Join us for the ultimate American road trip on U.S. Highway 66 - popularly known as Route 66 or the Mother Road. Travel back in time as we visit historic places that evoke images of simpler times, mom and pop businesses, and the icons of a mobile nation on the road. From St. Louis to Santa Monica Pier, travel this famous road and see the well-preserved motels, diners, gas stations and roadside attractions of a bygone era.
- Visit seven U.S. states
- Experience the local diners and shops on Route 66
- See Hoover Dam, Petrified Forest National Park, Las Vegas, and the Santa Monica Pier
DAY 1—WELCOME TO ST. LOUIS!
Get your kicks on Route 66! Arrive into St. Louis a day early so that you are rested and ready to depart in the morning for our first stop on the Mother Road.
DAY 2—JOPLIN, MO
Our journey on the Main Street of America stops at the Rt 66 Rocker (formerly the World’s Largest Rocking Chair) in Cuba, MO. After a visit to the 163-foot wide waterfall at Grand Falls, arrive in Joplin for a guided tour of the town’s history, Route 66 Mural Park, and infamous outlaws Bonnie & Clyde’s hideout apartment. D
DAY 3—OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
Continue into Oklahoma for a day filled with more classic Route 66 roadside attractions. Stop in Chelsea to marvel at the World’ Largest Concrete Totem Pole before our visit to the Rt 66 Interpretive Center featuring artwork and local memorabilia. Later, we’ll learn about the life of humorist Will Rogers by visiting his memorial museum in Claremore. Take photos of the famed roadside wonder, The Blue Whale of Cartoosa and the Old Round Barn in Arcadia before arriving in Oklahoma City for dinner and an overnight stay. B, D
DAY 4—AMARILLO, TX
This morning, visit the National Route 66 Museum, the ultimate way to experience our nation’s most revered highway. Stop in Shamrock, TX to visit the U-Drop-Inn Café before learning about the history of barb wire at the Devil’s Rope Museum in McLean. Join a local guide for a tour of Amarillo, including the must-stop at Cadillac Ranch to see 10 Cadillacs buried nose down and covered in spray paint graffiti! Enjoy an overnight stay and cowboy steak dinner at the Big Texan Motel. B, D
DAY 5—GALLUP, NM
You’ve reached the halfway point of Route 66! Stop in Adrian, TX for a photo at the iconic mid-point sign before continuing along the Mother Road to Albuquerque, NM. For lunch, enjoy a classic 50’s-style blue plate special at the 66 Diner, complete with their famous milkshake. Our afternoon is filled with a guided tour at the Unser Racing Museum. Unpack for a two-night stay at the historic El Rancho Hotel, which served as home base to movie stars who came to the desert for their films. B, L
DAY 6—PETRIFIED FOREST NATIONAL PARK
Spend the day exploring the Petrified Forest National Park, the world’s largest and most colorful collection of petrified wood dating back 225 million years. After a stop at the Painted Desert Visitor Center and lunch on-your-own at the Painted Desert Diner, head out for a scenic drive through the park’s 28 miles, enjoying breathtaking views of the desert vistas and colorful badlands. B, D
DAY 7—KINGMAN, AZ
Our tour continues west to Arizona, home to the longest original stretch of Route 66. Photo stops at the classic Jack Rabbit Trading Post and “Standing on the Corner in Winslow Arizona” before another diner-style lunch at Cruiser’s Route 66 Café. Did you know that hidden within the Grand Canyon are an estimated 1,000 caves?
Option—Grand Canyon Caverns
Take the Grand Canyon Caverns exploration elevator 21 stories underground to explore the largest dry caverns in the United States during an optional guided walking tour.
Price: $25 per person
This evening, we visit the inspiration for the Pixar movie Cars, Peach Springs, before an overnight stay at the Route 66-themed Ramada Kingman in Kingman, AZ. B, L
DAY 8—LAS VEGAS, NV
Explore Arizona’s Route 66 Museum, located on Andy Divine Road in historic Powerhouse before it’s full speed ahead to glittering Las Vegas. Visit the Hoover Dam before leisure time to explore the Strip. Take a group photo at the iconic Welcome to Vegas sign before arriving for dinner and overnight stay at the four-star Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino. B, D
DAY 9—SANTA MONICA, CA
Our last leg of our Rt 66 journey. In Barstow, visit the Mother Road Museum and Murals. Snap a picture at the official “End of the Trail” sign and visit the Last Stop Shop on iconic Santa Monica Pier. Enjoy breathtaking views, ocean breezes and amusement park fun! Overnight in Los Angeles. B, D
DAY 10—RETURN HOME
Fly home with treasured memories of Route 66. B
Quality Accommodations
Night 1: Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Airport, St. Louis, MO
Night 2: Hampton Inn (or similar), Joplin, MO
Night 3: Hampton Inn (or similar), Oklahoma City, OK
Night 4: Big Texan Hotel, Amarillo, TX
Nights 5-6: El Rancho Hotel, Gallup, NM
Night 7: Ramada Kingman, Kingman, AZ
Night 8: Golden Nugget Hotel, Las Vegas, NV
Night 9: Renaissance Hotel (or similar), Los Angeles, CA
Dates:
Jun 21-30, 2023 Sold Out
Price Per Person:
Double $2,687
Single $3,345
Pre-/Post Tour Hotel:
$158/night
Depart/Return:
St. Louis, MO
Inclusions:
Return flight from Los Angeles to St. Louis on Day 10
Free airport shuttle or hotel parking
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling of one suitcase per person at hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
Plan to arrive to St Louis anytime on Day 1 of the tour. The group will then gather after breakfast the morning of Day 2.
Departure Time
Schedule your flight home to depart the St. Louis Int’l Airport any time after 2:00 pm on Day 10. Should you wish to return home directly from Los Angeles Int’l Airport to your home city, a $250 Land Only Credit will be provided on your invoice. You are responsible for air to your home city.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our starting hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to/from the St. Louis Int’l Airport. If you are driving to the starting location, they also offer complimentary parking for the duration of the tour.
Walking Distance
Moderate walking is required to fully enjoy this tour. Some walking will also be on uneven paths. While walking canes are allowed, we are unable to accommodate travelers using other mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs.
Average Temps
June – high of 70°, low of 50°
Time Zone
Central/Mountain/Pacific
Hotel Amenities
Each hotel has a hair dryer, iron, ironing boards, a coffee maker and complimentary WI-FI.
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, visors, and comfortable walking shoes will add to your enjoyment of this tour.
Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
