The city of Chicago has activities on offer for everyone; you can visit world-class museums, dine at one of many Michelin-star restaurants or catch a show in one of over 200 theatres! You’ll never run out of things to do in this dynamic city, including tours, spectator sports, and shopping. A must-do is a walking tour of Chicago, where you can enjoy stunning architecture including the Loop, shop the “Magnificent Mile” of Michigan Avenue and walk along the Lakefront of Lake Michigan.

Stay two nights in Chicago

Stay one night in Springfield,

Day 4 - Drive from Springfield to the Mississippi River, approx. 125 miles

Today you are heading for the banks of the Mississippi River & St Louis! No visit to St Louis would be complete without a visit to the countries tallest monument at 630 feet, The Gateway Arch, with its iconic, awe-inspiring shape. The Gateway Arch commemorates Thomas Jefferson and St. Louis’ role in the westward expansion of the United States. Then travel onwards stopping off at Lone Elk Park to enjoy some wildlife viewing before a visit to Route 66 State Park.

Stay one night at the Mississippi River.

Day 5 - Mississippi River to Tulsa, approx. 380 miles

Make sure you stop off in Joplin, once a hide out town of that famous duo, Bonnie & Clyde! Vibrant Tulsa was once known as the ‘oil capital of the world’ and is now home to the world’s largest collection of art and artefacts of the American West, superb collections of European art and the fabulous Brady Arts District, where Tulsa’s reputation as a ‘live’ music powerhouse - for jazz, folk, blues, rock and much more - is growing ever-stronger.

Stay one night in Tulsa.

Much of the Mother Road is still negotiable, and it’s a living museum of old motels, diners, iconic sights and atmospheric attractions. In Oklahoma City, there’s Western and Native American history and culture galore, the unique atmosphere of Stockyard City - the USA’s largest working cattle market, and the riveting nightlife of Bricktown - alive with music, entertainment and eating places. Visit some of the many musuems including the First Americans Museum.

Stay one night in Oklahoma City

This section of 66 is the beating heart of the Mother Road, littered with typical Oklahoma townships and unmissable delights - like the mouth-watering fried onion burgers in El Reno, historic Lucille’s Roadhouse and Diner in Weatherford and the two major Route 66 Museums in Clinton and Elk City. Also in Elk City is the vibrant, living history of preserved old buildings from the city’s early days.

Stay one night in Elk City

Definitely take time to visit “Palo Duro” (which is Spanish for “hard wood”) Canyon state Park the 2nd largest in the USA, once inhabited by the Apache, Cheyenne & Comanche and consisting of more than 20,000 acres. Whilst in Amarillo visit the American Quarter Horse Heritage Centre, Cadillac Ranch & the Route 66 historic district featuring antiques, boutiques and eclectic dining.

Stay one night in Texas. 

Get your picture taken in front of the Route 66 Roadside Attraction at the Convention Center or the world’s largest mural devoted to Route 66 in the United States. Tour the town during the day to see the other wonderful murals located all over the city and at night to see those famous Route 66 Neon signs. Maybe take a trip to nearby Ute Lake or Conchas Lake State Parks and go picnicking, hiking, boating or fishing. There are also numerous Scenic Byways to see the unique landscape and a variety of wildlife, including herds of antelope and deer.

Stay one night in New Mexico

En route take a scenic drive via Santa Fe national forest to Santa Fe which is a world class tourist destination and has long been a center for arts and culture. Due to sales, it now ranks as the USA’s third largest art market with nearly 300 galleries and dealers. American Indians inhabited New Mexico long before the Spanish and their timeless cultures, traditions, arts and beliefs continue to enrich the state today. There are 19 pueblos located around the state, including the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos north of Santa Fe. Take a tour, you’ll learn about Native America’s heritage as well as contemporary cultures in New Mexico

Stay one night in Albuquerque.

One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, you can tour the rim of the Grand Canyon stopping at the various look out points, or take a sightseeing flight over the rim to get the full perspective of this amazing site. The Visitor’s Center will provide you with trail maps, information on sunrise and sunset, bike rentals and current ranger programmes, as well as detailed information on the geology, flora and fauna of this spectacular National Park.

Stay two nights at The Grand Canyon.

Kingman is the heart of Route 66, with frequent classic car events, glowing neon signs, and an overall retro vibe that embraces the city's vibrant past. The Historic Route 66 Museum and Mohave Museum are all worth a stop. The surrounding Mojave Desert also provides scenic hiking, biking and horseback riding nearby.

Stay one night in Kingman.

Spend the day wandering the Strip and then enjoy one of the many world class acts or shows like Cirque du Soleil. If time permits a visit to the Fremont Street experience is a must with free live entertainment and the amazing light show! TIP! Extend your stay for a few nights and head to Zion, Bryce Canyon and the National Parks of Utah.

Stay two nights in Las Vegas.

Mojave National Preserve is the penultimate stop today, a desert solitude in Southern California, singing sand dunes, volcanic cinder cones, Joshua tree forests, and carpets of wildflowers are all found at this 1.6 million acre park. A visit to its canyons, mountains and mesas will reveal long-abandoned mines, homesteads, and rock-walled military outposts. 

Stay one night in Mojave National Preserve.

Discover the different neighborhoods associated with the LA lifestyle, including hip and trendy West Hollywood (or WeHo if you’re in the know!), glamorous Beverly Hills and the beach cities of Santa Monica, Venice and Marina del Ray.

Stay two nights in Los Angeles.

With thousands of acres of unspoiled open space, the park is home to countless species of plants and wildlife making it the perfect location for nature study, boating, and fishing. Santa Margarita Lake is noted for its excellent fishing and peaceful boating.

Stay one night Santa Margarita.

With 29 miles of sun-drenched coastline, Santa Cruz County offers some of California's best beaches, perfect for surfing or volleyball. Visit a beach boardwalk or a museum or art gallery, go winetasting, ride a steam train, view redwoods or attend a local event.

Stay one night in Santa Cruz.

Known for its diverse culture, fantastic scenery, unusual climate, outstanding city, great food, open minded and friendly people and many more, there is no match for San Francisco's infinite charm. The city offers plenty of things to do for almost everyone and in abundance.

Stay two nights in San Francisco

Fly back to the UK.