Hotels

Welcome to the start of famous Route 66! Enjoy some time at leisure to relax or do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions. Hotel : Essex Inn (T)

Sightseeing

Known as the “Windy City,” Chicago is home to America’s tallest building, legends such as Al Capone and his notorious gang, and of course countless jazz and blues clubs. Experience this exciting city on a morning sightseeing tour. This afternoon is at leisure. Ride the elevator to the top of the Sears Tower, explore The Magnificent Mile which offers 460 stores in eight city blocks, or stroll along Navy Pier.

Tonight, perhaps join an optional dinner and Gangster Tour.

Sightseeing

Travel across the fertile Illinois farmlands where the road is dotted with truck stops, diners, and quirky icons. Upon arrival in Springfield, visit BILL SHEA’S ROUTE 66 GAS STATION MUSEUM, a favorite stop for travelers. His memorabilia spans the lifetime of the famous road, and he’ll even share a few stories about the “Mother Road.” Springfield is also the former home of President Abraham Lincoln. Visit his home and his final resting place where he was buried after his assassination in 1865. Then, cross the mighty Mississippi River and continue to St. Louis, the “Gateway to the West.”

Tonight, why not enjoy some famous St. Louis barbecue?

Hotels

Stay at Hotel : Millennium Hotel (MF)

Sightseeing

A morning city tour of St. Louis includes the towering GATEWAY ARCH. Ride to the top of the magnificent 630-foot-tall Arch for a panoramic view of the city and river. Next, travel through the Missouri countryside passing Meramec Caverns, the hideout of notorious bank robber Jesse James, to Branson, one of America’s biggest music centers.

Performing Arts

Join us this evening for our optional evening out to Dick Clark’s American Bandstand where you’ll “shake, rattle & roll” with original American Bandstand stars from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s.

Hotels

Stay at Hotel : Comfort Inn Thousand Hills (F)

Sightseeing

This morning, leave the Ozarks traveling through America’s Bible Belt and into cowboy country. After a quick drive through Kansas, enter Oklahoma, once known as Indian Territory. Stopover in Claremore to visit the WILL ROGERS MEMORIAL MUSEUM. Born on a sprawling frontier ranch in Oklahoma, Will Rogers was an Indian, a cowboy, a movie and Broadway star, a writer, a speaker, a comedian, and a world figure. View his collection of saddles, photos, and manuscripts that reflect on his incredible life. Later today, arrive in Oklahoma City.

Museums

A city tour this morning includes the NATIONAL COWBOY HALL OF FAME AND WESTERN HERITAGE MUSEUM, a national memorial to the American cowboy. See historical exhibits, which include Native Americans, the American Cowboy and Rodeo, and more. A “must-see” is Prosperity Junction, a recreated Western town. From here, travel to Clinton, Oklahoma, where you’ll visit the OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66 MUSEUM, home to vintage cars, neon signs, a 50’s diner, and drive-in theater. Your adventure continues through the rolling hill country into Texas and on to Amarillo, the state’s oil capital.

Get into the Lone Star spirit tonight with our optional dinner of juicy Texan steak, served with heaps of Wild-West atmosphere.

Sightseeing

On the way out of Amarillo, see the Cadillac Ranch, a quirky art sculpture consisting of a collection of 10 Cadillacs. Before crossing into New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment, reach Adrian, the half way point on Route 66. Next, stop in Tucumcari, a classic Route 66 town in every sense of the word. Hear the ancient Indian fable of how Tucumcari received its name, shop for souvenirs at Tepee Curios, and see the neon signs of the Blue Swallow Motel that has been serving travelers of Route 66 since 1939. Continue along old Route 66 west to Santa Rosa. Look for the signs of the good ol’ days: Comet Drive-In, Silver Moon, Sun and Sand, and the still-grinning faces of Fat Man billboards outside of town.

Museums

Visit the ROUTE 66 AUTO MUSEUM to see memorabilia and cars of the era. Later today, arrive in Albuquerque.

Sightseeing

This morning’s included guided WALKING TOUR features Albuquerque’s Old Town, site of the city’s original settlement. Next, visit Central Avenue, where many of the original Route 66 buildings and businesses still stand. Perhaps stop at the 66 Diner and sample a real American hamburger and a rich, creamy milkshake. The remainder of the day is free to explore this fascinating city.

Adventure

This evening, why not join an optional trip up to 10,378-foot Sandia Peak for an exhilarating ride on one of the world’s longest aerial tramways?

Sightseeing

This morning, visit ACOMA SKY CITY, home of the Pueblo Indians, situated on 357-foot-high sandstone rock. It is considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited village in the United States. Learn about the building of this great city and its inhabitants and peruse the famous Acoma pottery and jewelry. Then cross the Continental Divide and continue to Gallup, which claims a longtime Hollywood connection. From Redskin, filmed in 1929, to the more recent adventures of Superman, the area has provided unequaled movie scenery. Tonight is in Flagstaff, nestled at the base of the San Francisco Mountains. Perhaps visit the Museum Club, a great place to scoot.

National Parks

Deviate from Route 66 to see one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the GRAND CANYON. There’s time to wander along the canyon rim and experience breathtaking views. Perhaps join the optional helicopter “flightseeing” tour for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Hotels

This evening, you stay inside Grand Canyon National Park. Hotel : Grand Canyon Park Lodges (ST/NP).

Sightseeing

This morning, return to Route 66 and pass through historic Williams. The entire downtown area is listed in the National Register for Historic Places. Make sure to appreciate the neon signs of the intact circa 1940s “Motel Row.” Later today, visit Seligman, home to the rebirth of Route 66. Detour once again from Route 66 in order to visit the bright lights and excitement of “Sin City,” Las Vegas.

Sightseeing

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Spend the day relaxing by the pool or exploring the world-renowned Las Vegas Strip. Ride the world’s highest rollercoaster, float through a Venice canal, or see man-eating sharks up close and personal—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.

Sightseeing

A variety of optional excursions are available, including a raft trip through dramatic Black Canyon on the Colorado River.

Performing Arts

In the evening, join an optional night out at a dazzling show featuring top Vegas entertainment.

Museums

Today, depart the man-made phenomenon of Las Vegas and cross the Mojave Desert and the San Bernardino Mountains en route to Los Angeles. Time to stop in Barstow to visit the ROUTE 66 MOTHER ROAD MUSEUM, which displays a collection of historic photographs and artifacts related to Route 66 and the Mojave Desert Communities. Continue on to Los Angeles, the “Capital of Glamour.”

Join us tonight for an optional farewell dinner celebrating your journey along “America’s Main Street.”

Sightseeing

This morning’s city tour includes Beverly Hills, Sunset Strip, Hollywood, Mann’s Chinese Theater, and the famous Kodak Theater. We then head for the Santa Monica Pier, the official end of Route 66. Take some time to stroll along the boardwalk, breathe some fresh air, dip your toes in the water of the Pacific, and reflect on your memories of the journey. The remainder of the day is free to explore this exciting city at your leisure.

Shopping

A full day at leisure with plenty of activities to choose from. Los Angeles offers great shopping and eating establishments.

Airport Transfers

The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers are provided to Los Angeles International Airport.