13 Day Route 66 “The Mother Road”-Chicago to Los Angeles

Take the morning to explore the “Windy City”. Take a walk down the Magnificent Mile with its world class shopping or visit the 95th floor of the John Hancock Tower for a great view of this architectural wonder. In the afternoon begin your historical drive. Route 66 begins at the corner of Michigan and Adams Avenue; from there you head west into America’s Heartland. Overnight in Springfield, the birth- place of Abraham Lincoln also the site of the yearly International Route 66 Mother Road Festival in September.

Overnight: Hampton Inn Springfield-Southwest or similar

Arrive in St. Louis, Missouri, located on the banks of the Mississippi and best known for its graceful stainless steel “Gateway Arch”. Tour the home of the world’s largest brewery at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery. Take in the sights, like the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis and the Missouri Botanical Gardens, or a river cruise on a paddlewheel riverboat on the mighty Mississippi River.

Overnight: Hampton Inn Gateway Arch Downtown or similar

Today continue through Missouri, the land of Mark Twain. You’ll find Meramec Caverns, the most promoted attraction on Route 66. It claims to be the site of sensational finds from archeological artifacts to the hideout of the notorious outlaw Jesse James. You’ll stay overnight in the “City of the Ozarks”, Springfield, the third largest city in Missouri.

Overnight: Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven or similar

Not long after leaving Springfield, enter the Victorian town of Carthage. Before entering Oklahoma, drive a short stretch of old Route 66 through the northeast corner of Kansas. Take a break in Tulsa to visit the Philbrook Museum with its extensive collection of 14th century Italian masterpieces. At the end of the day arrive in Oklahoma City, the State Capital.

Overnight: Hampton Inn Bricktown or similar

Today, you’ll experience the true “Main Street America” – small towns, small Route 66 stores and a feel for what life used to be when Route 66 was the Mother Road of America. Your first stop should be at the Trading Post in Bethany where you’ll find genuine Route 66 memorabilia and collectables. Make sure to stop in Clinton, OK and the Route 66 Museum. Stay overnight in Amarillo, Texas.

Overnight: Tru by Hilton Amarillo West or similar

Just west of Amarillo is the legendary “Cadillac Ranch” where 10 Cadillacs have been buried nose down in the ground at the same angle as the Great Pyramids of Egypt as homage to the road. It won’t take long before you’ll enter the gateway to the state of New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment and home of the Pueblo Indians.

Overnight stay in Tucumcari. Overnight: Best Western Discovery Inn or similar

Today’s first destination is the “city different”, the state capital of Santa Fe. The second oldest city in America is best known for art and the unique Southwestern Pueblo architecture dominating the city landscape. Make sure to visit the colorful local Indian crafts market held daily in front of the Palace of the Governors. Walk around the gallery-filled town square, visit the History Museum or simply have a cup of coffee at the mythical La Fonda Hotel on the plaza. Continue to Albuquerque, the city of the Rio Grande and New Mexico’s “Big City”. It is surrounded by the beautiful Sandia Mountains. Stroll around Old Town Albuquerque or visit the Pueblo Indian Museum.

Overnight: Hampton Inn Albuquerque – University/Midtown or similar

Gallup, another storied stop on Route 66 is notable for its mix of indigenous people and native culture. Enter Arizona and visit Petrified Forest National Park. A turn-off here will provide you with a firsthand look at the beautiful work of nature that is petrified wood. This area was once the site of an ancient forest later covered by lava flow. Stay overnight in Holbrook.

Overnight: Days Inn by Wyndham Holbrook or similar

Route 66 will lead you through the town of Flagstaff. Take another detour north to one of the World’s greatest Natural Wonders, the Grand Canyon – a place of tremendous beauty and grandeur. There is time to go for a walk, visit numerous viewpoints and just take in the magnificent scenery. The mile deep canyon is a remarkable masterpiece sculptured by the Colorado River over millions of years.

Overnight: GreenTree Inn Flagstaff or similar

Depart the Grand Canyon and again return to old Route 66. Take the turn off to Williams, one of the longest remaining segments of the historic road. Visit this one-of-a-kind town with its many unique shops and eateries which is still very much as it was during the heyday of Route 66. From the fantastic works of nature to the fantastic works of man – welcome to Las Vegas, Nevada, the city that never sleeps. The “Strip” will mesmerize you with its lights, glitter, opulent hotels, shows and gambling machines.

Overnight: OYO Hotel & Casino or similar

Today is your chance to “do the town” or cruise the sites. Try your luck at the casinos, relax at the swimming pool or take a day trip to Red Rock Canyon, famous Death Valley National Park or Valley of Fire State Park. Anything you choose will be a sure bet for a day of fun and excitement.

Overnight: OYO Hotel & Casino or similar

You are almost there! The Route will lead you through the Mojave Desert. If you have time, you can turn off the highway shortly before Barstow and drive into the Mojave Desert for a few miles to see Calico ghost town and its old silver mine. Cross the San Bernardino Mountains and Welcome to Los Angeles, the Dream factory, home to sunshine, palm trees, big cars and beautiful people. Route 66 becomes Santa Monica Boulevard and goes through Hollywood and Beverly Hills until it suddenly ends at the Santa Monica Boardwalk and the Pacific Ocean.

No overnight included.