Historic Route 66 Self Drive

Day 1 UK to Chicago

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international flight to Chicago. On arrival you will collect your hire car from the airport and drive to your centrally located hotel in Downtown Chicago. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city at your own leisure. (N)

Accommodation in Chicago: Public Hotel Chicago (or similar)

Day 2 Chicago

From sports enthusiasts and shopping fanatics, to foodies and culture vultures, Chicago has something to offer everyone. Ride the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier, watch a ball game at Wrigley Park, scope out the shops on the Magnificent or visit ‘The Bean’ at the Millennium Park. Chicago offers some of the best cuisine, including several of the top 100 restaurants in the country, so head down to Restaurant Row or West Loop to try one out for yourself this evening. (N)

Accommodation in Chicago: Public Hotel Chicago (or similar)

Day 3 Chicago to Springfield, Illinois – 205 miles

Today marks the beginning of your ultimate driving experience as you hop in your car, wind down the windows and let that cool American breeze run through your hair as you head out on the great open highway to Springfield, Illinois. You’ll start spotting Route 66 landmarks and signs dotted along the roadside as you journey through Illinois. From the Route 66 Raceway and the Gemini Giant, to Shea’s Gas Station and a tasty hot dog on a stick at the Cozy Dog Drive-In when you reach Springfield. Enjoy your first slice of Route 66! (N)

Accommodation in Springfield: Ramada Springfield South (or similar)

Day 4 Springfield to Saint Louis – 97 miles

Cruise into Missouri, crossing the historic Martin Luther King Memorial Bridge and the Mississippi River until you reach Saint Louis. Spend your time today visiting the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, the Mother Road’s original Mississippi River crossing or head to Ted Drewes for a bite of Frozen Custard. No trip to Saint Louis is complete without visiting the iconic Gateway Arch which offers impressive views over the Mississippi River. (N)

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

Day 5 Saint Louis to Lebanon – 164 miles

Leave Saint Louis today and continue your journey west. Stop off to check out Meramec Caverns, 26 miles of underground caves which you can explore with a guide, and visit the Totem Pole Trading Post in Rolla. When you arrive in Lebanon, head to the Route 66 museum which is located inside the local library. It may be small but it’s brimming with historical pictures and stories of Route 66. You’ll spend the night at Munger Moss Motel; classic Route 66 digs that emanates true Americana. It’s decorated with nostalgic Route 66 memorabilia and home to hallways that echo stories of those that have travelled the Mother Road before you. (N)

Accommodation in Lebanon: Munger Moss Motel (or similar)

Day 6 Lebanon to Tulsa – 233 miles

Today you’ll travel through the scenic Ozark Mountains, passing through vibrant Joplin where you can stop to enjoy the Route 66 attractions. From burger drive-ins and Route 66 murals to Bonnie and Clyde’s iconic hideout; Joplin makes for an interesting pit-stop. Tulsa’s not just the ‘Oil Capital of the World’, it has another energy running through it, and it’s built on the city’s passion for Route 66. Spend your time exploring the various historic Route 66 icons, such as the Vickery Phillip’s 66 Station, the 11th St Arkansas River Bridge or wander past the many art deco buildings built in the 1920s. Head to the lively Brookside district tonight for a bite to eat at one of the many popular restaurants in the area. (N)

Accommodation in Tulsa: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Tulsa – Warren Place (or similar)

Day 7 Tulsa to Elk City – 218 miles

Continue your journey through Oklahoma today, the nation’s longest stretch of driveable Route 66; you’ll pass charming towns, roadside diners and iconic attractions including the round house in Arcadia and Oklahoma City before you reach Elk City. Spend your time exploring Elk City’s Old Town Museum complex, pick up some souvenirs from the Mohawk Lodge Trading Post and tuck into a traditional American dinner at Boomtown Grill this evening. (N)

Accommodation in Elk City: Hampton Inn – Suites Elk City (or similar)

Day 8 Elk City to Tucumcari – 260 miles

Today you will travel through Texas, the ‘Lone Star State’. Stop off to admire the artistic Cadillac Ranch and pop in to the Big Texan Steak Ranch to take a photo next to the giant bull. Carry on towards the gateway to New Mexico, Tucumcari, where you will spend the night. Tucumcari is brimming with bold and bright Route 66 neon lights, roadside attractions at the Convention Centre and colourful murals dotted around the town. After you’ve popped into Tee Pee Curious, you might wish to spend some time relaxing by Ute Lake where you can enjoy boating and fishing. (N)

Accommodation in Tucumcari: Blue Swallow Motel (or similar)

Day 9 Tucumcari to Gallup – 311 miles

Carry on your travels today through the enchanting state of New Mexico, stopping off at the ‘hot air balloon capital of the world’, Albuquerque. Breathe in the high desert air and admire the beautiful scenery as you take in the sights during your self-led Route 66 tour through the town. Before you move on, head to the cobbled streets of the Old Town, for some lunch at one of the many Spanish influenced restaurants. Enjoy the peaceful small town vibe when you reach Gallup. Head to town to check out the varied mix of Route 66 signs or soak up the nostalgic atmosphere at El Rancho Hotel where you will spend the night. (N)

Accommodation in Gallup: El Rancho Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 Gallup to Holbrook – 96 miles

You’ll notice a change in scenery as you cross the border into Arizona today. Enjoy the sights of cactus, tumbleweed and vast stretches of dusty red plains that unfold before you. You might choose to stop off at one of the many viewpoints when you reach the Petrified Forest and admire the acres of colourful petrified trees. When you reach Holbrook, spend the afternoon visiting a working ranch or local rodeo before spending the night at the iconic Wigwam Motel. (N)

Accommodation in Holbrook: Wigwam Motel Holbrook (or similar)

Day 11 Holbrook to Kingman – 236 miles

En Route to Kingman today you might choose to stop off at Flagstaff, home to plenty of Route 66 attractions, motels and icons. Before you leave, stop in for a slice of apple pie at the family run Miz Zips, who have been serving Route 66 travellers since the 50s. As Flagstaff trails off into the distance, take the scenic route via Peach Springs to Kingman. Here you can drive on part of the original Route 66 road and enjoy a bite to eat at the Route 66 diner. Cruise into Kingman and enjoy taking a trip down memory lane as you spot picturesque gas stations, browse Route 66 gift shops and visit the Route 66 museum. (N)

Accommodation in Kingman: Ramada Kingman (or similar)

Day 12 Kingman to Palm Springs – 40 miles

As you travel from Kingman to Palm Springs today, go via Lake Havasu and take a photo next to the famous London Bridge and stop for lunch. Continue on past the rugged mountains of Joshua Tree National Park until you reach Palm Springs. Palm Springs is a swanky welcome break from the dry desert you have been travelling through over the past few days. Lap up the cool modern vibe, palm-fringed roads and chic art scene of this ritzy collective of desert communities. (N)

Accommodation in Palm Springs: Palm Canyon Resort (or similar)

Day 13 Palm Springs to Los Angeles – 107 miles

The final stretch of your ultimate road trip takes you from Palm Springs through the Californian countryside to Santa Monica. Drive right up to the famous Santa Monica pier and take a photo next to the sign that marks the end point of the Mother Road. Enjoy visiting the main attractions within the Los Angeles bubble; head to the Getty Centre, check out the Hollywood sign from the Griffiths Observatory or take a stroll past the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (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 leisure. Later on you will drive to Los Angeles International Airport where you will drop off your hire car and 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)

Self-Drive: Historic Route 66

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Itinerary: Self-Drive: Historic Route 66

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