Route 66 Tour, 15 Days from Istanbul with Turkish Airlines

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. ---