Route 66
Stand beneath the Gateway Arch, add your own splash of color at Cadillac Ranch, and celebrate the end of Route 66 at Santa Monica Pier. This 12-day road trip follows the Mother Road from St. Louis to Los Angeles, connecting classic roadside attractions, historic hotels, small towns, and wide-open Southwestern landscapes.
Along the way, you will visit the Blue Whale of Catoosa, Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Petrified Forest National Park, and one of the world’s best-preserved meteor impact sites. Explore Route 66 museums, neon-era motels, trading posts, diners, and landmarks that recall the days when families crossed the country by car.
You will also spend two nights at La Posada in Winslow, hear stories about Hollywood’s connection to El Rancho Hotel, and meet the people and communities working to preserve the highway’s history. Each day reveals another chapter of America’s Main Street.
Highlights of Route 66
- Take in panoramic views from the Gateway Arch
- Discover the life and legacy of Will Rogers
- Stop for photos at the Blue Whale of Catoosa
- Add your own colorful mark to Cadillac Ranch
- Explore the ancient landscapes of Petrified Forest National Park
- Spend two nights at the historic La Posada in Winslow
- View one of the world’s best-preserved meteor impact sites
- Visit Oatman, where wild burros roam the streets
- Celebrate the end of Route 66 at Santa Monica Pier
DAY 1: WELCOME TO ST. LOUIS!
Kick off the Mother Road adventure by arriving in St. Louis and gathering for a welcome dinner! D
DAY 2: GATEWAY TO THE WEST
Begin the journey by viewing the famous 22-degree bend at the iconic Chain of Rocks Bridge. Learn about the nation’s westward expansion and experience panoramic views from the Gateway Arch, the tallest monument in the United States. This afternoon continue to Cuba, known as “Route 66 Mural City,” where multiple colorful outdoor murals illustrate local history. B, D
DAY 3: SPRINGFIELD, MO - BIRTHPLACE OF ROUTE 66
Visit the Birthplace of Route 66, Springfield, where the iconic highway was officially named in 1926. This afternoon head to Joplin, visit the notorious Bonnie and Clyde Hideout and get ready to see Grand Falls, Missouri’s largest continuously flowing natural waterfall. B, D
DAY 4: CLAREMORE AND CATOOSA, OK
Travel through Oklahoma and discover the towering folk-art masterpiece at Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park. Then continue to celebrate Will Roger’s legacy at his Memorial Museum. Stop at the whimsical Blue Whale of Catoosa and complete the day with a visit to the beautifully restored Old Round Barn, a unique architectural treasure. B, D
DAY 5: AMARILLO, TX
Explore the National Route 66 and Transportation Museum in Elk City before crossing into Texas to visit the iconic Art Deco- style U-Drop Inn in Shamrock. Continue to the legendary Cadillac Ranch, where you can leave your mark by adding your own colorful artwork to the famous installation. End the day with dinner at the renowned Big Texan Steak Ranch. B, D
DAY 6: TUCUMCARI, NM
Celebrate reaching the halfway point of Route 66 with a stop in Adrian, Texas, home to the famous Midpoint sign. Browse for unique souvenirs at Tee Pee Curios and enjoy a visit to the iconic Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari. Travel into Albuquerque and journey along historic Central Avenue, discovering the stories behind its remarkable 18-mile stretch of Route 66. B, D
DAY 7: ALBUQUERQUE, NM
Enjoy free time exploring Albuquerque at your own pace, perhaps visiting Old Town, browsing the shops and galleries, or admiring the city’s colorful murals. This evening, travel to the legendary El Rancho Hotel in Gallup, where generations of Hollywood stars stayed while filming classic Westerns. Take in a presentation by a local historian who will share fascinating stories about the hotel and moviemaking in the Southwest. B
DAY 8: PETRIFIED FOREST NATIONAL PARK
Journey through Petrified Forest National Park, the only national park featuring a section of historic Route 66, and discover a remarkable landscape of colorful petrified wood, painted badlands, and ancient desert vistas shaped over millions of years. Later, stop in Holbrook to see the one-of-a-kind Wigwam Motel and Jack Rabbit Trading Post. Enjoy a two-night stay at the historic La Posada Hotel, a beautifully restored Southwestern landmark. B, D
DAY 9: WINSLOW, AZ
Begin the day at one of the world’s best-preserved impact sites, formed by a meteor strike thousands of years ago. Walk along the rim to see sweeping views into this massive crater. This afternoon head over to the “Standin’ on the Corner” Park, inspired by the classic Eagles song. Enjoy another evening at La Posada hotel and take time to wander the gardens and admire the art. B, L
DAY 10: SELIGMAN, AZ
Continue westward to Seligman, a colorful town often called the birthplace of the Mother Road’s preservation movement. Learn how the Delgadillo family helped save and revitalize the historic highway. Browse the town’s quirky shops, vintage signs, and nostalgic attractions. Arrive in Kingman and visit the Hackberry General Store, with its tin-can-billboards and vintage gems. B, D
DAY 11: KINGMAN AND OATMAN, AZ
Venture into Kingman and view beloved symbols, signage and the Arizona Route 66 Museum inside the Powerhouse Visitors Center. Continue along the scenic Black Mountains to the former mining town of Oatman, where wild burros freely roam the streets and enjoy an entertaining Wild West show. B, L
DAY 12: SANTA MONICA, CA AND RETURN HOME
Learn how the story of the Mother Road comes full circle at the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville. Continue to Santa Monica Pier to celebrate at the “End of the Trail”, where Route 66 meets the Pacific Ocean. Depart with unforgettable memories of America’s Main Street. B
QUALITY ACCOMODATIONS
Night 1: Sheraton Westport Plaza Hotel, St. Louis, MO
Night 2: Baymont Hotel, Sullivan, MO
Night 3: Drury Inn and Suites, Joplin, MO
Night 4: Wyndham Grand Hotel, Oklahoma City, OK
Night 5: Four Points by Sheraton, Amarillo, TX
Night 6: Drury Inn and Suites, Albuquerque, NM
Night 7: El Rancho Hotel, Gallup, NM
Nights 8-9: La Posada Hotel, Winslow, AZ
Night 10: Ramada Hotel, Kingman, AZ
Night 11: Fairfield Inn and Suites, Victorville, CA
Dates:
Jul 23-Aug 3, 2027
Price Per Person:
Double $3,497
Single $4,295
Pre-/Post Tour Hotel:
Call for pricing
Depart/Return:
Depart: St. Louis, MO
Return: 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
Our Welcome Dinner on Day 1 is at our hotel, Sheraton Westport Plaza Hotel, starting at 6:30 p.m. We recommend scheduling your flight to the St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) to arrive by 4:00 p.m.
Departure Time
Schedule your flight home from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to depart after 4:00 p.m.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our starting hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to/from the St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL). If you are driving to the starting location and need parking, please contact us in advance, and we will be happy to discuss available options.
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
High of 95° F, low of 60° 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.