Description
Classic Route 66 Fly Drive Multi Centre Holiday
Pick up your car keys and get set for the holiday of a lifetime as you make your way from Chicago to Santa Monica on what is arguably the world’s most famous road trip – Route 66.
DAY 1: CHICAGO
Welcome to the Windy City! After checking in to your centrally located hotel take a wander down the famous Michigan Avenue and immerse yourself in the Chicago vibe.
Hotel: Best Western Grant Park Hotel, Chicago
DAY 2: CHICAGO
Traveplanners recommends pre-booking your Chicago City pass for entry into Shedd Aquarium VIP, the Field Museum and Underground Adventure, Skydeck Chicago and many more of the city’s famous attractions.
Hotel: Best Western Grant Park Hotel, Chicago
DAY 3: CHICAGO -ST LOUIS (300 miles)
St Louis was known as the Gateway to the West during the 19th century expansion of the United States and its where the Lewis and Clark and their fellow explorers set off from in the spring of 1804 on their famous journey West. Be sure to take the time from your Route 66 holiday to visit the tallest monument in the USA, the Gateway Arch. Before settling in for the night why not enjoy some downtime with a visit and guided tour to one of St Louis’ many breweries?
Hotel: Homewood Suites by Hilton St. Louis
DAY 4: ST LOUIS – SPRINGFIELD (216 miles)
On route be sure to stop at Meramec Caverns limestone caves in Stanton, then arrive in Springfield, recognised as the birthplace of Route 66 in 1926.
Hotel: Best Western Coach House Inn
DAY 5: SPRINGFIELD – OKLAHOMA CITY (286 miles)
Oklahoma’s hip, spirited environment blends with it’s deep Western heritage, creating an exciting destination steeped in culture and adventure. A vital stop on your fly drive Route 66 holiday.
Hotel: Homewood Suites by Hilton Oklahoma City-West
DAY 6: OKLAHOMA CITY – AMARILLO (260 miles)
Before you cross into Texas be sure to stop off at the Route 66 Museum, full of nostalgic memorabilia. Next stop is the traditional Texan town of Amarillo.
Hotel: Homewood Suites Amarillo
DAY 7: AMARILLO – ALBUQUERQUE (285 miles)
Before leaving Amarillo be sure to visit Cadillac Ranch. This unique display of art features a row of ten colourfully painted Cadillac cars buried grille first in the ground. Continue to the MidPoint Cafe in Adrian famous for its “ugly crust” pies. From Adrian you’ll follow Route 66 to Albuquerque, New Mexico for a great taste of the Land of Enchantment.
Hotel: Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn
Day 8: ALBUQUERQUE
The state’s largest city, Albuquerque spreads north and south along the banks of the Rio Grande. Spend the day exploring Downtown Albuquerque’s Central Avenue, a treasure trove of Route 66 landmarks. Historic Old Town offers a taste of New Mexico’s Spanish colonial past while the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, owned by the state’s 19 different Pueblo communities, traces the history of the region’s Native American cultures.
Hotel: Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn
Day 9: ALBUQUERQUE – SANTA FE – ALBUQUERQUE
To get a true sense of the Old Route 66, today you will detour to New Mexico’s state capital, Santa Fe. Founded on the ruins of an abandoned Indian village and steeped in history, Santa Fe is the oldest capital in the U.S., and although it lost its place on Route 66 in 1938, it remains one of the most picturesque cities in the state. At one time this was the end of the old Santa Fe Trail, the earliest trade route linking the American frontier back east with the far west. Plan to visit one of Santa Fe’s famous art galleries, art markets, or museums full of traditional and contemporary art, including works by their own Georgia O’Keeffe, or shop for authentic creations you just won’t find anywhere else.
Hotel: Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn
DAY 10: ALBUQUERQUE – HOLBROOK (235 miles)
During your journey to Holbrook you’ll pass through the Petrified Forest National Park, the only National Park on the historic Route 66.
Hotel: Howard Johnson Holbrook
DAY 11: HOLBROOK – GRAND CANYON/WILLIAMS (178 miles)
Continue to Meteor City, a true vintage trading post whose distinctive dome can be seen for miles along this stretch of Route 66. Pass through Flagstaff and Williams en route to Grand Canyon National Park, a natural wonder that you simply have to see to believe. Spend the day discovering the distinct South Rim of the Canyon. Stop at one of the numerous overlooks, walk part of the Rim Trail or along the historic Hermit Road. Visit a Photo Hot Spot, or climb to the top of a stone Watchtower for panoramic views that extend over 100 miles on clear days.
Hotel: Best Western Plus Inn of Williams
DAY 12: GRAND CANYON/WILLIAMS – LAS VEGAS (275 miles)
Leave the town of Williams and the Grand Canyon behind as you make your way to Seligman, the first stop heading west on the longest uninterrupted stretch of Route 66. Continue through Kingman whose old Route 66 cafes and motels still flourish, to one of Arizona’s hidden treasures, Hoover Dam. Considered the largest single public works project in the history of the U.S., Hoover Dam straddles the mighty Colorado River, which forms the border between Nevada and Arizona and brings much-needed water and power to the Southwest. Continue to Las Vegas, Nevada, a city that needs no introduction.
Hotel: Excalibur
DAY 13: LAS VEGAS
We recommend pre-booking a once in a lifetime helicopter trip to the Grand Canyon for something special. For the less adventurous, why not spend your last night in Las Vegas in style, experiencing one of the many amazing shows on offer.
Hotel: Excalibur
Day 14: LAS VEGAS – SANTA MONICA – LOS ANGELES AREA (269 miles)
This morning, set out through the Mojave Desert for Calico Ghost Town, California’s authentic silver mining town and one of the few original mining camps of the Old West. Rejoin Route 66 in Barstow where a collection of historic photographs and artifacts related to Route 66 and the Mojave Desert communities are on display at the Route 66 Mother Road Museum. Continue through Pasadena, Los Angeles, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills to Santa Monica for a true Hollywood ending to your cross-country journey. Park and venture the last few blocks on foot to view the “End of the Trail” sign on Santa Monica’s Pier. This sign officially marks the western end of Historic Route 66.
Hotel: Hotel Marguerite, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
DAY 15: LOS ANGELES AREA (15 miles)
Spend the day strolling along the beaches of Santa Monica or browsing the adjacent indoor/outdoor shops at Third Street Promenade. Or, further explore L.A.’s one-of-a-kind destinations, playgrounds of the rich and famous and architectural gems. Universal Studios Hollywood and Anaheim’s original Disneyland Park are also located within easy driving distance.
Hotel: Hotel Marguerite, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Day 16: LOS ANGELES DEPARTURE
Return your rental car at Los Angeles International Airport prior to your departure.
