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.

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.

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.

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.

Tulsa is home to a growing number of unique main streets and destination districts. The Historic Greenwood District is known as “Black Wall Street” for its legacy as one of the USA’s most prosperous Black communities. Despite the violence of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, this district continues to flourish as a hub for Black business, culture and history. Don’t miss the award-winning Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street History Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that brings the story of Greenwood to life through immersive exhibits. Nearby, the diverse Kendall Whittier Neighbourhood's offerings range from the Circle Cinema – the city’s oldest-standing independent movie theatre – to local art galleries, breweries and authentic Mexican restaurants.

Downtown Tulsa is a walkable hot spot for shopping, dining and entertainment, including the Tulsa Arts District which features the city’s largest selection of music venues and art galleries. Enjoy art crawls and free entertainment in the community park Guthrie Green and see live music at historic venues like Cain’s Ballroom. Nearby, the famed Blue Dome District offers a vibrant dining and nightlife scene. It’s a great spot for foodies to indulge in James Beard award-winning cuisine, as are the neighbouring shopping and dining districts of Cherry Street and Brookside.

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.

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.

In Santa Fe, colourful open-air marketplaces, ancient buildings (the Palace of the Governors, for example, is the nation’s oldest continuously occupied public building), art galleries and museums sit side-by-side with sleek restaurants, exciting nightclubs and modern hotels. The plaza in downtown Santa Fe is filled with modern stores of all kinds situated alongside the Native American art market, which takes place underneath the portal at the Governor’s Palace.

Outside the city, highlights include Bandelier National Monument, which protects more than 13,000 hectares of canyon and mesa with petroglyphs, dwellings and masonry of indigenous cultures dating back more than 11,000 years. Or, travel the High Road to Taos, a 170-kilometer trip through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains dotted with Spanish Colonial and Pueblo Indian villages where you can tour historic buildings and shop for authentic crafts.

From the park’s visitor centre, your first view of Monument Valley is the panorama seen in countless photos and movies. In the distance, rising abruptly from the desert floor, are the valley’s three most prominent monoliths: the East and West Mitten Buttes (so named because they look like hands with separated thumbs) and Merrick Butte. 

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 favorites 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.

Maybe it’s the laid-back vibe, the mix of stunning natural features with slick urban offerings, or the fact that it embraces so many different cultures, but there’s something very cool about Greater Palm Springs. Set in Southern California’s Coachella Valley and bordered by no less than four mountain ranges, this oasis is made up of nine distinct cities: Desert Hot Springs, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella.

You might call Greater Palm Springs a geological wonder, with date palm-filled valleys, rock formations, mountains and oasis springs. Get a full lay of the land on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which launches you up 4 kilometers to Mountain Station summit. Ride a hot air balloon over the oasis. Head to Joshua Tree National Park and explore 200,000 hectares of wilderness by rock climbing or on a naturalist-guided Jeep tour. At The Living Desert, a zoo and botanical garden, see desert tortoises and Mexican wolves, as well as native flora. Golf to your heart’s content – Greater Palm Springs is known as the “Golf Capital of the West” – or try FootGolf, which combines soccer with golf. Visit the BMW Performance Driving School West (only one of three in the USA) and hit the test track for an adrenaline-filled experience like no other.

As much a free spirit as it is a bastion of Old Hollywood glamour, Greater Palms Springs’ character is easy to fall in love with. If it’s art you’re after, dip into the galleries along Palm Canyon Drive. Take a Palm Springs Modern Tour to see the area’s mid-century modern architecture (there’s more here per hectare than any other place in the world). Tour Sunnylands Center & Gardens, a large mid-century modern estate on a golf course, where world dignitaries and presidents meet. To round out your education in all-things-modernist, visit the Palm Springs Art Museum.

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 neighborhoods, 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.

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.