Setting off from the historic starting sign in Chicago, this route crosses Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas, taking in classic stops such as Meramec Caverns, Cadillac Ranch, the Petrified Forest and the Wigwam Motel. After Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Gallup, a free day follows in Las Vegas. The journey crosses the Mojave Desert and ends at Santa Monica Pier, the official end of Route 66.
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Fifteen days that follow America's most legendary highway from end to end. From the starting sign in Chicago to the historic towns of Illinois, from the Gateway Arch in St. Louis to Meramec Caverns, the first week runs through Route 66's classic landmarks one by one.
Past Tulsa and Oklahoma City, the route crosses the Texas state line into New Mexico: the exact midpoint of Route 66 at the Midpoint Café, the neon motel signs of Tucumcari, and the historic center of Santa Fe. In Arizona, the Petrified Forest, the Painted Desert and Winslow's famous corner lead into Seligman, the town where Route 66's spirit was born.
After crossing the Mojave Desert, a free day in Las Vegas is followed by the road's end at Santa Monica Pier and a close in Los Angeles, taking in Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Flights, hotels and the tours listed are included.
01
The Route 66 Starting Sign
Setting off from the legendary sign in Chicago.
02
Cadillac Ranch and the Wigwam Motel
Photo stops at Route 66's most iconic landmarks.
03
Santa Monica Pier
The journey ends at Route 66's official finish line.
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Planning your budgetThe US visa fee, lunches and dinners, personal expenses and some national park entrance fees are not included; a tour gratuity of 200 USD per person is recommended. See details →
After baggage and passport formalities, Turkish Airlines flight TK185 departs for Chicago at 06:30. Flight details: Turkish Airlines TK185, Istanbul 06:30, Chicago 09:40 local time. Accommodation: Chicago, 3-star hotel, Courtyard by Marriott or similar.
The line shows the order of overnight stops; it is not the actual road or flight path. Map: Natural Earth, GeoNames.
01Istanbul to ChicagoFlight to Chicago and a first look at the city's landmarks.
Chicago · night 1
Istanbul to Chicago
We meet at the International Departures Terminal of Istanbul Airport. After baggage and passport formalities, Turkish Airlines flight TK185 departs for Chicago at 06:30. After roughly 11 hours in the air we land in Chicago at 09:40 local time.
After clearing customs we head into the city, with the guide sharing first impressions of Chicago along the way. On arrival we take in Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, Michigan Avenue and the Cloud Gate sculpture (The Bean) in Millennium Park from a panoramic view.
In the afternoon we check into the hotel, with free time to follow. In the evening, guests who wish can take a walk around Navy Pier.
Flight details: Turkish Airlines TK185, Istanbul 06:30, Chicago 09:40 local time.
Accommodation: Chicago, 3-star hotel, Courtyard by Marriott or similar.
02The Start of Route 66 and Springfield, IllinoisThe starting sign, the Pontiac museum and Springfield, Illinois.
Springfield, Illinois · night 2
Route 66 Begins, Springfield, Illinois
After breakfast we head to the legendary starting sign of Route 66. After a photo stop and a short introduction, we set off south on the first leg of the route through Illinois.
The first stops are the Joliet Route 66 Welcome Center, the Gemini Giant statue in Wilmington, the old Ambler's Texaco gas station in Dwight, the Route 66 Museum in Pontiac and Pontiac's murals.
In the afternoon we arrive in Springfield, where the guide takes us past Abraham Lincoln's home and museum for a panoramic view from outside, and the Old Illinois State Capitol. The evening is free in downtown Springfield.
Accommodation: Springfield, Illinois, 3-star hotel or similar.
03On to St. LouisThe Gateway Arch and historic Route 66 signage.
St. Louis · night 3
On to St. Louis
After breakfast we continue south on Route 66. Our first stop is the Ariston Café in Litchfield, one of the oldest restaurants on the route.
We then cross into Missouri. In St. Louis we take in a panoramic view of the Gateway Arch on the Mississippi River, the old Union Station and historic Route 66 signage.
The afternoon is free in the city.
Accommodation: St. Louis, 3-star hotel or similar.
04Meramec Caverns and Springfield, MissouriMeramec Caverns and Route 66 murals in Cuba, Missouri.
Springfield, Missouri · night 4
Meramec Caverns and Springfield, Missouri
In the morning we cross the Meramec River valley to visit the world-famous Meramec Caverns, the most popular cave complex on Route 66.
We continue to Cuba, Missouri, for its Route 66 murals, and stop for photos at Fanning Outpost's World's Largest Rocking Chair and the Route 66 Red Rocker.
In the afternoon we arrive in Springfield, Missouri, a genuine Route 66 stop distinct from Springfield, Illinois on day one. The evening is free after checking into the hotel.
Accommodation: Springfield, Missouri, 3-star hotel or similar.
05Through Kansas to TulsaGalena, the Riverton Store and Tulsa's Blue Dome District.
Tulsa · night 5
Through Kansas to Tulsa
Today we cross three states: Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. At the Kansas border we see Galena, the real town that inspired the film Cars, and Tow Tater at the Riverton Store, the real-life inspiration for Tow Mater.
We then enter Oklahoma. The panoramic city tour of Tulsa takes in the Blue Dome District's Route 66 neon signs and the Cyrus Avery Bridge, the original Mother Road bridge.
Accommodation: Tulsa, 3-star hotel or similar.
06Route 66's Best-Preserved Stretch and Oklahoma CitySapulpa, the Rock Café and Oklahoma City's Bricktown.
Oklahoma City · night 6
Route 66's Best-Preserved Stretch
After breakfast we drive through one of the best-preserved sections of Route 66, taking in the old gas stations of Sapulpa, the Rock Café in Stroud, and the historic Round Barn in Arcadia.
In the afternoon we arrive in Oklahoma City, with a panoramic look at the National Memorial and the Bricktown district.
Accommodation: Oklahoma City, 3-star hotel or similar.
07El Reno and the Texas LineAn onion burger stop and the Texas state line sign.
Santa Fe · night 7
El Reno and the Texas Line
One of the classic days on Route 66. In El Reno we stop for an onion burger at Lucille's Historic Roadhouse. We then reach the Texas state line sign for the customary Route 66 photo stop.
Accommodation: Santa Fe area, 3-star hotel or similar.
08Midpoint Café, Tucumcari and Santa FeRoute 66's midpoint, neon motel signs and Santa Fe.
Santa Fe · night 8
Midpoint Café and Tucumcari
The first stop in the morning is the Midpoint Café, the exact midpoint of Route 66 between Chicago and Los Angeles.
We continue to Tucumcari for its neon motel signs and a photo stop at the Blue Swallow Motel.
In the afternoon we arrive in Santa Fe for a walking tour of the historic downtown.
Accommodation: Santa Fe, 3-star hotel or similar.
09Through Albuquerque to GallupAlbuquerque's Old Town and the Continental Divide.
Gallup · night 9
Through Albuquerque to Gallup
We continue from Santa Fe through Albuquerque, where Old Town's 66 Diner brings back Route 66's retro spirit.
We then cross the Continental Divide, the watershed point of the American continent, and arrive in Gallup by the end of the day.
Accommodation: Gallup, 3-star hotel or similar.
10From the Petrified Forest to FlagstaffPetrified Forest, the Wigwam Motel and Winslow's corner park.
Flagstaff · night 10
Petrified Forest to Flagstaff
We visit Petrified Forest National Park and the colorful expanse of the Painted Desert. In Holbrook we see the tepee-shaped Wigwam Motel, and in Winslow the "Standin' on the Corner" park.
We arrive in Flagstaff by the end of the day, with the evening free.
Accommodation: Flagstaff, 3-star hotel or similar.
11From Seligman to Las VegasClassic Route 66 towns before crossing the Mojave Desert.
Las Vegas · night 11
Seligman to Las Vegas
Today brings some of Route 66's classic scenes: Seligman, considered the birthplace of the route, along with Peach Springs and Kingman.
We then cross the Mojave Desert into Las Vegas.
Accommodation: Las Vegas, 3-star hotel or similar.
12Free Day in Las VegasFree time on the Strip and the Bellagio fountain show.
Las Vegas · night 12
Free Day in Las Vegas
A free day on the bright streets of Las Vegas. You can explore its world-famous hotels or watch the fountain show at the Bellagio.
Walking The Sphere, the High Roller, the Fremont Street Experience and the Las Vegas Strip is another way to take in the city's atmosphere.
Accommodation: Las Vegas, 3-star hotel or similar.
13From the Mojave Desert to Los AngelesSanta Monica Pier, Hollywood and Beverly Hills.
Los Angeles · night 13
Mojave Desert to Los Angeles
We cross the Mojave Desert via Barstow and reach Santa Monica Pier, the official end point of Route 66.
A Los Angeles city tour follows, taking in Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the Sunset Strip.
Accommodation: Los Angeles, 3-star hotel or similar.
14Return Flight from Los Angeles to IstanbulFree time before the evening flight back to Istanbul.
Return Flight from Los Angeles
After breakfast the day is free in Los Angeles. Guests who wish can walk along Santa Monica beach, explore around Hollywood, or shop in Beverly Hills.
In the afternoon we transfer to the airport at the set time. After baggage and passport formalities, Turkish Airlines flight TK010 departs for Istanbul at 20:00. The flight takes roughly 13 hours and 5 minutes, with the night spent in the air.
Flight details: Turkish Airlines TK010, Los Angeles 20:00, arriving Istanbul the next day at 19:05.
Accommodation: Overnight on the plane.
15Arrival in IstanbulLanding in Istanbul, marking the end of the route.
Arrival in Istanbul
We land in Istanbul at 19:05 local time the next day. The 15-day Route 66 journey closes here, from the starting sign in Chicago to the road's end at Santa Monica Pier.
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OUTBOUND & RETURN
Flight details
Outbound
Istanbul06:30
TK 185
Chicago09:40
Return
Los Angeles20:00
TK 010
Istanbul19:05
Times are local, taken from the programme. Baggage allowance is given in your booking documents.
STAYS IN 11 CITIES
Where will you stay?
Courtyard by Marriott or similar · Springfield hotel or similar
Sold as: 3-star
13 nights
Chicago1 night
Springfield, Illinois1 night
St. Louis1 night
Springfield, Missouri1 night
Tulsa1 night
Oklahoma City1 night
Santa Fe2 nights
Gallup1 night
Flagstaff1 night
Las Vegas2 nights
Los Angeles1 night
STOPS ON THE ROUTE
Places visited
United StatesAlbuquerqueBarstowChicagoFlagstaffGallupLas VegasLos AngelesOklahoma CitySanta FéSanta MonicaSpringfield, IllinoisSpringfield, MissouriSt. LouisTucumcariTulsaWinslow
WHAT IS IN THE PRICE?
Included and extra costs
✓ Included in the price
24
All the excursions specified in the programme are included in the price:
Chicago city tour
Visit to the Route 66 starting sign
The Pontiac Route 66 Museum
St Louis city tour and the Gateway Arch area
Visit to Meramec Caverns
Galena, Kansas - the places that inspired the film Cars
Panoramic tours of Tulsa and Oklahoma City
Cadillac Ranch
Tucumcari neon tours
Santa Fe city excursion
A walk around Albuquerque Old Town
Petrified Forest & Painted Desert national parks
Winslow & the Wigwam Motel
The Seligman - Kingman - Oatman - Mojave leg
The Santa Monica Pier, the end point of Route 66
Panoramic Los Angeles city tour (Hollywood - Beverly Hills - Sunset)
Guiding & service
The whole programme accompanied by a professional Turkish-speaking tour leader
City entry and exit taxes
Car park and motorway charges along Route 66
Possible resort / city taxes at the hotels (they may be charged in some US cities)
Airport - hotel - route transfers
20 kg - 1 piece (1 PC) baggage allowance
+ Not included in the price
12
US visa fee
Extra expenses
Lunches and dinners
Personal expenses (shopping, minibar etc.)
Some national park entrance fees (unless otherwise stated in the programme)
