Your fly drive includes:
- Round trip scheduled flights
- Intermediate 4 door car hire, including insurances and satellite navigation.
- Accommodations as stated
- Personalised Road Book
Itinerary 2
Duration: 15 days / 14 nights
Starts Chicago and ends Albuquerque
Itinerary 3
Duration: 15 days / 14 nights
Starts Oklahoma City and ends Los Angeles
One of the most renowned driving routes in the world, historic Route 66 spans across North America, from Chicago in the east to Los Angeles in the west. Covering over 2,000 miles, it takes three weeks or longer to complete the journey in its entirety so we have created three options to choose from: the entire journey (Chicago to Los Angeles); Chicago to Albuquerque or Oklahoma City to Los Angeles. The journeys shown are based on car rental, however motorbikes or motorhomes can be substituted should you prefer them.
Day
01
Day
02
Day
03
Arrive Chicago
Depart the UK on your chosen scheduled flight to Chicago. Upon arrival, collect your rental car and proceed to your hotel. Chicago is one of the most popular US cities and it’s easy to see why. A myriad of attractions and the fabled ‘Magnificent Mile’ of shopping keep its visitors entertained and the cultural mix provides for fabulous dining options too.
Hotel:
Palmer House, A Hilton Hotel
202Mi/325Km
Day
04
Springfield
Make your way to Jackson Boulevard at Lake Shore Drive this morning, considered the official starting place of Route 66. Stop at the Route 66 Welcome Centre in Joliet, see a 28-foot-tall spaceman in Wilmington and have a bite to eat at the Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield before arriving at your hotel.
Hotel:
President Abraham Lincoln DoubleTree, Springfield
96Mi/155Km
Day
05
Day
06
St. Louis
Have lunch at the Ariston Café in Litchfield, which is one of the oldest restaurants on Route 66. Stop at Henry’s Rabbit Ranch where a replica of a vintage gas station and displays of highway memorabilia can be found, and make a slight detour to walk across the old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Madison, the longest pedestrian bridge in the world.
Hotel:
St Louis Union Station DoubleTree
289Mi/465Km
Day
07
Springfield
Leaving the Mississippi River behind today, you’ll travel through the picturesque Ozark Mountains towards the small city of Springfield, Missouri. A stop at the Meramec Caverns near Stanton is a must.
Hotel:
DoubleTree by HIlton Springfield
113Mi/182Km
Day
08
Tulsa
You’ll cross three states today; you’ll leave Missouri, briefly drive through Kansas and arrive in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Along the way, stop at the ‘4 Women on The Route’ restored gas station in Galena, cross the Rainbow Curve Bridge in Baxter Springs, visit the Route 66 Packard Museum in Afton, see the world’s largest Totem Pole in Foyil and peruse the giant Blue Whale in Catoosa.
Hotel:
DoubleTree by Hilton, Tulsa
107Mi/173Km
Day
09
Oklahoma City
It’s a short drive today past the Cherokee Outlet towards Oklahoma City. Walk around the Oklahoma City Zoo or botanical gardens and visit the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.
Hotel:
Sheraton Oklahoma Downtown
260Mi/419Km
Day
10
Amarillo
Today’s drive brings you into the cowboy state of Texas. Stop en route at the entertaining Sand Hills Curiosity Shop in Erick, visit the U-Drop Inn in Shamrock, the Devil’s Rope Barbed Wire Museum in McLean, the leaning water tower in Groom and the VW Slug Bug Ranch in Conway, where five VW Beetles are buried nose-down in the ground.
Hotel:
Courtyard Amarillo Downtown
279Mi/449Km
Day
11
Day
12
Santa Fe
Briefly taking the I-40 which replaced the old Route 66, you’ll witness ghost towns which were once thriving when Route 66 was a major highway. Stop at the Midpoint Café in Adrian, which marks the midpoint of the old Route 66, equidistantly 1139 miles from Los Angeles and Chicago. We have allowed a full day in Santa Fe, which is America’s oldest state capital, to relax and explore.
Hotel:
Inn & Spa at Loretto
61Mi/98Km
Day
13
Day
14
Albuquerque
It’s a short but scenic journey to Albuquerque, so why not venture off the freeway along the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway? You’ll enjoy breathtaking views from atop Sandia Crest, and pass through the mining towns of Los Cerrillos, Madrid and Golden. Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico and is full of exciting attractions such as the historic downtown and city zoo.
Hotel:
DoubleTree by Hilton Albuquerque
140Mi/226Km
Day
15
Gallup
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the 66 Diner on Central Avenue before getting back on the road. Stop at Grants, where some of the historic Route 66 motels and shops still exist, before arriving in the old railroad town of Gallup on the western edge of New Mexico. Visit the historic El Rancho Hotel and drive down motel row, which sparkles with vintage neon motel signs.
Hotel:
Hilton Garden Inn Gallup
186Mi/299Km
Day
16
Day
17
Flagstaff
Crossing the border into Arizona, today’s drive promises some great sights. Stop at the Petrified Forest; the only National Park to contain a section of historic Route 66, pass through the ghost town of Two Guns, stop for a photo in Winslow and visit the Meteor Crater. In Flagstaff, we recommend you take time to explore the historic downtown area.
Hotel:
Little America Hotel, Flagstaff
167Mi/269Km
Day
18
Kingman
Back on the road, you’ll enjoy stops in Williams, where the Grand Canyon Railroad takes passengers to the Grand Canyon, and Seligman, which is rich in Route 66 nostalgia including the famous Snow Cap Drive-In. Kingman is home to the Route 66 Museum, as well as many scenic walking trails.
Hotel:
Best Western Plus, A Wayfarer's Inn
207Mi/333Km
Day
19
Barstow
Leaving Arizona behind, you cross the magnificent Mojave Desert en route towards California - which is the last state on the Route 66 journey. We suggest a stop at the small Wild West-style town of Oatman, where gift shops, saloon bars and live shows are sure to entertain, before crossing the Colorado River and arriving in California.
Hotel:
Best Western Plus Desert Villa Inn
131Mi/211Km
Day
20
Day
21
Day
22
Santa Monica
There is plenty to see on the final stretch of Route 66. Stop at the Route 66 Museum in Victorville, see the Wigwam Motel and the McDonald’s Restaurant Museum in San Bernardino and enjoy a fresh orange juice at Bono’s Big Orange in Fontana. You’ll drive through West Hollywood and Beverly Hills before reaching Santa Monica Pier, the official end of Route 66! We have allowed a three night stay in Santa Monica for you to relax and enjoy the many attractions of Los Angeles.
Hotel:
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
13Mi/21Km
Day
23
Journey home
Take the short drive to Los Angeles Airport, return your rental car and check-in for your flight back to the UK.
Prices
Itinerary 1
From £2949 per person based on twin occupancy of Standard rooms in low season. Other prices available on request.
Itinerary 2 & 3
From £1675 per person based on twin occupancy of Standard rooms in low season. Other prices available on request.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the nature of the route involved and locations visited, some hotels featured are tourist class only. Should you wish to stay in higher graded properties please let us know and we will amend the route accordingly. One way drop off fees are applicable on these routes and are payable locally.
