Day 1
Arrive Chicago Day 1 – Arrive Chicago
Welcome to the starting point of Route 66. At 6 p.m., gather with your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.
Hotel
The Palmer House Hilton Authentic Accommodation
Meals
Welcome Reception
Day 2
Chicago – Pontiac – Springfield – St. Louis (2 Nights) Day 2 – Chicago – Pontiac – Springfield – St. Louis (2 Nights)
After an introduction to the Windy City, hit the road for a good, old-fashioned American road trip. Explore the history and cultural impact of America’s Mother Road at the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame and Museum. Roll on to Springfield, on the way to St. Louis, where you learn to mix up your own dry rub and enjoy a rib-sticking Be My Guest barbecue dinner.
Hotel
Holiday Inn St. Louis Downtown
Meals
Full Breakfast
Be My Guest Dining
Day 3
St. Louis Sightseeing Day 3 – St. Louis Sightseeing
Start the day with the view from atop the famed St. Louis Gateway Arch. Afterward, experience a Cultural Insight with a guided tour of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery-from the stables of the Clydesdales to the tasting room. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy.
Meals
Full Breakfast
Day 4
St. Louis – Meramec Caverns – Branson Day 4 – St. Louis – Meramec Caverns – Branson
Begin your day by going underground in Meramec Caverns, a former hideout of Jesse James. Then it’s onward to the Ozarks and the lively American musical mecca of Branson to explore on your own.
Hotel
Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing
Meals
Full Breakfast
Optional Experiences
Branson Showboat and Dinner
Themed after the majestic showboats of the 1800s, the Showboat Branson Belle evokes the spirit of a bygone era when river boat adventure, glamorous travel and dazzling entertainment converged into what we remember as Those Grand Old Showboatin’ Days! See gorgeous views of Table Rock Lake when you take a lake cruise aboard the magnificent Showboat Branson Belle! Stroll the three decks, and enjoy panoramic views of the lush Ozark Mountains across the turquoise waters of Table Rock Lake. During your 2-hour lake cruise, experience fabulous Branson dining and the best in Branson shows. Your 2-hour cruise on magnificent Table Rock Lake, Missouri includes a delicious 3-course meal freshly prepared in the ship’s galley and the Show – Celebrate, featuring music, comedy, magic and more. This is one of the most fun things to do at Table Rock Lake, so don’t miss the boat! Approx. duration: 3 hours
Adult Price: US$67.00
Day 5
Branson – Claremore – Oklahoma City (2 Nights) Day 5 – Branson – Claremore – Oklahoma City (2 Nights)
Roll into eastern Oklahoma via a scenic stretch of Will Rogers Highway. Stop to visit the Will Rogers Memorial Museum dedicated to the famous American humourist. Tonight, enjoy a Regional Meal.
Hotel
Courtyard Oklahoma City Downtown
Meals
Full Breakfast
Regional Meal
Day 6
Oklahoma City Sightseeing Day 6 – Oklahoma City Sightseeing
Visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, honouring the 1995 bombing victims. Then, get a taste of the Old West at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. The rest of the day is yours to explore.
Meals
Full Breakfast
Meals
Day 7
Oklahoma City – Route 66 Museum – Amarillo Day 7 – Oklahoma City – Route 66 Museum – Amarillo
In Clinton, explore a classic collection of Route 66 history, memorabilia and culture. Return to Old Route 66 for a scenic drive before stopping in Amarillo.
Hotel
Embassy Suites Downtown
Meals
Full Breakfast
Day 8
Amarillo – Albuquerque (2 Nights) Day 8 – Amarillo – Albuquerque (2 Nights)
See the famed Cadillac Ranch pop art installation just outside of Amarillo. Stop in Tucumcari, where a large number of the vintage motels and restaurants are still in existence. Travel on to Albuquerque for a dinner at the 66 Diner with its jukebox and blue-plate specials.
Hotel
Albuquerque at Old Town
Meals
Full Breakfast
Dinner
Day 9
Albuquerque Day 9 – Albuquerque
While Albuquerque didn’t boom until the creation of Route 66, the city has existed for more than 300 years. Enjoy the day exploring on your own.
Meals
Full Breakfast
Meals
Optional Experiences
Full Day Excursion To Santa Fe
Take a leisurely drive to spend the day in charming Santa Fe, dubbed the “City Different” and the first U.S. city to be chosen by UNESCO as a Creative City in 2005. Situated at 7,000 feet (2,134 meters) in the southern Rocky Mountains, Santa Fe was founded between 1607, making it the second oldest city as well as the highest and oldest capital in the U.S. Long a center for arts and culture, it ranks as the U.S.’s third largest art market and is home to more than a dozen major museums. Upon arrival, embark on a sightseeing trolley tour of the city’s plaza, art galleries along Canyon Road, and historic landmarks. Then, you’ll have some time at leisure to enjoy lunch on your own, visit the famous Loretto Chapel. Approx. duration: 8 hours
Adult Price: US$50.00
Day 10
Albuquerque – Flagstaff Day 10 – Albuquerque – Flagstaff
Cruise through Gallup this morning and see the historic El Rancho Hotel. Crossing into Arizona, watch the changing colours of the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park. See the Wigwam Motel and the Man Standing on the Corner before arriving in Flagstaff.
Hotel
DoubleTree Flagstaff
Meals
Full Breakfast
Dinner
Day 11
Flagstaff – Cameron Trading Post – Grand Canyon National Park Day 11 – Flagstaff – Cameron Trading Post – Grand Canyon National Park
Stop at Cameron Trading Post and browse through the shop for Navajo crafts. This afternoon, wind along scenic Desert View Drive before arriving at the Grand Canyon and spend the night inside the park.
Hotel
National Park Lodges
Meals
Full Breakfast
Day 12
Grand Canyon National Park – Seligman – Las Vegas (2 Nights) Day 12 – Grand Canyon National Park – Seligman – Las Vegas (2 Nights)
Hit the road again, passing through Seligman. Drive through a Route 66 ghost town along the original route to see the well-preserved motels, diners and gas stations of a simpler era. Then on to Las Vegas to enjoy some free time.
Hotel
Tropicana Las Vegas
Meals
Full Breakfast
Optional Experiences
North Canyon Tour Helicopter Flight
Your tour takes you over the Kaibab National Forest and into the deepest portion of the Grand Canyon, through the Dragon Corridor, and continues to the North Rim, where you view the incredible geological differences between the North and South Rims. During your return to the South Rim, enjoy breathtaking views of temples, shrines and rock formations sculpted by time while flying above the widest portion of the mighty Colorado River. Subject to weather conditions. Flight duration: 25-30 minutes.
Adult Price: US$219.00
North Canyon Tour Helicopter Flight, Bell Aircraft (April 1 – October 31)
Your tour takes you over the Kaibab National Forest and into the deepest portion of the Grand Canyon, through the Dragon Corridor, and continues to the North Rim, where you view the incredible geological differences between the North and South Rims. During your return to the South Rim, enjoy breathtaking views of temples, shrines and rock formations sculpted by time while flying above the widest portion of the mighty Colorado River. Subject to weather conditions. Flight duration: 25-30 minutes.
Adult Price: US$219.00
Grand Kingdom EcoStar Helicopter Flight
Fly the EC 130, the “newest and quietest” helicopters in the Grand Canyon with larger windows, and all seats facing forward. Embark on this 45-50 minute tour of the Eastern Grand Canyon that combines with the renowned beauty of The North Canyon tour. Enjoy spectacular views of the Painted Desert and Colorado River. Subject to weather conditions. Flight duration: 40-50 minutes.
Adult Price: US$309.00
Grand Discovery South Rim Airplane Tour
The original air tour of the Grand Canyon and the best value! Board an ultra-quiet small aircraft for a 40-45 minute Grand Discovery flight over the Grand Canyon. The Vistaliner airplanes feature oversize windows that make every seat the best seat and allows for post card quality pictures! This tour covers the most famous and beautiful parts of the Grand Canyon including the Eastern Zuni Corridor, the Confluence and the North Rim and returns through the Western Dragon Corridor. Subject to weather conditions. Flight duration: 40-50 minutes.
Adult Price: US$159.00
Day 13
Las Vegas Day 13 – Las Vegas
A full free day to take in all that Las Vegas has to offer.
Meals
Full Breakfast
Optional Experiences
Las Vegas Sights And Lights
Join this exciting night on the town in the ‘City That Never Sleeps!’ You’ll be amazed by the brilliant Fremont Street Experience, see countless wedding chapels, and, of course, be awed by the most spectacular collection of casino hotels in the world. There will be plenty of stops along the way to see some of the most extravagant casinos and attractions, each trying to outdo the other. Be prepared for an evening that’s full of surprises! Approx. duration: 2.5 hours.
Adult Price: US$35.00
Hoover Dam Excursion and Mob Museum
Depart Las Vegas with your Travel Director to one of the most famous modern marvels of our time- the Hoover Dam. First view the dam from the newly completed Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, the largest concrete arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere just completed in 2010. Stand 900 feet above the Colorado River and gaze in amazement at the largest dam of its time, holding back the United State’s largest man made reservoir, Lake Mead. Includes admission to the Visitor Center and the Powerplant tour. The visitor center features exhibits that highlight the history of the region and how the Hoover Dam was constructed and the Powerplant Tour offers exhibits and other media that provide a comprehensive view of the massive dam and its operations, as well as highlight many of the unique features around the site. Then visit the Mob Museum to explore the fascinating interactive exhibits, artifacts and digital experiences, learning more about the lives of Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, J. Edgar Hoover and many other criminals from Sin City and beyond. Approx. duration: 6 hours.
Adult Price: US$65.00
Hoover Dam Excursion
Depart Las Vegas with your Travel Director to one of the most famous Modern Marvels of our time, the Hoover Dam. First view the dam from the newly complete Mike O’ Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, the largest concrete arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere, just completed in 2010. Stand 900 feet above the Colorado River and gaze in amazement at the largest dam of its time, holding back the Unites State’s largest man made reservoir, Lake Mead. Enter the base of Hoover dam on a guided tour and hear the vibrating hums of rushing water and Hydroelectric Turbines. Approx. duration: 4 hours.
Adult Price: US$50.00
Vegas! The Show
Come and experience what is hailed as the only show in Vegas, about Vegas! VEGAS! The Show will take you by the hand back in time to experience the iconic stars and personalities that helped to define the soul that created the Sin City we know today! Featuring some of the most beautiful showgirls in Vegas, and some of the best voices in the country, you can hear all of the hits from your favorite stars while witnessing the greatest moments that helped define Las Vegas as the Entertainment Capital of the World. From the crooners of the Rat Pack to Sonny & Cher, Elvis Presley and so many more. Experience the iconic personalities that helped shape the story of one of the greatest cities on Earth. Backed by a live big band orchestra, “Santa Fe and The Fat City Horns”, this is the only production that will recreate the class, sass and excitement of old Las Vegas right before your eyes! Approx. duration: 1.5 hours.
Adult Price: US$85.00
Day 14
Las Vegas – Los Angeles Day 14 – Las Vegas – Los Angeles
Travel from the desert of Las Vegas into Los Angeles. This evening, celebrate with a festive Farewell Dinner.
Hotel
Beverly Hills Marriott
Meals
Full Breakfast
Farewell Dinner
Day 15
Depart Los Angeles Day 15 – Depart Los Angeles
Say goodbye to Route 66 with a trip to Santa Monica. Then take a transfer to Los Angeles International Airport or extend your stay in L.A.
Meals
Full Breakfast