Route 66 Road Trip

From the plane you have admired the skyline of Chicago. Hardly landed, you will be right in the middle of the big city hustle and bustle. Use your first two days to take a look at the City of Winds and get a first impression of the American way of life. Thanks to the rental car you picked up at the airport, you have flexibility for the next few days.

For your short stay, we recommend a trip to Michigan Avenue, the Magnificient Mile, probably the most famous shopping mile in Chicago. Go shopping to your heart's content and maybe you will find a souvenir or two.

You will be amazed by the impressive architecture of the skyscrapers in the business district, which includes the Willis Tower with 110 floors. This building is not only the tallest in Chicago, but in the entire Western Hemisphere. Venture up the elevator to the 103rd floor of this building for a view of the city. On the skydeck is a glass box that juts out over the building and will get your adrenaline pumping.

For those who want to experience the city from a different perspective, a boat tour on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan is recommended. Capture the moments and views on camera.

Visit Millennium Park, a green oasis in the city center on the lake that invites you to take leisurely walks. The park houses concert halls as well as art objects and is now a popular recreation area for Chicagoans.

Travel time Chicago Airport - Hotel: approx. 20 minutes / approx. 15 km

2 nights at the Best Western Plus Chicago Hillside*** (or similar) in a standard room, Chicago, Illinois

With your rental car, hit the road and follow the first 325 kilometers of Route 66 to Springfield, Illinois. America's main road passes many small towns like Wilmington and Odell, where historic gas stations and old buildings take you back to times gone by. Immerse yourself in the passing scenery and feel the breeze as you get closer and closer to Springfield, Illinois.

Once at your destination, discover an exciting mix of culture, history and fun in the city whose most famous resident was Abraham Lincoln. From interesting fairs to Broadway shows to ancient treasures, a world of surprises awaits you in Springfield. Nowhere else will you learn as much about Abraham Lincoln as you will here. In addition to museums and memorials to the 16th President of the United States, there's plenty for Route 66 fans to discover in Springfield. At Becky's Barn, you'll find everything you need to know about Route 66, its route and how it was built. There is also a Route 66 Twin Drive-In movie theater with two screens, which you can visit at the end of your first leg in the evening.

Travel time Chicago - Springfield: approx. 3.5 hours / approx. 325 km

1 night at the Best Western Clearlake Plaza** (or similar) with breakfast in a standard room, Springfield, Illinois

There are still some exciting kilometers ahead of you on Route 66. Today it is 166 kilometers that will take you to St. Louis. Enjoy the endless expanses that lie ahead of you on the drive and use the rest of the day to get to know St. Louis better. The city is the largest on the entire Route 66 between Chicago and Los Angeles. From afar, the city welcomes you with its distinctive Gateway Arch, reminiscent of Thomas Jefferson and said to represent the gateway to the mythical American West. In St. Louis, the former Route 66 crossed the Mississippi River, but its course was slightly changed in 1930.

The next day is free to get to know St. Louis and its past better. In addition to the first World's Fair, the first U.S. Olympic Games were held here in 1904. Charles Lindenbergh also launched the first transatlantic flight on the Spirit of St. Louis from St. Louis.

Travel time Springfield - St. Louis: approx. 2 hours / approx. 166 km

2 nights at the Best Western Kirkwood Inn** (or similar) with breakfast in a standard room, St. Louis, Missouri

One of the longest stretches of your tour is ahead of you today. From St. Louis, you will head west to Springfield Missouri, where you will spend the night. Enjoy the nature that Missouri has to offer on the approximately 400 kilometer long stretch. The Missouri River meanders through the diverse landscape, which is characterized by forests and mountains, castles, beaches and fields.

Missouri, home to author Mark Twain, guards hidden attractions such as Meramec Caverns, a cave of mineral formations you won't want to miss. Learn how thousands of years ago these cave formations were created, which today make up the world's largest cave city with 6000 different caves. Even 7-story underground buildings have been built into the complex.

Springfield, Missouri itself is probably the most important stop on Route 66, as this city is the birthplace of the name of the famous Chicago to Los Angeles route. In 1927, a request was made for the once unpaved U.S. 66 to be paved. Thus, in 1938, the route from the Great Lakes to the Pacific coast became the first fully paved United States Numbered Highway. Today, original sections with the original paving can still be found in downtown Springfield.

Travel time St. Louise - Springfield: approx. 3 hours / approx. 325 km

1 night at the Best Western Rail Haven** (or similar) with breakfast in a standard room, Springfield, Missouri

Before you know it, you'll arrive today in the third state through which Route 66 winds. Oklahoma has a colorful history and in the past was a destination for freed slaves in their quest for opportunity and equality. Known for its oil boom in the 20th century, today the state is predominantly known for its western and natural heritage, which plays a large role in its cultural identity.

Your destination today is Tulsa, home to the most extensive collection of American Western art and artifacts in the world. When you reach the city, you will be greeted by the famous Meadow Gold sign from afar. The city is also known for its Art Deco architecture, which was applied to numerous buildings and is still well preserved today. As you stroll through the city, you will discover the most important sights.

Travel time Springfield - Tulsa: approx. 3.5 hours / approx. 340 km

1 night in the Best Western Plus Downtown Tulsa** (or similar) with breakfast in a standard room, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Today, after 185 kilometers, the state capital and a modern metropolis awaits you: Oklahoma City. Visit the Myriad Botanical Gardens with its tropical greenhouses or one of the interesting museums, such as the Omniplex Science Museum in the Kirkpatrick Center or the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, which houses a gallery of Western art. Oklahoma City is equidistant from Los Angeles and from New York, so you are now halfway through your trip.

Travel time Tulsa - Oklahoma City: approx. 1.5 hours / approx. 116 km

1 night at the Best Western Plus Broadway Inn*** (or similar) in a standard room, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Continuing on the trail of Route 66, the longest section of the entire tour will take you today. You will drive 460 kilometers from Oklahoma City to Amarillo - a dreamlike route that presents you with America's diverse nature. Drive leisurely along the never-ending highways and make a stop in Anadarko, the city that dubs itself the nation's Indian capital. Walk in the footsteps of the past and visit Indian City USA, an open-air museum of Native American homes.

Your actual destination Amarillo is located in Texas and awaits you with numerous sights. The Cadillac Ranch is one of the most popular destinations for visitors. Here, ten Cadillacs were buried upside down by artists, so that the rear part can still be seen. Today, the cars may be spray-painted by anyone and appear amid the lonely landscape. The city, with its Palo Duran canyons and wide-open spaces, reminds fans of the Old West of the backdrop of Western movies.

Travel time Oklahoma City - Amarillo: approx. 4.5 hours / approx. 460 km

1 night at Quality Inn West Medical Center** (or similar) with breakfast in a standard room, Amarillo, Texas

New Mexico's state capital, Santa Fe, is your next destination. The city is dominated by Southwestern pueblo architecture. Visit the colorful local Indian craft market, which is held daily in front of the Governor's Palace. In the oldest capital city in the U.S., you'll also find the oldest government building and the oldest church, both worth a visit. Take this relaxing day and get to know even more of the old city with Spanish flair.

If remaining time permits, we recommend a tour of another town - Taos Pueblo. It is probably the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the Americas and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many of the original houses in traditional architecture from the pre-Hispanic period are still well preserved.

Travel time Amarillo - Santa Fe: approx. 4.5 hours / approx. 450 km

2 nights at the Courtyard by Marriott*** (or similar) in a standard room, Santa Fe, New Mexico

The small town of Gallup seems to have stood still in time. It was founded in 1881, when the first train connection was established. It experienced its heyday in the 1950s. During that time, many motels, pawnshops and billboards were built, and nothing seems to have changed since Eisenhower's tenure.

A mix of Anglo and Native Americans gives this place a special charm and the few tourists who come here via Route 66 experience authentic glimpses into the daily lives of the locals.

Travel time Santa Fe - Gallup: approx. 3.5 hours / 320 km

1 night at Comfort Suites Gallup** (or similar) with breakfast in a standard room, Gallup, New Mexico

The natural wonder Grand Canyon belongs to every America round trip. Even from a distance you get a first impression of the dimensions of the national park.

When you stand at the South Rim, you are guaranteed a goosebump moment. The 17 million year old Grand Canyon offers a new overwhelming panorama after every bend and is spectacular and unique from every vantage point. Venture a few steps into the canyon and let the rock formations take your breath away, reaching imposing heights and shapes. Marvel at the endless expanse of the park and don't miss the sunset. If you want to learn more about the history of the Grand Canyon, you should visit the Visitor Center, where you can also take home souvenirs of your stay.

Travel time Gallup - Grand Canyon: approx. 4 hours / approx. 440 km

2 nights in a hotel in the Grand Canyon National Park area in a standard room, Grand Canyon, Arizona

Still with the fresh impressions you leave the Grand Canyon today to drive to the next city with countless new experiences. Las Vegas awaits you 440 kilometers away and already the way there will take your breath away. On one of the longest preserved stretches of the original Route 66, you will drive through the desert to Nevada and arrive in the entertainment capital of the world in the late afternoon. The welcome with the world-famous town sign, thousands and thousands of lights and huge hotels will plunge you directly into another world. Drive a few meters on the Strip and sink into the atmosphere of this dazzling city. Use the rest of the day to get a relaxed first impression, the next day you have free time to see everything.

You want to visit the most famous casinos, try your luck and watch one of the world's best shows in the evening? Discover the Wedding Chapels, hotels like the Stratosphere or The Riviera and the countless stores on Fremont Experience Street. In the gambling capital of Las Vegas, anything is possible!

Travel time Grand Canyon - Las Vegas: approx. 4 hours / approx. 440 km

2 nights at Hampton Inn Tropicana*** (or similar) with breakfast in a standard room, Las Vegas, USA

Before you know it, the final drive is upon us. 458 kilometers from Las Vegas to the City of Angels - Los Angeles. However, a few interesting stops await you on the way to the city of the rich and beautiful. Drive through the Mojave Desert, where Death Valley is located, and work up a sweat in the California heat. Stop at the ghost town of Calico, which yielded large amounts of silver during the gold rush of 1881, but lost its inhabitants after the price of silver dropped and was abandoned. Some of the houses burned down in 2001 due to a short circuit, but many of the buildings are still well preserved and a magical draw for tourists.

As you cross the San Bernardino Mountains, you will see the houses of Los Angeles in the distance. The city of dreams, sunshine, big cars and beautiful people. At Santa Monica Boulevard, Route 66 seamlessly transitions and winds through Hollywood and Beverly Hills until you read the "End Of Route 66" sign at the Santa Monica Boardwalk on the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy the walk across the pier and let the refreshing ocean air blow in your face. Take off your shoes and stroll through the warm sand all the way to Venice past the many beach stores and the cozy atmosphere of this town. Use the remaining time to visit the rest of the city. The Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame and Rodeo Drive are few of the many attractions this city has to offer. Take your time and discover the versatility of the City of Angels.

Travel time Las Vegas - Los Angeles: approx. 4.5 hours / approx. 460 km

1 night at Crowne Plaza LAX Airport*** (or similar) in a standard room, Los Angeles, California

You have made it! From Chicago to Los Angeles, from East to West with many stops and countless new impressions. Today it's time to say goodbye and take all the impressions home with you. Look out of the window of the airplane once more and marvel at the distance you have covered in the last few days on the historic Route 66.

Best Western Plus Chicago Hillside***, Chicago, Illinois (2 nights)

Located in Hillside, a short drive from downtown Chicago, this hotel offers an on-site restaurant and lounge and an outdoor pool. Rooms feature satellite TVs, a microwave and a refrigerator. The hotel's 24-hour Charlie's Restaurant serves American fare, while Charlie's Lounge offers snacks and cocktails. Area attractions, like Brookfield Zoo, are minutes from the Chicago Hillside Best Western Plus.

Best Western Clearlake Plaza**, Springfield, Ill (1 night)

Visit the home of Abraham Lincoln and experience the wonders of Springfield, IL, in the most comfortable way possible at this relaxing and pet-friendly hotel. Located three miles from historic downtown Springfield, IL, the Best Western Clearlake Plaza is ideal for visiting the many sites associated with the name of Abraham Lincoln. After a long day, nothing is more pleasant than a comfortable bed and a generously appointed room: each charming room comes standard with cable satellite TV, high-speed Internet, a private desk and a coffeemaker. All guests use the gym and indoor pool free of charge.

Best Western Kirkwood Inn**, St Louis, Missouri (2 nights)

The Best Western Kirkwood Inn is a newly renovated hotel in Kirkwood, one of St. Louis' most popular historic neighborhoods. Enjoy friendly service and comfortable rooms. This hotel offers a variety of full-service amenities, including a seasonal swimming pool, fitness center and guest laundry services. The hotel's Chili's Grill & Bar restaurant is ideal for a delicious meal, and Van's Tavern Lounge invites guests to enjoy an after-dinner cocktail. The hotel offers spacious rooms, each with a balcony or terrace, equipped with free high-speed Internet and cable satellite television.

Best Western Rail Haven**, Springfield, Missouri (1 night)

Eight brownstone houses, built in 1938 and known as the Rail Haven Motor Court, now make up the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven. The hotel offers free WiFi, a swimming pool depending on the season, and a lobby with a 24-hour front desk. A continental breakfast is served each morning, and complimentary coffee is available in the lobby. Laundry facilities are also available.

Best Western Plus Downtown Tulsa**, Tulsa, Oklahoma (1 night)

The hotel is located in bustling downtown Tulsa, but the modern atmosphere and friendly staff will quickly make you feel at home. Spacious rooms equipped with HD cable TV, high-speed Internet access, microwaves and refrigerators provide all the comforts you need.

Best Western Plus Broadway Inn***, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (1 night)

The Broadway Inn & Suites in Oklahoma City is located in the northwest part of the city. Nearby attractions include the Oklahoma State Fire Museum and the Oklahoma City Zoo. Remington Park and the Botanical Gardens are not far from the hotel. The hotel building has 96 air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV, phones and Wi-Fi. Cold beverages are provided by the minibar, and there's a kettle for making coffee and tea.

Quality Inn West Medical Center**, Amarillo, Texas (1 night)

This Quality Inn hotel in Amarillo boasts a central location off Interstate 40, and with a heated indoor saltwater pool, a hot tub and a fitness center, there's nothing to stop you from enjoying a relaxing stay in Amarillo. The spacious rooms feature flat-screen cable TVs and modern, friendly decor. They feature free Wi-Fi, a desk, a coffeemaker and a hairdryer.

Courtyard by Marriott***, Santa Fe, New Mexico (2 nights)

With a stay at Courtyard by Marriott Santa Fe, you'll be centrally located in Santa Fe, steps from College of Santa Fe and Liquid Light Glass. Recreational amenities include an indoor pool, a hot tub, and fitness facilities. Wi-Fi Internet access, concierge services and a gift shop/kiosk are available to guests. Make yourself at home in one of the 209 air-conditioned rooms with refrigerators. Bathrooms offer complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.

Comfort Suites Gallup**, Gallup, New Mexico (1 night)

Comfort Suites impresses with its excellent location near The Plaza, Ski Santa Fe and Georgia-O'Keeffe Museum. Unwind from all the sights in the seasonal outdoor pool, sundeck or indoor pool. The 60 rooms feature wireless Internet, a laptop-size safe, a balcony, a microwave and ironing facilities. The hotel's facilities include free parking.

Grand Canyon National Park Area, Arizona (2 nights)

Depending on availability, accommodations of similar standards will be booked for you in the area around the Grand Canyon. Do you have special wishes regarding the location? Please contact us. We will be glad to help you.

Hampton Inn Tropicana***, Las Vegas, Nevada (2 nights)

The Hampton Inn Tropicana is a non-gambling hotel 10 minutes' walk from the Strip. A free shuttle service to the Las Vegas Strip is nevertheless available. Each room at Hampton Inn Tropicana features free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. Amenities also include a coffeemaker, an iron/ironing board and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. A tropical outdoor pool with a waterfall, a hot tub and cabanas provide relaxation

Crowne Plaza LAX Airport***, Los Angeles, California (1 night)

The Crowne Plaza Los Angeles International Airport hotel features spacious, air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Enjoy California cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Landing restaurant. At the Century Taproom restaurant, you can look forward to live music, TV sports, wine, and a variety of beers from small local breweries.

Duration of the trip: 18 days / 17 nights

Included

• 17 nights in the hotels listed (hotels of a better standard can be booked on request and for an additional charge)
• 9x breakfast
• 18 days rental car Nissan Versa or similar

Rental car:

Included

• Unlimited kilometers
• Reimbursement of accident handling fee
• Comprehensive cover (CDW) without deductible
• Includes damage to tires, glass, underbody and roof
• Reimbursement for damage to glass, roof, tires, underbody (including oil pan) and clutch
• Reimbursement of towing costs in the event of an accident and reimbursement of the cost of loss/damage to vehicle keys and documents
• Reimbursement of damage to car radio and navigation system in connection with burglary damage
• Vehicle theft insurance (TP) without deductible
• Liability insurance: according to the conditions of the country of rental
• Additional liability insurance in the amount of min. 7.5 million EUR in case the usual coverage in the country is not sufficient
• Local taxes on the rental price as well as on all listed inclusive services
• Airport fees, provisioning and taxes
• CFC (Customer Facility Charge)
• Additional driver
• First tank of gas free of charge: The car will be returned empty. If the vehicle is returned with a full tank of fuel, no refund of fuel costs will be possible.

Not included

• One-way rental fee for the rental car in the amount of approx. 550 USD (to be paid locally). In the summer season this fee may be higher.

Not included

• International flights
• Meals and beverages not mentioned in the scope of services
• Personal expenses, such as minibar and tips
• Optional sightseeing, entrance fees, excursions
• possible parking and toll fees
• Gasoline and navigation equipment
• Insurance