Celebrate 100 years of adventure on Route 66, affectionately known as the “Mother Road.” Begin where the highway meets the Pacific and journey east from California to Chicago along the road that came to symbolize freedom, discovery, and the spirit of the open highway. Along the way, you’ll experience the nostalgic charm of vintage diners, glowing neon signs, quirky roadside attractions, and classic mom-and-pop stops that capture America’s golden age of travel. From desert landscapes and small-town main streets to the final “Begin Route 66” sign in Chicago, this reverse journey offers a fresh way to experience one of America’s most beloved roads.
Highlights for this Route 66 Centennial Tour:
- Begin your journey at Santa Monica Pier and the official end of Route 66.
- Explore Petrified Forest National Park, where ancient fossilized trees and painted desert landscapes create an unforgettable scene.
- Make your mark at Cadillac Ranch, where colorful Cadillacs are buried nose-down in the Texas dirt.
- Stop at the whimsical Blue Whale of Catoosa, one of Route 66’s most beloved icons.
- Take in the soaring Gateway Arch, America’s tallest monument.
- Discover the legacy of Abraham Lincoln through immersive exhibits in Springfield, Illinois.
- Celebrate your journey’s grand finale at the historic “Begin Route 66” sign in Chicago.
Day 1: Welcome to Los Angeles
Arrive in the City of Angels and meet your fellow travelers and Tour Director at a special welcome dinner to begin your Route 66 adventure. D
Day 2: Santa Monica Pier
Begin your Route 66 adventure at the end. Snap a photo at Santa Monica Pier with its famous “End of the Trail” sign and enjoy time among the shops and iconic sights. Continue to Victorville to visit the California Route 66 Museum before crossing through the Mojave Desert. B, D
Day 3: Oatman, AZ
Step back in time in Oatman, where wild burros roam the streets and cowboys stage a Wild West show. Continue to Kingman for visits to the Powerhouse Visitors Center and Arizona Route 66 Museum. In Seligman, birthplace of the Route 66 revival, enjoy retro storefronts preserved by the Delgadillo family. B, D
Day 4: Winslow, AZ
Learn about the pioneering women of Winslow who brought elegance and hospitality to the American railroad. Visit “Standing on the Corner” Park, then stop for nostalgic photos at Jack Rabbit Trading Post and the whimsical Wigwam Motel in Holbrook. B, D
Day 5: Petrified Forest National Park
Spend the day exploring Petrified Forest National Park, home to the world’s largest and most vibrant collection of petrified wood dating back more than 225 million years. B, D
Day 6: Albuquerque, NM
Travel to Albuquerque, where Route 66 stretches for 18 miles, the longest uninterrupted urban stretch of the Mother Road in the nation. Drive along historic 4th Street and see the only place where Route 66 crosses itself. Continue on to Santa Fe. B, D
Day 7: Tucumcari, NM
Capture the vintage charm of Tucumcari’s Blue Swallow Motel, then continue to Adrian, Texas, for a photo at the Midpoint sign. This evening, enjoy a lively Texas-style dinner at the legendary Big Texan Steak Ranch. B, D
Day 8: Amarillo, TX
Start the day by making your mark at Cadillac Ranch. Visit the Devil’s Rope Museum, then continue to the Art Deco U-Drop Inn Café in Shamrock. At the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, vintage vehicles and neon signs bring history to life. B, D
Day 9: Catoosa, OK
Today’s discoveries include the beautifully restored Old Round Barn, Chandler’s Interpretive Center, and the Blue Whale of Catoosa. Visit the Will Rogers Memorial and the World’s Largest Totem Pole before reaching Joplin. B, D
Day 10: Springfield, MO
Tour Joplin’s Mural Park and discover Bonnie & Clyde’s hideout. In Springfield, the birthplace of Route 66, enjoy Ozark scenery and learn how the Mother Road came to be. In Cuba, Missouri, view colorful murals before stopping for a photo beside the towering Route 66 Rocker. B, D
Day 11: Gateway to the West
Begin at the Gateway Arch, then explore Springfield, Illinois, where presidential legacy and Route 66 history intertwine. Pass nostalgic diners and restored gas stations before arriving in Pontiac. B, D
Day 12: Chicago & Return Home
En route to Chicago, stop at the Gemini Giant statue. In the Windy City, visit the Route 66 “Begin” sign and enjoy a farewell lunch at Lou Mitchell’s, a legendary eatery that predates the highway. Return home with wonderful memories of your Route 66 adventure. B, L
Quality Accommodations
Night 1:Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pasadena, CA
Night 2: Fairfield Inn & Towneplace Suites, Barstow, CA
Night 3: Ramada Kingman, Kingman, AZ
Nights 4-5: La Posada Hotel, Winslow, AZ
Night 6: Drury Inn & Suites, Albuquerque, NM
Night 7: Four Points Sheraton, Amarillo, TX
Night 8: Hampton Inn & Suites, Elk City, OK
Night 9: Hampton Inn & Suites, Claremore, OK
Night 10: Baymont Hotel, Sullivan, MO
Night 11: Hampton Inn & Suites, Pontiac, IL
Dates:
Sept 2-13, 2026
Price Per Person:
Double $3,299
Single $4,155
Pre-/Post Tour Hotel:
Call for pricing
Depart/Return:
Depart: Los Angeles, CA
Inclusions:
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling one one suitcase per person at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
Available about 90 days prior to departure.
Departure Time
Available about 90 days prior to departure.
Walking Distance
To fully enjoy your vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved in our tours. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace up to a mile at a time for a daily total of three to four miles per day and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day. In addition, please know you may be expected to exit the motorcoach at each stop because local law requires mandatory motorcoach driver breaks.
Due to the lack of proper facilities at some of the farms, ranches, and off-the-beaten-path sites we often visit, we are unable to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.
Average Temps
- California: High 85° F, low 65° F
- Arizona: High 95° F, low 70° F
- New Mexico: High 88° F, low 62° F
- Texas / Oklahoma: High 95° F, low 72° F
- Missouri: High 88° F, low 69° F
- Illinois: High 85° F, low 68° F
Time Zones
Central, Mountain, and Pacific
Hotel Amenities
Most accommodations arranged by Country Travel Discoveries are equipped with in-room amenities such as a hair dryer, iron, and coffee maker. In addition, some properties may also have a pool, fitness center, or laundry facilities.
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.
Dress on tour is casual. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, visors, and comfortable walking shoes will add to your enjoyment of this tour. As this tour will travel through multiple states within the United States, it is recommended to pack a variety of layers to accommodate for potential temperature ranges.
Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
