Route 66 & Highway 1 by Motorhome

Depart the UK on your chosen scheduled flight to Chicago. Upon arrival, independently make your way to your hotel, where you spend the first night of your adventure.

Accommodation

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The Westin Michigan Avenue, Chicago

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The Westin Michigan Avenue, Chicago

The Westin Michigan Avenue offers sophisticated guestrooms and suites, each decorated in a bright, modern colour palette. Westin’s signature Heavenly Beds, featuring down blankets, plush pillows and a sumptuous pillow-top mattress, make sure every night is in complete comfort. Flat screen televisions, refrigerators and wireless internet are standard in every room. Some rooms offer Lake Michigan or Michigan Avenue views and there’s also a selection of spacious suites with upgraded amenities.

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After a night or two enjoying the windy city it’s time to make your way to the Cruise America rental location to collect your Motorhome! You are heading for the Midwest of the USA – Springfield, Illinois. Welcome to Route 66 – enjoy the museum, shops and maybe dinner at a classic American diner!

Today you are heading for the banks of the Mississippi River and St. Louis. No visit would be complete without seeing the country’s tallest monument, the 630-foot Gateway Arch, with its iconic, awe-inspiring design. The Gateway Arch commemorates Thomas Jefferson and St. Louis’ pivotal role in the westward expansion of the United States. Continue your journey with a stop at Lone Elk Park for some memorable wildlife viewing, before rounding off the day with a visit to Route 66 State Park.

Today you travel through America’s heartland en route to Tulsa. Along the way, consider a stop in Joplin, once a hideout town of the infamous duo Bonnie and Clyde. Vibrant Tulsa was once known as the ‘oil capital of the world’ and is now home to the world’s largest collections of art and artefacts of the American West, alongside superb European art and the creative energy of the Brady Arts District. This lively neighbourhood showcases Tulsa’s growing reputation as a live music powerhouse, with jazz, folk, blues, rock and more.

Today enjoy a short but memorable drive as you follow legendary Route 66 to Oklahoma City. Much of the historic Mother Road remains driveable, forming a living museum of classic motels, diners and iconic roadside sights. In Oklahoma City, discover a rich tapestry of Western and Native American history and culture, soak up the unique atmosphere of Stockyard City, the USA’s largest working cattle market, and experience the vibrant nightlife of Bricktown, alive with music, entertainment and dining options.

Enjoy another comfortable day on Route 66 as you travel to Elk City, perhaps beginning with a final drive through Oklahoma City and the lively university town of Norman. This stretch of Route 66 represents the beating heart of the Mother Road, dotted with classic Oklahoma townships and unmissable highlights, from the mouth-watering fried onion burgers of El Reno to the historic Lucille’s Roadhouse and Diner in Weatherford, and the two major Route 66 museums in Clinton and Elk City.

Today is a long but rewarding drive as you leave Oklahoma and head into Texas, making your way to Amarillo. Along the way, be sure to visit Palo Duro Canyon State Park,  the second-largest canyon in the USA, once home to the Apache, Cheyenne, and Comanche, and spanning more than 20,000 acres. In Amarillo, explore the American Quarter Horse Heritage Center, the iconic Cadillac Ranch, and the historic Route 66 district, with its antiques, boutiques, and eclectic dining.

Today you travel into America’s Southwest and arrive at the gateway to New Mexico, Tucumcari. Capture a photo at the Route 66 roadside attraction by the Convention Center or in front of the world’s largest mural devoted to Route 66 in the United States. Explore the town during the day to see the many other vibrant murals scattered throughout, and return at night to admire the famous Route 66 neon signs. You might also venture to nearby Ute Lake or Conchas Lake State Parks for picnicking, hiking, boating, or fishing, or take one of the scenic byways to enjoy the unique landscapes and spot local wildlife, including herds of antelope and deer.

Today you are heading to Albuquerque, the capital of New Mexico. En route, enjoy a scenic drive through the Santa Fe National Forest to Santa Fe, a world-class destination long celebrated for its arts and culture. Santa Fe now ranks as the USA’s third-largest art market, with nearly 300 galleries and dealers. Long before the Spanish arrived, American Indians inhabited New Mexico, and their timeless cultures, traditions, and arts continue to enrich the state today. There are 19 pueblos across New Mexico, including the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos north of Santa Fe.

Today is a long drive as you make your way to Williams, the gateway to the Grand Canyon, where you are booked for two nights. Along the way, consider stopping in Gallup, often called the ‘Indian capital of the world’ due to its location at the heart of Native American lands. Once in Williams, there are several ways to visit the Grand Canyon: take the hour-long drive with all the comforts of your vehicle, join a guided van tour, or arrive via the historic Grand Canyon Railway, with local assistance available for reservations and transfers. While in the area, enjoy the local atmosphere and entertainment, including live Western music, hayrides, mini-golf, horseback riding, and fun-bike rentals.

Today there’s no need to rush away from Williams, so spend the morning enjoying some of the local activities. The drive ahead is 125 miles, including 82 miles along the world-famous Route 66, where we hope you’ll continue to get your kicks! En route to Kingman, admire the desert scenery framed by the Hualapai (Hu-al-a-pie) Mountains, and keep an eye out for traces of pioneer wagon ruts marking the historic Fort Beale Wagon Trail.

Enjoy the city that never sleeps – Las Vegas! The Strip is home to iconic replicas of New York and Paris, among many other attractions. Visit: spend the day wandering the Strip and take in one of the many world-class shows, such as Cirque du Soleil. If time permits, don’t miss the Fremont Street Experience, with its free live entertainment and dazzling light show.

Heading west, your first stop is another icon of the Colorado River, the world-famous Hoover Dam, straddling the border of Arizona and Nevada. Take a moment to admire this engineering marvel before continuing into Boulder City, then travel south past the Providence Mountains and onward to the Mojave National Preserve.

If you’re in the mood for some shopping, take the opportunity to visit one of the two outlet malls, each featuring around 100 stores offering everything from designer brands to everyday bargains. Once you’ve indulged in some retail therapy, continue your journey to explore the vibrant city of Los Angeles, a place where iconic sights, world-class attractions, and diverse neighbourhoods await at every turn.

Leaving Los Angeles today, head north along Route 101. The area around Santa Barbara, often called “America’s Riviera,” offers beautiful beaches and excellent restaurants, making it a perfect stop along the way.

Ready to head toward Santa Cruz today? Be sure to stop at the famous Hearst Castle in San Simeon, about 65 miles into your journey. Take your time to enjoy the breathtaking coastal scenery along Big Sur and Pebble Beach, and consider stopping in the charming towns of Carmel or Monterey to explore and soak up the local atmosphere.

Today you cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Along the way, consider visiting a local petting farm with cattle, sheep, donkeys, goats, and peacocks, offering a taste of ranch life. In the summer months, enjoy activities such as an inflatable water slide, bounce house, and sunset hayrides. There’s also the option to take guided tours of San Francisco, which run daily from May through October, before settling in for the evening in the Petaluma area.

If you have the time, consider extending your stay to explore Yosemite. If your schedule is limited, a full-day excursion to Yosemite is still well worth it. Afterwards, return your motorhome to the Cruise America rental location in Newark, near San Francisco, and make your way to the airport to check in for your flight back to the UK.