Follow legendary Route 66 and see how Americans traveled from the 1920s thru the 1960s. Also known as the “Mother Road,” this historic route begins in Chicago and ends in Los Angeles. Now a preserved piece of history, its original purpose was to connect rural and urban communities to main streets, providing freedom of travel. On this vacation, you get the opportunity to travel to some of the cities along Route 66.

Start your trip in Chicago and stop in Springfield, St. Louis, Branson, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. A few of the many highlights along the way include St. Louis’ Gateway Arch, the Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa, Bill Shea’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum in Springfield, the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, the Route 66 Mother Road Museum, and various Route 66 icons. The tour also deviates from Route 66, so you can see breathtaking scenery at the Grand Canyon and experience the excitement of Las Vegas.

Day 1 CHICAGO
Welcome to the start of famous Route 66! Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.

Day 2 CHICAGO
Known as the “Windy City,” Chicago is home to America’s tallest building, legends such as Al Capone and his notorious gang, and, of course, countless jazz and blues clubs. Experience this exciting city on a morning sightseeing tour. This afternoon is at leisure. Ride the elevator to the top of the Sears Tower, explore The Magnificent Mile with 460 stores in eight city blocks, or stroll along Navy Pier. Tonight, join an optional Gangster Tour. (Breakfast)

Day 3 CHICAGO–SPRINGFIELD
Travel across the fertile Illinois farmlands, where the road is dotted with truck stops, diners, and quirky icons. Upon arrival in Springfield, visit BILL SHEA’S ROUTE 66 GAS STATION MUSEUM, a favorite stop for travelers. His memorabilia spans the lifetime of this famous road. Springfield is also the former home of President Abraham Lincoln. Visit his home and the ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM. (Breakfast)

Day 4 SPRINGFIELD–ST. LOUIS
This morning we cross the mighty Mississippi River and continue to St. Louis, “Gateway to the West.” Your city tour of St. Louis includes the towering GATEWAY ARCH. Ride to the top of the 630-foot-tall Arch for a panoramic view of the city and river. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Tonight, why not enjoy some famous St. Louis barbecue?

Day 5 ST. LOUIS–BRANSON
Today we travel through the Missouri countryside past Meramec Caverns, hideout of notorious bank robber Jesse James. Then, on to Branson, one of America’s biggest music centers. Join us this evening for our optional evening to Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, where you’ll “shake, rattle & roll” with music stars from the ‘50s, ’60s, and ‘70s.

Day 6 BRANSON–OKLAHOMA CITY
This morning, leave the Ozarks and travel through America’s “Bible Belt” and into cowboy country. After a quick drive through Kansas, enter Oklahoma, once known as Indian Territory. Stopover in Claremore to visit the WILL ROGERS MEMORIAL MUSEUM. Born on a sprawling frontier ranch in Oklahoma, Will Rogers was an Indian, a cowboy, a movie and Broadway star, a writer, a speaker, a comedian, and a world figure. View his collection of saddles, photos, and manuscripts that reflect on his incredible life. Later today, arrive in Oklahoma City. (Continental Breakfast)

Day 7 OKLAHOMA CITY–AMARILLO
A city tour this morning includes the NATIONAL COWBOY HALL OF FAME & WESTERN HERITAGE MUSEUM, a national memorial to the American cowboy. See exhibits that include Native Americans, the American Cowboy and Rodeo, and more. A “must-see” is Prosperity Junction, a re-created Western town. From here, travel to Clinton, Oklahoma, where you’ll visit the OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66 MUSEUM, home to vintage cars, neon signs, a ‘50s diner, and drive-in theater. Continue through the rolling hill country into Texas and on to Amarillo, the state’s oil capital. Get into the Lone Star spirit tonight with our optional dinner of juicy Texas steak, served with heaps of Wild West atmosphere. (Breakfast)

Day 8 AMARILLO–TUCUMCARI–SANTA ROSA–ALBUQUERQUE
On the way out of Amarillo, see the 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. Next, stop in Tucumcari to hear the ancient Indian fable of how the city received its name, shop for souvenirs at Tepee Curios, and see the neon signs of the Blue Swallow Motel that has been serving travelers of Route 66 since 1939. Continue along old Route 66 west to Santa Rosa. Look for the signs of the good ol’ days: Comet Drive-In, Silver Moon, Sun and Sand, and the still-grinning faces of Fat Man billboards outside of town. Visit the ROUTE 66 AUTO MUSEUM to see memorabilia and cars of the era. Upon arrival in Albuquerque, an included guided walking tour features Albuquerque’s Old Town, site of the city’s original settlement. Next, visit Central Avenue, where many of the original Route 66 buildings and businesses still stand. (Continental Breakfast)

Day 9 ALBUQUERQUE
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. Visit the renowned Albuquerque Museum of Art & History that features southwestern art and 400 years of Albuquerque history. After spending the rest of the day 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.

Day 10 ALBUQUERQUE–GALLUP–HOLBROOK–WINSLOW–FLAGSTAFF
This morning, visit ACOMA SKY CITY, home of the Pueblo Indians, situated on 357-foot-high sandstone rock. It is considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited village in the United States. Learn about this city 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 Redskin, filmed in 1929, to the more recent adventures of Superman, the area has provided unequaled movie scenery. Tonight is in Flagstaff, nestled at the base of the San Francisco Mountains. Perhaps visit the Museum Club, a great place to scoot your boots and soak up some honky-tonk history.

Day 11 FLAGSTAFF–GRAND CANYON
Deviate from Route 66 to see one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the GRAND CANYON. Wander along the canyon rim and experience breathtaking views. Perhaps join the optional helicopter “flightseeing” tour. Tonight you stay inside Grand Canyon National Park. (Breakfast)

Day 12 GRAND CANYON–WILLIAMS–SELIGMAN–LAS VEGAS
Return to Route 66 and pass through historic Williams, which is listed in the National Register for Historic Places. Make sure to appreciate the neon signs of the intact circa 1940s “Motel Row.” Later today, visit Seligman, home to the rebirth of Route 66. Detour once again from Route 66 to visit the bright lights and excitement of Las Vegas.

Day 13 LAS VEGAS
Enjoy a day at leisure. Relax by the pool or explore the world-renowned Las Vegas Strip. Ride the world’s highest rollercoaster, float through a Venice 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. In the evening, join an optional night out at a dazzling show featuring top Vegas entertainment.

Day 14 LAS VEGAS–LOS ANGELES
Today, depart the man-made phenomenon of Las Vegas and cross the Mojave Desert and the San Bernardino Mountains en route to Los Angeles. Time to stop in Barstow to visit the ROUTE 66 MOTHER ROAD MUSEUM, which displays a collection of historic photographs and artifacts related to Route 66 and the Mojave Desert communities. Continue on to Los Angeles, the “Capital of Glamour.” Join us tonight for an optional farewell dinner celebrating your journey along “America’s Main Street.”

Day 15 LOS ANGELES
The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to Los Angeles International Airport are included. You can extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Los Angeles further with a variety of exciting optional activities.

INCLUDED FEATURES
In Chicago, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, and Los Angeles; Gateway Arch, Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Cowboy Hall of Fame & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, Route 66 Auto Museum, Route 66 Mother Road Museum. Inside visits as shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
Route 66, Acoma Sky City, Grand Canyon National Park, and Route 66 icons: Cadillac Ranch, Tucumcari, and Wigwam Village.

INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

GUIDES
Services of a professional Tour Director.

STANDARD INCLUDED FEATURES
Learn more about transportation, hotels, and other standard included features offered.

MEALS
4 breakfasts, 2 continental breakfasts

HOTELS - (F) First-Class (ST) Superior Tourist-Class (T) Tourist Class
Chicago Red Roof Inn Chicago (T); Springfield Hilton Springfield (F); St. Louis Millennium Hotel (F); Branson Comfort Inn Thousand Hills (F); Oklahoma City Best Western Saddleback Inn (MF); Amarillo Holiday Inn (ST); Albuquerque Best Western Rio Grande Inn (ST); Flagstaff Drury Inn and Suites Flagstaff (ST); Grand Canyon N.P. Grand Canyon Lodges (NP); Las Vegas Tropicana (F); Los Angeles Los Angeles Marriott (MD)

TRANSPORTATION
Private, deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach while touring.

Optional Excursions
Here's a list of optional excursions you can enjoy during your vacation. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.

Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency.

CITY: Amarillo

Big Texan Steak Ranch
Texas legends are filled with tales of cowboys, cattle, and campfires. RJ "Bob" Lee built a legend of his own when he cooked steaks over an open flame until a bragging cowboy couldn't eat another bite. The result was the steak that make Amarillo famous. This restaurant is the home of the FREE 72 oz steak - if you can eat it in one hour!
Approximate value: USD $27 per person

CITY: Branson

The Baldknobbers Show & Dinner
Baldknobbers began the Branson family entertainment phenomenon in 1959 when the four Mabe brothers began entertaining visitors on the Branson lakefront. Today the Baldknobbers Show features a talented cast of dynamic singers, musicians, comedians, and entertainers who perform your favorite Country Classics, Hot-New Country Hits, and Lots Side-Splitting Comedy. Your dinner this evening will be at Grand Counrty Buffet prior to attending the show.
Approximate value: USD $59 per person

The Righteous Brothers/ Bill Medley Show and Dinner
Medley, a consummate entertainer, sings his hit songs including Soul and Inspiration, I've Had the Time of My Life, Unchained Melody, the most often played song in the history of American radio, Lovin Feeling and many more. He delights audiences with music from different genres, adds variety as he showcases his very talented band and pulls even more surprises out of his vast repertoire. Your evening dinner will be at the Grand Country Buffet prior to the show.
Approximate value: USD $59 per person

CITY: Chicago

Mercury Skyline Lake & River Cruise
A guided tour through Chicago's downtown river and harbor front. Enjoy lively commentary on 17 bridges, 82 buildings and landmarks. Experience the famous Chicago River locking system as you enter Lake Michigan.
Approximate value: USD $23 per person

Untouchable Gangster Tour
Have a bang up good time on the two hour romp back to the Roaring Twenties! See Chicago's most infamous sites, hear historically accurate accounts for the exploits of Capone, Moran, Dillinger, and the rest of da boys.
Approximate value: USD $29 per person

Shoreline Sightseeing Chicago Architecture Cruise
Join us on an exciting journey as we tour the Chicago River and its architectural landmarks. Experienced and entertaining guides recount the dramatic story of Chicago's rise from the Great Fire of 1871 to become the home of the skyscraper and the cradle of modern American architecture. Along the one-hour route are buildings by world-famous architects including Mies van der Rohe, Skidmore Owings & Merrill and Helmut Jahn.
Approximate value: USD $23 per person

CITY: Las Vegas

Black Canyon Raft Trip With Transportation
A leisurely float trip aboard a motor-assisted raft starting at the base of Hoover Dam and traveling through one of the Colorado river's most beautiful canyons. Learn about the history, desert wildlife, and beauty in the Black Canyon. Be prepared for possible sightings of Big horn sheep, osprey and the Great Blue Heron - bring your camera! A box lunch is included. Trip is approximately 8 hours round trip hotel to hotel; suitable for all ages and no paddling experience necessary. (Transportation is included)
Approximate value: USD $130 per person

Hoover Dam Classic
Travel to the Hoover Dam in style and comfort aboard our custom Suburbans. Your talented guide will share points of interest and answer questions along the way. You'll truly appreciate the extra care and comfort you receive from Pink Jeep Tours. The Hoover Dam Discovery Tour offers ample time for exploring this National Historic Landmark and engineering wonder of the world. See live presentations, a fascinating film on the dam's construction and history, exhibit gallery, observation deck and venture down to the observation room in the power plant to view the massive generators. You'll encounter dramatic views of both the Colorado River as well as Lake Mead, the largest man made body of water in the Western Hemisphere. Tour time four hours.
Approximate value: USD $86 per person

CITY: Los Angeles

Hop On Hop Off Double Decker Bus
Discover the whole of Los Angeles and get on or off the buses at over 50 stops! Enjoy the open-air view from our vintage Double Decker Buses from England as the narrated tour points out landmarks from Downtown L.A. to the beaches of Santa Monica, with Hollywood and Beverly Hills in between. Hop-On or Hop-Off as often as you like to explore major attractions, movie studios or dine and shop at Los Angeles's hotspots - when you're ready to continue, just hop back on the bus. (24 hour pass)
Approximate value: USD $35 per person

PRICES
From approx $1,819 US per person double occupancy