Highlights of Route 66 Self-Drive

15 days
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Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Enjoy the Chicago skyline from Lake Michigan. Drive the original brick-topped section of Route 66. Admire St Louis' impressive Gateway Arch. Marvel at the magnificent Grand Canyon. Watch the sunset from Santa Monica.
From$2,967
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Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

What's this trip about?

    Enjoy the Chicago skyline from Lake Michigan. Drive the original brick-topped section of Route 66. Admire St Louis' impressive Gateway Arch. Marvel at the magnificent Grand Canyon. Watch the sunset from Santa Monica.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityChicago
End CityLas Vegas

Travel Themes

  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Attractions

  • Albuquerque
  • Chicago
  • Las Vegas
  • Petrified Forest

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Nature

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Itinerary

Day 1 : Chicago

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Chicago. On arrival in Chicago, make your own way to your hotel in the heart of the city. You have the rest of the day to begin exploring this famous Midwest metropolis, perched on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Day 2 : Chicago

You'll start the day with an architectural tour of the city, enjoyed from a boat on the Chicago River. This group tour is an excellent way to orientate yourself and you will float past over forty key Chicago sights and impressive skyline vistas. You'll have the rest o...

Day 3 : Springfield, IL

It's time to head out of the city and into rural Illinois, marking the start of your journey along historic Route 66. Make your own way to the car hire depot, where your car will be ready to collect. All insurances, road maps and a sat-nav are included. Your destinati...

Day 4 : St Louis

Your journey south west continues; your destination is only 100 miles away but be sure to allow plenty of time for the drive as you will pass by some notable icons of Route 66, including the Auburn Brick Road; an original brick-topped stretch of the original Route 66. Later today you will arrive in the city of St Louis, Missouri.

Day 5 : St Louis

A full day at leisure to explore St Louis, known as the 'Gateway to the West'. We recommend visiting the famous Gateway Arch, which stands as an impressive monument to the USA's western expansion. You may wish to travel 630 feet to the top of the Arch and enjoy stunning views of St Louis and the Mississippi River.

Day 6 : Albuquerque

Return your hire car at the airport and fly to Albuquerque, travelling via Dallas or Denver. On arrival you'll collect your new hire car for the second half of your Route 66 trip - all insurances, road maps and a sat-nav are included with your rental. The rest of the ...

Day 7 : Winslow

Begin the second leg of your journey along Route 66; today's destination is the small town of Winslow, which is located around four hours away over the border in Arizona and was made famous by the Eagles' song 'Take it Easy'. You will pass plenty of points of interest on your drive there, including the Sky City Acoma Pueblo and Petrified Forest National Park.

Day 8 : Grand Canyon National Park - South Rim

Continue your journey to the Grand Canyon, which is around three hours from Winslow. On the way you might like to stop at the mile-wide Meteor Crater that is around 50,000 years old.

Day 9 : Grand Canyon National Park - South Rim

You have the full day at leisure to explore Grand Canyon National Park; you might like to explore one of the park's many hiking trails or simply take a free hop-on hop-off shuttle bus along the canyon rim to enjoy the many spectacular panoramas and view-points.

Day 10 : Las Vegas

Your journey toward Las Vegas today allows the opportunity to follow an original stretch of Route 66, where you'll pass derelict gas stations and old motels overgrown with foliage. As you approach Las Vegas you might like to visit the impressive Hoover Dam that impounds the Colorado River.

Day 11 : Las Vegas

Enjoy a day at leisure in Las Vegas; wander down its famous Strip, browse its many shops and arcades, or venture out to Red Rock State Park. This evening you may like to enjoy a spectacular show or, if you're feeling lucky, place your bets in one of its glittering casinos.

Day 12 : Los Angeles

Complete your epic trip along Route 66 as you drive the final 300 miles of your journey. Today you'll travel through the Mojave National Preserve, passing sand dunes, wildflowers and joshua trees, before reaching Los Angeles on the Pacific Coast. On arrival, return your hire car at the depot and make your way to your hotel.

Day 13 : Los Angeles

You have the day at leisure to explore Los Angeles. There's something for everyone here, whether it's hiking in the Hollywood Hills, browsing boutique shops in Beverly Hills, visiting working film and television studios or simply relaxing on Santa Monica beach.

Day 14 : International return flight

Finish off your sightseeing today before making your way to the airport in time for your flight home.

Day 15 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,967
Price per day$198
Last Updated: 0/12/2022

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Audley Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Trip ID
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