-
Home
-
Holiday Types
-
Fly Drive Holidays
-
Route 66 - The Mother Road
Route 66 - The Mother Road
From £2,403 pp
-
13 nights
-
Economy flights
-
Available April - October
Hit the open road on an unforgettable journey from Chicago to Albuquerque, tracing the legendary Route 66 through the heart of America. Benefitting from a more leisurely pace and covering five US states your adventure blends history with classic Americana. Visit the home of Abraham Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois, the iconic Gateway Arch in St Louis, and Route 66 nostalgia, arts and live entertainment in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Experience big-sky landscapes en route to Amarillo before ending in charming Albuquerque, where desert scenery and Southwestern culture create a spectacular finale to this all-American road trip.
What's Included?
- International flights from the UK based in economy class
- Accommodation for 13 nights
- 13 days intermediate car hire with fully inclusive insurance, unlimited mileage and taxes
Start
Finish
Stops
Point of interest
Your day-to-day plan
Day 1-2
Arrive in Chicago
Upon arrival at Chicago’s O’Hare airport take a taxi to your hotel or the Blue Line train to downtown Chicago, your base for the next two nights. This cosmopolitan playground is bursting with things to do, explore Millennium Park’s sculptures, fountains, and gardens, including the most famous sculpture, the Cloud Gate also known as 'The Bean'. Get a bird’s eye view of the city skyline at the 360 Chicago Observation Deck where the TILT experience leans you out 300 metres above Michigan Avenue. Stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, where you can enjoy a waterside meal or perhaps a cruise on the Chicago River or admire the stunning architecture along the famous Magnificent Mile, the city’s most famous street.
Day 3
Chicago to Springfield, IL, 215 miles
After collecting your rental car, prepare for an unforgettable journey along Historic Route 66. Your journey as you travel south-west embraces the spirit of the Mother Road as you visit Joliet which was on the original Route 66 path and is home to the Route 66 Welcome Centre. Next visit Pontiac and the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and its thousands of pieces of historic Route 66 memorabilia including its iconic Route 66 mural. Continue to Springfield, which Abraham Lincoln called his home for many years.
Day 4-5
Springfield to St Louis, 97 miles
In Springfield, visit the bright neon signs collection at the Route 66 Legends Neon Park. Explore the legacy of Abraham Lincoln with a visit to the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum to learn about the life of the former US President. In St. Louis, the largest city along Route 66, you can visit the many attractions throughout the city, including the Gateway Arch, the nation's tallest monument which sits proudly by the Mississippi River. For beer lovers, Anheuser-Busch Brewery is a worthwhile visit and by night enjoy the city’s buzzy restaurant scene.
Day 6
St Louis to Springfield, MO, 216 miles
Continue further into Missouri and Springfield, known as the pulse of the Ozarks and is recognised as the official birthplace of Route 66. History buffs will want to make stops along the way at the History Museum on the Square, Route 66 Car Museum and the Park Central Square, site of the quick-draw shootout between Wild Bill Hickok and Davis Tutt. Another popular stop is at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, where the second major battle of the American Civil War took place in 1861, see war exhibits & go on a self-guided tour. We also recommend visiting Fantastic Caverns, the only cave in North America large enough to ride through on a 55-minute tour of an underground riverbed on jeep-drawn trams.
Day 7
Springfield to Tulsa, 195 miles
Today is all about ‘a little bit of Oklahoma’s Route 66’. First stop is in Miami, (pronounced Miama) to see the Coleman Theatre and the only 1928 Mighty Wurlitzer organ located in its original home. In Chelsea stop at Ed Galloway Totem Pole Park to see the ‘World’s Largest Concrete Totem Pole’. On arrival in Tulsa admire its stunning Art Deco architecture, explore world-class galleries at Philbrook Museum of Art, and stroll the lively Tulsa Arts District. Music lovers can visit the Woody Guthrie Centre or catch live performances across the city. Outdoors, enjoy scenic paths along the Arkansas River or relax in the award-winning Gathering Place Park.
Day 8-9
Tulsa to Oklahoma City, 112 miles
Today take the short drive west to Oklahoma City, taking in Sapulpa’s charming downtown, the colourful vintage storefronts and Route 66 murals in Bristow, and perhaps stopping in Stroud at the nostalgic Rock Café to step back in time, for breakfast or lunch. Oklahoma City perfectly blends its rich western heritage and pioneering spirit with a flourishing arts and foodie scene. Highlights include the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, home of the most comprehensive collection of glass by artist Dale Chihuly and the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, a sombre but beautiful memorial to the victims, survivors and rescue workers of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. Enjoy authentic cowboy culture in Stockyards City and its working cattle auctions and classic western shops. Wrap up your evenings in Bricktown, Oklahoma’s largest and liveliest entertainment district, where you can have dinner along the canal and then finish your evening with a beverage listening to live music.
Day 10
Oklahoma City to Amarillo, 260 miles
Continue to Amarillo, located in the flat plains of the Texas Panhandle visiting lots of unique and interesting Route 66 sights along the way. Worthwhile stops include Lucille’s Historic Gas Station, the Route 66 Museum in Clinton where you can experience six decades of Route 66 history and the interesting National Route 66 Museum complete with reconstructed authentic Route 66 buildings and Americana memorabilia including a pink Cadillac. For lunch or a snack, a recommended stop is the U Drop Inn where you can sit in the same booth that Elvis Presley dined in. Make time to visit the popular Route 66 District which spans for one mile and is enough to cover the route’s historic quirks. Spend time seeing its historical buildings, handicraft shops and antique stores.
Day 11-13
Amarillo to Albuquerque, 307 miles
After breakfast and a quick stop at Cadillac Ranch, a unique display of art featuring a row of ten colourfully painted Cadillac cars buried grille first in the ground, continue to Adrian, the official midway point of Route 66. As you continue west you will pass through the ghost town of Glenrio, and Tucumcari to see its vintage hotels and neon signage. Albuquerque perfectly mixes old-age cultures with more modern-day traditions in its history, events, and architecture. For a look at the city’s past head to the Old Town to admire its adobe buildings, churches and colourful arts and crafts. Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Centre to learn about the history and life of the 19 New Mexican Pueblos tribes and see its original artwork, interesting exhibits, and dance performances. Route 66 also plays a massive part of the city’s history as it passes through the town along Central Avenue and is where you can see buzzing neon signs, vintage motels, and historic architecture. If you want to explore further afield take the one-hour train journey or drive to the capital city Santa Fe which oozes charm around every corner. The city’s Plaza is where a lot of the restaurants, adobe architecture and locals spend their time selling their handmade crafts and jewellery. The city is well known for its art, and you can wander in and out of its over 100 art galleries in nearby Canyon Drive.
Day 14
Homeward Bound
Your Route 66 fly-drive adventure ends today as you drop off your hire car back at Albuquerque airport and catch your return flight back to the UK.
Special Offers
Take advantage of the following offers on this holiday
Low Deposit Offer
Book by 1st June and secure your booking with a deposit of just £150pp
Low deposit offer of £150pp on holidays departing between 1st April 2026 and 31st October 2027. Book by 1st June 2026.
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
- Day(s)
- Hour(s)
- Minute(s)
- Second(s)
10GB of FREE data
Stay connected with up to 10GB of FREE data
Stream, surf, and share more with up to 10GB data on us. Book by 1st June 2026.
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
- Day(s)
- Hour(s)
- Minute(s)
- Second(s)
Related Itineraries
Historic Capital Region – Washington DC, Beach & Beyond
Soak up the rich history and scenic beauty on this wonderful fly-drive that includes stays in colonial and modern cities and stays in popular beach resorts and stunning Shenandoah National Park.
10 Nights From
£1,498
ppOverview
Soak up the rich history and scenic beauty on this wonderful fly-drive that includes stays in colonial and modern cities and stays in popular beach resorts and stunning Shenandoah National Park.
What’s included?
- International flights departing from the UK in economy class
- Accommodation for 10 nights
- 8 days compact car hire with fully inclusive insurance, unlimited mileage and taxes
New York City & Hudson Valley's Stunning Countryside
The perfect holiday combination, enjoy an exhilarating city break in the one and only New York City before relaxing in the great open space, beautiful countryside, and charming small towns of Hudson Valley.
7 Nights From
£1,501
ppOverview
The perfect holiday combination, enjoy an exhilarating city break in the one and only New York City before relaxing in the great open space, beautiful countryside, and charming small towns of Hudson Valley.
What’s included?
- International flights departing from the UK in economy class.
- Accommodation for 7 nights
- Amtrak train from New York to Poughkeepsie
- 5 days compact car hire with fully inclusive insurance, unlimited mileage and taxes
New York City, Beautiful Hudson Valley & the Beaches of Long Island
A perfect blend of city life in the one and only New York City combined with the great outdoors, wineries, and beaches of New York State’s Hudson Valley and Long Island.
9 Nights From
£1,679
ppOverview
A perfect blend of city life in the one and only New York City combined with the great outdoors, wineries, and beaches of New York State’s Hudson Valley and Long Island.
What’s included?
- International flights departing from the UK in economy class
- Accommodation for 9 nights
- Amtrak train from New York to Poughkeepsie
- 7 days compact car hire with fully inclusive insurance, unlimited mileage and taxes
Route 66 – Classic Americana
Passing through eight states and covering three time zones, Route 66 is the classic self-drive trip that gives great insight into a journey well-travelled.
15 Nights From
£1,969
ppOverview
Passing through eight states and covering three time zones, Route 66 is the classic self-drive trip that gives great insight into a journey well-travelled.
What’s included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- Accommodation for 15 nights
- 14 days intermediate car hire with fully inclusive insurance, unlimited mileage and taxes
New Mexico - The Land of Enchantment
Explore the warm and welcoming state of New Mexico soaking up Taos pueblo architecture, Santa Fe and Las Cruces charm, Route 66 nostalgia in Tucumcari, and the dazzling white sand dunes of White Sands National Park.
10 Nights From
£1,987
ppOverview
Explore the warm and welcoming state of New Mexico soaking up Taos pueblo architecture, Santa Fe and Las Cruces charm, Route 66 nostalgia in Tucumcari, and the dazzling white sand dunes of White Sands National Park.
What’s included?
- International flights departing from the UK in economy class
- Accommodation for 10 nights
- 11 days intermediate car hire with insurance coverage, unlimited mileage and taxes
Journey through Virginia plus Washington DC
A captivating journey taking in the regions civil war and colonial history, majestic mountain vistas, the incredible monuments of Washington DC and ending with a stay relaxing on the golden sands of Virginia Beach.
13 Nights From
£2,062
ppOverview
A captivating journey taking in the regions civil war and colonial history, majestic mountain vistas, the incredible monuments of Washington DC and ending with a stay relaxing on the golden sands of Virginia Beach.
What’s included?
- International flights departing from the UK in economy class
- Accommodation for 13 nights
- 11 days compact car hire with fully inclusive insurance, unlimited mileage and taxes
California Coast, Mountains & Deserts
Take in the best that the west coast of the USA has to offer. Your journey starts in the jewel of the west coast, San Francisco, and will take you through towering mountains, valleys, and deserts, through to the lush landscape of Riverside County.
14 Nights From
£2,127
ppOverview
Take in the best that the west coast of the USA has to offer. Your journey starts in the jewel of the west coast, San Francisco, and will take you through towering mountains, valleys, and deserts, through to the lush landscape of Riverside County.
What’s included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- Accommodation for 14 nights
- 12 days compact car hire with fully inclusive insurance, unlimited mileage and taxes
Historic Colonial Highlights
This exciting and varied fly-drive itinerary covering Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia takes in some fascinating historic sites of the American Civil War, the spectacular scenery of Shenandoah National Park and the cultural vibrancy of the capital city of the USA, Washington DC.
14 Nights From
£2,129
ppOverview
This exciting and varied fly-drive itinerary covering Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia takes in some fascinating historic sites of the American Civil War, the spectacular scenery of Shenandoah National Park and the cultural vibrancy of the capital city of the USA, Washington DC.
What’s included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- Accommodation for 14 nights
- 12 days compact car hire with fully inclusive insurance, unlimited mileage and taxes
California's Pacific Coast & Las Vegas
Journey along the picturesque California Pacific coastline from San Francisco to several charming coastal towns, including Monterey, Pismo Beach and Santa Barbara. Continue southbound to Los Angeles before embarking on a scenic mountain desert drive to the glitz of Las Vegas.
14 Nights From
£2,135
ppOverview
Journey along the picturesque California Pacific coastline from San Francisco to several charming coastal towns, including Monterey, Pismo Beach and Santa Barbara. Continue southbound to Los Angeles before embarking on a scenic mountain desert drive to the glitz of Las Vegas.
What’s included?
- International flights from London in economy class
- Accommodation for 14 nights
- 9 days compact car hire with full inclusive coverage, unlimited mileage and taxes
Discover the Capital Region – Washington DC, Coast and Mountains
Combine the iconic sights and history of Washington DC, the mountains of Virginia, and the beautiful bays and coastline of Maryland.
14 Nights From
£2,206
ppOverview
Combine the iconic sights and history of Washington DC, the mountains of Virginia, and the beautiful bays and coastline of Maryland.
What’s included?
- International flights departing from the UK in economy class
- Accommodation for 14 nights
- 12 days compact car hire with fully inclusive insurance, unlimited mileage and taxes
Please note selected national parks in the USA require reservations for vehicles in order to enter the parks. Reservations are required in advance. This is in addition to purchasing a national park entrance ticket. Early booking is recommended.
Further information on the parks, where vehicle reservations are required and how to book can be found on:
USA National Parks
This holiday requires an ESTA for entry to the United States, for full details and to apply please see below:
