2012: ROUTE 66 REVISITED (8530)
15 Days from Chicago to Los Angeles
Follow legendary Route 66 and see how Americans traveled from the 1920s thru the 1960s. Also known as the 'Mother Road,' this historic route begins in Chicago and ends in Los Angeles. Now a preserved piece of history, its original purpose was to connect rural and urban communities to main streets, providing freedom of travel. On this vacation, you'll get the opportunity to travel to some of the cities along Route 66. Start your trip in Chicago and stop in Springfield, St. Louis, Branson, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. A few of the many highlights along the way include St. Louis' Gateway Arch, the Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa, Bill Shea's Route 66 Gas Station Museum in Springfield, the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, the Route 66 Mother Road Museum, and various Route 66 icons. The tour also deviates from Route 66, so you can see breathtaking scenery at the Grand Canyon and experience the excitement of Las Vegas.
HOTELS
CHICAGO Essex Inn (MF), SPRINGFIELD Hilton Springfield Downtown (F), ST. LOUIS St. Louis Union Station Marriott (MD), BRANSON Comfort Inn Thousand Hills (F), OKLAHOMA CITY Best Western Plus Saddleback Inn (F), AMARILLO Holiday Inn Amarillo (F), ALBUQUERQUE Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn (ST), FLAGSTAFF Drury Inn and Suites Flagstaff (MF), GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK Grand Canyon National Park Lodges (NP), LAS VEGAS Tropicana Las Vegas (F), LOS ANGELES Marriott Los Angeles Downtown (SF)
HOTELS
CHICAGO Essex Inn (MF), SPRINGFIELD Hilton Springfield Downtown (F), ST. LOUIS St. Louis Union Station Marriott (MD), BRANSON Comfort Inn Thousand Hills (F), OKLAHOMA CITY Best Western Plus Saddleback Inn (F), AMARILLO Holiday Inn Amarillo (F), ALBUQUERQUE Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn (ST), FLAGSTAFF Drury Inn and Suites Flagstaff (MF), GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK Grand Canyon National Park Lodges (NP), LAS VEGAS Tropicana Las Vegas (F), LOS ANGELES Marriott Los Angeles Downtown (SF)
Call (877) 778-8740 for more information or to book today! Mention code 10577460
- Tour Operator
- Cosmos
- Offer
- Offer valid through 3/31/2012
- Duration
- 15 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Chicago | Welcome to the start of famous Route 66! Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions. |
| Day 2 | Chicago | Known as the 'Windy City,' Chicago is home to America's tallest building, legends such as Al Capone and his notorious gang, and, of course, countless jazz and blues clubs. Experience this exciting city on a morning sightseeing tour. This afternoon is at leisure. Ride the elevator to the top of the Sears Tower, explore The Magnificent Mile with 460 stores in eight city blocks, or stroll along Navy Pier. Tonight, join an optional Gangster Tour. |
| Day 3 | Chicago-Springfield | Travel across the fertile Illinois farmlands, where the road is dotted with truck stops, diners, and quirky icons. Upon arrival in Springfield, visit BILL SHEA'S ROUTE 66 GAS STATION MUSEUM, a favorite stop for travelers. His memorabilia spans the lifetime of this famous road. Springfield is also the former home of President Abraham Lincoln. Visit his home and the ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM. |
| Day 4 | Springfield-St Louis | This morning we cross the mighty Mississippi River and continue to St. Louis, 'Gateway to the West.' Your orientation tour includes the towering GATEWAY ARCH. Ride to the top of the 630-foot-tall Arch for a panoramic view of the city and river. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Tonight, why not enjoy some famous St. Louis barbecue? |
| Day 5 | ST LOUIS-BRANSON | Today we travel through the Missouri countryside past Meramec Caverns, hideout of notorious bank robber Jesse James. Then, on to Branson, one of America's biggest music centers. Join us this evening for our optional evening to Dick Clark's American Bandstand, where you'll 'shake, rattle & roll' with music stars from the '50s, '60s, and '70s. |
| Day 6 | BRANSON-OKLAHOMA CITY | This morning, leave the Ozarks and travel through America's 'Bible Belt' and into Cowboy Country. After a quick drive through Kansas, enter Oklahoma, once known as Indian Territory. Stopover in Claremore to visit the WILL ROGERS MEMORIAL MUSEUM. Born on a sprawling frontier ranch in Oklahoma, Will Rogers was an Indian, a cowboy, a movie and Broadway star, a writer, a speaker, a comedian, and a world figure. View his collection of saddles, photos, and manuscripts that reflect on his incredible life. Later today, arrive in Oklahoma City. (CB) |
| Day 7 | OKLAHOMA CITY-AMARILLO | A city tour this morning includes the NATIONAL COWBOY HALL OF FAME & WESTERN HERITAGE MUSEUM, a national memorial to the American cowboy. See exhibits that include Native Americans, the American Cowboy and Rodeo, and more. A 'must-see' is Prosperity Junction, a re-created Western town. From here, travel to Clinton, Oklahoma, where you'll visit the OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66 MUSEUM, home to vintage cars, neon signs, a '50s diner, and drive-in theater. Continue through the rolling hill country into Texas and on to Amarillo, the state's oil capital. Get into the Lone Star spirit tonight with our optional dinner of juicy Texas steak, served with heaps of Wild West atmosphere. (B) |
| Day 8 | Albuquerque | On the way out of Amarillo, see the Cadillac Ranch, a quirky art sculpture consisting of a collection of 10 Cadillacs. Before crossing into New Mexico, reach Adrian, the halfway point on Route 66. Next, stop in Tucumcari to hear the ancient Indian fable of how the city received its name, shop for souvenirs at Tepee Curios, and see the neon signs of the Blue Swallow Motel that has been serving travelers of Route 66 since 1939. Continue along old Route 66 west to Santa Rosa. Look for the signs of the good ol' days: Comet Drive-In, Silver Moon, Sun and Sand, and the still-grinning faces of Fat Man billboards outside of town. Visit the ROUTE 66 AUTO MUSEUM to see memorabilia and cars of the era. Upon arrival in Albuquerque, an included guided walking tour features Albuquerque's Old Town, site of the city's original settlement. Next, visit Central Avenue, where many of the original Route 66 buildings and businesses still stand. (CB) |
| Day 9 | Albuquerque | This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast or sunbathe in the New Mexico sunshine. Consider a short walk to Old Town, site of the city's original settlement. Hone your bargaining skills with the local craftsmen who line the square to sell their lovely silver and turquoise jewelry. Visit the renowned Albuquerque Museum of Art & History that features Southwestern art and 400 years of Albuquerque history. After spending the rest of the day exploring more of this atmospheric city, seize the chance to ride the world's longest aerial tramway up nearby Sandia Peak Mountain and witness spine-tingling views of the desert floor, forests, and canyons below. |
| Day 10 | Flagstaff | This morning, visit ACOMA SKY CITY, home of the Pueblo Indians, situated on 357-foot-high sandstone rock. It is considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited village in the United States. Learn about this city and its inhabitants, and peruse Acoma pottery and jewelry. Then, cross the Continental Divide and continue to Gallup, which claims a longtime Hollywood connection. From Redskin, filmed in 1929, to the more recent adventures of Superman, the area has provided unequaled movie scenery. Tonight is in Flagstaff, nestled at the base of the San Francisco Mountains. Perhaps visit the Museum Club, a great place to scoot your boots and soak up some honky-tonk history. |
| Day 11 | Grand Canyon National Park | Deviate from Route 66 to see one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World: the GRAND CANYON. Wander along the canyon rim and experience breathtaking views. Perhaps join the optional helicopter 'flightseeing' tour. Tonight you stay inside Grand Canyon National Park. (B) |
| Day 12 | Las Vegas | Return to Route 66 and pass through historic Williams, which is listed in the National Register for Historic Places. Make sure to appreciate the neon signs of the intact circa 1940s 'Motel Row.' Later today, visit Seligman, home to the rebirth of Route 66. Detour once again from Route 66 to visit the bright lights and excitement of Las Vegas. |
| Day 13 | Las Vegas | Enjoy a day at leisure. Relax by the pool or explore the world-renowned Las Vegas Strip. Ride the world's highest rollercoaster, float through a Venice canal, or see man-eating sharks up close-it's all possible in Las Vegas. Don't miss downtown Las Vegas, where you'll find the Fremont Street Experience, five city blocks enclosed in a glass atrium and filled with dazzling lights, sounds, and action. A variety of optional excursions are available, including a float trip through dramatic Black Canyon on the Colorado River. In the evening, join an optional night out at a dazzling show featuring top Vegas entertainment. |
| Day 14 | Los Angeles | Today, depart the man-made phenomenon of Las Vegas and cross the Mojave Desert and the San Bernardino Mountains en route to Los Angeles. Time to stop in Barstow to visit the ROUTE 66 MOTHER ROAD MUSEUM, which displays a collection of historic photographs and artifacts related to Route 66 and the Mojave Desert communities. Continue on to Los Angeles, the 'Capital of Glamour.' Join us tonight for an optional farewell dinner celebrating your journey along 'America's Main Street.' |
| Day 15 | Los Angeles | The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to Los Angeles International Airport are included. You can extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Los Angeles further with a variety of exciting optional activities. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- US$ Price Details
Prices based on double-room occupancy.Single Room Supplement: $750Triple Room Reduction per person: $137Additional accommodations before or after your tour may be available.
Our Volume Buying Power Saves You Money!
-We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city.
-Additional accommodations before or after your vacation may be available at our low prices.
Additional Information:
-Departure/arrival taxes and fares from other cities will be advised at the time of booking.
-Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
Guaranteed air-inclusive prices:
Air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional $250 non-refundable deposit is required for air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e., air-inclusive vacation.) However, once your airfare is confirmed and Avalon Waterways has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.
We also accept your reservation on a land-only basis:
While booking your vacation air-inclusive gives you various advantages, you can also choose the land-only option. But remember, airlines' special fares generally apply to very brief periods. (Our low air-inclusive fares apply throughout the year.) Plus, to get these 'deals' you often are required to pay full fare at the time of booking.
Taxes & fees
Taxes and fees are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full land and air deposit are received.
Applicable Taxes and Fees (Airfare & Charges Not Included in the Price)
Air-Inclusive Vacations
Air-inclusive prices provided online include a September 11th fee up to $10, passenger facility charges of up to $18, Federal domestic flight segment fees of up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government imposed fees between $200-$375 depending on your itinerary. The total airfare price, the base airfare price, and the applicable government taxes and fees are broken-out line-by-line and shown while booking online and on the invoice after your travel is booked.
Not Included In Your Vacation Price (Air-Inclusive, Land-Only or Cruise-Only)
Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities: port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary; airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection premiums; excess baggage fees; and all other items of a personal nature.
Tours
2012: ROUTE 66 REVISITED (8530)
From $1,869.00 (USD)
Follow legendary Route 66 and see how Americans traveled from the 1920s thru the 1960s. Also known as the 'Mother Road,' this historic route begins in Chicago and ends in Los Angeles.
