Iconic ROUTE 66 – An American Adventure
Chicago, IL to Santa Monica, CA
Sunday, May 2-16, 2027 or Sunday, Oct 3-17, 2027 (15 Days)
Single $9,225/per person – Double $6,065/per person
Stretching an incredible 2,448 miles across eight diverse states, Route 66 winds its way through breathtaking landscapes, charming small towns, and unforgettable roadside attractions. Along the way, you’ll discover natural wonders, vintage memorabilia, and hidden gems that have stood the test of time.
Many families travelled west on route 66 in hope of better lives and jobs during the great depression things have changed since with more direct and efficient roads to travel in the mid 80s route 66 was officially removed from the US Highway System.
Nevertheless, Route 66 remains a beloved journey filled with nostalgia and Americana charm—where glowing neon signs light up the night, classic diners serve up comfort and memories, and retro motels invite you to step back in time.
So come along and experience the ultimate all-American adventure. Travel the Mother Road and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
- Motor coach bus tour from Chicago, IL to Santa Monica, CA
- Breakfast on each day is included
- Farewell dinner in Santa Monica is included
Notes:
- The tour will make stops for lunches and dinners at own expense.
- The package does not include flights or ground transportation getting to the starting point in Chicago, IL or Santa Monica, CA.
- A-1 Tours reserves the right to cancel a tour with full refund to the customer in case of low participation numbers.
- Minor revisions to the itinerary may be made at A-1’s discretion.
Day 1: Chicago, IL – ARRIVAL
- Arrive in Chicago on your own.
- Transfer to downtown hotel can be added at additional cost. Please inquire with us.
- Overnight in Chicago.
Meals: No meals included
Day 2: Chicago, IL
- Welcome Breakfast at Hotel.
- As the starting point of Route 66 Chicago holds a special place for the purpose.
- 4-hour guided tour of Chicago.
- 360 Chicago observatory.
- Afternoon & evening on own.
- Overnight in Chicago.
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 3: Chicago, IL – St. Louis, MO
- Breakfast at hotel.
- Hit the road: Travel towards Springfield , IL and Louis, MO.
- Stop at Pontiac, IL Route 66 Murals; enjoy some fantastic artwork in downtown Pontiac. A number of unique murals completed by painters from round the world, enjoy a stroll at leisure.
- Stop in Springfield IL at Shea’s Gas Station Museum; an internationally renowned Route 669 landmark. Operating Texaco and Marathon station from the mid 40s to the mid-80s.
- While in Springfield you will also visit some attractions linked to President Abraham Lincoln as Springfield was his former home.
- Evening and night at leisure in St. Louis, MO.
- Overnight in St. Louis, MO.
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 4: St. Louis, MO – Branson, MO
- Breakfast at hotel.
- St. Louis, located on the western bank of the Mississippi River, is a vibrant city rich in history, culture, and architecture. Known as the “Gateway to the West,” it is home to the iconic Gateway Arch, symbolizing America’s westward expansion. The city offers diverse attractions, including world-class museums, music rooted in blues and jazz, and a thriving food scene.
- Visit Gateway Arch & Museum.
- Old Court House.
- Early afternoon hit the road travel to Branson, MO.
- Evening and night at leisure.
- Overnight in Branson, MO.
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 5: Branson, MO-Oklahoma City, OK
- Breakfast at hotel.
- Hit the road: Travel towards Oklahoma City.
- This day’s travel will take us thorough former Indian territory and into cowboy county as we getting closer to Oklahoma City.
- Stop in Springfield, MO and the Route 66 Car Museum; a popular attraction along the route with the mission of showcasing and preserving the most quintessential and beautiful vintage sports cars and classic automobiles in history.
- Stop in Joplin, MO; an historically rich and visibly memorable stop along Route 66 offering a health blend of mining heritage, outlaw lore (Bonnie & Clyde) and classic Mother Road nostalgia. We’ll visit Route 66 Mural Park and historic downtown Joplin with its preserved look & feel of mid-century travel culture.
- Stop in Tulsa, OK. We’ll pay a visit to Route 66 Historical Village; an open-air museum with remnants of the city’s early days of mining and transportation.
- Enroute you will pass by additional vintage gas stations and diners.
- Evening and night at leisure in Oklahoma City.
- Overnight in Oklahoma City, OK.
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 6: Oklahoma City, OK – Amarillo, TX
- Breakfast at hotel.
- Visit to National Cowboy Museum & Western Heritage Museum.
- Hit the road: Travel towards Amarillo, TX.
- Stop at Palo Duro Canyon State Park -the second largest canyon in the country. Prepare for some stunning nature and photo ops.
- Overnight in Amarillo, TX.
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 7: Amarillo, TX – Albuquerque, NM
- Breakfast at hotel.
- Hit the road: Travel towards Albuquerque, NM.
- Stop at Cadillac Ranch; a famous roadside art installation along Route 66. Cadillac Ranch is a colorful outdoor piece made up of half buried cars. Visitors are welcome and encouraged to keep decorating themselves, always keeping the attraction fresh, new and an iconic to American culture.
- Stop at Tucumcari, known for its bright vintage neon signs from the 1940-1960s, this is one of the most famous towns along route 66 with dozens of motels still line the roads. Tucumcari also offers an impressive Mural display nearing 100 murals showing route 66 history & Culture.
- Stop at Route 66 Auto Museum on Sant Rosa, NM – great selection of memorabilia and cars of the area.
- Overnight in Albuquerque, NM.
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 8: Albuquerque, NM
- Breakfast at hotel.
- Explore Central Avenue – the city’s most famous street and a key part of Route 66. You will also visit Albuquerque’s old town.
- Afternoon & evening at leisure
- These are activities that are optional and NOT included in the rate: Sandia Peak Tramway, Albuquerque Museum, New Mexico Museum of Natural History, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, ABQ BioPark (Zoo & Aquarium), Breaking Bad Tour and sites, Overnight in Albuquerque, NM
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 9: Albuquerque, NM – Williams, AZ
- Breakfast at hotel.
- Hit the road: Travel towards Williams, AZ.
- Visit to Acoma Sky City – also referred to as Acoma Pueblo one of the nation’s most unique and historic places. A native American village built on top a sandstone mesa.
- Visit Petrified Forest National Park / Painted Dessert; Petrified Forest National Park is a desert landscape where ancient trees turned to stone, surrounded by colorful badlands and fossils—offering a rare glimpse into Earth’s prehistoric past.
- Overnight in Williams, AZ
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 10: Grand Canyon, AZ
- Breakfast at hotel.
- Visit to Grand Canyon for some breathtaking views and some American must sees.
- Guests can choose to stay put in Williams should they wish. Historic Williams is a big part of Route 66 with its downtown proudly listed on the National Register for Historic Places.
- Overnight in Williams, AZ.
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 11: Williams, AZ – Las Vegas, NV
- Breakfast at hotel.
- Hit the road: Travel towards Las Vegas, NV.
- Stop in Kingman, AZ; visit to Railroad Museum or free time in historic downtown.
- Stop in Oatman, AZ, get a wild west feel as you stroll the main street and feed the donkeys that roam free.
- As we travel along you will enjoy beautiful desert scenery surrounded by black mountains.
- Overnight in Las Vegas.
Day 12: Las Vegas, NV
- Breakfast at hotel.
- Free day in Las Vegas, indulge in shopping, sightseeing, relaxing and entertainment.
- Touring and excursions can be added at additional cost, inquire with us.
- Overnight in Las Vegas, NV.
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 13: Las Vegas, NV – Los Angeles / Santa Monica, CA
- Breakfast at hotel.
- Hit the road: Travel towards Los Angeles & Santa Monica, CA.
- Stop at Calico Ghost Town. Step back in time as you explore this restored Old West mining town. Learn about life during the 1800s silver boom, walk along historic streets, visit original buildings, and discover exhibits that showcase the challenges and daily life of early miners and settlers.
- Farewell dinner in Santa Monica – The official end of Route 66.
- Evening on own. You my explore the pier, beach & restaurant on own.
- Overnight in Santa Monica, CA.
Meals: Breakfast included, Dinner included
Day 14: Los Angeles, CA
- Breakfast at hotel.
- 5-hour guided tour of Los Angeles. There is so much to see, this tour offers a dynamic overview of the city’s most iconic attractions, beginning in Hollywood with stops at the famous Walk of Fame, the historic TCL Chinese Theatre, and a scenic viewpoint of the Hollywood Sign. From there, the tour continues through the upscale streets of Beverly Hills, including a visit to world‑renowned Rodeo Drive, where luxury boutiques and celebrity sightings define the experience.
- Afternoon at leisure.
- Overnight in Santa Monica, CA.
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 15: Los Angeles / Santa Monica, CA – DEPARTURE
- Breakfast at hotel.
Departure, transfer to the airport can be added at additional cost. Please inquire with us.
Meals: Breakfast included
Please arrive 15 mins prior to estimated departure time at your selected pick-up point.
Is there parking at the pick-up locations?
Some of the pick-up locations we use require a parking fee for your vehicle. Guests are responsible for their own parking fees.
What if it rains?
Tours run in rain or shine.
What is your cancellation policy?
• If you have purchased “cancel for any reason” insurance. You may cancel up to 24 hours prior to time of estimated departure for any reason. You MUST notify A-1 Tours in writing or by phone and receive a cancellation confirmation back.
• A-1 Tours reserves the right to cancel the tour with full refund to guests in case of low participation numbers.
What attractions are included in New Orleans bus tours?
For this featured trip, bus tours to New Orleans are built around the annual French Quarter Festival, which A-1 Tours describes as a chance to experience the city’s music, food, heritage, and traditions.
Are tour guides included in bus trips to New Orleans?
Yes, A-1 Tours offers guided bus trips to New Orleans that include a dedicated licensed guide throughout the full trip. Travelers can confirm guide details directly with the company before booking.
How long do bus tours to New Orleans usually take?
Bus tours to New Orleans can vary in length depending on the starting location, travel distance, and itinerary. That means some bus tours to New Orleans may span several days depending on the event and travel plan.
How early should we book group bus travel to New Orleans?
Because group bus travel to New Orleans is tied to a major annual festival and scheduled departure dates, earlier booking is typically helpful for better availability. A-1 Tours already lists the current departure date, so planning ahead is wise.
Are bus tours to New Orleans available year-round?
We offer a range of one-day and multi-day tours throughout the year, but this specific New Orleans French Quarter Festival trip is tied to the annual festival schedule rather than year-round daily departures.
If any of your questions have not been answered on our website, please call your tour operator, Josefin.
Email: [email protected]
Office: 609-919-2037
Cell: 347-340-9259
