Self-Drive: Historic Route 66
14 days
from £2160 pp
Get your kicks on Route 66 as you travel from Chicago through the heart of continental America to Los Angeles. Iconic and nostalgic, follow America’s beloved ‘Mother Road’ on a memorable Route 66 road trip of spectacular scenery, famous landmarks and quintessential American cuisine.
Stretching 2,448 miles, crossing eight states and three time zones, Route 66 was one of the original US highways and played an integral role as the main route for migrants travelling west to California during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. With sections of the road now protected and numerous hotels, diners and attractions along Route 66 preserved, experience the culture and diversity of this great nation on an epic cross-country Route 66 road trip itinerary of a lifetime. Journey from the plains of the Midwest, through farmland, desert and mountain passing famed Route 66 landmarks along the way to the sun-kissed Californian coast.
This is your chance to live the great American dream as you capture the culture and diversity of this great nation. Take it at your own pace with a self-drive tour, discovering the many vibrant cities along Route 66 on this epic cross-country road trip of a lifetime.
Each Route 66 itinerary we arrange is unique and can be tailored to your exact needs and wants. As one of the greatest road trips in the world, we recommend hiring a car and driving overland at your own pace, exploring the fabulous cities and experiencing iconic attractions along the way. Our travel experts can offer advice on all aspects of your Route 66 road trip from car hire and accommodation to the best things to see and do.
One of the most common questions we are asked is ‘how long does it take to drive Route 66’? The entire route between Chicago and Los Angeles can be completed in a little over two weeks but, for those with less time, the journey can be shortened by starting in Oklahoma City. Alternatively, if you wish to stay longer, extend your holiday by following coastal Highway 1 to beautiful San Francisco or incorporating the spectacular Grand Canyon or dazzling Las Vegas. Although these are not part of the classic Route 66, many people like to incorporate these iconic stops whilst they are in America.
With its neon retro signs, classic roadside diners, memorabilia museums and breathtaking national parks, there are a whole host of iconic Route 66 landmarks to discover. The ‘Mother Road’ bisects the heart of the US providing a glimpse into the individualism and idiosyncrasies of American society and culture.
There are also many quirky attractions along Route 66 which often form an important part of the trip. See the graffiti-covered Cadillacs at Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, the Milk Bottle Grocery Store in Oklahoma City as well as Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole and the Gemini Giant in Illinois. For natural beauty and scenic landscapes there are many national and state parks to visit en route including Arizona’s Painted Desert and Petrified Forest, Palo Duro Canyon Park in Texas and California’s Mojave Desert.
14 days
from £2160 pp
16 days
from £2300 pp
18 days
from £2500 pp
21 days
from £2880 pp
We have many years’ experience in creating tailor-made Route 66 holidays. We base our recommendations on tried and tested hotels, regular client feedback and over 30 years of knowledge and expertise of this iconic route. Our Route 66 guide is packed full of useful information and insights including what to see and do along the route and answers to the most frequently asked questions. Place a Route 66 enquiry with us and we’ll send you a free copy in the post!