SUGGESTED ITINERY
Day 1
Chicago ( Illinois )
Welcome to the "Windy City"! Chicago is the quintessential American City –towering architecture, jazz and blues and numerous museums and art galleries.
Day 2
Chicago – Springfield ( Illinois ) (199 Miles)
Take the morning to explore the " Windy City ". Take a walk down the Magnificent Mile with its world class shopping or visit the 95th floor of the John Hancock Tower for a great view of this architectural wonder. In the afternoon begin your historic drive. Route 66 begins at the corner of Michigan and Adams Avenue ; from there you head west into America 's Heartland. Overnight in Springfield , the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln and also the site of the yearly International Route 66 Mother Road Festival in September.
Day 3
Springfield – St Louis ( Missouri ) (101 Miles)
Arrive in St. Louis , Missouri , located on the banks of the Mississippi and best known for its graceful stainless steel “Gateway Arch”. Tour the home of the world's largest brewery at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery. Take in the sights, like the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis and the Missouri Botanical Gardens , or a river cruise on a paddlewheel riverboat on the mighty Mississippi River .
Day 4
St Louis – Springfield ( Missouri ) (215 Miles)
Today continue through Missouri , the land of Mark Twain . You'll find Meramec Caverns, the mostpromoted attraction on Route 66. It claims to be the site of sensational finds fromarchaeological artefacts to the hideout of the notorious outlaw Jesse James. You'll
stay overnight in the "City of the Ozarks", Springfield , the third largest city in Missouri .
Day 5
Springfield– Joplin – Tulsa – Oklahoma City ( Oklahoma ) (280 Miles)
Not long after leaving Springfield , enter the Victorian town of Carthage . Before entering Oklahoma , drive a short stretch of old Route 66 through the northeast corner of Kansas . Take a break in Tulsa to visit the Philbrook Museum with its extensive collection of 14th century Italian masterpieces. At the end of the day arrive in Oklahoma City , the State Capital.
Day 6
Oklahoma City – Clinton – Amarillo ( Texas ) (258 Miles)
Today, you'll experience the true "Main Street America" - small towns, small Route 66 stores and a feel for what life used to be when Route 66 was the Mother Road of America . Your first stop should be at the Trading Post in Bethany were you'll find genuine Route 66 memorabilia and collectables. Make sure to stop in Clinton , OK and the Route 66 Museum.
Day 7
Amarillo – Tucumcari, ( New Mexico ) (237 Miles)
Just west of Amarillo is the legendary "Cadillac Ranch" where 10 Cadillacs have been buried nose down in the ground as a homage to the road. It won't take long before you'll enter the gateway to the state of New Mexico , the Land of Enchantment and home of the Pueblo Indians.
Overnight stay in Tucumcari.
Day 8
Tucumcari – Santa Fe – Albuquerque ( New Mexico ) (233 Miles)
Today's first destination is the "city different", the state capital of Santa Fe . The second oldest city in America is best known for art and the unique Southwestern Pueblo architecture dominating the city landscape. Make sure to visit the colourful local Indian crafts market held daily in front of the Palace of the Governors. Walk around the gallery-filled town square, visit the History Museum or simply have a cup of coffee at the mythical La Fonda Hotel on the plaza. Continue to Albuquerque , the city of the Rio Grande and New Mexico 's " Big City ". It is surrounded by the beautiful Sandia Mountains . Stroll around Old Town Albuquerque or visit the Pueblo Indian Museum .
Day 9
Albuquerque – Gallup – Petrified Forest – Holbrook( Arizona )(237 Miles)
Gallup , another storied stop on Route 66 is notable for its mix of indigenous people and native culture. Enter Arizona and visit Petrified Forest National Park . A turn-off here will provide you with a first hand look at the beautiful work of nature that is petrified wood. This area was once the site of an ancient forest later covered by lava flow. Stay overnight in Holbrook.
Day 10
Holbrook – Grand Canyon ( Arizona ) (198 Miles)
Route 66 will lead you through the town of Flagstaff . Take another detour north to one of the World's greatest Natural Wonders, the Grand Canyon - a place of tremendous beauty and grandeur. There is time to go for a walk, visit numerous viewpoints and just take in the magnificent scenery. The mile deep canyon is a remarkable masterpiece sculpted by the Colorado River over millions of years.
Day 11
Grand Canyon – Williams – Las Vegas ( Nevada ) (297 Miles)
Depart the Grand Canyon and again return to old Route 66. Take the turn off to Williams, one of the longest remaining segments of the historic road. Visit this one of a kind town with its many unique shops and eateries which is still very much as it was during the heyday of Route 66. From the fantastic works of nature to the fantastic works of man - welcome to Las Vegas , Nevada , the city that never sleeps. The "Strip" will mesmerise you with its lights, glitter, opulent hotels, shows and gambling.
Day 12
Las Vegas
Today is your chance to "do the town" or cruise the sites. Try your luck at the casinos, relax at the swimming pool or take a day trip toRed Rock Canyon , famous Death Valley National Park or Valley of Fire State Park . Anything you choose will be a sure bet for a day of fun and excitement.
Day 13
Las Vegas – Santa Monica, California (286 Miles)
You are almost there! The Route will lead you through the Mojave Desert . If you have time, you can turn off the highway shortly before Barstow and drive into the Mojave Desert for a few miles to see Calico ghost town and its old silver mine. Cross the San Bernardino Mountains and welcome to Los Angeles . Route 66 becomes Santa Monica Boulevard and goes through Hollywood and Beverly Hills until it ends at the Santa Monica Boardwalk and the Pacific Ocean .
Platinum Travel staff have taken most of these journeys and visited most of these places please ask our advice. Click here>>
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