Upon arrival into Chicago O’Hare airport choose to collect your rental car from the airport and drive to your downtown hotel (approximately 15 miles), or if you prefer to arrange a transfer and collect your car from a convenient downtown location when you leave after your 2-night stay. A member of our team will be happy to run through these options with you.
It will be late afternoon to early evening by the time you settle in to your hotel but much later on your body clock, so get some rest and prepare for a full-on day in the Windy City tomorrow!
Hotels:
Standard: Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Chicago – Downtown
Superior: The Whitehall Chicago
Chicago has something to offer every taste. Our favourite day in Chicago would always include an early breakfast at the iconic Lou Mitchell’s on Jackson Boulevard, which was right there when Route 66 was born in 1926.
After a hearty American breakfast you’ll be fuelled and ready to visit the 24.5 acre Millennium Park for a selfie in front of Cloud Gate (a.k.a. The Bean). Then take a stroll to the Magnificent Mile, stomp down Michigan Avenue and head to the Riverwalk, perhaps for some lunch where the views of the city architecture are incredible.
In the afternoon you could take your pick from a host of world class museums, perhaps the pick of these being the Art Institute of Chicago. Or how about zipping up over 100 floors in an elevator to the Willis Sky Deck where it’s selfie time again as you step on to ‘The Ledge’, a glass box that hangs over the side of the building offering views of the urban expanse some 103 floors below.
Evening options abound, with bars and restaurant to suit all tastes. You can take in a show or visit to Buddy Guy’s Legends, the home of the Blues in Chicago and considered one of the premier Blues clubs in the World. Owned by its namesake, a true legend of the Blues, this iconic venue features live Blues every night of the week.
Hotels:
Standard: Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Chicago – Downtown
Superior: The Whitehall Chicago
It is time to hit the road. Pull out your EZ-66 guide (supplied exclusively with all C.N.A. Route 66 holidays) as although Route 66 virtually parallels the interstate anywhere, the detailed research and knowledge that is packed into your EZ-66 guide means you will be guided to the right historic spots – many people miss key spots without this fantastic guide!
Take a moment to consider the history and people who have travelled this historic route, even today hundreds of men & women, young and old, take this trip every year from Chicago to Los Angeles. America unfolds as you travel through the Ozarks, authentic American towns in the southwest and vast open deserts.
Get an early start as today is a long journey travelling through Illinois farmlands on your way to St. Louis, the crossroads where highways from Chicago, Kansas City, Memphis, Nashville, and Indianapolis meet. The city was originally the focal point of Indian trails that ran all across the US and the jumping off point for Lewis and Clark’s Expedition of Discovery to open the West through the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase.
As you travel south you can visit Springfield, the Illinois State Capital. This is Abraham Lincoln country. Lincoln left here to serve as President of the United States during the most awful period in American history, the Civil War and returned as a fallen hero, a casualty of the same war. New Salem where Lincoln lived and worked for six years has been reconstructed. Costumed interpreters bring the village alive. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is the centrepiece of a four block historic neighbourhood. The President’s Tomb, Presidential Library and original law office are also open for touring.
As you cross from Illinois into Missouri you’ll be crossing the historic Chain of Rocks Bridge. Be sure to stop at Ted Drew’s Frozen Custard, serving Route 66 travellers since 1929. By the time you arrive into St. Louis it will likely be late and you can look forward to a day at leisure here tomorrow.
Hotels:
Standard: Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis at Forest Park
Superior: Hilton St. Louis Downtown
In St. Louis, the original Route 66 tracked through town very near the Gateway Arch and we definitely recommend riding the elevator inside Arch to the top of the 630 foot structure. Spectacular views of the Mississippi River await.
If, after a long day driving, you fancy a relaxing stroll, head for Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States, offering world class attractions and beautiful scenic walks.
You might like to taste the tradition of St. Louis breweries with a tour of the historic Anheuser-Busch Brewery, home of Budweiser, where you can also visit the impressive Clydesdale horses.
In the evening, you can catch up with the St. Louie Blues, which were born right here, and taste the fruits of Anheuser-Busch, the world’s largest brewer. St. Louis has long been known as the city where beer is king so other brewery options include Brewery Tours of St. Louis or Crooked Craft Tours. Stop by Urban Chestnut’s Midtown Brewery & Biergarten or Grove Brewery & Bierhall, 4 Hands Brewing Company, Square One Brewery & Distillery, Morgan Street Brewery and Schlafly Bottleworks and Tap Room.
St. Louis is a fun night out, head to the new sports focused entertainment district in the heart of downtown Ballpark Village. Just a few blocks north you will find Washington Avenue or Laclede’s Landing where the night life really goes up a gear.
For something a little more relaxed we’d suggest dinner, drinks and a show at Westport Plaza’s 42-acre entertainment district, or if we are pushing the boat out check out the trendiest boutiques and serious dining establishments in Clayton and the Central West End. If you are looking for some live music Soulard boasts some of the best blues venues in St. Louis.
Hotels:
Standard: Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis at Forest Park
Superior: Hilton St. Louis Downtown
Today we take a detour from Route 66 to pick up the path of the great Mississippi river as it carves its often muddied and mystic way across the American landscape. So much history, particularly music history oozes from the veins of this region – it has to be experienced up close and personal.
We’d suggest a nice early start and instead of your standard fare hotel breakfast, head 10 miles out of town to Half & Half, where they treat the most important meal of the day like a bistro would dinner. Everything is made from scratch so choose from dishes like their Clara Cakes, pancakes with raspberry jam, mascarpone and granola, or for a more authentic American experience how about Sausage Biscuit with house made sausage, country biscuit, scrambled eggs, aioli and potatoes.
Another stop worth considering en-route to Memphis is Ste. Geneviève. Here you can step back in time in the small, historic village of Ste. Geneviève, which is Missouri’s oldest permanent European settlement that was established on the west bank of the Mississippi by French colonists nearly 300 years ago. Today, it still contains several original vertical log structures that are maintained as museums and open to the public (as well as more than 150 pre-1825 structures), and its narrow streets and fenced gardens surround some of the most important 18th century architecture in the country. Walk the streets, browse the numerous antique shops, head inside the historic houses and soak up the rich history before you continue your journey south.
You may well be running on empty by the time you reach Memphis, and with a day at leisure tomorrow you could just turn in for the night. If you can keep going take a leisurely stroll on world famous Beale Street, soak up the live music oozing from nearly every bar club and restaurant along the way, it is quite something.
Hotels:
Standard: Comfort Inn Downtown
Superior: Peabody
Memphis perched on the Mississippi River in southwest Tennessee and is famous for the influential vibes of blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll that originated here.
There are so many options for your day in Memphis that we strongly suggest a little research via the many visitor websites you can access however here is our suggestion:
Start early, jump in your car and head 10 miles to Graceland, the home of ‘The King’ Elvis Presley. The mansion set in 13.8 acres is open daily for tours and is a spectacular showcase of his life and possessions including Elvis’s custom jets, many cars and of course music awards. The interactive iPad tour allows you to immerse yourself in the life at home for Elvis, which as we all probably know was an extravagant one!
Next stop, heading back towards town to the small neighbourhood known as Soulsville you need to visit STAX, the museum of American Soul Music, where they pay homage to music legends and includes more than 2000 musical and cultural artefacts.
Perhaps an alternative is to visit the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. It lays out the story of American music history, from the Blues origins in the cotton fields through country and gospel in the 1930’s and to the rock ‘n’ roll where the blue touch paper was lit in the famous Memphis recording studios of Stax Records, Sun Studio and HI records.
The National Civil Rights Museum is another must. The site of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr presents a timeline of Civil Rights struggles. They have some iconic exhibits with numerous interactive features to improve the user experience. The recently renovated facility is impressive and well worth a visit.
An image synonymous with this the Mississippi River is the paddle steamer and in Memphis you could choose a sightseeing cruise about the Memphis Queen III. These 10-mile, 90 minute cruises are well worth considering to complete your daytime tour of Memphis.
At night it surely has to be Beale Street. The historic neon lined road is three blocks of nightclubs, entertainment and retail shops. Music spills from clubs like Rum Boogie Café, B.B. King’s, Silky O’Sullivan’s and the updated Hard Rock Café. Live music plays deep into the night so put on your dancing shoes. Here you can grab a drink and stroll the street to soak it all up and pick your next venue.
If you took in Beale Street on your first night you might like to take ‘The Locals’ option. The Overton Square entertainment district of town features some of the tastiest restaurants in the city, Overton Square is also crammed with live theatre and independent retail shops The Second Line, is worth a look, their menu is full of classic New Orleans dishes like po’ boys, shrimp and greens.
If you’ve eaten already or fancy a nightcap? Try Boscos or Local on the Square for a locally made craft beer.
Hotels:
Standard: Comfort Inn Downtown
Superior: Peabody
Today it’s time to hit the road early and get back to Route 66 after your musical detour.
Much of the rural Ozark region, punctuated by the second oldest mountains in the world, looks much as it did when the first settlers arrived. Springfield has been bustling since the St. Louis-San Francisco railroad arrived in 1870.
Interestingly, Springfield is considered the mother of the Mother Road itself. It was here that Cyrus Avery of Oklahoma who fought for a route through Oklahoma met with John Woodruff of Springfield, to plan and promote the idea of an interregional link that would bring trade and access to the area. In honour, Springfield has preserved much of the old highway frontage along St. Louis Street as well as the ‘Chestnut Expressway.’
If you’re a fan of western folklore, delve into the ‘Wild’ Bill Hickock legend surrounding his fellow gambler Dave Tutt. There are so many different stories – no one really knows what happened!
Hotels:
Standard Only: Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven
Oklahoma was the home of Cyrus Avery, who came to be known as the ‘Father of Route 66.’ After he was appointed to head the commission that reviewed the routes of new national highways, he fought for several years to bring a major highway through his home state, knowing it would boost the economy. Ultimately, he was successful in the choice of a route that followed the National Old Trails Road in 1925, which just happened to cross right through the middle of Oklahoma.
‘Been on this road for a mighty long time,
Ten million men like me,
You drive us from you’ town
We ramble around
And got them 66 Highway Blues.’
Woody Guthrie of ‘This Land is Your Land’ fame who hailed from Oklahoma, illustrated the icon which Route 66 had already become in a song that told of the plight of the Okies fleeing to California. The Los Angeles police stationed themselves at the Arizona border in 1934 to stop the flood of Dust Bowlers looking for a better life.
Southwest of Springfield, you’ll begin to see why they would leave, as the landscape changes from the rich crop raising Midwest into the American southwest; red, dry and dusty. During the1930s, more than 15% of Oklahoma’s population took Route 66 to escape the constantly blowing sand. They picked up their belongings, their families, their hopes and their dreams and headed west.
After World War II, the pretty Oklahoma City referred to by the Nat King Cole in ‘Get Your Kicks on Route 66’ rose to new heights during the oil boom (the State Capitol is the only one in the country with an oil well on the grounds), only to suffer a dramatic decline at the end of the 1980s. Since then, the city has gone through an astounding transformation which continued during the re-building which followed the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. The monument to the victims is very moving and an adjacent museum tells the story.
For nightlife, make sure you visit Bricktown, a former warehouse district that has been reinvigorated with restaurants, cafes, night clubs and a vibrant atmosphere.
Hotels:
Standard: Howard Johnson by Wyndham Oklahoma City
Superior: Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel
For the traveller going west on Route 66, Texas is Cowboy Country. It is here that some of the most wonderful icons of Route 66, those ‘functional simple buildings that were adorned with all manner of exterior signs promising all things larger than life, still exist. Two headed snakes, reptile farms, alligators, wondrous caves and petrified mummies all vied for the attention of the vacationer in a unique side show that would have made P. T. Barnum proud. The tales carried home from these vacations would entice and amaze the neighbourhood for months.
Amarillo is one of the last places on earth where the Old West is just minutes away or depending on where you are, could be closer than that. The vast ranches of the Texas Panhandle, some numbering in the millions of acres are just outside of Amarillo. Shortly after being discovered by Spanish explorer Francisco Coronado in 1541, the area became a magnet for cattlemen and sheep herders from all points of the compass looking for fresh grazing grounds. As the Dust Bowl farmers headed to California, more cattlemen and cowhands moved in to claim the same territory for ranching. Step into ‘The Real Texas’ as the locals say.
Today, Amarillo and the surrounding Panhandle area is still a unique blend of the Old West and the New West, populated by American cowboys, roughnecks and self-made millionaires and the ever-present oil derricks.
Working ranches, essentially unchanged from the day-to-day operations of the late nineteenth century peacefully coexist with a vibrant twenty-first century economy powered by petroleum. More than 2 million cattle are still shipped out of Amarillo each year. Make sure to drive Amarillo Boulevard which is the original Route 66 that is still lined with block after block of strip shopping centres and roadside motels straight out of the 1950s.
Hotels:
Standard: Quality Inn Medical Center
Superior: Candlewood Suites Amarillo – Western Crossing
For many people travelling the old Mother Road during its hey-day, New Mexico presented their first glimpse of the more exotic cultures of the Southwest. To people who had never left the Midwest before, it was as if they had entered another country. Back then, the Native American and Spanish cultures were much stronger, not having been diluted as much with contemporary life. It was a fascinating heritage of old Indian Pueblos that dated back to before European colonisation and Santa Fe and Albuquerque that looked like they could have fallen straight out of Mexico with adobe buildings and a Spanish plaza in the middle town. What adventure and discovery these lands presented; a phenomenal contrast to Middle America.
Unique to New Mexico also was the number of Mom and Pop businesses that sprung up along Route 66. Some are still there. More amazing are the materials used to create workable spaces for the businesses. Crates left over from World War II became the walls of a motor court. Oilcans became shingles used to roof a service station. Cast away bottles and roadside trash became the material to create a wondrous roadside attraction. Diners could be ordered from a catalogue and shipped by railroad to their destination. These are the same icons we marvel at along the road that so represented America’s love affair with the automobile. As a result, New Mexico still has the most miles of original Route 66 that can be driven today.
On your way between Amarillo and Tucumcari, New Mexico, be sure to stop at Cadillac Ranch to see the ten tail- finned Cadillacs buried in the sand.
Once nicknamed ‘Six-Shooter Siding,’ Tucumcari, New Mexico got its start in 1901 as a rowdy railroad camp filled with saloons and outlaws. Soon, it became one of the many small railroad towns in the southwest with a flagging economy and diminishing population. Today, Route 66 is critically important, since it was the new businesses that were established along Route 66 which allowed Tucumcari to hang on, when other towns failed completely. Realising that they have one of a handful of authentic roadside towns still intact and thriving has promoted a renaissance and revival among the gentlemen and businesses who just refused to let this wonderful piece of Americana and the American ‘road trip’ pass away entirely.
Let the signs that read ‘Tucumcari Tonight!’ beckon you to this interesting place.
Hotels:
Standard Only: Best Western Discovery Inn
With the help of your EZ-66 guide continue to follow Route 66 before heading north to Santa Fe, over the years a melting pot of Hispanic, Anglo and Native American cultures that have shaped every aspect of this beautiful city from the architecture, to the food and the amazing array of art displayed at over 300 galleries.
In Santa Fe you can take guided tram tours, guided walking tours, and the tourism association even offers a free walking tour to help you navigate the crooked streets and pueblo style architecture that makes this city so unique.
Hotels:
Standard: Courtyard
Superior: Hilton Historic Plaza
Next up, Albuquerque – New Mexico’s capital city. Younger than its more northerly counterpart, Santa Fe, Albuquerque was founded in 1706 by a group of Spanish colonists who were granted permission by the King of Spain to establish a new city on the river. Old Town Plaza was the result of Spain’s Laws of the Indies which required setting a plaza at the centre of any city. This Plaza still fronts the San Felipe Neri Church complex built in 1793 and the El Camino Real, the main route through town that connected Santa Fe and Albuquerque with Mexico City. The Santa Fe Trail also criss-crossed the region in 1821. Today, both routes are National Scenic Byways and All American Roads.
Historic neon signs still glow on the old Route 66 through Albuquerque which is now Central Avenue. Alongside the vintage signs, you’ll see new versions put up by businesses that are continuing the aesthetic traditions of the old Route 66, adorning their shops with bright buzzing neon. The famous Route 66 continues to guide visitors through Albuquerque from the volcanoes on the city’s far west side past the Rio Grande Botanical Garden and the Albuquerque Aquarium through the historic Old Towns and Downtown business districts and continuing eastward through the University of New Mexico and trendy Nob Hill, where you’ll find many of the city’s best restaurants, distinctive shops and boutiques.
Hotels:
Standard Only: Crowne Plaza Albuquerque
As you complete the self-guided Historic Walking Tour from Plaza to Plaza, you will be passing from Old ‘Villa Albuquerque’ in Old Town, to the Downtown Civic Plaza, created in 1972. In between, you will witness 300 years of history.
It will be challenging to determine which other places to visit. Sandia Peak Tramway takes you over 2.5 miles to the 10,000 foot peak of the Sandia Mountains. Visit the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Centre, Albuquerque Museum and the National Hispanic Cultural Centre to learn more about local culture and history. Petroglyphs at the Petroglyph National Museum and El Morro National Monument reveal the life of ancient peoples who inhabited the area. The National Atomic Museum and Trinity Site, the exact spot where the first atomic bomb was detonated tell the story of this momentous event in American history.
Hotels:
Standard Only: Crowne Plaza Albuquerque
On the way between Albuquerque and Holbrook, you’ll be entering the dramatic lands of western New Mexico and travelling through the Navajo Reservation. The New Mexico Mining Museum at Grants has replicated an entire uranium mine. Natural attractions include the El Malpais National Monument, the Continental Divide. The excavated Pueblo at Inspiration Rock dates back to AD 1200. Skirting the southern foothills of the Zuni Mountains, the drive along Highway 53 is likely the most scenic in all of New Mexico.
Staying on this route brings you to Gallup, you can follow Hwy 40/Route 66 thru Gallup for about 9 miles until you reconnect with I-40. The Rex Museum in downtown Gallup offers local history including the WWII saga of the Navajo code talkers and Route 66 of course. Crossing into Arizona this part of the highway runs through a canyon with dramatic scenery. At Lupton you can see the Giant Tee Pee Trading Post whose Native American arts and crafts are made locally. Watch for the exits for Painted Desert and Petrified Forest before arriving to Holbrook. In Holbrook stop at the Wigwam Motel for a picture in front of the teepee motel rooms. If you’d like to stay here, get in touch with our team!
Hotels:
Standard Only: Travelodge by Wyndham Holbrook
Just outside of Joseph City you finally reach the famous Jackrabbit Trading Post whose iconic billboards are plastered 1000 miles along Route 66. Take your picture beside of or on top of the giant jackrabbit!
At Winslow see the “Standing on the Corner” statue dedicated to the Eagles song “Take it Easy”. Reaching Flagstaff you leave Highway 40 for the Grand Canyon National Park. The Grand Canyon is not actually on Route 66 but you couldn’t miss an opportunity to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World!
Hotels:
Standard: Yavapai Lodge East
Superior: Maswik Lodge North
We use accommodation located at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to give you the most rewarding experience, sunsets and sunrise at the rim are a must see. Other options for you are of course a helicopter flight and numerous driving pull out points along the South Rim for different views across the Grand Canyon.
One thing well worth considering is a hike down below the rim on one of the designated trails, one of our favourites is Ooh Ahh Point so named as visitors look one way with an ‘Ahh’ before turning to look the other way with an ‘Ooh’.
It’s about 2 miles in total taking around 90 minutes and is achievable without needing to be a serious hiker. The different angles on the view up as well as across and down make this a memorable walk. Tusayan, the nearby community, also has a museum that gives a fascinating insight into the American Indian Tribes whose home this landscape has been for over 800 years.
Hotels:
Standard: Yavapai Lodge East
Superior: Maswik Lodge North
Ahead of you lays the longest unbroken portion of the “old road”. It runs from Seligman all the way to Topock, at the California border. Completely bypassed by I-40, it’s as unspoiled as any section of the road anywhere. The historic Route 66 runs North and curves back to the interstate in Kingman, where you can connect with Highway 93 to Las Vegas. The Route 66 detour is only about 15 miles / 24 kilometres longer, but it’s of course slower to drive than the interstate. The road passes through small towns like Peach Springs, Truxton and Hackberry in the Hulapai Indian reservation. As you approach Peach Springs, look to the north. There is a point where you can see all the way to the south rim of the Grand Canyon, which makes it closest approach to the highway in this area.
Finish your day in Las Vegas, the neon oasis that never sleeps!
Hotels:
Standard: Circus Circus Las Vegas
Superior: Luxor Hotel & Casino
The Las Vegas Strip, now an All American Road and National Scenic Byway, is a sparkling fantasy land at the heart of the city. Its unique blend of exciting entertainment, scenic beauty, and lavishly landscaped resorts take you to a wide variety of exotic realms from a medieval castle to a Parisian sidewalk cafe, a lakeside Italian village, or a pyramid in ancient Egypt.
Once you arrive on the Strip, however, you might be surprised to find that it’s also an enjoyable walking environment. Whether it’s pirates plundering, fiery volcanoes spouting or tropical gardens luring the weary, the Las Vegas Strip offers a variety of fascinating visual experiences.
Las Vegas is home to some of the most spectacular shopping in the world. The Forum Shops at Caesars is Las Vegas’ premier luxury retail destination offering top retail, dining, entertainment, location and thematic Roman ambience. And with two distinct locations together featuring 290 designer and name-brand outlet stores, Las Vegas Premium Outlets® is a must stop for savvy shoppers.
Dining options seem endless and of course there are a wide variety of nightly shows to consider to top off your day in Las Vegas.
Hotels:
Standard: Circus Circus Las Vegas
Superior: Luxor Hotel & Casino
Finally, after a journey through the Mojave Desert today, you’ll reach the bright lights of Hollywood.
It may be hard to believe that the area around Barstow was once covered by immense lakes ringed with Native American villages. When silver was discovered in Calico, the area became a mining centre that included borax mining. Route 66 is Main Street through Barstow. Just off Main on First Street, you’ll discover the original Harvey House which gave rise to hospitality complexes all over the southwest.
Rainbow Basin about 15 miles north of Barstow is one of the lakebeds that existed between 10 and 30 million years ago. Calico Ghost Town is California’s official Silver Rush Ghost Town, preserving one of the few original mining camps in the Old West. One third of the town is original with the rest constructed in the ‘spirit’ of Calico’s Old West past.
Today’s destination, Santa Monica, is where the Mother Road meets the Pacific Ocean at the Pier. Many a dream has begun and ended on those beaches so pull out the camera (or do we say smartphones these days?) and get that selfie at the end of the road and on the pier at Santa Monica.
Make the short journey to Anaheim in Los Angeles for some well-earned R&R before you return home.
Hotels:
Standard: Clarion Hotel Anaheim Resort
Superior: Hilton Anaheim
Take two full days in the city of dreams, a place that grew up from the dispossessed or disillusioned arriving to start over and rebuild their lives. In the space of 100 years it has grown to be the second largest city in America after New York. With year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches and the most famous entertainment industry in the world, ‘Tinseltown’ and all of its spin offs provide you with a vast array of options for the final 2 days of your tour.
Venice Beach is worth a visit, this being the place many of us have seen in pictures with the muscle men parading and working out beach side while on the other side of the boardwalk you will find 100’s of street vendors and performers.
The John Paul Getty Museum is one of the most visited museums in America. There are two locations featuring Western Art from the Middle Ages to the present and art from ancient Greece, Rome and Etruria.
A great lunch stop is the original Farmers Market, common across America, where farmers bring their produce to sell direct to consumers, many have now developed into full on foody heaven and with LA’s ethnic diversity, there is a vast array of foods for you to try from right across the world.
An evening in Hollywood is of course a must. Discover the ‘Walk of Fame’ where over 2500 names from showbiz are immortalised with stars set in the sidewalk. You may well like ti visit Westside whilst in this area, this upmarket area includes Beverly Hills and Bel Air, home to many of the rich and famous as well as Rodeo Drive famous around the world for its shops, oh yeah and the film Pretty Woman.
Finish the evening with a stroll along Sunset Boulevard and a drink or dinner at once of the many trendy bars and restaurants.
Being based in Anaheim you are on the doorstep of the original Disneyland (Disneyworld is the Florida version). Opened in 1955 it now features two theme parks and a downtown shopping centre so can easily fill several days let alone one. It’s a place for young and old alike with iconic rides such as the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain.
If you want some serious kick back time before the flight home the nearby coast is lined with fabulous beaches, nearby is Newport Beach where a stroll along the Boardwalk at Balboa Island is highly recommended or venture further south to one of our favourite artist communities Laguna Beach.
Newport Beach would make a great location for dinner on your last evening. Two casual dining options would be the super cool and casual Ruby’s Shake Shack or the Beachcomber. Time it right and get seated for sunset would be a wonderful way to sign off your Route 66 adventure.
Hotels:
Standard: Clarion Hotel Anaheim Resort
Superior: Hilton Anaheim
Return your rental car to Los Angeles International Airport and check-in for your non-stop flight back to the UK.
Travel dates: 1st April – 31st October
Standard package from: £2,998
Superior packages from: £3,598
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 | 2 |
| Memphis | 2 |
| Springfield | 1 |
| Oklahoma | 1 |
| Amarillo | 1 |
| Tucumcari | 1 |
| Santa Fe | 1 |
| Albuquerque | 2 |
| Holbrook | 1 |
| Grand Canyon | 2 |
| Las Vegas | 2 |
| Anaheim (LA) | 3 |
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 £1,699 per person including flights