Remarkable  Route 66 Holidays & Tours

The home of the first skyscraper, Chicago is a fittingly impressive start to any Route 66 holidays. Famous for its architecture, art and location on Lake Michigan, there’s plenty to fill your time in the Windy City. Take a cruise on the Great Lake, gaze down on the city’s skyline from one of the observation decks, stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk or visit one of the museums. Don’t miss the photo opportunities at the reflective Cloud Gate in Millennium Park, better known as the Bean, and save time to stop by the Route 66 ‘begin’ sign on Adams Street.

Home to the 630ft Gateway Arch, opened in 1965 to honour President Jefferson’s vision of the continental United States, you can look out for 30 miles east and west from the top – one of the unmissable attractions on our Route 66 escorted tour. There’s plenty more to discover in Missouri’s second-largest city, whether you fancy a riverboat cruise along the Mississippi, a tour of the huge Anheuser-Busch Brewery, makers of Budweiser and Michelob, the serene Botanical Garden, or the Museum of Transportation, whose collection of classic motor cars would have cruised along Route 66 in years gone by.

An Old West enthusiast’s dream, Amarillo is where cowboy culture meets city sophistication. Since it was founded in the 1880s, it’s been the site of civil war battles as well as a breeding ground for millionaires, made rich by the ‘black gold’ from the area’s oil fields. Home to one of the country’s best collections of Western art and artefacts at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, there’s also one of the country’s quirkiest sights just outside the city, included in our Route 66 holiday package – ten Cadillacs, half-buried in a field, said to represent the golden era of the car.

It’s hard to comprehend the colossal size of the Grand Canyon without standing and looking out at this natural wonder of the world, stretching 18 miles at its widest point and around one mile deep. With the Colorado River snaking in a blue curve at the base of the canyon far below, the view from the South Rim viewpoint is quite simply awe-inspiring. But that’s not the only way to appreciate this astonishing place; you could choose an unforgettable flight over the canyon in a helicopter or plane, or discover unique viewpoints in the park’s IMAX film.

Although Las Vegas wasn’t on the original route, it’s a shame not to detour to Nevada on your Route 66 holidays to enjoy the glitz and glam of Sin City. Wander down the Strip and watch the dancing Bellagio Fountains for free, then you could try your luck in one of the iconic casinos or catch one of the big-name shows. Add in a chance to see recreations of European landmarks, some unexpected natural oases amid the neon, and fantastic dining, making for an indulgent stop that shouldn’t be missed.

California marks the end of Route 66, with Santa Monica Boulevard leading to the Pacific Ocean at Los Angeles – the final stop on our Route 66 holidays too. Save time to relax by the coast at one of LA’s golden sand beaches and think about just how far you’ve come, before making the most of the city’s attractions. Check out the famous Hollywood sign or head to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures for all things silver screen, hit the shops, head to a theme park, visit a museum or marvel at the fossils of the La Brea Tar Pits.