Historic Route 66

Fly to Chicago, Illinois then pick up your rental car and check in to your hotel in Chicago. Spend the afternoon at leisure before you start your road trip tomorrow. Head to Millennium Park to see the iconic Cloud Gate, and stroll through Grant Park and the nearby Buckingham Fountain. Explore the architectural wonders along the Chicago Riverwalk and take a river cruise for city views.

Accommodation: 4* The Ambassador, Chicago or similar

This morning you will begin your epic road trip along Route 66; the drive from Chicago to Springfield is a nostalgic journey through Americana.

Starting from the bustling streets of Chicago, you soon find yourself on the historic Mother Road. Pass through quaint towns like Joliet, home to the Rialto Square Theatre, and Wilmington, where the towering Gemini Giant beckons. In Pontiac, visit the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum. The countryside is dotted with vintage gas stations and diners. In Atlanta, witness the Paul Bunyon statue holding a giant hot dog.

Finally, arrive in Springfield, rich with Abraham Lincoln history and Route 66 memorabilia, completing a picturesque drive through Illinois’s heartland.

Accomodation: 3* President Abraham Lincoln Springfield, DoubleTree or similar

Driving Time: 5 hrs / 215 mi

Before leaving Springfield, visit Oak Ridge Cemetery where you can see the Lincoln Tomb, the final resting place of President Abraham Lincoln and his family.

Stop in Litchfield to explore the Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Centre, and have lunch in the historic Ariston Café. In Staunton, the Henry's Rabbit Ranch offers quirky roadside charm and then the landscape transitions to rolling hills and lush forests. Stop in Edwardsville to explore its quaint downtown.

As you approach St. Louis, the iconic Gateway Arch rises on the horizon. Cross the Mississippi River, arriving in the vibrant city known for its blues music, barbecue, and rich history, perfectly blending the old Route 66 charm with urban excitement.

Accommodation: 4* The Pennywell St Louis Downtown or similar

Driving time: 2.5 hrs / 106 mi

Start your day in St. Louis with a visit to the Gateway Arch for breathtaking views from the top. Next, explore the nearby Old Courthouse, rich in history. Head to the City Museum, an imaginative and interactive wonderland perfect for all ages. Enjoy lunch at a local eatery in the Delmar Loop, followed by a visit to the Missouri Botanical Garden for a peaceful stroll through its beautiful landscapes. Spend the afternoon at Forest Park, exploring the St. Louis Zoo and the St. Louis Art Museum. Conclude your day with dinner in the vibrant Soulard district, enjoying live music and local cuisine.

Accommodation: 4* The Pennywell St Louis Downtown or similar

Today you will drive from St Louis to Springfield, through the heart of the Ozarks and small towns like Pacific and Cuba, where vintage murals and the World's Largest Rocking Chair await. Stop in Rolla to explore its Route 66 connections and picturesque scenery, and pick up some sweet treats at Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store in St Robert. Visit Lebanon's Route 66 Museum for a dose of nostalgia.

As you approach Springfield, MO, the landscape features rolling hills and lush forests. Springfield offers Route 66 landmarks like the Gillioz Theatre and the Birthplace of Route 66 Roadside Park.

Accommodation: 3* Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven, Springfield or similar

Driving time: 5.5 hrs / 237 mi 

Depart Oklahoma City and head west, passing through classic Route 66 towns like El Reno and Hydro. In Clinton, stop at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum before crossing into Texas. Don’t miss the Leaning Tower of Texas in Groom, and the VW Slug Bug Ranch in Conway.

Arriving in Amarillo, explore landmarks like the Cadillac Ranch, where colourful cars are buried in the desert, and the historic Big Texan Steak Ranch for a hearty meal. The drive blends rich history with striking landscapes, marking a memorable segment of Route 66.

Accommodation: 3* Best Western Santa Fe, Amarillo or similar

Driving time: 4.5 hrs / 248 mi

Leaving Amarillo you will pass Midpoint Café in Adrian, the halfway point of Route 66 and as you approach New Mexico you will travel through the historic ghost town of Glenrio. Stop for lunch in Tucumcari, renowned for its vintage motels and neon signs. In Santa Rosa, explore the Blue Hole, a stunning natural swimming hole.

Arriving in Santa Fe, immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage, from the historic Plaza to the vibrant art galleries and Pueblo-style architecture.

Accommodation: 3* The Lodge at Santa Fe or similar

Driving time: 4.5 hrs / 284 mi

After breakfast, visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Centre to learn about Native American history and art before leaving Albuquerque.

Stop at the town of Grants to visit the Route 66 Museum, showcasing the area's rich history, and then continue to Thoreau, known for its Navajo roots, and home to a local trading centre for turquoise and silver jewellery, as well as artisan rugs.

Head toward Gallup, known for its vibrant Native American culture. In Gallup, explore historic Route 66 landmarks and the downtown area’s unique shops and art galleries.

Accommodation: 3* Best Western Plus Gallup Inn & Suites or similar

Driving time: 2.5 hrs / 140 mi

Begin your day in Flagstaff with a visit to the Lowell Observatory for stunning views and astronomy exhibits. Stroll through the historic downtown area, checking out unique shops and galleries. Enjoy a hearty lunch at a local café.

In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to the Grand Canyon, about 1.5 hours away. Explore the South Rim’s breathtaking viewpoints, such as Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station. Return to Flagstaff in the evening and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Alternatively, if time permits, relax with a walk through the city’s charming streets or visit the Museum of Northern Arizona before dinner.

Accommodation: 4* High Country Motor Lodge, Flagstaff or similar

Embark on your last stretch of your Route 66 road trip, heading towards the end marker at Santa Monica Pier.

Pass through San Bernardino, and visit the First Original McDonald’s Museum, the original McDonald’s site and a nostalgic homage to fast-food history. Continue through Pasadena, where you can explore the charming Old Town and iconic architecture. As you enter downtown Los Angeles, take in the city’s vibrant energy and historic landmarks, and stop for lunch at Grand Central Market.

Follow Sunset Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard through West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, arriving in Santa Monica, where Route 66 ends at the Pacific Ocean. Stroll along the Santa Monica Pier and enjoy the ocean views, celebrating the end of your adventure.

Accommodation: 3* Gateway Hotel Santa Monica or similar

Driving time: 4.5 hrs / 158 mi

Today you fly back to the UK, dropping the car back at Los Angeles airport.

Your overnight flight arrives back in the UK for you to make your journey home. 

Route 66 traverses over 2,400 miles, across 8 states and 3 timezones, so you will experience a lot ofdifferent landscapes and climates. Spring and Autumn are the best times to travel for mild weather andquieter roads. Avoid the peak of summer as temperatures can get very hot and during winter, snow mayclose some portions of the road.

Please note to rent a car the lead driver must have a credit card in their name. Debit cards are only accepted in some cases. We recommend GPS and zero excess is included in the car rental, other options include multiple drivers and a full tank of petrol, which will be discussed when making your booking. Many of the roads are so vast and straight in the national parks you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s okay to drive a little faster than you actually should. There are, however, a lot of police cars and speed checks along the roads so do ensure you stick to the speed limit, which can often be 50 or 55 miles an hour. A one way fee may be applicable to the car rental, which will need to be paid on arrival. This will be confirmed at the time of booking.

Some of the areas you'll be travelling are quiet remote, you may like to bring with you lots of water and snacks.

Around National Parks and near remote areas, the standard of accommodation is fairly basic. Treat them just as a place to sleep, as you won't be spending much time in them.

British citizens do not require a VISA to visit the US, but they do need to apply online for an electronic authorization (ESTA). https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

Most National Parks charge a mandatory entrance fee, from around $20-$35 per vehicle. It is possible to purchase an ‘America the Beautiful’ Annual Pass locally, for around $80 which allows access into most National Parks https://store.usgs.gov/2024-annual-pass