Highlights of Route 66

Welcome to Chicago, the start of Route 66! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3-6:00 p.m. to answer questions.

Known as the “Windy City,” Chicago is home to iconic architecture, including one of America's tallest buildings, notorious gangster Al Capone, and countless jazz and blues clubs. Oh, and deep-dish pizza, of course! Get to know this exciting city on a morning sightseeing tour that includes the sign marking the start of historic Route 66.

Spend a free afternoon exploring Chi Town—perhaps a visit to the 103rd-floor Skydeck of the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), a walk along the Magnificent Mile, or an optional river cruise for a different view of the city's celebrated architecture.

This morning, immerse yourself in Route 66 memorabilia. Visit the Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac, housed in a historic fire station. See the large maps that will sketch out your Route 66 adventure for the coming days and enjoy the nostalgic photos and postcards from the “Mother Road's” heyday. Then on to Springfield, the capital of Illinois, where we will visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.

Cross the mighty Mississippi River and continue to St. Louis, “Gateway to the West.” Your orientation tour includes towering Gateway Arch National Park. Ascend to the top of the 630-foot-tall arch for a panoramic view of the city and river. Then drive along an original stretch of Route 66 and get the chance to savor some Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, a Route 66 treat since 1929. (B)

Today, we travel through the Missouri countryside exploring interesting quaint towns and quirky roadside attractions along Route 66. Arrive in Joplin and learn about this city where a couple of infamous outlaws named Bonnie and Clyde once hid out. (B)

After a quick drive through Kansas, enter Oklahoma, once known as Indian Territory and home to the Cherokee Nation. Visit the Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center and get an overview of Cherokee history, art, and culture. In Tulsa, see the “East Meets West” sculpture that pays tribute to Cyrus Avery, “The Father of Route 66.” Later, arrive in Oklahoma City. (B)

Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Oklahoma City, the capital and largest city in Oklahoma. From here, travel to Elk City and visit the National Route 66 Museum for a journey through each of the eight states through which Route 66 passes. Continue into the Texas Panhandle en route to Amarillo, "The Yellow Rose of Texas." This evening, join an optional dinner for a delicious taste of Texas at a local steakhouse. (B)

On the way out of Amarillo, stop at Cadillac Ranch, a quirky art sculpture consisting of a collection of 10 colorful Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground. Before crossing into New Mexico, reach Adrian, the halfway point on Route 66. Across the New Mexico border, visit Russell's Car Museum, featuring classic cars and memorabilia.

Next, stop in Tucumcari and shop for souvenirs at Teepee Curios, a mainstay on Route 66 since 1944. See the iconic Blue Swallow Motel that has been serving travelers of Route 66 since 1939, along with many original signs from the town's heyday. Visit Central Avenue in Albuquerque, where many of the original Route 66 buildings and businesses still stand. Then, have free time to enjoy Historic Old Town with its fine parish church and Spanish-style plaza. (CB)

Enjoy a day at leisure in this Southwestern city of diverse cultures, authentic art, and rich history. Take a short walk to Old Town, site of the city's original settlement, or visit one of Albuquerque's many museums, like the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, Albuquerque Museum, or the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Consider an optional open-air, narrated Albuquerque trolley ride tour of the city's famous spots.

Depart Albuquerque and cross the Continental Divide continuing to Gallup, the historic homeland of Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, and many other tribes who comprise a large percentage of the population. Stop to see the rich volcanic landscape of El Malpais (‘badlands' in Spanish) National Monument along the way. Then we'll be “Standing on the Corner of Winslow, Arizona,” the sleepy Route 66 town made famous by The Eagles in their hit song “Take It Easy.”

The next two nights are in Williams, gateway to the Grand Canyon, and listed in the National Register for Historic Places. The Historic Downtown District covers six square blocks and boasts a heritage that features the Old West and Route 66.

Deviate from Route 66 to see one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Grand Canyon National Park. Wander along the canyon rim for breathtaking views and a chance to spot wildlife like elk grazing in the forested areas on the South Rim. Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience on an optional helicopter flightseeing tour for an awe-inspiring bird's eye view from above the canyon.

Return to Williams where the evening is free to explore the historic Americana-style shops and restaurants dating back to the early 1900s. Be sure to take note of the neon signs of the preserved circa 1940s “Motel Row.” (CB)

Depart Williams for Seligman, home to the rebirth of Route 66. Detour once again from Route 66 to visit the bright lights of Las Vegas. An orientation tour upon arrival shows off many of the themed casino resorts along the glittering “Strip.” Enjoy an optional night on the town featuring dinner followed by a dazzling live show that pays tribute to the stars who made Vegas the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” (CB)

A day at leisure to relax by the pool or explore the legendary Las Vegas Strip. Float through a Venetian canal, visit jaw-dropping horticultural displays, or test your luck at one of the many world-famous casinos—it's all possible in Las Vegas!

Don't miss downtown Las Vegas, where you'll find the Fremont Street Experience, five city blocks enclosed in a glass atrium and filled with dazzling lights, sounds, and action. History and engineering buffs won't want to miss an optional excursion to see nearby Hoover Dam to learn about this towering engineering marvel known as the “Greatest Dam in the World.”

Today, depart the man-made oasis of Las Vegas, and cross the natural beauty of the Mojave Desert and the San Bernardino Mountains en route to Los Angeles. Visit the California Route 66 Museum to see its nostalgic 50's diner, VW Love Bus, and 1917 Model T Ford exhibits. Arrive in Los Angeles, where you'll visit Santa Monica, the ending point of Route 66.

Explore the exciting “City of Angels” with a morning tour of legendary Beverly Hills, the Sunset Strip, and Hollywood, where you'll walk along the terrazzo and brass stars on Hollywood Boulevard that honor leaders in the entertainment industry. This afternoon is at leisure. Get a real taste of Hollywood on the optional Warner Bros. Studio tour where you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how TV and movies are made, including seeing famous sets from the big and small screen.

Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Los Angeles further.