Incredible USA self-drive tour along Route 66

Drive the famous Route 66 from Chicago to L.A. on a bucket-list trip through breathtaking landscapes and iconic cities - includes flights and car hire

Days 1-2: Chicago

After touching down at Chicago Airport and heading to your hotel, you’ll have two nights to explore the ‘Windy City’. From famous monuments to renowned museums, there’s something for everyone; don’t miss the Art Institute of Chicago or Millennium Park with its famous Cloud Gate sculpture. Head up to the Skydeck or enjoy a river architecture cruise to see Chicago’s famous skyline from a different perspective, and don’t forget to make a visit to the corner of Michigan and Adams, marked as the starting point of Historic Route 66.

Day 3: Chicago - St Louis

This morning, pick up your rental car and begin your unforgettable journey. You start by tracing the traditional east-to-west path from Chicago to St Louis, Missouri, passing through vast cornfields and sweeping prairies. Stops to make along the way include the landmark statues of the Gemini Giant, Atlanta's Bunyan Giant and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Upon reaching St Louis, marvel at the awe-inspiring Gateway Arch - America's tallest monument - and pay a visit landmarks like the Old Courthouse and Forest Park (home to the St Louis Art Museum, Zoo, and Science Centre).

Day 4: St Louis - Springfield

Continue your travels through the Ozark Highlands of southern Missouri to Springfield, recognised as the birthplace of Route 66. Along the way you can stop at the Meramec Caverns, an extensive network of natural limestone caves whose formations and colours are as unique as they are beautiful. When in Springfield, a visit to the Route 66 Car Museum and a stroll through the historic downtown area are a must.

Day 5: Springfield - Tulsa - Oklahoma City

Today, cut through the southeastern corner of Kansas on your way to Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma section of Route 66 contains more drivable miles than any other state, as well as several miles of the original nine-foot road segment that was used by families headed west in search of better opportunities during the 1930s. En route, stop at the Cyrus Avery Route 66 Memorial Bridge in Tulsa - deemed by many as the centre of Route 66, “where east meets west in America”.

Once in Oklahoma City, the state's capital, be sure to check out the old Route 66 motels, gas stations and numerous vintage buildings, and explore the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and the Oklahoma City National Memorial.

Day 6: Oklahoma City - Amarillo

Next you’re driving on to Amarillo, located in the plains of the Texas Panhandle. This area of Texas was once the buffalo-rich grasslands of the Great Plains, inhabited by native tribes of Kiowa and Comanche. On your drive, stop at the Route 66 Museum in Clinton, the first Phillips 66 gas station in McLean and the ‘Leaning Tower of Texas’ water tower in Groom. Once in Amarillo, you could swing by Big Texas Steak Ranch to attempt their 72oz. steak challenge, or visit the Cadillac Ranch and perhaps add your own graffiti to this unique art installation of colourful Cadillac cars buried grille-first in the ground.

Day 7: Amarillo - Albuquerque

Set off from Amarillo this morning. A stop at Midpoint Café - the halfway point between Chicago and Los Angeles - to try their famous ‘ugly crust’ pies is a must. From there, you’ll follow Route 66 to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Spend the day exploring Downtown Albuquerque's Central Avenue, a treasure trove of Route 66 landmarks. The historic Old Town offers a glimpse of New Mexico’s Spanish-colonial past, whilst the Indian Pueblo Cultural Centre, owned by the state’s 19 different Pueblo communities, traces the history of the region’s Native American cultures.

Day 8: Albuquerque - Holbrook

This morning, carve your way through the state of Arizona past trading posts and striking red-rock mesas on your way to the Petrified Forest National Park. Over 13,000 years of human history awaits amidst one of the world’s largest assemblies of petrified wood, historic structures and archaeological sites. Catch a sunset over the Painted Desert from the park’s Kachina Point before heading to Holbrook. Once in Holbrook, stop at the Wigwam Motel to the steel and concrete teepees that have welcomed guests since the 1950s or visit the Navajo County Historical Society Museum for a look at local history.

Day 9: Holbrook - Flagstaff

Continue on to Meteor City, a true vintage trading post whose distinctive dome can be seen for miles along this stretch of Route 66, and visit the Meteor Crater, the best-preserved meteorite impact site on Earth. Arrive in Flagstaff, a beautiful college town surrounded by many National Monuments, including Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater Volcano, and Wupatki.

Day 10: Flagstaff - Grand Canyon

Today you have ample time to explore Grand Canyon National Park, a natural wonder that has to be seen to be believed. Spend the day discovering the distinct South Rim of the Canyon; stop at one of the numerous viewpoints, walk part of the Rim Trail or trek along the historic Hermit Road. You can also climb to the top of a stone watchtower for panoramic views that extend over 100 miles on clear days, or even book a helicopter tour for a sublime aerial view.

Day 11: Flagstaff - Las Vegas

Drive through Williams as you make your way to Seligman, the first stop heading west on the longest uninterrupted stretch of Route 66. Continue through Kingman - whose old Route 66 cafés and motels still flourish - to the impressive Hoover Dam, which straddles the mighty Colorado River. Continue to Las Vegas, Nevada, a city that needs no introduction. This evening, take a stroll along the Strip, explore the various themed hotels and perhaps catch a world-famous show.

Day 12-13: Las Vegas

Enjoy a full-day Las Vegas style. From neon-lit streets to designer boutiques and world-class restaurants to fabulous museums, you won’t have a moment of boredom, that’s for sure. Try your luck at one of the many casinos, watch the enchanting Fountains of Bellagio dance or visit the Mob Museum for a dive into the city's notorious history.

On the next day, take some more time to properly explore buzzing Las Vegas, or take a daytrip to Red Rock Canyon for stunning desert landscapes or the Valley of Fire State Park, known for its vibrant red sandstone formations.

Day 14: Las Vegas - Santa Monica - Los Angeles

This morning, set out through the Mojave Desert for Calico Ghost Town, California’s authentic silver mining town and one of the few original mining camps of the Old West. Rejoin Route 66 in Barstow and stop by the Route 66 Mother Road Museum before continuing through Pasadena, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills to Santa Monica for a true Hollywood ending to your cross-country journey. Park and venture the last few blocks on foot to view the ‘End of the Trail’ sign on Santa Monica Pier.

Day 15-16: Los Angeles

Spend your L.A. day how you like, having fun on iconic Santa Monica Pier or browsing the shops of Third Street Promenade. Explore Venice Beach and its eclectic boardwalk, stroll the star-studded Walk of Fame, visit iconic museums and galleries like the Getty and spy the famous Hollywood Sign from the Griffith Observatory. You could also consider a tour of the famous movie studios or a trip to one of the nearby theme parks.

On your last day in the states, your incredible journey comes to an end. If you have time, squeeze in one last meal or attraction before you drop off your rental car at Los Angeles International Airport and prepare for your flight home.