Route 66 & Highway 1 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: Staypineapple an Iconic Hotel at the Loop (or similar)

Day 2 Chicago

We reckon the best way to scope out the architectural delights and iconic sights of Chicago is to join a hop-on, hop-off city tour. You’ll get the chance to stop off and explore the main attractions, such as the Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago, Magnificent Mile and the Navy Pier. Chicago has a renowned culinary scene, so head down to Restaurant Row or West Loop and treat your taste buds to a delicious dinner this evening. (N)

Accommodation in Chicago: Staypineapple an Iconic Hotel at the Loop (or similar)

Day 3 Chicago to Springfield, Illinois – 205 miles

As you leave Chicago behind, you will start to notice Route 66 icons and signs popping up along the roadside. Travel through hometown neighbourhoods and stop off to enjoy classic Route 66 points of interest including the Route 66 Raceway and the Gemini Giant. Once you’ve arrived in Springfield, head into the heart of town to walk in the footsteps of President Abraham Lincoln and discover authentic Route 66 landmarks. Stop by Shea’s Gas Station, watch a movie at the Route 66 Drive-in Theatre and try a hot dog on a stick at the Cozy Dog Drive In. (N)

Accommodation in Springfield: Candlewood Suites (or similar)

Day 4 Springfield to Saint Louis – 97 miles

Today you will hop back into your car and drive onwards to the banks of the Mississippi River where you’ll find Saint Louis. Spend some time admiring 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, swing by Ted Drewes to enjoy a bite of Frozen Custard - an iconic stop along Route 66 for those seeking a tasty break. (N)

Accommodation in Saint Louis: Hampton Inn Gateway Arch (or similar)

Day 5 Saint Louis to Springfield, Missouri – 215 miles

Today you will continue your drive through landlocked Missouri, passing the rolling hills of the Ozark Mountains until you reach Springfield. When you arrive, check in and admire the nostalgic design of this award-winning hotel. Complete with an original gas station that, at one point, was used by many who travelled along Route 66 as well as classic Cadillacs parked outside; enjoy the modern amenities whilst feeling like you are stepping back in time. Later on you might choose to visit Meramec Caverns and discover the cave system that spans for 26 miles underground, or take a stroll through Downtown Springfield and soak up the atmosphere of this friendly town. (N)

Accommodation in Springfield: Greenstay Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 Springfield to Oklahoma City – 286 miles

Today you will leave Missouri behind you as you drive full steam ahead into the dusty dry Southwest countryside through small towns and farmlands. Make a pit stop en route to Oklahoma City at Ed Galloway’s Totem Park Pole to stretch your legs and have a wander around the impressive selection of folk art. Known for its cowboy heritage and Native American influences, Oklahoma City offers a variety of cultural activities for you to enjoy that play tribute to its Western past. This afternoon you might choose to visit the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and galleries showcasing Western art. (N)

Accommodation in Oklahoma City: Candlewood Suites Bricktown (or similar)

Day 7 Oklahoma City to Amarillo – 260 miles

Today you will travel right into the heart of Cowboy country as you cruise through the ‘Lone Star State’, Amarillo bound. Enjoy staying at the Big Texan Motel, an iconic spot along the Mother Road and right next door to the Big Texan Steak ranch, so you haven’t got far to walk back if you dare try the ‘Texas King’ steak eating challenge! (N)

Accommodation in Amarillo: My Place Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 Amarillo to Albuquerque – 287 miles

Shortly after leaving Amarillo today you will come across the legendary ‘Cadillac Ranch’, an artistic endeavour that’s now a quirky Route 66 stop-off point. Once you arrive in Albuquerque, step outside into the high desert air and start uncovering the town’s deep rooted heritage and historic delights. You might choose to enjoy the self-guided Route 66 Tour this afternoon that takes you past the neon Route 66 lights in Nob Hill, all the way through to the Old Town. (N)

Accommodation in Albuquerque: Mauger Estate B&B (or similar)

Day 9 Albuquerque to Gallup – 140 miles

Next stop on the route is Gallup, a quiet town that hasn’t changed much since the 1950s but is brimming with Route 66 memorabilia and Native American history. Enjoy spending the night resting your head where a long list of famous movie stars have before you when El Rancho was an iconic base for movie productions. (N)

Accommodation in Gallup: El Rancho (or similar)

Day 10 Gallup to Holbrook – 97 miles

Today you will drive through the Petrified Forest until you reach the Wild West town of Holbrook. After checking into your Wigwam accommodation, the day is free for you to take a tour of a working ranch, visit ancient Indian rock art sites or attend a rodeo. (N)

Accommodation in Holbrook: Wigwam Motel Holbrook (or similar)

Day 11 Holbrook to Grand Canyon – 180 miles

On your way to the Grand Canyon today, make a stop at the fascinating 550 feet deep Meteor Crater that hit the earth approximately 50,000 years ago. Once you arrive at the South Rim, take your pick of the various viewing platforms for your viewing pleasure as you take in the magnificent sights of the striking vistas of the mighty Grand Canyon. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails for you to follow, or enjoy spending time in the Grand Canyon village. (N)

Accommodation in Grand Canyon: Grand Canyon Railway Hotel (or similar)

Day 12 Grand Canyon to Las Vegas – 280 miles

Today you will drive along seemingly endless desert roads until the bright lights of Las Vegas shine as bright as a beacon ahead of you. After checking into your hotel, delve into the lavish mix of glitz and glamour along the Vegas strip; dip into the mega hotels, stop by the casinos and check into a show. Anything goes in Las Vegas and the world is your oyster here. (N)

Accommodation in Las Vegas: Luxor (or similar)

Day 13 Las Vegas

Enjoy continuing your exploration of the ever-changing faces of Vegas today. (N)

Accommodation in Las Vegas: Luxor (or similar)

Day 14 Las Vegas to Los Angeles – 270 miles

Wave goodbye to Vegas as it shrinks behind you in the distance as you drive on through the Mojave Desert toward the ‘City of Angels’. When you arrive into Los Angeles, spend the day exploring the Hollywood Walk of Fame, stop by lively Venice Beach or head to the Griffith Observatory to view the iconic Hollywood sign. (N)

Accommodation in Los Angeles: The Garland Hotel (or similar)

Day 15 Los Angeles

Spend today continuing to explore the beating heart of America’s film and television industry or travel to Santa Monica and visit the Pier to take a photo next to the sign that marks the end of the Mother Road. Later on today you will travel to Los Angeles Airport to drop off your hire car and collect your next one, ready to start your Highway 1 adventure the following morning. (N)

Accommodation in Los Angeles: The Garland Hotel (or similar)

Day 16 Los Angeles to Santa Barbara – 96 miles

Today marks the start of your second memorable road trip; from one of America’s greatest cities to another, over the next few days you will travel along California’s scenic Pacific coast to San Francisco, arguably one of the most beautiful routes in the world. Head north on Route 101 until you reach picture perfect Santa Barbara, nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the clear blue Pacific Ocean. This sophisticated hot-spot is home to streets lined with excellent bars, boutique shops, chic restaurants and perfect weather; it’s clear why this Southern Californian town is affectionately known as America’s Riviera. Take a stroll and go for a shop along State Street, join the Urban Wine Trail Tour or relax on the endless stretch of idyllic beaches and soak up some Californian sun. Head down to the waterfront this evening to enjoy some fresh shellfish and admire the beautiful views across the bay as the sun softly sets. (N)

Accommodation in Santa Barbara: Inn by the Harbour (or similar)

Day 17 Santa Barbara to Cambria – 128 miles

Today you will continue your journey along Highway 101 to the seaside village retreat of Cambria. En route you might choose to stop off at the Danish village of Solvang or head to Pismo Beach to catch some waves. When you arrive at Cambria, visit the windswept coast or take a tour of the historic lighthouse. This cosy slice of paradise is the perfect spot to enjoy an overnight stay. (N)

Accommodation in Cambria: Cambria Pines Lodge (or similar)

Day 18 Cambria to Monterey via Carmel – 143 miles

Shortly after leaving Cambria you will reach San Simeon. You might wish to stop here and make a visit to Moonstone beach to watch the Sea Otters basking in the sun before continuing your drive along the winding coastal route. The rugged coastal route between San Simeon and Monterey is regarded one of the most scenically beautiful drives in the world, so sit back and enjoy watching spectacular landscapes unfold in front of you. Make time to see the McWay Falls that plummets into the ocean and stop to take a photo of the iconic Bixby Bridge. Stop by the quaint and fairy-tale like village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, before reaching lively Monterey where you will spend the night. Head to Cannery Row for a spot of wine tasting or Fisherman’s Wharf to take your pick of the fresh seafood restaurants. (N)

Accommodation in Monterey: Lone Oak Lodge (or similar)

Day 19 Monterey to San Francisco – 123 miles

This may be the last stretch of road on your double road trip through America, but it won’t fail to disappoint; it’s every bit as impressive as the Big Sur. Breeze past rolling hills, charming towns and rocky shores as you drive through the Santa Cruz mountain range to San Francisco. When you arrive, spend the rest of the day exploring the great sights of San Francisco. (N)

Accommodation in San Francisco: Handlery Union Square (or similar)

Day 20 San Francisco

Fisherman’s Warf, Alcatraz, Lombard Street, Coit Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge; take your pick and start exploring the main sights during your last full day in the fun and fabulous Frisco! (N)

Accommodation in San Francisco: Handlery Union Square (or similar)

Day 21 San Francisco to the UK

Enjoy spending this morning in San Francisco at your own leisure. Later on you will drive to San Francisco International Airport where you will drop off your hire car and board your international flight back to the UK. (N)

Self-Drive: Route 66 and Highway 1

21 days from £2880 per person

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

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Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £2880 per person

Itinerary: Self-Drive: Route 66 and Highway 1

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