Route 66
Self-drive tour
One of the most famous highways anywhere in the world, Route 66 has become an icon of American culture and history. Established in 1926, this semi-transcontinental highway stretches 2448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. In the 1930's the road became the main thoroughfare for migrants seeking a better life in the promised land of California. Thousands of hopefuls loaded up their battered old cars and trucks and motored west. Route 66 soon entered American folklore with the famous song written by Bobby Troup who urged us all to 'get our kicks on Route 66'.
Whilst much of the old highway has been superceeded by modern Interstates, many of the towns and cities along the route have protected their Route 66 heritage. Motels, gas stations and restaurants along the way have maintained their neon signs and character and provide a glimpse of life as it was on the road in the '30's.
Our Route 66 tour operates daily between 01 April and 31 Oct.
Day 1. Chicago arrival. Upon arrival at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport we recommend that you take a taxi or shuttle to your downtown Chicago hotel. Overnight: Doubletree Hotel.
Day 2. Chicago. A free day to explore the Windy City. Stroll along the shores of Lake Michigan, explore the shops of Michigan Avenue, the attractions of the Navy Pier and the stunning architecture of this lovely city. Overnight: Doubletree Hotel.
Day 3. Chicago - St. Louis (approx. 300 miles). This morning at 08.00 you will be met in the hotel lobby by your AmericanTours International representative for a complete briefing on your tour. Collect your rental car and begin your journey south along Route 66 as it winds its way out of Chicago and traverses the Illinois farmland to St. Louis, Missouri. Overnight: La Quinta Inn & Suites.
Day. 4 St. Louis - Springfield (approx. 210 miles). Leave the Mississippi River behind and travel along Route 66 through the scenic beauty of the Missouri Ozark region. Overnight: Best Western Deerfield Inn.
Day 5. Springfield - Tulsa - Oklahoma City (approx. 310 miles). Nowhere is Route 66 more at home than in Oklahoma, where the roadway follows the contours of the land as though it has always been there. In the dust-bowl years of the 1930's, fifteen percent of Oklahoma's population started out on Route 66 in single cars or convoys, carrying all their belongings, children, hopes and dreams with them. This section of your trip takes you through rolling countrysides once the haunt of Native Americans, later the territory of cowboys and outlaws, and along part of the famous Cherokee Strip. Overnight: Best Western Saddleback Inn.
Day 6. Oklahoma City - Amarillo (approx. 260 miles). Travel through the land where the Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians lived and hunted bison. Enter the Texas Panhandle, the haven of cowboys, oil-field roughnecks, and self-made millionaires. Overnight: Best Western Amarillo Inn.
Day 7. Amarillo - Albuquerque (approx. 120 miles). Before leaving Amarillo, make a visit to the Cadillac Ranch where you'll find ten tail-fin Cadillac cars half buried nose-first in the sand. This is the land of tumbleweeds, cattle, cotton and oil. Continue to New Mexico, driving through what once was the hunting ground of the Comanche Indians. Overnight: Red Roof Inn & Suites Midtown.
Days 8 & 9. Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Two free days to enjoy Albuquerque and the surrounding area.
Take a ride on the famous Sania Peak Aerial Tramway to the 10,350 peak of the Sandia Mountains which overlook Albuquerque. The city is famous for its annual hot air Balloon Fiesta (October) and it argueably the ballooning capital of the world. There are several companies based in Albuquerque offering short balloon flights. Enjoy a self-guided tour of Albuquerque's Route 66 sites and landmarks, lots of neon Route 66 signs, shops and restaurants. En route to historic Santa Fe, take the scenic Turquoise Trail drive through the mountains and pass through small artist communities such as Madrid (made famous in the movie Wild Hogs). In Santa Fe make sure you visit the Palace of the Governors established in 1610 as a government building and still used today, it is the oldest continuously used public building in the US. Santa Fe is also home to America's oldest church, and some of the finest galleries, shops and museums.
Day 10. Albuquerque - Holbrook (approx. 260 miles). Today's highlight is the Petrified Forest National Park, with its thousands of acres of petrified trees. Overnight: Best Western Adobe Inn.
Day 11. Holbrook - Grand Canyon National Park - South Rim (approx. 180 miles). Travel through Navajo Indian Country towards today's destination, the spectacular Grand Canyon National Park. A walk along the rim will provide you with memorable views of this stunning canyon. Overnight: Yavapai West Lodge.
Day 12. Grand Canyon National Park - Las Vegas (approx. 300 miles). You might choose to take an optional short helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon this morning before continuing your journey to Las Vegas. Just America will be pleased to arrange your helicopter flight at the time of booking your holiday. Your drive takes you through Williams and Kingman to the Hoover Dam. Continue to nearby Las Vegas, the glittering oasis in the desert. Overnight: Circus Circus.
Day 13. Las Vegas. A full day to enjoy the "Entertainment Capital of the World". Take an optional jeep tour to Red Rock Canyon; take a flightseeing excursion to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon and the amazing glass Skywalk; enjoy the shopping and attractions of Las Vegas, or just relax by the hotel pool. In the evening be sure to take in one of the world-class shows. Overnight: Circus Circus.
Day 14. Las Vegas - Santa Monica/Los Angeles (approx. 290 miles). Journey through the Mojave Desert today, stopping at the 'ghost town' of Calico en route to Los Angeles and the termination of Route 66, Santa Monica. After a stroll along the boardwalk and perhaps dipping your toes in the Pacific Ocean, continue to your hotel. Overnight: Custom Hotel.
Day 15. Los Angeles/Santa Monica. Spend a full day at leisure in Los Angeles, the City of Angeles.
A short drive will take you to Hollywood and Mann's Chinese Theater. Stroll along the exclusive shopping street of Rodeo Drive in the heart of Beverly Hills, home to the rich and famous. Universal Studios is located just a couple of miles from Hollywood and is well worth a visit. For a more leisurely day, relax by the ocean and soak up the sun on the miles of sandy beaches in Santa Monica. Or, wander along Third Street Promenade, lined with colourful shops and restaurants. Just America will be pleased to advise your on the sightseeing opportunities in, and around, Los Angeles and we can prebook excursions should you choose to join an escorted sightseeing tour today and leave the car at the hotel. Overnight: Custom Hotel.
Day 16. Los Angeles departure. Spend your last morning relaxing in the California sunshine before returning your rental car at Los Angeles International Airport and transferring to the terminal for your return flight.
Just America will be pleased to quote for additional pre or post tour accommodation in Chicago and Los Angeles. We can also advise, and book sightseeing excursions at the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Upgrade your hotel in Chicago, Las Vegas or Los Angeles - details on request from Just America.
