Travelpack

Chicago • St. Louis • Springfield (Missouri) • Tulsa • Oklahoma City • Amarillo • Albuquerque • Holbrook • Flagstaff • Williams • Grand Canyon (Arizona) • Las Vegas • Santa Monica • Los Angeles

Embark on the ultimate American road trip along the legendary Historic Route 66, starting in the skyscraper-lined streets of Chicago and ending at the sun-soaked shores of Santa Monica. This classic cross-country adventure delivers pure Americana at every turn, iconic diners, quirky roadside landmarks, sweeping prairies, red-rock deserts, and world-famous cities bursting with character. From exploring the soaring Gateway Arch in St. Louis and discovering ancient pueblos in New Mexico, to standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon and experiencing the electric energy of Las Vegas, every day offers new sights and unforgettable moments. With historic motels, classic cars, Old West towns, and the irresistible nostalgia of the open road, this is more than a holiday; it’s a journey through the heart and soul of the USA.

Day 1: Historic Route 66/ Chicago Arrival

Flight from London Heathrow Airport to Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Arrive at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport and transfer independently to your hotel.

Day 2: Chicago

Step outside 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.

Day 3: Chicago - St. Louis

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.

Day 4:St. Louis - Springfield

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."

Day 5: Springfield - Tulsa - Oklahoma City

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 1930s. 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

Day 6: Oklahoma City - Amarillo

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 Ranc,h where you can attempt their 72oz. steak challenge.

Day 7: Amarillo - Albuquerque

Before leaving Amarillo, be sure to visit Cadillac Ranch. This unique display of art features a row of ten colorfully painted Cadillac cars buried grilles first in the ground. Continue to the MidPoint Cafe in Adrian, famous for its "ugly crust" pies. From Adria,n you'll follow Route 66 to Albuquerque, New Mexic,o for a great
taste of the Land of Enchantment. The state's largest city, Albuquerque, spreads north and south along the banks of the Rio Grande. Spend the day exploring Downtown Albuquerque's Central Avenue, a treasure trove of Route 66 landmarks. Historic Old Town offers a taste of New Mexico's Spanish colonial past, while the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, owned by the state's 19 different Pueblo communities, traces the history of the region's Native American cultures.

Day 8: Albuquerque - Holbrook

This morning, the state of Arizona welcomes Route 66 travelers with an overwhelming display of trading posts. View huge concrete tepees that stand at the foot of brilliant red-rock mesas en route to Petrified Forest National Park, the only park in the National Park System containing a section of Historic Route 66. Here you will come face-to-face with over 13,000 years of human history and one of the world's largest and most colorful assemblies of petrified wood, historic structures and archeological sites. Catch a sunset over the Painted Desert from the park's Kachina Point before heading to Holbrook. Once in Holbrook, stop at the Wigwam Motel whose steel and concrete teepees featuring modern conveniences have welcomed guests since the 1950s.

Day 9: Holbrook - Flagstaff - Williams

Continue to Meteor City, a true vintage trading post whose distinctive dome can be seen for miles along this stretch of Route 66. Stop in Flagstaff, a beautiful college town surrounded by large stands of Ponderosa Pine forest, and is a town surrounded by many national Monuments: Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater Volcano, and Wupatki. From red rock canyons to soaring peaks (Mt. Humphreys s 12,635 feet/3,852 meters), take time to explore the wide open spaces or visit the 127-year-old Lowell Observatory, the Home of Pluto, for stargazing before you make your way to Williams for the night.

Day 10: Williams - Grand Canyon - Williams

Today you have ample time to explore Grand Canyon National Park, a natural wonder that you simply have to see to believe. Spend the day discovering the distinct South Rim of the Canyon. Stop at one of the numerous overlooks, walk part of the Rim Trail, or along the historic Hermit Road. Visit a Photo Hot Spot, or climb to the top of a stone Watchtower for panoramic views that extend over 100 miles on clear days.

Day 11: Williams - Las Vegas

Leave the town of Williams and the Grand Canyon behind as you make your way to Seligman, the first stop heading west on the longest uninterrupted stretch of Route 66. Continue through Kingman, whose old Route 66 cafes and motels still flourish, to one of Arizona's hidden treasures, Hoover Dam. Considered the largest single public works project in the history of the U.S., Hoover Dam Straddles the mighty Colorado River, which forms the border between Nevada and Arizona and brings much-needed water and power to the Southwest. Continue to Las Vegas, Nevada, a city that needs no introduction.

Day 12: 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, lie by the pool ... the list goes on.

Day 13: Las Vegas

More time to explore Las Vegas or take a day trip to Red Rock Canyon or Zion National Park.

Day 14: Las Vegas - Santa Monica - Los Angeles Area

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 is 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.

Day 15: Los Angeles Area

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.

Day 16: Los Angeles Departure

Return your rental car at Los Angeles International Airport prior to your departure

What is included in the offer
• International flights with 23kg baggage
• Dodge Durango for the full duration
• 15 nights Hotel Accommodation with bed & 4 breakfasts

Prices & Departures
Deposit: £125pp
a99913 Heathrow Direct Flights from £2449pp
a99962 Dublin from £2449pp
a99952/3 Glasgow or Newcastle from £2529pp
a99942 Manchester from £2559pp
a99951 Edinburgh from £2749pp
a99937 Single Supplement from £1809pp

Terms & Conditions
Based on 2 adults sharing

Meal Plans