Day 1: Chicago/ Arrival
Arrival in Chicago. Transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free.
Day 2: Chicago
Enjoy a day exploring Chicago. Stroll along fashionable Michigan Avenue, the Magnificent Mile, for some world-class shopping or marvel at some of the most impressive architecture in the city's bustling business district. The Willis Tower, at 108 stories, stands as Chicago's tallest building since its completion in 1974 and is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Boat cruises are offered on the Chicago River.
Day 3: Chicago – Springfield, Il
Explore Springfield and its most famous citizen, President Abraham Lincoln. Apx. 200 mi/325 km
Day 4: Springfield – St. Louis
St. Louis is situated on the banks of the Mississippi River and welcomes you with its famous Gateway Arch. Apx. 97 mi/166 km
Day 5: St. Louis
St. Louis has always been widely considered the gateway to the West. It was host to the World's Fair and the first ever Olympic Games in the U.S. 1904 and it was here that Charles Lindbergh embarked on the first transatlantic flight.
Day 6: St. Louis – Springfield, Mo
Travel through the scenic country-side of Missouri, the home of Mark Twain. Along the route you will see signs for Meramec Caverns, a 26-mile cave system that's worth a visit. Then continue to Springfield. Apx. 250 mi/400 km
Day 7: Springfield – Tulsa
Enter the state of Oklahoma. It has a colorful history as a frontier state, as the destination of freed slaves looking for opportunity and equality, and as the heart of the oil boom in the early 20th century. The western and Native American heritage of the state is a large part of its cultural identity. Tulsa is the home to the largest, most comprehensive collection of American Western art and artifacts in the world, housed in the Gilcrease Museum. Apx. 213 mi/340 km
Day 8: Tulsa – Oklahoma City
Continue to Oklahoma City the state capital. A visit to Stockyards City is a great way to experience the authentic American West that's still alive and well in this modern metropolis. The National Cowboy Western & Heritage Museum is America’s premier institution of Western history, art and culture to gain better understanding of the West. The Myriad Botanical Gardens is one of Oklahoma City’s most beloved public spaces, offering its visitors a 15 acre natural escape in the very heart of Oklahoma City. Apx. 116 mi/185 km
Day 9: Oklahoma City – Amarillo
Stop in Clinton which is known as the “Hub City of Western Oklahoma” on Historic Route 66. Many visitors are drawn to Clinton’s area attractions, such as the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum or the Cheyenne Cultural Center. Apx. 288 mi/460 km
Day 10: Amarillo – Santa Fe
Cross the state line to New Mexico and gain 1 hour! Drive through the ancient hunting grounds of the Comanche Indians and through Tucumcari until you reach the state capital of New Mexico, Santa Fe. The city is dominated by unique Southwestern Pueblo architecture. Visit the colorful local Indian crafts market held daily in front of the Palace of the Governors, walk around the gallery-lined town square or visit the History Museum. Apx. 279 mi/450 km
Day 11: Santa Fe
Enjoy a trip to Taos Pueblo, the ancient pueblo of a Northern Tiwa speaking Native American tribe of Pueblo people that has been continuously inhabited for more than 1000 years.
Day 12: Santa Fe – Gallup
On your way to Gallup stop in 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 on the Rio Grande. Continue to Gallup, another famous stop on Route 66 that is notable for its mix of indigenous people and native culture. Apx. 200 mi/320 km
Day 13: Gallup – Grand Canyon Area
Enter Arizona and visit the Petrified Forest National Park. This area was once the site of an ancient forest later covered by lava flow. Before continuing towards Flagstaff make sure to visit Meteor Crater and the impressive Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Apx. 272 mi/438 km
Day 14: Grand Canyon
We recommend an early morning start so that you have plenty of time at the majestic Grand Canyon. Along the canyon rim there are numerous vista points with ever changing and awe-inspiring views of this magnificent natural wonder. Also stop by the visitor’s center to learn about history and geology of Grand Canyon.
Day 15: Grand Canyon – Las Vegas
You will travel along one of the longest remaining segments of the historic Route 66. Through the desert cross over into the state of Nevada and reach Las Vegas. The "Strip" will mesmerize you with its glittering lights and mega-hotels. Apx. 277 mi/440 km
Day 16: Las Vegas
Glitzy, themed luxury hotels, famous casinos, and world-renowned shows create a world of fantasy. Treat yourself to a show or try your luck at one of the casinos.
Day 17: Las Vegas – Los Angeles
The Route will lead you through the Mojave Desert. Along the way visit Calico Ghost Town. Enter the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles: This is where Route 66 becomes Santa Monica Boulevard, winding its way through Hollywood and Beverly Hills until it suddenly ends at the Santa Monica Boardwalk and the Pacific Ocean. Apx. 286 mi/458 km
Day 18: Los Angeles/ Departure
Your trip ends with the return of the rental car and the return flight.
