Route 66 Rail Holidays | Pettitts Travel

Route 66 by Rail

15 days from £2349 per person

Iconic Route 66 sign beside the road with deep blue skies

Hop from one historic site to another unique delight as you navigate along the iconic Route 66 by rail. Travelling by rail creates the perfect opportunity for you to explore some of the best spots on the classic route, including a visit to the mighty Grand Canyon, without the need to drive. Starting in Chicago, you will travel by Amtrak or rail through Saint Louis, Albuquerque, Williams and the Grand Canyon with the final stop being Los Angeles. Relive American history, visit premier attractions and tuck into flavoursome American dishes. It’s the perfect rail holiday with a twist that will suit those who don’t wish to drive, or want to join an escorted tour, but still want to travel Route 66 independently.

Route: Chicago – Saint Louis – Albuquerque – Williams – Grand Canyon – Los Angeles

Itinerary Highlights

Fabulous Chicago is one of America's most vibrant cities. Catch a baseball game at Wrigley Field then try an authentic deep pan pizza.

Nothing compares to the Grand Canyon. The size and scale is breathtaking and the views either at sunrise or sunset will live long in the memory.

Los Angeles is a fitting place to end a cross-country adventure. One highlight is the Griffith Observatory where there are spectacular views of the city.

Itinerary
What's Included

Itinerary: Route 66 by Rail

Day 1 UK to Chicago

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international flight to Chicago. On arrival you will be transferred by private transfer to your centrally located hotel in Downtown Chicago. Spend the rest of your day exploring this vibrant city at our lesiure. (N)
Accommodation in Chicago: Warwick Allerton (or similar)

Day 2 Chicago

Today is free for you to scope out the architectural delights of vibrant Chicago. The best way to visit the main attractions of this bustling city is to join a hop-on, hop-off city tour. Highlights of the tour include visiting the Millennium Park, Wrigley Field, 360 Chicago and the Magnificent Mile. As well, we suggest it’s worth allowing some time to stop by and take a photo next to the sign that marks the start of historic Route 66. (N)

Accommodation in Chicago: Warwick Allerton (or similar)

Day 3 Chicago to Saint Louis – by train

This morning you will make your own way to Chicago’s Union Station, where you will board the direct Amtrak service that will take you on a winding journey through the ‘Land of Lincoln’ until you reach your next stop, Saint Louis (journey time approximately 5.5 hours). Upon arrival in Saint Louis, you will make your own way to your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to start exploring the history and culture of Saint Louis at your own leisure, much of which is closely linked to the Mississippi River. (N)

Accommodation in Saint Louis: Hyatt Regency Saint Louis at The Arch (or similar)

Day 4 Saint Louis

Today is free for you to continue exploring Saint Louis at your own pace. Step out of your hotel and admire the Gateway Arch, an engineering marvel, either from the ground or up in the air, if you choose to take a ride to the top. Check out what’s going on in Forest Park and when you’re feeling peckish, jump in a cab and head to Ted Drewes to enjoy a bite of Frozen Custard, like others who travel on Route 66 have been doing for years. (N)

Accommodation in Saint Louis: Hyatt Regency Saint Louis at The Arch (or similar)

Day 5 Saint Louis to Albuquerque - overnight on train

Today you will make your own way to St Louis train station where you will board the indirect Amtrak service to Albuquerque (journey time approximately 24 hours). Sit back and relax as you watch varying landscapes pass you by, enjoying the on-board facilities of the train. (N)

Accommodation: Overnight Amtrak Train in a Sleeper Roomette

Day 6 Arrive Albuquerque

Your cross-country train journey will carry on into the afternoon, passing rocky mountain peaks and vast desert plains, before you reach culture-rich Albuquerque, one of the original Route 66 towns. After making your own way to your hotel, step outside into the high desert air and start uncovering the deep rooted heritage and unique Albuquerque cuisine. (N)

Accommodation in Albuquerque: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Albuquerque (or similar)

Day 7 Albuquerque

Today is free for you to continue exploring Albuquerque’s historic delights at your own pace. Start your day off by wandering through the Old Town’s cobbled streets as you take in the mix of American and Spanish cultures that have shaped this lively neighbourhood. Later on, you might choose to visit Nob Hill and explore the shops, restaurants and signs that have kept up the authentic look of old Route 66. (N)

Accommodation in Albuquerque: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Albuquerque (or similar)

Day 8 Albuquerque to Williams – by train

Today you will make your own way to the Amtrak station and board the direct service to Williams Junction (journey time approximately 6 hours). Upon arrival you will be transferred by shuttle to Williams where you will check into your hotel. You might choose to go for a relaxing stroll around the small town that’s bursting with Route 66 memorabilia, before tucking into a tasty dinner at one of the local restaurants of your choice. (N)

Accommodation in Williams: Grand Canyon Railway (or similar)

Day 9 Williams to Grand Canyon – by train

After catching the morning shootout, you’ll board the Grand Canyon Railway and travel through pine forests and wide open plains before reaching the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park (journey time approximately 2 hours 15 minutes). Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel to drop off your bags, before heading out to take in the mesmerising sights and fresh air of the mighty Grand Canyon. (N)

Accommodation in Grand Canyon: Yavapai Lodge (or similar)

Day 10 Grand Canyon

Today is free for you to continue exploring the striking vistas and spectacular views of this natural wonder at your own pace. You might choose to go for a hike around part of the well-defined Rim Trail, hire bikes, or take a stroll into the Grand Canyon village. (N)

Accommodation in Grand Canyon: Yavapai Lodge (or similar)

Day 11 Grand Canyon to Williams – by train/ Williams to Los Angeles – overnight on train

Today you will board the Grand Canyon Railway back to Williams. This evening you will be transferred to the Amtrak station by shuttle, where you will board your overnight train to Los Angeles (journey time approximately 11 hours). (N)

Accommodation: Overnight Amtrak Train in a Sleeper Roomette

Day 12 Arrive Los Angeles

You will arrive into Los Angeles this morning and make your own way to your hotel. Spend today exploring the ‘City of Angels’ at leisure. Take centre stage as you waltz down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, check out the eccentric spirit of Venice Beach or head to the Griffith Observatory to view the iconic Hollywood sign. (N)

Accommodation in Los Angeles: Ramada Los Angeles Downtown West Hotel (or similar)

Day 13 Los Angeles

You might choose to join a city tour today to see snippets of the main highlights. Or, if you are happy to continue seeing the sights at your own pace, you might choose to venture out to Santa Barbara or head to Santa Monica Pier to take a photo next to the sign that marks the end of the Mother Road. (N)

Accommodation in Los Angeles: Ramada Los Angeles Downtown West Hotel (or similar)

Day 14 Los Angeles to the UK

Enjoy spending this morning in Los Angeles at your own leisure. Later on you will be transferred by private driver to Los Angeles International Airport where you will board your international flight back to the UK. (N)

Day 15 Arrive UK

Today you will arrive back into the UK, where you will continue your journey home. (N)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Train travel as specified
Hotel accommodation and taxes
Private airport transfers in Chicago and Los Angeles

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature
Meals unless specified

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

Route 66 by Rail

15 days from £2349 per person

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary: Route 66 by Rail

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What's included

What's not included

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