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Ultimate Route 66

Chicago, Springfield, St. Louis, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Santa Fe, Monument Valley, Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Los Angeles & more

Here at ARTCo we know our Route 66 Holidays! Want to drive the Mother Road from Chicago to LA? Want to travel at a slower pace and explore a little further off the beaten track? Then this is the itinerary for you.

PRICES FROM JUST £1999

Ultimate Route 66 21 nights

All of our American road trips can be tailored to meet your requirements. Do you have more or less than 21 days for your road trip? No problem, we can bolt on extra nights to allow more time to explore or shorten the number of destinations as required. Just let us know when requesting your quote.

It was everything we wanted it to be and more!

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Chicago shoreline

Day 1

Arrive in Chicago!

After touching down at Chicago O'Hare, you'll jump in a cab and head downtown towards one of the world's greatest skylines. After settling into the hotel that we have carefully selected for you, you'll have three nights and two full days to really get to grips with this wonderful city which sits on the shore of beautiful Lake Michigan. Should you want longer to explore Chicago, then just let us know when you call for a quote.

  • Key location: Chicago, IL
  • Chicago, IL

Chicago River

Day 2

Explore Chicagoland

Most visitors to Chicago head straight to 'Magnificent Mile', a vibrant, bustling area which is home to upscale shops, trendy restaurants and posh hotels. Landmarks include the historic Chicago Water Tower, the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower and the 100-story Hancock Center, which has a rooftop observation deck called 360 Chicago. Spend the rest of the day exploring some of the other attractions found north of the Chicago River. These include Navy Pier, Wrigley Field and the beaches found along the shoreline of Lake Michigan.

  • Key location: Chicago, IL
  • Chicago, IL

Cloud Gate

Day 3

A third day to discover Chicago must-see attractions

On your final full day in Chicago, we recommend that you spend time visiting the cities attractions that are located south of the Chicago River. Some of America's very best museums are found here, these include the Art Institute, the Alder Planetarium and the Field Museum of Natural History. Be sure to stroll around Millennium Park too, you'll find world famous outdoor artworks like Cloud Gate and Crown Fountain for those all important Social Media snaps. Lastly, before leaving town, make sure you spend at least one evening partying at Buddy Guy’s Legends Nightclub.

  • Key location: Chicago, IL
  • Chicago, IL

Pontiac, IL

Day 4

Set off down Route 66

Start your engines, historic Route 66 awaits. After collecting your holiday wheels from a downtown location, we recommend you head to Jackson Blvd where you can pass the small Route 66 sign that marks the beginning of your road trip adventure. Driving Route 66 through Illinois is super easy, as it's really well signposted and surprisingly rural once you've left the city of Chicago. Along the way to Springfield, you'll enjoy highlights such as Route 66 obsessed Pontiac and the historic Standard Oil Gas Station in Odell. Once you arrive in historic Springfield, history enthusiasts will want to visit Abraham Lincoln’s Tomb, the Lincoln Presidential Museum and the Lincoln Home.

  • Key location: Pontiac, IL
  • Springfield, IL
  • 202 Miles

Famous St Louis Arch

Day 5

Next up, you'll cruise over to St Louis

Onto St. Louis today which sits on the banks of Mississippi River. Highlights include the Missouri Botanical Gardens, Citygarden and the iconic Gateway Arch National Park. If you have time be sure to try and catch a baseball game here at the Cardinal's stadium which is right in the heart of the city. Remember, that you'll be provided with a detailed Road Trip Pack which will guide you through all the Route 66 roadside attractions and much more.

  • Key location: St Louis, MO
  • St Louis, MO
  • 97 Miles

Meramec Caverns

Day 6

Visit the iconic Route 66 stop off - Meramec Caverns

Today, you'll continue south through the State of Missouri. En route, we recommend you stop by Meramec Caverns which are located in the Ozarks region, the caverns are an extensive set of limestone caves offering memorable underground tours. You’ll finish the day in Springfield, Missouri which is officially recognised as the birthplace of Route 66.

  • Key location: Meramec Caverns
  • Springfield, MO
  • 216 Miles

Philbrook Museum

Day 7

Tulsa Today

Continue west along the Mother Road, you'll pass through Joplin before skimming through a corner of the state of Kansas and into Oklahoma. Once you're in the city of Tulsa, we highly recommend a visit to the Philbrook Museum, home to a vast art collection, all housed in an Italian style villa surrounded by large idyllic gardens.

  • Key location: Tulsa, OK
  • Tulsa, OK
  • 181 Miles

Oklahoma City Memorial

Day 8

Off to Oklahoma!

En route, we recommend that you fill up with gas and delicious soda at "Pops", this is an iconic Route 66 stop-off located in the town of Acadia. Once you've arrived in Oklahoma, we recommend you visit the Bricktown District of the city for a bite to eat at one numerous diners and restaurants found here. Lastly, before turning in for the evening, consider visiting the Oklahoma City National Memorial which remembers the victims and survivors of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. This perfectly executed dedication is especially moving at night.

  • Key location: Oklahoma City, OK
  • Oklahoma City, OK
  • 106 Miles

Bricktown, OKC

Day 9

A full day of culture and adventure in OKC

Spend the morning at the amazing National Cowboy and Western Museum, before checking out the real life cowboys over in Stockyard City. If you still have the energy, then the daring amongst you might want to check out some of the activities at Riversport Adventure Park. As always, remember that your Road Trip Pack will inform you of all the attractions options that are located in the area.

  • Key location: Oklahoma City, OK
  • Oklahoma City, OK

Amarillo...this way!

Day 10

Travel to Texas today

Your Road Trip Pack will show you the way to Amarillo, it's found due west in the heart of the Texas Panhandle. You'll pass some awesome Route 66 museums along the way, which are packed with nostalgic Americana, classic cars and more. Once you hit Amarillo, there's only one place for any true road-tripper to go for dinner. The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery is simply a must, just make sure you arrive hungry as the portions are HUGE.

  • Key location: Amarillo, TX
  • Amarillo, TX
  • 260 Miles

Cadillac Ranch

Day 11

Santa Fe awaits

On the way from Amarillo to Santa Fe, you’ll have the chance to visit some classic Route 66 holiday attractions. These include Cadillac Ranch, Midpoint Cafe and the Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa. You’ll finish the day off in Santa Fe, New Mexico which lies along the path of the original Route 66 route, today it's home to adobe style buildings, beautiful resorts and swanky spas.

  • Key location: New Mexico
  • Santa Fe, NM
  • 290 Miles

Adobe Building, Santa Fe

Day 12

Spend a day enjoying Santa Fe

A full day of relaxation in the chilled out atmosphere of Santa Fe. Spend the day by the pool or shopping in some of the local boutiques. Art-lovers might want to hunt out some culture at one of the cities many galleries, a favourite of the ARTCo team is the amazing Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.

  • Key location: Santa Fe, NM
  • Santa Fe, NM

Monument Valley

Day 13

Bordering Arizona and Utah...

Put your spurs and chaps on, and head west to classic cowboy country. Witness the proud and majestic “Mittens”, which appear to be made up of every shade of orange and red possible. This is another chance to prove your photography skills, although the scenery is so stunning that even a novice will look like a pro.

  • Key location: Monument Valley
  • Monument Valley
  • 362 Miles

Hello Grand Canyon!

Day 14

Witness the wonder of the Grand Canyon

The worlds largest and most well known geological wonder is just staggering, welcome to Grand Canyon National Park. Two billion years in the making, the Colorado River has forged a mile deep, 18 miles wide and 277-mile long gauge into Arizona. En route, you can opt to detour to Page, where you'll find further natural wonders like Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Worth an early start in our humble opinion.

  • Key location: Grand Canyon NP
  • Grand Canyon NP
  • 175 Miles

Welcome to Vegas!

Day 15

More of the Mother Road

After watching the sunrise over the Grand Canyon, you'll leave the National Park and head south to Williams and then west along Old Route 66. You'll pass through iconic Route 66 towns like Seligman and Hackberry, before passing the Hoover Dam and entering the most legendary party town on the planet - Las Vegas.

  • Key location: Hoover Dam
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • 283 Miles

Fountains at the Bellagio

Day 16

Explore Sin City

Enjoy your first full day in Las Vegas. If your head hurts after a big night out, then why not just chill by one of the amazing pools that adorn every hotel. Alternatively, you may want to explore the legendary 'Strip', book tickets to see a show or shop until you drop.

  • Key location: Las Vegas, NV
  • Las Vegas, NV

Gondolas at the Venetian Hotel

Day 17

More Las Vegas fun

Wake up for a final day of luxury in Las Vegas. With so many first-class hotels, restaurants and entertainment to choose from you'll have plenty to keep you busy. As always, your Road Trip Pack will tell you all the available options.

  • Key location: Las Vegas, NV
  • Las Vegas, NV

Perfect Palm Springs

Day 18

Sunshine & Luxury in Palm Springs

Start the day by driving through the serene and super pretty Mojave Desert. Continue south and you'll then enter the unique and crazy world of Joshua Tree National Park, which looks like something straight out of a Dr. Suess book. In between these two amazing desert experiences is the classic Route 66 town of Amboy, be sure to stop by the iconic Roy's Motel and Cafe along the way. Once you've arrived in Palm Springs, you can either spend some time relaxing by the pool or you can go exploring the city's neighbourhoods for the classic 50's architecture homes that adorn the city's streets.

  • Key location: Joshua Tree NP
  • Palm Springs, CA
  • 245 Miles

Route 66 - Done !

Day 19

Leave Palm Springs for LA LA Land

Last stop - Santa Monica! The Santa Monica Pier signals the final stop of your Route 66 holiday. To celebrate the conclusion of your journey, we suggest you enjoy a rewarding meal at one of the Pier's many eateries that overlook the Pacific Ocean.

  • Key location: Los Angeles, CA
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 114 Miles

Stars of a different kind

Day 20

Enjoy all that Los Angeles has to offer

Tinseltown is synonymous with glitz and glamour, and although many of the studios have now moved onto other parts of the city, it's still fun to visit the home of the Oscars and walk Hollywood Boulevard looking for the handprints of your favourite movie stars. Just a short drive northeast of here lies the Griffith Observatory perched high on a hill overlooking the urban sprawl of LA, this landmark is well worth a visit and is great for views of the legendary Hollywood sign.

  • Key location: Los Angeles, CA
  • Los Angeles, CA

Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills

Day 21

Ending Route 66 in Los Angeles

Enjoy your final full day in vibrant Los Angeles. Why not spend sometime discovering millionaire, celebrity homes in Beverly Hills. Or, maybe you'd prefer to enjoy the world-class architecture and artwork found at the amazing Getty Center in Bel-Air. Tonight, perhaps have dinner in downtown Los Angeles, as you take in the skyscraper scenery. Tomorrow you’ll fly home from LAX after spending the morning finishing off any final sightseeing or shopping.

  • Key location: Los Angeles, CA
  • Los Angeles, CA

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