ROUTE 66 ROAD TRIP

Introduction

This unforgettable 16-day journey is a must-do for fans of Americana and takes you on a whistle-stop tour of the peculiar sights and kitsch landmarks that punctuate the endless prairies and scenic landscapes. Walk inside the mouth of a 20-foot-tall blue whale, work up an appetite on the way to Amarillo and take on the 72oz steak challenge at Big Texas Steak Ranch. Learn about the rich native American cultural history in Albuquerque, explore the art markets in historical Santa Fe, visit the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam before rolling into Las Vegas. Then, the final stretch of the journey takes you through Los Angeles to the end of Santa Monica Pier, full of memories of an incredible journey.

Day-by-Day

Day 1 & 2: Chicago

Arrive in Chicago and collect your car before exploring the city, perhaps take a stroll along the Lakefront or hire a bike to take in the city parks. Soak up the vibrant art scene and the interesting architecture that Chicago is known for. Sports fans are well catered for, with city teams in American football, baseball and basketball, game nights are filled with excitement.

Day 3: St Louis

Enjoy a big breakfast at Route 66 favourite Lou Mitchell’s and stand on the official starting point on the corner of Michigan and Adams. Then head out of the city on the legendary Route 66 path towards St. Louis passing the endless cornfields and prairies that epitomise this region. Look out for the green Gemini Giant and the huge statue of Paul Bunyan holding a hot dog!

Day 4: Springfield

Today’s drive continues through the Ozark Highlands with an interesting stop at the Meramec Caverns, a set of beautiful limestone caves that served as a hideout to Jesse James. Todays drive ends in Springfield, widely considered to be the birthplace of Route 66.

Day 5: Oklahoma City

Today’s drive cuts through Kansas and incorporates several miles of the original road segment used by Oklahoman families in the 30s. Take a pit stop at the landmark 20-foot Blue Whale in Catoosa and the Cyrus Avery Route 66 Memorial Bridge in Tulsa. Finish the day in Oklahoma City, where vintage gas stations, motels and diners make it the classic Route 66 stopover.

Day 6: Amarillo

Leave Oklahoma behind and head into Texas, with stops including the Route 66 Museum in Clinton, the restored Phillips 66 gas station in McLean and the leaning water tower in Groom. Arrive into Amarillo where the Big Texas Steak Ranch is a classic dining spot with a steak challenge not for the faint-hearted!

Day 7 - 9: Albuquerque

Departing Amarillo with a stop at the Cadillac Ranch, where ten painted Cadillac’s protrude skyward from the ground.  Head towards Albuquerque, stopping at the Midpoint Café for a taste of the famous ‘ugly crust’ pies. In Albuquerque, explore the many Route 66 landmarks and the historic Old Town with its Spanish colonial influences. Enjoy a well-earned rest or head out for the day to Santa Fe to wonder the many art markets, galleries and museums of this picturesque city.

Day 10: Holbrook

Back on the road again, today brings the state of Arizona. See the enormous concrete tepees on the way to Petrified Forest National Park, which is the only park to contain part of historic Route 66 and holds a fascinating collection of historical structures, archaeological sites, fossilised trees and bizarre rock formations. Holbrook is today’s final stop, where the Wigwam Motel’s steel and concrete tepees are a popular attraction, operating since the 1950’s.

Day 11: Grand Canyon / Williams

Stopping at Meteor City, a real vintage trading post en-route to the Grand Canyon National Park. Spend the day exploring this incredible natural wonder, it’s sheer scale and dramatic beauty justifies its place as one of the worlds must-see wonders.

Day 12 & 13: Las Vegas

Depart the town of Williams and head out on the longest stretch of uninterrupted Route 66 before arriving at Seligman, then continue on to Kingman with it’s flourishing café and motel scene. Make a stop at the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River before arriving into Las Vegas. Enjoy a full day in Vegas where world-class dining, designer shopping, spectacular shows, sparkling casinos and palm studded pools ensure an action-packed day.

Day 14 - 16: Los Angeles

Leaving Las Vegas, you travel through Barstow where the Route 66 Mother Road Museum has an impressive display of historic photographs and artefacts. Continue through Pasadena, Los Angeles, West Hollywood and Beverley Hills, to Santa Monica to end your journey in style at the end of Santa Monica Pier.

Enquire about our Route 66 Road Trip Holiday

Prices

From £1,899 per person

Truly Individual Holiday Includes:

• International flights from the UK in Economy
• 15 nights accommodation
• 16 days fully inclusive intermediate car hire including unlimited mileage and extra driver

Price based on two people sharing accommodation. Any element of this holiday can be tailor-made to suit you. Simply enquire below!