   St Louis - Springfield

   Our 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, we take a tour of the aptly named Fantastic Caverns to view the spectacular cave formations. Tonight we stay in Springfield, Missouri.

7. 7

   Oklahoma City

   Departing Springfield, we cross into Kansas and on to the state of Oklahoma, and our lunch stop is in Tulsa. This afternoon we 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, we take an orientation tour before checking into our hotel.

8. 8

   Amarillo

   We continue west, leaving the plains of Oklahoma for the oil-rich Texas Panhandle. We take time to view Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the second largest in America, and where spectacular vistas greet the eye. We continue to Amarillo for our overnight stay. Since it was founded in the 1880s, Amarillo has experienced many things, from civil war battles to the creation of many millionaires from the ‘black gold’ of the area.

9. 9

   Amarillo - Albuquerque

   Just outside Amarillo, we 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. Then we’ll head onward to New Mexico, known as ‘the Land of Enchantment’, and Albuquerque, a historic city dating back nearly 300 years. We take a brief orientation tour before checking into our hotel.

10. 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.

11. 11

    Flagstaff

    Arizona greets us today as we make a visit to the enchanting Petrified Forest National Park, where quite literally the remnants of an ancient forest have been fossilised, creating an almost otherworldly landscape. Incorporated within the park is the Painted Desert, a vast arid badland scattered with buttes and mesas. We continue west to Flagstaff, a city situated at an elevation of almost 7,000 feet and surrounded by Ponderosa pines and national parks. We’ll stay here for the next two nights.

12. 12

    Grand Canyon

    Our journey today takes us to a true world wonder - the Grand Canyon. The colossal size is difficult to comprehend, especially as its creator, the mighty Colorado River, is so small in comparison. Most of the day is dedicated to exploring the canyon in different ways. You might choose an unforgettable flight over the canyon in a helicopter or plane, or watch the breathtaking IMAX film to see the canyon from unique perspectives. Or simply enjoy the view from the South Rim viewpoint. After an enchanting day, we return to our hotel in Flagstaff.

13. 13

    Williams - Kingman - Las Vegas

    Our scenic journey today takes us onwards for a brief stop at Williams, a town steeped in Route 66 history. Time to explore before travelling through Hualapai Indian country to Kingman. We continue to Las Vegas.

14. 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.

15. 15

    Las Vegas - Santa Monica - Redondo Beach

    Today, we continue our journey 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 we 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, our journey is now complete. For the last night of our adventure, we’ll stay in Redondo Beach.

16. 16

    Redondo Beach

    Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.

Accommodation

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