ROUTE 66 BY RAIL, 16 DAYS / 15 NIGHTS
Chicago > St. Louis > Albuquerque >Williams > Grand Canyon > Flagstaff > Kingman > Los Angeles
TRIP ITINERARY
DAYS 1-2 YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS IN CHICAGO
Today you begin your journey exploring one of America’s original highways, Route 66.
Running from Chicago to Los Angeles, the Will Rogers Highway stretches more than 2,000
miles across the heart of America. You begin your trip in the great city of Chicago. Your
included 3-day hop-on / hop-off sightseeing bus pass gives you the ultimate flexibility in
discovering Chicago’s most popular sites at your own pace. Spend some time strolling along
the Magnificent Mile, the prestigious district of Michigan Avenue known for its world-class
shopping, restaurants, hotels and museums. Visit Navy Pier, one of the city’s most vibrant
areas which serves as the starting point for numerous boat tours, and contains the Children’s
Museum, a miniature golf course, IMAX Theater and the iconic ferris wheel. Don’t forget to
hop-off and take a picture at the famous sign marking the starting point of Route 66! On
Day 2, enjoy the second day of your hop-on / hop-off city tour of Chicago, further exploring
the sites discovered yesterday. Leave some time to take a leisurely walk through the many
spacious parks and along the shores of Lake Michigan. Following a busy day of sightseeing,
head to an included dinner at a popular Chicago restaurant. (Overnight in Chicago) D
DAY 3 CHICAGO TO ST. LOUIS
Transfer on your own and board Amtrak® for a relaxing ride along the rails to St. Louis,
Missouri. (Overnight in St. Louis)
DAY 4 ST. LOUIS
Welcome to St Louis, the “Gateway to the West.” Explore this big city with Midwestern charm
on your own today. Admire the views from the top of the Gateway Arch monument, or cruise
down the Mississippi aboard a paddle-wheel boat. This evening don’t miss the chance to
sample some of the famous St. Louis barbecue at a local restaurant. The colorful nightlife
includes jazz and blues clubs, casinos, sports bars and live theater and comedy. (Overnight in
St. Louis) D
DAY 5 OVERNIGHT ABOARD AMTRAK
Transfer on your own and board Amtrak for a relaxing overnight trip to Albuquerque
enjoying stunning panoramic views, unique dining options, comfy seats, extra leg space and
plenty of room to roam. Enjoy coach accommodations or upgrade to a roomette or
bedroom for your journey. (Overnight on the train)
DAYS 6-7 ALBUQUERQUE
Arrive in Albuquerque, New Mexico later this afternoon and transfer on your own to your
hotel. Today enjoy some free time exploring the sights and sounds of this true Southwestern
city with gorgeous desert scenery, a rich Native American heritage and plenty of outdoor
and indoor activities. Perhaps visit the Albuquerque Biological Park, which features a zoo,
aquarium and botanical garden, or venture on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway for incredible
views of the city. On Day 7, explore historic Old Town Albuquerque on a private walking tour.
Beautiful churches, plazas and charming shops reveal the ancient Indian and Spanish
cultures. Your guide shares the history of the area, of which Route 66 runs through the
center. (Overnight in Albuquerque)
DAY 8 ALBUQUERQUE TO WILLIAMS
Following an exciting day of sightseeing, transfer on your own for a relaxing ride aboard
Amtrak to Williams Junction, Arizona. Upon arrival in Williams Junction, you will be
transferred to Williams and the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. Enjoy a good night’s sleep
before awakening for your adventure to the Grand Canyon. (Overnight in Williams)
DAYS 9-10 GRAND CANYON ABOARD GRAND CANYON RAILWAY
Today you will have the privilege to experience one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the
World – the Grand Canyon! Enjoy breakfast at the Grand Depot Café before boarding the
Grand Canyon Railway to experience this immense beauty. A guided motorcoach tour takes
you along the South Rim of the Canyon for incredible views of this colorful display of
geological formations. An amazing 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide and one mile deep,
the Grand Canyon is a must-see. .Day 10 is at your leisure. Spend some of your free time
enjoying the sights of the Canyon, or take part in one of the numerous activities available
including hiking, nature walks, bird watching, mule rides and even helicopter tours.
(Overnight in the Canyon) B, L
DAY 11 GRAND CANYON TO FLAGSTAFF
Depart early afternoon for Flagstaff, a city of Wild West charm and stunning mountain
scenery. Upon arrival, explore the main drag of Route 66 and visit some of the popular
Route 66 landmarks, including the Museum Club, an old roadhouse reimagined as a countrywestern nightclub and Americana museum, the Grand Canyon Cafe, the Flamingo Motel and
dozens of vintage neon signs along the old Route 66. (Overnight in Flagstaff)
DAY 12 FLAGSTAFF/SEDONA TOUR/FLAGSTAFF TO KINGMAN
Today you are treated to an exciting Canyons & Cowboys jeep tour, revealing mesmerizing
desert scenery of giant red-rock monoliths for which Sedona is famous. After an
adventurous day, transfer on your own and rest aboard Amtrak to Kingman, Arizona.
(Overnight in Kingman)
DAY 13 KINGMAN/OVERNIGHT ABOARD AMTRAK
Today, visits to three museums in historic Kingman shed light on the history of the town and
reveal more intriguing facts about Route 66. Begin at the Mohave Museum of History and
Art, which contains colorful murals created by Roy Purcell, a well-known Southwest artist in
the 1960s, depicting the history of the Mohave County from prehistoric times to present day.
The museum also showcases pottery, beadwork, baskets and rugs made by local Indians.
Continue onto the Powerhouse Route 66 Museum. Here, browse the historic photos, murals,
and life-size dioramas that capture the spirit of Route 66, the Main Street of America.
Conclude your museum day at the Bonelli House, a family home built in 1915 that was
restored and turned into a museum in 1975 as part of the United States Bicentennial Project.
Later in the evening, transfer on your own and board Amtrak for a restful overnight ride to
Los Angeles. (Overnight on the train)
DAY 14-15 LOS ANGELES
Upon arrival early this morning, transfer on your own to your hotel. Spend the day exploring
Hollywood at your leisure. Be sure to catch the famous attractions including the iconic
Hollywood Walk of Fame and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, or venture up to Griffith
Observatory to view the Hollywood sign. On Day 15, enjoy a guided tour of Los Angeles.
Tour the neighborhoods of movie stars of yesterday and today, as well as Sunset Boulevard.
Later, visit the sandy beaches of Malibu, Santa Monica and Venice and see the end of Route
66, marked with an iconic sign. (Overnight in Los Angeles)
DAY 16 YOUR JOURNEY ENDS IN LOS ANGELES
LEGEND FOR MEALS: B - Breakfast, BR - Brunch, L - Lunch, D -Dinner
Included Cities
Chicago
St. Louis
Albuquerque
Williams Junction
Grand Canyon
Flagstaff
Kingman
Moderate Hotel*
Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza
Deluxe Hotel*
The Palmer House Hilton Hotel
Ramada Plaza Hotel
Crowne Plaza Albuquerque
Sheraton St. Louis City Center
Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown
Grand Canyon Railway Hotel
Maswik Lodge
Courtyard by Marriott Flagstaff
Grand Canyon Railway Hotel
Thunderbird Lodge
Doubletree by Hilton Flagstaff
Best Western Plus Kings Inn &
Suites
Best Western Plus Kings Inn & Suites
Los Angeles
The LA Hotel Downtown
*Alternate properties may be used based on availability.
Loews Hollywood Hotel