Overview
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Visit Pontiac’s Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum, which features memorabilia from the heyday of Route 66. In Oklahoma, visit Pops, a landmark building selling gas, sodas, shakes, and diner food. At the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, antique cars and historic documents help you feel what it was like to travel Route 66. In New Mexico, visit Russell’s Car Museum, featuring classic cars and memorabilia. Overnight in Williams Arizona—listed in the National Register for Historic Places and where you’ll see neon signs of the intact circa 1940s “Motel Row.” Before arriving at the end of Route 66 in Santa Monica, California, visit the Barstow Route 66 Museum, which houses a collection of historic artifacts and photographs related to Route 66 and the Mojave Desert communities.
This tour also deviates from Route 66, so you can see breathtaking scenery at the Grand Canyon and experience the excitement of Las Vegas. In Springfield, visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, and in St. Louis, witness amazing views of the city and the Mississippi River from the top of the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch.
These are just some of the many highlights of this Route 66 tour designed for value-minded travelers. Sit back, relax, and let Cosmos handle the driving and details while you enjoy!
Highlights
Sightseeing
PONTIACVisit Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum
SPRINGFIELDVisit Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
ST. LOUIS
Orientation tour; visit the Gateway Arch National Park
OKLAHOMA CITY
Sightseeing
AMARILLOCadillac Ranch
ALBUQUERQUE
Visit Old Town and Acoma Sky City
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Sightseeing
WILLIAMSHistoric Route 66
LAS VEGAS
Orientation tour of the famous Las Vegas “Strip”
BARSTOW
Visit Barstow Route 66 Museum
LOS ANGELES
Sightseeing
SANTA MONICA
Sightseeing; ending point of Historic Route 66
2021 Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 6 breakfasts
CHICAGO
Day1
Welcome to Chicago, the start of Route 66! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer questions.
CHICAGO
Day2
. Known as the “Windy City,” Chicago is home to one of America’s tallest buildings, legends such as Al Capone and his notorious gang, and countless jazz and blues clubs. Get to know this exciting city on a morning sightseeing tour that includes the sign marking the start of historic Route 66. This afternoon is at leisure. Ride the elevator to the top of the Willis Tower, formally known as the Sears Tower, explore The Magnificent Mile, or stroll along Navy Pier.
CHICAGO–PONTIAC–SPRINGFIELD
Day3
This morning, immerse yourself in Route 66 memorabilia. Visit the ROUTE 66 HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM in Pontiac, housed in a historic fire station. See the large maps that will sketch out your Route 66 adventure for the coming days, and enjoy the nostalgic photos and postcards from the “Mother Road’s” heyday. On to Springfield and the former home of President Abraham Lincoln. Visit the ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM.
SPRINGFIELD–ST. LOUIS
Day4
Cross the mighty Mississippi River and continue to St. Louis, “Gateway to the West.” Your orientation tour includes the towering GATEWAY ARCH National Park. Ride to the top of the 630-foot-tall Arch for a panoramic view of the city and river.
ST. LOUIS–BRANSON
Day5
Today, we travel through the Missouri countryside, then on to Branson, one of America’s biggest music centers. Your Tour Director will make suggestions for independent exploration.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
BRANSON–ARCADIA–OKLAHOMA CITY
Day6
This morning, leave the Ozarks and travel through America’s “Bible Belt” into Cowboy Country. After a quick drive through Kansas, enter Oklahoma, once known as Indian Territory. In Arcadia, on historic Route 66, visit POPS landmark diner and gas station. Later today, arrive in Oklahoma City.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
OKLAHOMA CITY–ELK CITY–AMARILLO
Day7
Start the day with a city sightseeing tour of Oklahoma City, the capital and largest city in Oklahoma. From here, travel to Elk City and visit the NATIONAL ROUTE 66 MUSEUM. Take a journey through each of the eight states Route 66 passes through—from Illinois all the way to California. Continue into Texas and on to Amarillo, the Yellow Rose of Texas.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
AMARILLO–TUCUMCARI––ALBUQUERQUE
Day8
On the way out of Amarillo, see CADILLAC RANCH, a quirky art sculpture consisting of a collection of 10 Cadillacs. Before crossing into New Mexico, reach Adrian, the halfway point on Route 66. Across the New Mexico border, visit RUSSELL’S CAR MUSEUM, featuring classic cars and memorabilia. Next, stop in Tucumcari and shop for souvenirs at Teepee Curios. See the neon signs of the Blue Swallow Motel that has been serving travelers of Route 66 since 1939. Visit Central Avenue in Albuquerque, where many of the original Route 66 buildings and businesses still stand. Afterward, there’s free time in this original Spanish town with its fine parish church and Spanish-style plaza.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
ALBUQUERQUE
Day9
This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast or sunbathe in the New Mexico sunshine. Consider a short walk to Old Town, site of the city’s original settlement. Hone your bargaining skills with the local craftsmen who line the square to sell their lovely silver and turquoise jewelry. After exploring more of this atmospheric city, seize the chance to ride the world’s longest aerial tramway up nearby Sandia Peak Mountain and witness spine-tingling views of the desert floor, forests, and canyons below.
ALBUQUERQUE–ACOMA SKY CITY–GALLUP–WINSLOW–WILLIAMS
Day10
This morning, visit ACOMA SKY CITY, home of the Pueblo Indians, situated on 367-foot-high sandstone rock. It is considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited village in the United States. Learn about this community and its inhabitants, and peruse Acoma pottery and jewelry. Then, cross the Continental Divide and continue to Gallup, which claims a longtime Hollywood connection. From classic westerns to the more recent adventures of Superman, the area has provided unequaled movie scenery. The next two nights are in Williams, gateway to the Grand Canyon, and listed in the National Register for Historic Places. The Historic Downtown District covers six square blocks and boasts a rich heritage that features the Old West and Route 66.
WILLIAMS. EXCURSION TO GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Day11
Deviate from Route 66 to see one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK. Wander along the canyon rim for breathtaking views and wildlife. Elk are frequently spotted grazing in the forested areas on the South Rim. Perhaps join the optional helicopter flightseeing tour? Return to Williams where the evening is free to explore the historic Americana-style shops and restaurants dating back to the early 1900s, and home of Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum, featuring highway memorabilia. Be sure to appreciate the neon signs of the intact circa 1940s “Motel Row.”
Meals included:
- Continental Breakfast
WILLIAMS–SELIGMAN–LAS VEGAS
Day12
Depart Williams for Seligman, home to the rebirth of Route 66. Detour once again from Route 66 to visit the bright lights and excitement of Las Vegas. An orientation tour upon arrival shows off many of the themed casino resorts along the colorful “Strip.” This evening, join an optional night at a dazzling show featuring top Vegas entertainment.
Meals included:
- Continental Breakfast
LAS VEGAS
Day13
A day at leisure to relax by the pool or explore the world-renowned Las Vegas Strip. Ride the world’s highest rollercoaster, float through a Venetian canal, or see man-eating sharks up close—it’s all possible in Las Vegas. Don’t miss downtown Las Vegas, where you’ll find the Fremont Street Experience, five city blocks enclosed in a glass atrium and filled with dazzling lights, sounds, and action. A variety of optional excursions are available, including a float trip through dramatic Black Canyon on the Colorado River.
LAS VEGAS–BARSTOW–LOS ANGELES
Day14
Today, depart the man-made oasis of Las Vegas and cross the Mojave Desert and the San Bernardino Mountains en route to Los Angeles. Visit the BARSTOW ROUTE 66 MUSEUM, which displays a collection of historic photographs and artifacts related to Route 66 and the Mojave Desert communities. Overnight in Los Angeles, the “City of Angels.”
LOS ANGELES
Day15
Join an exciting morning tour of the glamorous side of L.A. in Beverly Hills, the Sunset Strip, Hollywood, and Santa Monica, the ending point of Route 66. Return to Los Angeles where the rest of the day is yours to shop for souvenirs or relax by the pool.
LOS ANGELES
Day16
Your vacation ends this morning. You can extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Los Angeles further. Your Tour Director will have suggestions.
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Chicago Downtown/River North
Superior Tourist-Class
Set in downtown, this contemporary hotel is a mile from both the Museum of Contemporary Art and Navy Pier and only a half mile from a shopper's dream on the Magnificant Mile. The relaxed rooms offer free Wi-Fi, desks and flat-screen TVs, as well as minifridges and coffeemakers. Amenities include a fitness center, a business center, and guest laundry facilities.
Location
60 W. Illinois Street, Chicago, United States
Hotel Facilities
- Business Center
- Laundry Available
- Elevator
- Fitness Room
- Luggage Storage
Room Facilities
- Desk
- Television
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Room Service
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- Air Conditioning
- Iron/Ironing Board
Wyndham Springfield City Centre
First-Class
Downtown Hotel & Conference Center with 30-story circular Tower above Atrium Mall.
Location
700 East Adams St., Springfield, United States
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Luggage Storage
- Bar/Lounge
- Free WiFi
- Gift Shop
- ATM
- Pool
- Business Center
- Laundry Available
- Beauty Salon
- Elevator
- Parking/Valet
- Fitness Room
- Concierge desk
Room Facilities
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- In-Room Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- Room Service
- Alarm Clock
- Coffee Maker
- Desk
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Television
- Internet Access
- Air Conditioning
- Phone
- Climate Control
- Iron/Ironing Board
Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Convention Center
Moderate First-Class
Drury Hotels carefully renovated the Union Market building in 1990, adding two additional stories for guest rooms. Built in 1925, original features were preserved in the hotel lobby and mezzanine meeting level.
Location
711 N. Broadway, St Louis, United States
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Elevator
- Business Center
- Pool
- Laundry Available
- Parking/Valet
- Restaurant On-Site
- Fitness Room
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Cable/Satellite
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Coffee Maker
- Desk
- Television
- Climate Control
- Air Conditioning
- Voicemail
- Phone
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills
First-Class
Modern Motor Inn situated in the music show area, convenient to Grand Palace, Andy Williams & Bobby Vinton Theaters.
Location
203 S Wildwood Drive, Branson, United States
Hotel Facilities
- Business Center
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Elevator
- Parking/Valet
- Fitness Room
- Free WiFi
- Gift Shop
- Pool
Room Facilities
- Phone
- Mini-bar
- Air Conditioning
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Pay Movies
- Internet Access
- Alarm Clock
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel
Superior First-Class
The Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel is conveniently located just a few blocks from the Bricktown Entertainment District. Guestrooms are equipped with signature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper beds, single-serve coffeemaker with Starbucks coffee, and cable TV.
Location
1 North Broadway Ave., Oklahoma City, United States
Hotel Facilities
- Fitness Room
- Ice Machine
- Luggage Storage
- Bar/Lounge
- Pool
- Elevator
- Free WiFi
- Concierge desk
- Parking/Valet
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Gift Shop
- Laundry Available
Room Facilities
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Cable/Satellite
- Phone
- Desk
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Climate Control
- Hair Dryer
- Air Conditioning
- Coffee Maker
- Television
- Internet Access
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Complimentary Toiletries
Country Inn & Suites Amarillo West
Superior Tourist-Class
Situated near Westgate Mall our hotel offers an ideal home base for touring the area. Feel rejuvenated in our heated pool, whirlpool tub or fitness center, and then settle into your room to enjoy free Internet and a 40-inch LCD TV.
Location
2000 Soncy, Amarillo, United States
Hotel Facilities
- Parking/Valet
- Hot Tub
- Business Center
- Fitness Room
- Free WiFi
- Luggage Storage
- Pool
- Laundry Available
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Phone
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Desk
- Air Conditioning
- Television
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Coffee Maker
Best Western Plus Rio Grande Albuquerque
Superior Tourist-Class
Set in the heart of Albuquerque, the Best Western Rio Grande is close to many area attractions, including the zoo, botanic gardens, and turquoise museum to name a few. The hotel has an on-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. The hotel also has a relaxing outdoor pool to cool off in.
Location
1015 Rio Grande Boulevard NW, Albuquerque, United States
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Parking/Valet
- Spa Services
- Ice Machine
- Fitness Room
- Pool
- Business Center
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Climate Control
- Alarm Clock
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Phone
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Air Conditioning
- Pay Movies
- Desk
- Window Opens
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Coffee Maker
- Wake-Up Calls
- Voicemail
- Hair Dryer
- Daily Housekeeping
- Internet Access
La Quinta Inn and Suites-Grand Canyon Area
Moderate First-Class
Nestled in breathtaking views of the pines, this hotel features comfortable guestrooms with pillow-top mattresses, free Wi-Fi, and cable TV, outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, and fitness center.
Location
1100 Cataract Lake Road, Williams, United States
Hotel Facilities
- Fitness Room
- Pool
- Hot Tub
- Free WiFi
- Business Center
- Spa Services
- Parking/Valet
Room Facilities
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Desk
- Internet Access
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Phone
- Voicemail
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Hair Dryer
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Alarm Clock
- Air Conditioning
- Coffee Maker
- Complimentary Toiletries
Sahara Las Vegas
Moderate Deluxe
SLS Las Vegas features over 1,300 guestrooms in two distinct hotel towers—Story and World™—each with a unique personality, designed to offer contemporary and stylish settings for an amazing Las Vegas resort getaway! The hotel features multiple restaurants, casino, outdoor pool, a spa and shopping.
Location
2535 Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, United States
Hotel Facilities
- Pool
- Hot Tub
- Free WiFi
- Gift Shop
- ATM
- Bar/Lounge
- Spa Services
- Restaurant On-Site
- Fitness Room
- Business Center
- Concierge desk
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Climate Control
- Internet Access
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Desk
- Cable/Satellite
- Room Service
- Television
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Hair Dryer
- Phone
Westin Bonaventure
Superior First-Class
Stunning downtown hotel comprising 5 glass towers and a 6 storey atrium lobby with fountains. Facilities include an outdoor pool, health club, spa and on site shopping mall. Dining faciilities include a lobby bar and bistro restaurant - The Lakeview Bistro - and a famous steakhouse on the 35th floor - LA Prime - which offers spectacular views of the downtown area. On the 34th floor is a revolving lounge and restaurant - the Bona Vista Lounge
Location
404 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, United States
Hotel Facilities
- ATM
- Free WiFi
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Elevator
- Fitness Room
- Business Center
- Gift Shop
- Luggage Storage
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Pool
Room Facilities
- Room Service
- Television
- Air Conditioning
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- Desk
- Phone
- Climate Control
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Complimentary Toiletries
