Historic Route 66

Today make your own way to your gateway airport for your flight to Chicago. Arrive at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport and transfer independently to your hotel.




Overnight in Chicago

You depart 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 travelers. 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.




Overnight in Chicago

This morning, pick up your rental car and get ready for an unforgettable journey into the then and now of America along Historic Route 66. This legendary old road passes through a variety of pure Americana landscapes and takes in some of the country's biggest, oldest and most peculiar sites along the way. Begin your journey by following the traditional east-to-west path of Route 66 from Chicago to St. Louis, Missouri, cruising through endless cornfields and flat prairies. En route, don't miss Wilmington's most photographed \"citizen\", the larger-than-life green Gemini Giant, and Atlanta's Bunyan Giant, a 19-foot statue of Paul Bunyan holding a giant hot dog. In Springfield, stop at the Cozy Dog Drive-In, the birthplace of the corn dog, and explore the legacy of Abraham Lincoln with a visit to the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Once in St. Louis, the largest city along Route 66, you can follow in the footsteps of legendary explorers by visiting the historic sites found throughout the city, including the Gateway Arch, the nation's tallest monument.




Overnight in St.Louis

Continue through the Ozark Highlands of southern Missouri to Springfield, recognized as the birthplace of Route 66. En route, stop at Meramec Caverns, an extensive set of natural limestone caves whose formations and colors 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.




Overnight in Springfield

This morning, cut through the southeastern corner of Kansas on your way to Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma section of Route 66 contains more driveable 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 1930's. 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 honoring 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.




Overnight in Oklahoma City

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 Cafe 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.




Overnight in Amarillo

Before leaving Amarillo be sure to visit Cadillac Ranch. This unique display of art features a row of ten colorfully painted Cadillac cars buried grille first in the ground. Continue to the MidPoint Cafe in Adrian, famous for its \"ugly crust\" pies. From Adrian you'll follow Route 66 to Albuquerque, New Mexico for a great taste of the Land of Enchantment.




Overnight in Albuquerque

This morning in Arizona, Route 66 travelers are greeted by vibrant trading posts. Journey to Petrified Forest National Park to explore over 13,000 years of human history and a remarkable collection of petrified wood. Catch a sunset at Kachina Point, then head to Holbrook to stay at the iconic Wigwam Motel, with steel and concrete teepees offering modern comforts since the 1950s




Overnight in Holbrook

Proceed to Meteor City, an authentic vintage trading post with a distinctive dome that can be spotted from afar along this portion of Route 66. Pause in Flagstaff, an enchanting college town enveloped by expansive groves of Ponderosa Pine Forest and surrounded by various national monuments such as Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater Volcano, and Wupatki. Whether you're captivated by red rock canyons or towering peaks (Mt. Humphreys stands at 12,635 feet/3,852 meters), take the opportunity to explore the vast open spaces or pay a visit to the 127-year-old Lowell Observatory, renowned as the Home of Pluto, for an evening of stargazing. Finally, conclude your day in Williams for the night.




Overnight in Williams

Explore the breathtaking Grand Canyon National Park today, where you'll find plenty of time to marvel at this incredible natural wonder. Immerse yourself in the unique beauty of the South Rim, taking in the sights from various overlooks or strolling along the historic Hermit Road or Rim Trail. Capture memorable moments at a designated Photo Hot Spot, or ascend a stone Watchtower for panoramic views that stretch over 100 miles on clear days. It's an experience you have to witness to truly grasp the grandeur of the Grand Canyon.




Overnight in Williams

Depart from Williams and the Grand Canyon, heading towards Seligman, the initial destination on the longest continuous segment of Route 66 when traveling west. Proceed through Kingman, where vintage Route 66 cafes and motels continue to thrive, and reach Hoover Dam, an undisclosed gem in Arizona. Recognized as the most extensive individual public works undertaking in U.S. history, Hoover Dam spans the formidable Colorado River, serving as the boundary between Nevada and Arizona, providing essential water and power to the Southwest. Continue the journey to the well-known city of Las Vegas, Nevada, which requires no formal introduction.




Overnight in Las Vegas

Experience a complete day in the Las Vegas fashion. Stroll along the renowned Strip adorned with extravagant resorts and vibrant neon lights, try your luck at one of the numerous casinos, indulge in exceptional dining at top-notch restaurants, attend the latest must-watch performances, explore upscale designer boutiques, take a thrilling ride on a rollercoaster, relax by the poolside, and much more.




Overnight in 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. With so much to do, 24 hours in a day hardly seems like enough.




Overnight in Las Vegas

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. This sign officially marks the western end of Historic Route 66.




Overnight in Anaheim

Spend the day strolling along the beaches of Santa Monica or browsing the adjacent indoor/outdoor shops at Third Street Promenade. Or, further explore L.A.'s one-of-a-kind destinations, playgrounds of the rich and famous, and architectural gems. Universal Studios Hollywood and Anaheim's original Disneyland Park are also located within easy driving distance.




Overnight in Anaheim

Return your rental car at Los Angeles International Airport prior to your flight back home.