USA : Explore the Mysteries of the Historic Route

A morning tour introduces us to this magnificent city constructed along the shores of Lake Michigan. The afternoon is free to explore the ‘Windy City’ and there’s so much to see, you’ll be spoilt for choice. You could join an optional excursion to visit the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck and take a cruise onto Lake Michigan. If you fancy exploring the city on foot, take a relaxing stroll on the Chicago Riverwalk, a 1.25-mile stretch along the south bank of the Chicago River.

Along the way, maybe stop for a drink at one of the many breezy riverside cafés to watch the world go by. There’s also the famous 24.5-acre Millennium Park, where you’ll find the well-known Cloud Gate, perfect for a photo opportunity. For art lovers, a visit to the Art Institute is a must - with thousands of artworks from paintings to photography and textiles. There are also plenty of museums; try out the Museum of Science & Industry or the Field Museum. Before the end of a busy day, be sure to have your photo taken next to the historic Route 66 ‘begin’ sign on Adams Street.

Best Western River North, Chicago

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Tour of Chicago (morning)

This morning we take our first steps along the ‘Mother Road’. Although the roads have been changed and modernised through the years, our route over the following days still encompasses the Route 66 spirit that has enthralled so many since its inception in 1926. We stop to visit the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame & Museum, housing thousands of artefacts and memorabilia on this world-famous road. We continue south to the Springfield area, which President Lincoln called his home for so many years.

Wyndham Springfield City Centre (3.5-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Visit to the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame & Museum (morning)

Spend today learning about the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. We’ll visit President Lincoln’s tomb and his home, a National Historic site. We’ll also travel to New Salem, where he lived and worked for six years in the 1830s. This reconstructed village includes houses, shops and a general store, with information imparted by costumed interpreters. We’ll then head for St Louis, where you’ll have the evening free to explore.

Drury Inn Union Station, St Louis

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Excursion to New Salem, Historic Lincoln’s Tomb and Home (all day)

Today we take a trip to the top of the 630ft Gateway Arch, opened in 1965 to honour President Jefferson’s vision of the continental United States. At the top, take in the stunning views stretching up to 30 miles east and west. The rest of the day is free to discover all that St Louis has to offer. Why not take a riverboat cruise along the Mississippi, tour the huge Anheuser-Busch Brewery or take some time to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings of the Botanical Garden.

Drury Inn Union Station, St Louis

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Gateway Arch experience (morning)

Breakfast

Our first stop today is at the Museum of Transportation. Take a few moments to picture yourself driving on a Route 66 road trip in years gone by as you see the large collection of classic motor vehicles, as well as over 20 classic locomotives. Later, we take a tour of the aptly named Fantastic Caverns to view the spectacular cave formations. Tonight we stay in Springfield, Missouri.

Oasis Hotel & Convention Centre

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Guided tour of the Museum of Transportation (morning)
Vist to Fantastic Caverns (afternoon)

Breakfast

Departing Springfield, we cross into Kansas and on to the state of Oklahoma and our lunch stop in Tulsa. This afternoon we continue to Oklahoma - a city bursting with fascinating history, where in 1889 tens of thousands of settlers surged forward in the Great Land Run to grab their piece of glory and stake their claim on part of the two million areas of unassigned land opened for settlement. Not surprisingly, Oklahoma City became known as ‘the city born in a single day’. On arrival we take an orientation tour, before checking into our hotel.

Hampton Inn & Suites Oklahoma City-Bricktown (4-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Tour of Oklahoma City (afternoon)

We continue west, leaving the plains of Oklahoma for the oil-rich Texas Panhandle. We take time to view Palo Duro Canyon State Park, second largest in America and where spectacular vistas greet the eye. We continue to Amarillo for our overnight stay. Since it was founded in the 1880s, Amarillo has experienced many things, from civil war battles to the creation of many millionaires from the ‘black gold’ of the area.

Drury Inn & Suites Amarillo

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Visit to Palo Duro Canyon State Park (afternoon)

Breakfast

Just outside Amarillo we catch a glimpse of a strange sight - ten half-buried Cadillacs, tail up in a field, which is said to represent the golden era of the car. Then we’ll head onward to New Mexico, known as ‘the Land of Enchantment’ and Albuquerque, a historic city dating back nearly 300 years. We take a brief orientation tour before checking into our hotel.

Best Western Rio Grande, Albuquerque

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Tour of Albuquerque

Breakfast

Today is free to explore at your leisure. The charming historic Old Town is worthy of exploration with its winding brick pathways, fountains, and an abundance of restaurants where you can try out some New Mexican cuisine. There are also plenty of museums and galleries to discover. If you’re feeling energetic, there are lots of walking trails allowing you to explore further afield.

Best Western Rio Grande, Albuquerque

Arizona greets us today as we make a visit to the enchanting Petrified Forest National Park, where quite literally the remnants of an ancient forest have been fossilised, creating an almost otherwordly landscape. Incorporated within the park is the Painted Desert, a vast arid badland scattered with buttes and mesas. We continue west to Flagstaff, a city situated at an elevation of almost 7,000 feet and surrounded by Ponderosa pines and national parks. We’ll stay here for the next two nights.

Little America Hotel, Flagstaff (4-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Visit to Petrified Forest National Park (all day)

Our journey today takes us to a true world wonder - the Grand Canyon. The colossal size is difficult to comprehend, especially as its creator, the mighty Colorado River, is so small in comparison. Most of the day is dedicated to exploring the canyon in different ways. You might choose an unforgettable flight over the canyon in a helicopter or plane, or watch the breathtaking IMAX film to see the canyon from unique perspectives. Or simply enjoy the view from the South Rim viewpoint. After an enchanting day, we return to our hotel at Flagstaff.

Little America Hotel, Flagstaff (4-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Visit to Grand Canyon National Park (all day)

Our scenic journey today takes us onwards for a brief stop at Williams, a town steeped in Route 66 history. Time to explore before travelling through Hualapai Indian country to Kingman. We continue to Las Vegas.

Tropicana Las Vegas - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel (4-star)

Enjoy a whole day at leisure to explore the dizzying delights of Las Vegas. Perhaps wander down the famed Strip and watch the Bellagio Fountains, or try your luck in one of the casinos. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities for souvenirs, or you may wish to dine in one of Vegas’ many eateries and simply sit back and relax, enjoying views of this bustling city.

Tropicana Las Vegas - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel (4-star)

Today we continue our journey west to Barstow and stop off for an intriguing visit to Calico ghost town, an old silver mining town. Then, have your camera ready for the journey ahead as we travel through the San Bernardino Mountains and down to Los Angeles. Taking Santa Monica Boulevard to the coast itself and the actual end of the road at the Pacific Ocean, our journey is now complete. For the last night of our adventure, we’ll stay in Redondo Beach.

Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina (4-star)

Today includes

Excursions & visits: Visit to Calico ghost town (morning)

Today we transfer to the airport for a return flight to the UK.

Los Angeles - In flight