Tour starts in Chicago and ends in Los Angeles
3 Nights – Chicago / 1 Night - Springfield, Il / 1 Night – St Louis / 1 Night – Springfield, MO / 1 Night – Oklahoma City / 1 Night - Amarillo / 1 Night – Albuquerque / 1 Night - Winslow / 1 Night - Grand Canyon / 2 Nights - Las Vegas / 2 Nights - Los Angeles
Days 1-4
Chicago, Illinois
On arrival in the city you will be met and transferred to your hotel once you get to the city, look up and there it is: the famous Chicago skyline set against the sweeping shore of Lake Michigan. You’ll quickly appreciate this urban-meets-natural beauty when your feet hit the ground in the nation’s third-largest city. In the heart of the Midwest, Chicago boasts soaring skyscrapers, 77 colourful neighbourhoods, 42 kilometers of lakefront with 26 beaches and 580 parks and green spaces. Equally impressive are the dining options – 7,300 restaurants and more than 65 craft breweries – outstanding arts and culture, urban recreation along the waterfront, world-famous events and a vibrant, inclusive spirit.
This cosmopolitan playground is bursting with things to do. Sightseeing options range from Chicago icons like Millennium Park’s sculptures, fountains, gardens and event spaces to awe-inspiring architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright, Frank Gehry, Daniel Burnham and Louis Sullivan. Get above it all on The Ledge, a glass platform on the Skydeck at Willis Tower, or the 360 Chicago Observation Deck on North Michigan Avenue, where the TILT experience leans you out 300 meters above Michigan Avenue.
Take in the beautiful cityscape with a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, where you can enjoy a waterside meal, sip a drink or set out on an architecture cruise on the Chicago River. Take the children to Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier and Wrigley Field, three iconic and family-friendly attractions, or rent bikes and pedal along the 29-kilometer Lakefront Trail.
3 Nights – Chicago, IL
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Days 4-5
Springfield, Illinois (202 miles)
Today its time to collect your car and embark on the journey of your lifetime along Route 66.
As you journey toward Springfield along the Illinois Route 66 National Scenic Byway, the capital of Illinois, you will go through some wonderful towns, each with its own unique attractions, historical icons and Route 66 nostalgia!
The capital of Illinois, it’s best known for being Abraham Lincoln’s home for the 17 years leading up to his election as the 16th president of the United States and for its strong connection to historic Route 66, which runs right through town. It's the perfect stop for history buffs and families.
The two most famous places to eat on Route 66 in Springfield are the Cozy Dog Drive-In and The Chili Parlour. You can’t miss the iconic “FOOD” sign outside the Cozy Dog Drive-In, which claims to be the first place to have served corn dogs. Open since the 1940s, this is a traditional Route 66 diner, souvenir shop and mini-museum. Enjoy a classic “hot dog on a stick” while browsing through the great collection of Route 66 souvenirs and posing next to the old gas pump. Next, be sure to visit The Chili Parlour. The owner, Rose, is delightful, and you can get their famous chili just the way you like it: mild, medium or super-hot, and with or without meat.
In Springfield you’ll also find the Route 66 Drive-In. Open from the end of May until the beginning of September as well as weekends in October, this twin drive-in plays two movies every night. This is the old style of watching a movie – pull your car in, park, fill up on snacks from the concession stand and watch a movie on a large screen while sitting in your car. Nothing is more classically American than this.
Fans of antique cars, cool custom cars and other show vehicles should attend the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival in Springfield. Every September, the state capital cranks up its engines and attracts fans from every corner of the globe. This car festival and show pays homage to the cars that drive (or once drove) the world-famous road that runs through town. Thousands of shiny vintage vehicles, nearly 80,000 spectators, stages with live music and scores of commercial vendors catering to classic car dealers, collectors and spectators line the streets of Springfield’s historic centre.
1 Night – Springfield, IL
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Days 5-6
St Louis, Missouri (97 miles)
Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, St. Louis blends classic all-American appeal with a modern, cosmopolitan edge – all at an affordable price point. Captivating attractions, world-class sports, surprising histories and a culinary scene that will tantalize your taste buds are just the beginning of what you’ll discover in this friendly Missouri city.
Perhaps St. Louis’ most recognizable landmark, the awe-inspiring Gateway Arch commemorates the city’s role in the westward expansion of the USA. Soar to new heights – 192 meters, to be exact – aboard an enclosed tram to the top, where you’ll take in breath-taking panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River below. Take time to wander the museum at the base of the Arch to learn more about the area’s history then explore the beautifully landscaped park grounds. Nearby, the National Blues Museum is the only attraction of its kind dedicated to preserving the rich history and global influence of blues music through immersive multimedia installations. Get to know this iconic U.S.-born musical style in four distinct exhibit halls, each archiving captivating artifacts and electrifying live performances from blues history.
If you’re looking to embark on a classic U.S. adventure along historic Route 66, St. Louis makes an excellent entry point for a journey down the legendary highway. Take a scenic stroll across the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge to see where Route 66 once crossed the mighty Mississippi River. Make a stop at the National Museum of Transportation to get a glimpse of the old-timey cars that travelled the Mother Road in its heyday.
Sports fans will also find plenty to cheer about on a trip to St. Louis. “America’s pastime” is centre stage at Busch Stadium, the home field for the beloved St. Louis Cardinals Major League Baseball team. After the game, make your way to Ballpark Village, a vibrant entertainment complex just across the street from the stadium, to enjoy shopping, dining and a deep dive into baseball history at the Cardinals Hall of Fame. Baseball isn’t the end of the story when it comes to St. Louis’ sports scene. The St. Louis CITY Soccer Club and St. Louis Blues Hockey Team both enjoy fervent support from their dedicated fan bases.
1 Night – St Louis, MO
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Days 6-7
Springfield, Missouri (216 miles)
Springfield is a town of many legacies and reputations, from its prominent role in Route 66 history to its nickname "the City of the Ozarks." These stories are celebrated all across the city, at annual festivities and year-round attractions alike. Find intriguing road trip stops, a diverse culinary scene and unique shopping, all in an atmosphere that radiates classic Americana heritage. In Springfield, you can enjoy out-of-the-ordinary experiences while still feeling right at home.
Springfield is recognized as the official Birthplace of Route 66. The historic “Mother Road” linking Chicago, Illinois, and Los Angeles, California, got its name during a meeting of highway officials there in 1926. History buffs will want to cruise along local portions of the famous highway to see colourful murals and neon signs that bring the Mother Road to life. Dive deeper into the road’s history by checking out exhibits at the History Museum on the Square and classic cars at the Route 66 Car Museum. Venture just outside town to explore Gary’s Gay Parita, a charmingly restored 1900s gas station in nearby Ash Grove. Visit during August to celebrate the iconic highway with live music, car shows and a parade at the annual Birthplace of Route 66 Festival.
Much of Springfield’s charm lies in its duality: It’s just as easy to enjoy cultural pursuits in a bustling downtown as it is to get outside and experience nature. Kayak or paddleboard on peaceful waterways, bike scenic trails and soak in the splendor of Missouri's Ozark Mountains. The natural jewel of the area is Fantastic Caverns, the only cave system in North America large enough to accommodate a Jeep-drawn tram tour.
Back in town, Springfield’s arts scene is full of character. Catch a live performance at the historic Landers and Gillioz Theatres, then hit the streets of downtown to admire public art along Sculpture Walk Springfield. When hunger strikes, treat yourself to the city’s unique flavours. Dig into a plate of famed Springfield-style cashew chicken or try local favourites like Cafe Cusco or Black Sheep Burgers.
1 Night – Springfield, MO
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Days 7-8
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (105 miles)
Oklahoma City, known colloquially as OKC, is a bustling metropolis with a pioneer heart. With about 630,000 residents, it’s got all the big-city amenities you’d normally find in a state capital – fine dining, intriguing museums and top-notch performing arts – but you can easily become immersed in the city’s Old West heritage via its many cowboy-themed restaurants, shops and activities, too.
Oklahoma City may be a big Midwestern city, but you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in an Old West cowboy town. For example, at the Stockyards City auction house you can see live cattle auctions, then enjoy a hearty steak dinner at Cattleman's Steakhouse before heading to the Rodeo Opry. Oklahoma City is also known as the "Horse Show Capital of the World," and competitions can be seen at State Fair Park. If you want to dress the part, pick up some western attire at Langston's Western Wear, Joe's Boots or the Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City.
One of the most popular – and unusual – museums in Oklahoma City is the Museum of Osteology, which houses over 300 human and animal skeletons. Other unlikely but intriguing museums include the American Pigeon Museum and the Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum. Art buffs love the permanent and rotating exhibits at Oklahoma City Museum of Art and Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Centre. To learn about famous Oklahomans such as singers Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton, head to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum. To delve into OKC’s Western heritage and pioneer roots, spend an afternoon at the American Banjo Museum, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum or the Land Run Monument. And you cannot visit the city without paying your respects at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, which honours the victims, survivors and rescuers of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, in which 168 people lost their lives.
1 Night – Oklahoma City, OK
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Days 8-9
Amarillo, Texas (260 miles)
Pull on your cowboy boots and prepare for excitement in Amarillo, Texas. This eclectic Panhandle city shines with an inviting mix of Old West heritage and artistic energy. Here, you can explore Palo Duro Canyon State Park on horseback or watch cowboys and cowgirls compete at championship rodeos; cruise past vintage storefronts in the Route 66 Historic District or gaze at contemporary works in the Amarillo Museum of Art; walk in the footsteps of a legendary rancher at the Charles Goodnight Historical Centre or purchase Western attire from artisan shops. No matter the purpose or season of your visit, your Wild West adventure awaits in Amarillo.
Amarillo is the largest city on the 286-kilometer section of Route 66 that runs from Oklahoma to New Mexico. Fans of Route 66 can relive the Mother Road’s glory days in the Route 66 Historic District, where art galleries, antique shops and restaurants brighten original buildings with Western flair. The walkable district is a popular place to take photos, shop for souvenirs and learn about must-see spots nearby.
One such Route 66 attraction is the famed Cadillac Ranch. This interactive installation – featuring 10 classic Cadillacs half-buried in the ground – invites you to add your spray-painted mark to the artwork guests have made over the years. A few kilometers away, Bill’s Backyard Classics presents a warehouse full of preserved and restored hotrods, and the free Jack Sisemore RV Museum showcases recreational vehicles from the 1930s through the '70s. It’s all in a day’s drive from Downtown Amarillo.
1 Night – Amarillo, TX
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Days 9-10
Albuquerque, New Mexico (285 miles)
Bisected by the mighty Rio Grande River and set in the shadow of the pink-hued Sandia Mountains, this high-altitude city of more than a half million people is New Mexico’s largest. There's a distinctive Southwestern cultural flair and culinary scene, thanks to its history as the home of Native American tribes for thousands of years and later as an 18th century Spanish colony. With 310 days of sunshine a year and stunning desert and mountain scenery, it’s an outdoor playground for all seasons.
Founded in 1706, Old Town is the historical and cultural heart of Albuquerque. Take a seat in the middle of the square and admire the Pueblo-style buildings with their contoured adobe walls, flat roofs, beams and small arches. Marvel at the architecture of the San Felipe de Neri Church, the city’s oldest. Wander over to the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History to put it all in context, then browse at more than 100 locally owned shops and galleries, where you can buy New Mexican art, religious artifacts and native crafts.
Cultural, natural and urban attractions abound in Albuquerque’s diverse neighbourhoods. For a peek into native cultures, visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center or the Petroglyph National Monument to see ancient designs and symbols that were carved onto volcanic rocks long ago. Albuquerque’s techie heritage (Microsoft was born here in 1975) is evident at both the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science and the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. Wildlife lovers can see animals at the ABQ BioPark or at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, and golf enthusiasts can hit the links at one of the top-rated courses around town, each offering a unique experience.
To get a stunning, bird’s-eye-view of the city, ride the Sandia Peak Tramway cable car to the top of the 3,250-meter Sandia Peak, then hike the 2.4-kilometer trail to the crest. Another way to get a heart-stopping view of the city is to take a ride in a hot-air balloon from one of the many vendors that operate in and around the city. If you’re in town in early October, don’t miss the annual International Balloon Fiesta – there’s really nothing else like it!
1 Night – Albuquerque, NM
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Days 10-11
Winslow, Arizona (270 miles)
Travellers have made memories in Winslow for the past century, first as a stop along the Santa Fe Railroad then as overnight rests on Route 66 road trips. Interstate 40 now routes traffic around Winslow, but savvy road trippers know there are many “fine sites to see” just a mile south in the historic downtown district. Old brick buildings that date back to the railroad era line the main drag, where a flatbed Ford permanently parked on the corner immortalizes the town’s identity.
Iconic selfies await in Winslow. The 9/11 Memorial Park near the east entrance to town is a great place to pull over and get a shot of the Route 66 sign that welcomes visitors. At 2nd Street and Kinsley Avenue in the historic district, Standin’ on the Corner Park pays tribute the Eagles tune that put Winslow’s stretch of Route 66 in the history books. Snap a shot with the Jackson Brown statue (he wrote “Take it Easy” with the Eagles’ Glenn Frey). Check out the visitor centre located in a former Hubbell Trading Post before strolling blocks lined with gift shops, restaurants and watering holes along historic Route 66.
Winslow’s center-piece is undoubtedly La Posada Hotel, built in 1929. It is considered the last great Fred Harvey hotel built by the Santa Fe Railroad and the Southwestern masterpiece of architect Mary Jane Colter. Visitors can walk through lush courtyards and a fascinating labyrinth of interior corridors and staircases that reach gathering rooms and private nooks, all decorated with period furnishings and artifacts. Visitors come from around the region to dine at the Turquoise Room and shop at the on-site trading post. The original train depot on-site now houses the extraordinary Affeldt Mion Museum, which honours the good citizens who preserved La Posada to its original elegance and ultimately kept Winslow on the map.
Winslow’s location on the southern fringe of the Navajo and Hopi communities makes it a great launching point to explore tribal lands. At Homolovi State Park, visitors can walk to archeological sites attributed to Hopi ancestors. Head deeper into Navajo Nation to tour ancestral pueblos and explore astonishing landscapes. In town, Old Trails Museum specializes in Navajo and Hopi art and chronicles the impact of the Santa Fe Railroad and Route 66 on the colourful character of Winslow. Back at the Affeldt Mion Museum, see the largest hand-spun Navajo rug known to exist.
1 Night – Winslow, AZ
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Days 11-12
Grand Canyon, Arizona (283 miles)
Both breath-taking and overwhelming at the same time, the 1.6-kilometer deep and 16-kilometer wide Grand Canyon is a testament to 2,000 million years of geological history. Nearly as alluring as the canyon is the powerful Colorado River snaking its way through Grand Canyon National Park, beckoning visitors to take short guided boat trips or a multiday adventure. Sign up for a ranger-led program to learn about geologic history, majestic birds of prey, animals living in the extreme environment and the area’s early inhabitants. Continuing a tradition that began with the ancestral Puebloan people, several tribes still call the Grand Canyon home.
Powerful and inspiring, Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona is no doubt on every traveller’s must-see list. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is arguably one of the USA’s most famous landmarks and encompasses nearly 5,000 square kilometers of plummeting canyons, multi-coloured rocks, dramatic cliffs and stunning ravines.
There are plenty of overlooks from which you can admire the view, including Mather Point and the Toroweap Overlook. Even though the favourite activity at Grand Canyon is to stand on the edge and overlook the beautiful landscape, there are many other ways to enjoy the park’s natural splendour. Take a mule ride along the South Rim trail or take a white-water rafting trip down the Colorado River. Alternatively, you can admire the canyon from above on a helicopter tour.
1 Night – Grand Canyon, AZ
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Days 12-14
Las Vegas, Nevada (283 miles)
Las Vegas was made for entertainment and carved out of the Mojave Desert with escape in mind. Millions of people visit this Nevada city annually to relax, dine, shop, see performers, experience the nightlife, take in a sporting event and, of course, enjoy a go at the gaming tables. Check out top attractions waiting for you in Las Vegas.
Your fun begins on the Strip, Las Vegas’ main artery and home to bustling casinos, world-class restaurants, ornately designed resorts and spectacular shows. Take a photo at the famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign on South Las Vegas Boulevard, then head off to start your adventures. Spend the day admiring marine life at the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino or strap in for the 108-story controlled free fall at SkyJump at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower. The ideal spot to catch your breath is the three-level Chandelier Bar at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, offering signature drinks and its own multi-story visual spectacle. You can test the waters at the festive LIQUID Pool Lounge at ARIA Resort & Casino, or for a more relaxing sojourn, take tea at the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas Tea Lounge high above the Strip. End your evening with a meal and a great view at Lakeside at Wynn Las Vegas.
Off the Strip, an equal amount of fun awaits. Head over to Downtown Las Vegas and try the SlotZilla zip lines under the Viva Vision video canopy of the Fremont Street Experience. Passengers on the upper line “fly” over all the excitement of Fremont Street below. Besides the shops, dazzling lights and nightly shows, Circa Resort & Casino features Stadium Swim. The heated pool amphitheater, open throughout the four seasons, offers visitors a fabulous dip while catching the biggest sporting events on a massive, 143-foot screen. Other Downtown Las Vegas favourites include LONGBAR at The D Las Vegas, the intimate Downtown Cocktail Room, the lively feel of the Commonwealth and the Downtown Container Park. Back closer to the Strip, you’ll find live music at The Front Yard at Ellis Island Hotel, Casino & Brewery. Southern hospitality and cuisine await at The Orleans Hotel and Casino, while The Oyster Bar at Palace Station Hotel Casino serves up live-action seafood prepared before your eyes available 24/7.
2 Nights – Las Vegas, NV
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Days 14-16
Los Angeles, California (114 miles)
The traditional and most recognized end of Historic Route 66 is the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California, though the official, original route ended at 7th and Broadway in downtown Los Angeles. The iconic "End of the Trail" sign, a popular photo spot, is located on the pier.
One of the world's most diverse cities, Los Angeles is home to countless global cultures and distinctive neighbourhoods, each offering something exciting. The city has so much going on that you'll want to give yourself plenty of time to explore. If you're after glamour, bustle and excitement, Los Angeles is the place for you.
Start with the storied attractions of Hollywood, such as the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre and the Dolby Theatre, before strolling the section of Sunset Boulevard known as The Strip with its vibrant billboards, restaurants and famous nightclubs.
Music lovers will feel right at home in Downtown's L.A. LIVE complex, home to the GRAMMY Museum, which features exhibits and memorabilia tracing the history of popular music. Keep the vibes going at Crypto.com Arena, which hosts high-octane concerts. It's also where you'll go to watch professional sports teams like the National Basketball Association's Lakers, the Women's National Basketball Association's Sparks, and the National Hockey League's Kings.
Families won’t want to miss Universal Studios Hollywood for theme-park thrills, movie attractions such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and Jurassic World, mind-blowing Super Nintendo World™ and the famed Studio Tour.
Start with the storied attractions of Hollywood, such as the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre and the Dolby Theatre, before strolling the section of Sunset Boulevard known as The Strip with its vibrant billboards, restaurants and famous nightclubs.
Everyone in Los Angeles has a favourite beach, and each beach has its own vibe, from the famed Malibu to lively Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach.
Santa Monica’s 5.6-kilometer stretch of sand is marked by the world-famous pier. The pier – with its amusement park, arcade and aquarium – is a short walk from Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade, an outdoor mall offering shopping in a festive environment.
Neighbouring Venice Beach is equally enchanting, but at the same time, a world apart. The beach is spacious and the bustling Boardwalk boasts an eclectic mix of locals, Muscle Beach, a skate park and famous outdoor basketball courts.
Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive - Synonymous with high-fashion shopping and high-end dining, Beverly Hills is an ideal locale for window-shopping single-name stores, such as Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Lanvin, Tiffany’s and Valentino.
This is also a place to people-watch: Sip a latte outside one of the cafes on the palm tree-lined sidewalks and watch the luxury cars roll by, or see if you can spot one of the many celebrity residents disguised as everyday people.
Cultural Institutions - Another fantastic place to see stars – and panoramic views of the city – is the Griffith Observatory atop a hill in Griffith Park northwest of Downtown.
Exposition park is home to several world-class museums. Check out the California African American Museum, California Science Center, Natural History Museum and the upcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. Do some more museum hopping in Mid-City's Museum Row. Visit the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which houses more than 13 million cinematic objects; the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, home to more than 120,000 works representing ancient and modern culture; the Craft Contemporary, with its unique exhibits of handmade art; the Page Museum, home to the La Brea Tar Pits, and the Petersen Automotive Museum, a can't-miss for car enthusiasts.
On the Westside, there's the Getty Center with its soaring architecture and cosy museum rooms full of sought-after permanent and traveling art exhibits. Stop by the Skirball Cultural Center, one of the world's most dynamic Jewish cultural institutions; and the Hammer Museum, renowned as a showcase for emerging artists.
2 Nights – Los Angeles, CA
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