Highlights of Route 66

Highlights of Route 66

Follow legendary Route 66 and see how Americans traveled from the 1920s through the 1960s. This historic route begins in Chicago, travels through eight states, and ends in Los Angeles. On this Route 66 tour, you’ll get the opportunity to travel to some of the cities along Route 66, visit many of the Route 66 museums, and step back in time to when the journey was part of the fun. Visit Pontiac’s Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum, which features memorabilia from the heyday of Route 66. In Oklahoma, at the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, antique cars and historic documents help you feel what it was like to travel Route 66. In New Mexico, visit Russell’s Car Museum, featuring classic cars and memorabilia. Overnight in Williams Arizona—listed in the National Register for Historic Places and where you’ll see neon signs of the intact circa 1940s “Motel Row.” Before arriving at the end of Route 66 in Santa Monica, California, visit the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville, which displays memories in such settings as a 50’s diner, VW Love Bus and the 1917 Model T Ford. This tour also deviates from Route 66, so you can see breathtaking scenery at the Grand Canyon and experience the excitement of Las Vegas. In Springfield, visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, and in St. Louis, witness amazing views of the city and the Mississippi River from the top of the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch. These are just some of the many highlights of this Route 66 tour designed for value-minded travelers. Sit back, relax, and let Cosmos handle the driving and details while you enjoy!

What's Included

• Return Flights
• Services of a tour director
• Daily sightseeing
• Accommodation
• Selected meals
• All airport taxes

Day 1: Chicago

Welcome to Chicago, the start of Route 66! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer questions.

Day 2: Chicago

Known as the “Windy City,” Chicago is home to one of America’s tallest buildings, legends such as Al Capone and his notorious gang, and countless jazz and blues clubs. Get to know this exciting city on a morning sightseeing tour that includes the sign marking the start of historic Route 66. This afternoon is at leisure. Ride the elevator to the top of the Willis Tower, formally known as the Sears Tower, explore The Magnificent Mile, or stroll along Navy Pier.

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 postcards from the “Mother Road’s” heyday. On to Springfield and the former home of President Abraham Lincoln. Visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.

Meals included: Breakfast

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.

Day 5: St. Louis - Branson

Today, we travel through the Missouri countryside, then on to Branson, one of America’s biggest music centers. Your Tour Director will make suggestions for independent exploration.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6: Breanson - Tulsa - Oklahoma City

This morning, leave the Ozarks and travel through America’s “Bible Belt” into Cowboy Country. After a quick drive through Kansas, enter Oklahoma, once known as Indian Territory. In Tulsa, see the “East Meets West” sculpture that pays tribute to Cyrus Avery, “The Father of Route 66.” Later today, arrive in Oklahoma City.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7: Oklahoma City - Elk City - Amarillo

Visit to Graceland. A good portion of the day is devoted to GRACELAND, Elvis Presley’s beautiful estate. Your guided audio tour focuses on the memorial garden, and the opulent Start the day with a city 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. Take a journey through each of the eight states Route 66 passes through—from Illinois all the way to California. Continue into Texas and on to Amarillo, the Yellow Rose of Texas.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8: Amarillo - Tucumcari - Albuquerque

On the way out of Amarillo, see Cadillac Ranch, a quirky art sculpture consisting of a collection of 10 Cadillacs. Before crossing into New Mexico, reach Adrian, the halfway point on Route 66. Across the New Mexico border, visit Russell’s Car Museum, featuring classic cars and memorabilia. Next, stop in Tucumcari and shop for souvenirs at Teepee Curios. See the neon signs of the Blue Swallow Motel that has been serving travelers of Route 66 since 1939. Visit Central Avenue in Albuquerque, where many of the original Route 66 buildings and businesses still stand. Afterward, there’s free time in this original Spanish town with its fine parish church and Spanish-style plaza.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9:Albuquerque

This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast or sunbathe in the New Mexico sunshine. Consider a short walk to Old Town, site of the city’s original settlement. Hone your bargaining skills with the local craftsmen who line the square to sell their lovely silver and turquoise jewelry. After exploring more of this atmospheric city, seize the chance to ride the world’s longest aerial tramway up nearby Sandia Peak Mountain and witness spine-tingling views of the desert floor, forests, and canyons below.

Day 10: Albuquerque - Acoma Sky City - Gallup - Winslow - Williams

This morning, visit Acoma Sky City, home of the Pueblo Indians, situated on 367-foot-high sandstone rock. It is considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited village in the United States. Learn about this community and its inhabitants, and peruse Acoma pottery and jewelry. Then, cross the Continental Divide and continue to Gallup, which claims a longtime Hollywood connection. From classic westerns to the more recent Adventures of Superman, the area has provided unequaled movie scenery. The next two nights are in Williams, gateway to the Grand Canyon, and listed in the National Register for Historic Places. The Historic Downtown District covers six square blocks and boasts a rich heritage that features the Old West and Route 66.

Day 11: Willimas. 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. Elk are frequently spotted grazing in the forested areas on the South Rim. Perhaps join the optional helicopter flightseeing tour? Return to Williams where the evening is free to explore the historic Americana-style shops and restaurants dating back to the early 1900s, and home of Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum, featuring highway memorabilia. Be sure to appreciate the neon signs of the intact circa 1940s “Motel Row.”

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12: 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 and excitement of Las Vegas. An orientation tour upon arrival shows off many of the themed casino resorts along the colorful “Strip.” This evening, join an optional night at a dazzling show featuring top Vegas entertainment.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 13: Las Vegas

A day at leisure to relax by the pool or explore the world-renowned Las Vegas Strip. Ride the world’s highest rollercoaster, float through a Venetian canal, or see man-eating sharks up close—it’s all possible in Las Vegas. Don’t miss downtown Las Vegas, where you’ll find the Fremont Street Experience, five city blocks enclosed in a glass atrium and filled with dazzling lights, sounds, and action. A variety of optional excursions are available, including a float trip through dramatic Black Canyon on the Colorado River.

Day 14: Las Vegas - Victorville - Los Angeles

Today, depart the man-made oasis of Las Vegas, and cross the Mojave Desert and the San Bernardino Mountains en route to Los Angeles. Visit the California Route 66 Museum, which displays memories in such settings as a 50’s diner, VW Love Bus and the 1917 Model T Ford. Overnight in Los Angeles, the “City of Angels.”

Day 15: Los Angeles

Join an exciting morning tour of the glamorous side of L.A. in Beverly Hills, the Sunset Strip, Hollywood, and Santa Monica, the ending point of Route 66. Return to Los Angeles where the rest of the day is yours to shop for souvenirs or relax by the pool.

Day 16: Los Angeles

Your vacation ends this morning. You can extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Los Angeles further. Your Tour Director will have suggestions.