After a non-stop 8.5 hour flight from the UK, arrive mid afternoon at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport where you have the option to either collect your rental car or transfer independently to your hotel, where you can collect your rental car upon leaving Chicago.
Hotels:
Standard: Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Chicago – Downtown
Superior: The Whitehall Chicago
Step outside today and experience mile after magnificent mile of the Windy City. Stand on the corner of Michigan and Adams, marked as the starting point of Historic Route 66. Enjoy coffee and a big breakfast at Lou Mitchell’s, a Chicago institution since 1923 and a must for Route 66 travellers. Stroll the lakefront, peruse the shops, bike the parks, grab a Chicago Dog, or explore the city’s incredible sights and architectural treasures including Willis Tower, one of the tallest buildings in North America.
Hotels:
Standard: Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Chicago – Downtown
Superior: The Whitehall Chicago
This morning, pick up your rental car and get ready for an unforgettable journey into the then and now of America along Historic Route 66. This legendary old road passes through a variety of pure Americana landscapes and takes in some of the country’s biggest, oldest and most peculiar sites along the way. Begin your journey by following the traditional east-to-west path of Route 66 from Chicago to St. Louis, Missouri, cruising through endless cornfields and flat prairies. En route, don’t miss Wilmington’s most photographed “citizen”, the larger-than-life green Gemini Giant, and Atlanta’s Bunyan Giant, a 19-foot statue of Paul Bunyan holding a giant hot dog. In Springfield, stop at the Cozy Dog Drive-In, the birthplace of the corn dog, and explore the legacy of Abraham Lincoln with a visit to the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Once in St. Louis, the largest city along Route 66, you can follow in the footsteps of legendary explorers by visiting the historic sites found throughout the city, including the Gateway Arch, the nation’s tallest monument.
Hotels:
Standard: Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis at Forest Park
Superior: Hilton St. Louis Downtown
Continue through the Ozark Highlands of southern Missouri to Springfield, recognised as the birthplace of Route 66. En route, stop at Meramec Caverns, an extensive set of natural limestone caves whose formations and colours are as unique as they are beautiful. Adding to the pleasure of exploring the caves is learning that Jesse James used them as a hideout and took advantage of the underground river to escape through the “back door.”
Hotels:
Standard: Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven
Superior: Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven
This morning, cut through the southeastern corner of Kansas on your way to Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma section of Route 66 contains more driveable miles than any other state as well as several miles of the original 9-foot road segment that served Oklahoman families headed west in search of better opportunities during the 1930’s. En route to Oklahoma City, stop to view the beloved 20-foot tall cement Blue Whale in Catoosa, a landmark along Route 66, and the Cyrus Avery Route 66 Memorial Bridge in Tulsa honouring the “Father of Route 66’s” memory and connection to the historic highway. Once in Oklahoma City, the state’s capital, be sure to check out the old Route 66 motels, gas stations and numerous vintage buildings.
Hotels:
Standard: Howard Johnson by Wyndham Oklahoma City
Superior: Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel
Continue to Amarillo, located in the pancake-flat plains of the Texas Panhandle. This area of Texas was once the buffalo-rich grasslands of the Great Plains, inhabited by bands of Kiowa and Comanche Indians. Stop at the Route 66 Museum in Clinton where you experience six decades of Route 66 history. See Shamrock’s Tower Station and the U-Drop Inn Cafe whose towering spire is still a reminder of the booming business it once saw. See the first restored Phillips 66 gas station in McLean and in Groom, the leaning water tower and a 150-foot tall stainless steel cross. Once in Amarillo, be sure to stop at Big Texas Steak Ranch where you can attempt their 72oz. steak challenge.
Hotels:
Standard: Quality Inn Medical Center
Superior: Candlewood Suites Amarillo – Western Crossing
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.
Hotels:
Standard: Crowne Plaza Albuquerque
Superior: Crowne Plaza 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.
Hotels:
Standard: Crowne Plaza Albuquerque
Superior: Crowne Plaza 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.
Hotels:
Standard: Crowne Plaza Albuquerque
Superior: Crowne Plaza Albuquerque
This morning, the state of Arizona welcomes Route 66 travellers with an overwhelming display of trading posts. View huge concrete tepees that stand at the foot of brilliant red-rock mesas en route to Petrified Forest National Park, the only park in the National Park System containing a section of Historic Route 66. Here you will come face-to-face with over 13,000 years of human history and one of the world’s largest and most colourful assemblies of petrified wood, historic structures and archaeological sites. Catch a sunset over the Painted Desert from the park’s Kachina Point before heading to Holbrook. Once in Holbrook, stop at the Wigwam Motel whose steel and concrete teepees featuring modern conveniences have welcomed guests since the 1950’s.
Hotels:
Standard: Travelodge by Wyndham Holbrook
Superior: Travelodge by Wyndham Holbrook
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.
Hotels:
Standard: Ramada by Wyndham Williams/Grand Canyon Area
Superior: Ramada by Wyndham Williams/Grand Canyon Area
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.
Hotels:
Standard: Circus Circus Las Vegas
Superior: Luxor Hotel & Casino
Enjoy a full day Las Vegas style. Walk the famous Strip lined with mega-resorts and flashing neon lights, place a bet at one of the many casinos, dine at world-class restaurants, catch the latest must-see show, shop designer boutiques, ride a roller coaster, lay by the pool … the list goes on. With so much to do, 24 hours in a day hardly seems like enough.
Hotels:
Standard: Circus Circus Las Vegas
Superior: Luxor Hotel & Casino
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 artefacts 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.
Hotels:
Standard: Clarion Hotel Anaheim Resort
Superior: Hilton Anaheim
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.
Hotels:
Standard: Clarion Hotel Anaheim Resort
Superior: Hilton Anaheim
Return your rental car at Los Angeles International Airport prior to your departure.
Travel dates: 1st April – 31st October
Standard package from: £2,039
Superior packages from: £2,279
Our holidays are completely tailored to suit you. We would be happy to help you choose from a vast array of additional experiences that will enhance your North America holiday adventure.
These might include:
There are many more, often quite unique to your chosen destination so please do ask.
We prepare every travel pack individually. We want this to be the perfect travelling companion for your adventure and to offer you all the information you need. Your personally prepared ring-bound travel itinerary booklet is detailed and is designed to serve as a wonderful reminder of your experiences for years to come when you return.
This sensational holiday is both an epic road trip and journey of discovery through the American heartland, taking in gems such as Oklahoma, President Lincoln’s home in Springfield, St Louis, Amarillo and Albuquerque, as well as the extraordinary expanse of the Grand Canyon and the incredible Petrified Forest National Park.
Feel the wind in your hair and the freedom in your bones on this amazing self guided tour where you can cruise the 2,400 miles and 8 states of Route 66 at your own pace.
| Location | Nights |
| Chicago | 2 |
| St. Louis | 1 |
| Springfield | 1 |
| Oklahoma | 1 |
| Amarillo | 1 |
| Albuquerque | 3 |
| Holbrook | 1 |
| Grand Canyon/Williams | 1 |
| Las Vegas | 2 |
| Anaheim (LA) | 2 |
Based on low season travel for 2 people
Factors affecting price:
Availability – early booking, best prices
Seasonal variations
Weekend travel/hotel stays
Special events/conferences
Varying available room types
For all of the above reasons, please speak to our experienced team who can offer relevant advice on seasonal variations and create a personalised itinerary and costing for your specific dates.
Car rental companies charge in the region of $500 when you return your car to a different location than the one you collected from – with Complete North America you pay nothing!
Considered the bible for Route 66 travellers. Route 66 has been chopped in pieces and disguised under many names, so following the TRUE route is not easy. Author, Jerry McClanahan is a route aficionado and his personal guide will ensure you stay en-route and miss none of the sites.
Reduced premium cabin travel available.
Prices from
Premium/World Traveller Plus: £249 each way
Business/Club Class: £1,249 each way
Prices vary according to travel dates and availability. Call us on 01159 610590 for our latest deals.
There is no substitute for first hand experience and David has travelled the ‘Mother Road’ several times.
“Thank you and your team for your support with the logistics for our Route 66 Road Trip.
We had an absolutely wonderful time and are so grateful for the opportunity. The flights and car hire you arranged provided a seamless way of our getting on the road and seeing some amazing things – a trip of a lifetime.
Thank you again. We are already planning another trip – this time to the Southern States and we shall not hesitate to use your services once more.”
The Hustler Party (Route 66)The trip itself was beyond our wildest dreams , everything was absolutely superb. All the accommodation was first class and everywhere was truly original . It was great when we arrived at each hotel/motel which all had great facilities.
The Canham Party (Route 66)I just wanted to thank you and the Complete North America team for your work in arranging our Route 66 Holiday in the USA. I could not have asked for a more efficient and well-organised plan which worked perfectly for us. The itinerary booklet was and excellent baseline to work from and everything just clicked into place.
The Canham Party (Route 66)
from £2,499 per person including flights