Itinerary
- Day 1
Chicago
You'll arrive in Chicago and check into your hotel, where the tour director will be available from 3pm to 6pm if you need help getting settled. After that, the city's yours to explore. The Riverwalk runs for 1.25 miles along the water and gives you a real sense of Chicago's architecture, or if shopping's more your speed, Michigan Avenue has plenty of options.
Optional Activities
- Explore Chicago's architecture via the 1.25-mile Riverwalk along the Chicago River
- Shopping at well-known retail destinations along Michigan Avenue
- Day 2
Chicago
This morning you'll take a sightseeing tour that covers Chicago and the start of Route 66. The afternoon opens up for whatever interests you most. The Skydeck on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower offers incredible city views, or you can walk the Magnificent Mile for shopping and people-watching. There's also an optional river cruise if you want to see the architecture from the water.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Morning sightseeing tour of Chicago including Route 66 starting point
Optional Activities
- Visit the 103rd-floor Skydeck of Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower)
- Walk along the Magnificent Mile
- Optional river cruise for views of Chicago's architecture
Landmarks/POIs Willis Tower Route 66 Starting Point Magnificent Mile Chicago River - Day 3
Chicago to Springfield
You'll start in Pontiac at the Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum, which sits inside a historic fire station and has maps and memorabilia from the road's heyday. From there you head to Springfield for the International Route 66 Festival, where you'll find hotrod cars, vintage motorcycles, live music, vendors, and food stalls.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac
- International Route 66 Festival in Springfield including live entertainment and exhibitions
Landmarks/POIs Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum International Route 66 Festival - Day 4
Springfield to St. Louis
After crossing the Mississippi River, you'll get an orientation tour of St. Louis that includes Gateway Arch National Park. You'll take the elevator up the 630-foot arch for views across the city and river. Later, you'll drive a classic Route 66 stretch and stop by Ted Drewes Frozen Custard for something iconic.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Orientation tour of St. Louis including Gateway Arch National Park
- Ascend to the top of Gateway Arch (630 feet tall) for panoramic views
Optional Activities
- Ted Drewes Frozen Custard tasting (Route 66 iconic treat since 1929)
Landmarks/POIs Gateway Arch National Park Ted Drewes Frozen Custard Mississippi River - Day 5
St. Louis to Joplin
Today follows Route 66 through Missouri countryside, passing through small towns and quirky roadside attractions. You'll end up in Joplin, a place connected to the history of Bonnie and Clyde.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Drive through Missouri countryside exploring quaint towns and quirky roadside attractions along Route 66
- Day 6
Joplin to Oklahoma City
You'll drive quickly through Kansas and then enter Oklahoma, which was once Indian Territory and is home to the Cherokee Nation. You'll stop at the Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center, then see the 'East Meets West' sculpture in Tulsa that honors Cyrus Avery, known as 'The Father of Route 66,' before heading to Oklahoma City.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center
- View 'East Meets West' sculpture in Tulsa honoring Cyrus Avery
Landmarks/POIs Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center East Meets West Sculpture - Day 7
Oklahoma City to Amarillo
The morning includes a sightseeing tour of Oklahoma City, the state capital. From there you travel to Elk City to see the National Route 66 Museum, which covers Route 66 across eight states. Later you'll reach Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle. An optional dinner at a local steakhouse is available this evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Sightseeing tour of Oklahoma City
- Visit National Route 66 Museum in Elk City
Optional Activities
- Optional dinner at a local steakhouse
Landmarks/POIs National Route 66 Museum - Day 8
Amarillo to Albuquerque
You'll stop at Cadillac Ranch, a quirky art piece with 10 colorful Cadillacs, then reach Adrian, which marks the halfway point of Route 66. Crossing into New Mexico, you'll visit Russell's Car Museum and stop in Tucumcari for souvenirs and to see the Blue Swallow Motel from 1939. Central Avenue in Albuquerque comes next, with free time to wander Historic Old Town and its parish church and Spanish-style plaza.
Included Activities
- Visit Cadillac Ranch art sculpture
- Visit Russell's Car Museum in New Mexico
- Stop at Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari
- Visit Central Avenue in Albuquerque with original Route 66 buildings and businesses
- Free time in Historic Old Town Albuquerque
Optional Activities
- Shop for souvenirs at Teepee Curios in Tucumcari
Landmarks/POIs Cadillac Ranch Adrian (Route 66 Halfway Point) Russell's Car Museum Blue Swallow Motel Central Avenue Albuquerque Historic Old Town Albuquerque - Day 9
Albuquerque
This day is yours to use as you like in Albuquerque. You could spend time in Old Town, where the city originally started, or visit museums like the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, Albuquerque Museum, or the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
Optional Activities
- Explore Old Town Albuquerque, site of the city's original settlement
- Visit New Mexico Museum of Natural History
- Visit Albuquerque Museum
- Visit Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Landmarks/POIs New Mexico Museum of Natural History Albuquerque Museum Indian Pueblo Cultural Center - Day 10
Albuquerque to Williams
Early morning brings you to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta for the Balloon Glow and Mass Ascension, where hundreds of colorful hot-air balloons fill the sky. Afterward you travel to Gallup, sometimes called the 'Indian Capital of the World' because of its Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, and other tribal communities. You'll stop in Winslow, Arizona, the Route 66 town made famous by The Eagles' song 'Take It Easy,' then arrive in Williams, a historic Route 66 gateway to the Grand Canyon with six preserved downtown blocks.
Included Activities
- Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta early morning Balloon Glow
- Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Mass Ascension with hundreds of hot-air balloons
Landmarks/POIs Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Gallup Winslow, Arizona Williams Historic Downtown District - Day 11
Williams to Grand Canyon and return
You'll leave Route 66 today and head to Grand Canyon National Park, one of the Seven Natural Wonders. Walking along the rim, you can take in the views and watch for wildlife like elk on the South Rim. An optional helicopter tour is available for a different perspective. Back in Williams by evening, you have free time to check out historic Americana-style shops and restaurants, and see the neon signs from the old 'Motel Row' buildings dating to the 1940s.
Included Activities
- Visit Grand Canyon National Park
- Wander along the canyon rim for views and wildlife viewing
Optional Activities
- Optional helicopter flightseeing tour of Grand Canyon
Landmarks/POIs Grand Canyon National Park - Day 12
Williams to Las Vegas
You'll leave Williams and pass through Seligman, a town tied to Route 66's revival. Then it's off to Las Vegas instead of continuing the classic route. When you arrive, you'll get an orientation tour showing off the themed casino resorts along the Strip. An optional night out is available with an extravagant dinner and live show.
Included Activities
- Orientation tour of Las Vegas Strip and themed casino resorts upon arrival
Optional Activities
- Optional night on the town with extravagant dinner and dazzling live show featuring top Vegas entertainment
Landmarks/POIs Las Vegas Strip Seligman - Day 13
Las Vegas
Today is unscheduled, so you can relax by your hotel pool or walk the Strip. You might float through Venetian canals, check out horticultural displays, or try your luck at the casinos. Downtown Las Vegas and Fremont Street Experience, with its five enclosed blocks of glass and dazzling lights, is worth seeing too. An optional trip to Hoover Dam is available if you want to learn about its engineering.
Optional Activities
- Explore Las Vegas Strip attractions
- Float through Venetian canals
- Visit horticultural displays
- Visit casinos on the Strip
- Explore Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas
- Optional excursion to Hoover Dam
Landmarks/POIs Las Vegas Strip Fremont Street Experience Hoover Dam - Day 14
Las Vegas to Los Angeles
You'll leave Las Vegas and drive through the Mojave Desert and San Bernardino Mountains toward Los Angeles. Along the way, stop at the California Route 66 Museum to see its 1950s diner, VW Love Bus, and 1917 Model T Ford. You'll end up in Los Angeles and head to Santa Monica, the official end point of Route 66.
Included Activities
- Visit California Route 66 Museum
Landmarks/POIs California Route 66 Museum Santa Monica - Day 15
Los Angeles
Your morning tour covers legendary parts of Los Angeles including Beverly Hills, Sunset Strip, and Hollywood. You'll walk the stars on Hollywood Boulevard and get a photo with the iconic Hollywood sign. The afternoon is free. An optional Warner Bros. Studio tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at how TV and movies are made, with access to famous sets.
Included Activities
- Morning tour of Beverly Hills, Sunset Strip, and Hollywood
- Walk along Hollywood Boulevard with the stars
- Photo opportunity at the iconic Hollywood sign
Optional Activities
- Optional Warner Bros. Studio tour with behind-the-scenes look at TV and movie production and famous sets
Landmarks/POIs Beverly Hills Sunset Strip Hollywood Boulevard Hollywood Sign - Day 16
Los Angeles
Your trip ends this morning. If you'd like to stay longer and keep exploring Los Angeles, extra nights can be added to your booking.
Optional Activities
- Extend vacation with extra nights in Los Angeles
