Highlights of Route 66 and Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

17 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
4/5 Great
100+ reviews  
67%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Group Tour
Get your kicks on Route 66 with a legendary trip across America. This historic route was called the “Main Street of America” for more than 50 years before the advent of the US Interstate system. On this trip down memory lane, you’ll visit the major cities along Route 66, see many of the Route 66 museums, and step back in time to when the journey was part of t...
From$4,199
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

What's this trip about?

    Get your kicks on Route 66 with a legendary trip across America. This historic route was called the “Main Street of America” for more than 50 years before the advent of the US Interstate system. On this trip down memory lane, you’ll visit the major cities along Route 66, see many of the Route 66 museums, and step back in time to when the journey was part of the fun. And you’ll be just in time to experience the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, an annual event where hundreds of vibrantly colored hot-air balloons take to the sky! This trip begins in the “Windy City” of Chicago, travels through eight states, and ends in Los Angeles. Travel to St. Louis where you’ll witness amazing views of the city and the Mississippi River from the top of the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch. Visit the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City to view antique cars and historic documents that help you feel what it was like to travel Route 66. In Albuquerque, watch the colorful spectacle of hundreds of balloons rising into the sky at the early morning Balloon Glow and the Mass Ascension at the International Balloon Fiesta. Spend a day in beautiful Santa Fe, a city known for its art and culture and the home to the oldest and highest capitol in the United States. Deviate from Route 66 to see breathtaking scenery at one of the Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon and then experience the excitement of Las Vegas where you can explore the Vegas Strip, take an optional excursion to see the engineering marvel, Hoover Dam, or just relax by the pool. In Los Angeles, you’ll enjoy a tour of Hollywood, the Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica, the ending point of Route 66. Discover vintage Americana, wide open spaces, and national treasures on this Route 66 tour designed for value-minded travel lovers.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transport
Start CityCHICAGO
End CityLOS ANGELES

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus

Destinations

Attractions

  • Albuquerque
  • Chicago
  • Las Vegas
  • Los Angeles
  • Santa Fe

Activities

  • Culture

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: CHICAGO

Welcome to Chicago, the start of Route 66! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3pm-6pm with answers, tips, and suggestions.

Once settled into your hotel, perhaps start exploring the city’s amazing architecture via the 1.25-mile Riverwalk along the Chicago River or do some shopping at the many well-known retail destinations along Michigan Avenue.

Day 2: CHICAGO

Known as the “Windy City,” Chicago is home to magnificent architecture including one of America’s tallest buildings, notorious gangster Al Capone, and countless jazz and blues clubs. Oh, and deep-dish pizza, of course! Get to know this exciting city on a morning sigh...

Day 3: CHICAGO–PONTIAC–SPRINGFIELD

This morning, immerse yourself in Route 66 memorabilia. Visit the Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac, housed in a historic fire station. See the large maps that will sketch out your Route 66 adventure for the coming days and enjoy the nostalgic photos and p...

Day 4: SPRINGFIELD–ST. LOUIS

Cross the mighty Mississippi River and continue to St. Louis, “Gateway to the West.” Your orientation tour includes the towering Gateway Arch National Park. Ascend to the top of the 630-foot-tall arch for a panoramic view of the city and river. Then drive along an ori...

Day 5: ST. LOUIS–JOPLIN

Today, we travel through the Missouri countryside, exploring interesting quaint towns and quirky roadside attractions along Route 66. Overnight in Joplin, a city where a couple of infamous outlaws named Bonnie and Clyde once hid out. (Breakfast)

Day 6: JOPLIN–TULSA–OKLAHOMA CITY

After a quick drive through Kansas, enter Oklahoma, once known as Indian Territory and home to the Cherokee Nation. Visit the Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center and get an overview of Cherokee history, art, and culture. In Tulsa, see the “East...

Day 7: OKLAHOMA CITY–ELK CITY–AMARILLO

Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Oklahoma City, the capital and largest city in Oklahoma. From here, travel to Elk City and visit the National Route 66 Museum and take a journey through each of the eight states Route 66 passes through. Continue into the Texas Panhandle and on to Amarillo, the Yellow Rose of Texas. (Breakfast)

Day 8: AMARILLO–TUCUMCARI–ALBUQUERQUE

On the way out of Amarillo, you’ll stop at Cadillac Ranch, the quirky art sculpture consisting of a collection of 10 colorful Cadillacs. Before crossing into New Mexico, reach Adrian, the halfway point on Route 66. Across the New Mexico border, visit Russell’s Car Mus...

Day 9: ALBUQUERQUE-INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FESTIVAL

This morning, enjoy an unforgettable experience at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta’s Mass Ascension, where hundreds of colorful hot-air balloons fill the morning sky. Enjoy time walking down Main Street where you’ll find food vendors, merchandise, and ent...

Day 10: ALBUQUERQUE. EXCURSION TO SANTA FE

Travel through the foothills of the Sandia Mountains to enjoy the day in Santa Fe. Take an orientation tour with highlights including the Palace of the Governors and the State Capitol. Visit historic Loretto Chapel and learn about its mysterious “Miraculous Staircase....

Day 11: ALBUQUERQUE–GALLUP–WINSLOW–WILLIAMS

Depart Albuquerque and cross the Continental Divide continuing to Gallup, sometimes called the “Indian Capital of the World.” It is the homeland of Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, and many other tribes who comprise a large percentage of the population. Then we’ll be “standing on ...

Day 12: WILLIAMS. EXCURSION TO GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Deviate from Route 66 to see one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Grand Canyon National Park. Wander along the canyon rim for breathtaking views and wildlife, including the chance to spot Elk grazing in the forested areas on the South Rim. Treat yourself to ...

Day 13: WILLIAMS–SELIGMAN–LAS VEGAS

Depart Williams for Seligman, home to the rebirth of Route 66. Detour once again from Route 66 to visit the bright lights of Las Vegas. An orientation tour upon arrival shows off many of the themed casino resorts along the glittering “Strip.” This evening, consider an...

Day 14: LAS VEGAS

A day at leisure to relax by the pool or explore the legendary Las Vegas Strip. Float through a Venetian canal, visit jaw-dropping horticultural displays, or test your luck at one of the many world-famous casinos—it’s all possible in Las Vegas! Don’t miss downtown Las...

Day 15: LAS VEGAS–VICTORVILLE–LOS ANGELES

Today, depart the man-made oasis of Las Vegas, and cross the natural beauty of the Mojave Desert and the San Bernardino Mountains en route to Los Angeles. Visit the California Route 66 Museum, featuring a 50’s diner, VW Love Bus, and the 1917 Model T Ford exhibits. Overnight in Los Angeles, where you’ll visit Santa Monica, the ending point of Route 66.

Day 16: LOS ANGELES

Explore the exciting “City of Angels” on a morning tour of legendary Beverly Hills, Sunset Strip, and Hollywood, where you’ll walk along the stars on Hollywood Boulevard, and get a photo of the iconic Hollywood sign. Your afternoon is free. Get a real taste of Hollywo...

Day 17: LOS ANGELES

Your vacation ends this morning. Consider extending your vacation with extra nights and explore Los Angeles further.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $4,199
Price per day$247
Last Updated: 3/11/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
03 Oct 2025
19 Oct 2025
$4,199
Available

Gratuities for Tour Director and driver are available for pre-purchase.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Cosmos.

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.

Cosmos Reviews & Ratings

4/5  Great
Excellent
1
Great
1
Average
1
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
Write a Review

Other Cosmos Reviews

C

Coral

Jun 2023

Written on

Cosmos? No

We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good. -During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-...

H

Happy Traveler from US

Jun 2020

Written on

Excellent Experience and Excellent Guide

I would highly recommend this company and some trips to Scandinavia and Baltic. The countries are amazing, the service and our guide Ausra Paukste was really the bes...

T

Tangobeauty

Sep 2018

Provided byCosmos

Great Cosmos Value

I am a budget solo female traveler. I have traveled with COSMOS for about 20 years in the past, all over Europe, Switzerland, Turkey, etc. The best thing is that I n...

Write a Review

Tour Operator

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

Hotel Saint Clair

Drury Inn & Suites Springfield

Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Convention Center

Drury Inn & Suites Joplin

Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel

Country Inn & Suites Amarillo West

Hilton Garden Inn Albuquerque Uptown

La Quinta Inn and Suites-Grand Canyon Area

Sahara Las Vegas

Westin Bonaventure

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
[object Object]
Trip ID
COSMOS-8540

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save