The Mother Road: An All-American Journey from Chicago to Santa Monica
From neon-lit diners and retro motels to desert highways and cinematic landscapes, our Route 66 Classic Tour is the ultimate celebration of America’s most legendary highway. Travelling the full length of the historic route, this unforgettable self-drive adventure captures the spirit, nostalgia and freedom of the open road.
Begin in Chicago, where the journey along Route 66 officially starts. Leaving the shores of Lake Michigan behind, follow the ribbon of road through classic Midwestern towns, vintage gas stations and iconic roadside attractions that echo the golden age of American travel.
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Cross the mighty Mississippi into St. Louis before continuing through the rolling plains of Oklahoma and Texas, where quirky landmarks, cowboy culture and wide-open skies define the heartland experience. In Amarillo, Cadillac Ranch and classic steakhouses deliver pure Americana, while New Mexico’s high desert landscapes bring a change of pace and colour.
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As the journey unfolds, Arizona’s red rock scenery and the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon offer one of the most breath-taking highlights of the trip. Historic towns like Williams and Flagstaff preserve the charm and character of the Mother Road’s heyday.
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Your adventure concludes on the Pacific Coast in Santa Monica, where the iconic pier marks the official end of Route 66. With ocean breezes replacing desert air, it’s a fitting finale to an epic coast-to-coast journey filled with history, nostalgia and the timeless romance of the American highway.
Tour Dates & Prices
Dates:
24 Sept - 18 Oct 2027
25 Days / 24 Nights
What's included?
All Packages Include:​
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Standard 4 door car hire throughout. Upgrades available on request
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Services of an ARJ host throughout
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Detailed road book featuring maps, great drives and local attractions
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Commemorative tour rally plate
Accommodation & Travel:
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2 Nights Chicago, IL
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1 Night Springfield, IL
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2 Nights St Louis, MO
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1 Night Springfield, MO
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2 Nights Tulsa, OK
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1 Night Oklahoma City, OK
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1 Night Amarillo, TX
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1 Night Tucumcari, NM
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2 Nights Alburqurque, NM
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1 Night Gallup, NM
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1 Night Flagstaff, AZ
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1 Night Monument Valley, AZ
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2 Nights Grand Canyon, AZ
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1 Night Needles, CA
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2 Nights Las Vegas, NV
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1 Night Victorville, CA
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2 Nights Santa Monica, CA
Excursions & Activities:
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Drive the full length of historic Route 66
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The opportunity to visit world famous locations like, Gateway arch, Lincoln's Home, Cadillac Ranch, Grand Canyon, Four Corners Monument, Las Vegas, Monument Valley, and many more!
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Additional Inclusions:
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Complimentary breakfast at most hotels
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ARJ tour merchandise
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Car parking at accommodations (charges may be payable locally)
*All prices are based on 2 persons sharing a car and occupying a twin or double room.
Single occupancy supplement is £4,200.
Excluding Flights from £5299* per person
Flights prices available on request
Hotels
Congress Plaza Hotel
Located on Michigan Avenue overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan, Congress Plaza Hotel places you in the heart of downtown Chicago, just steps from the city’s iconic attractions, shopping and waterfront. Its historic façade and classic interiors reflect the elegance of a bygone era while offering modern comforts.
Guest rooms feature en-suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities, and comfortable workspaces. Guests can enjoy on-site dining options, a bar and lounge area, a fitness centre, and 24-hour reception. Car parking is available at the hotel (payable locally), making it a convenient base for exploring the Windy City.
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Itinerary
Day 1 Flight from the UK to Chicago
Day 2 At leisure in Chicago
Day 3 Chicago to Springfield
Day 4 Springfield to St. Louis
Day 5 At leisure in St. Louis
Day 6 St. Louis to Springfield
Day 7 Springfield to Tulsa
Day 8 At leisure in Tulsa
Day 9 Tulsa to Oklahoma City
Day 10 Oklahoma City to Amarillo
Day 11 Amarillo to Tucumcari
Day 12 Tucumcari to Albuquerque
Day 13 At leisure in Albuquerque
Day 14 Albuquerque to Gallup
Day 15 Gallup to Flagstaff
Day 16 Flagstaff to Monument Valley region
Day 17 Monument Valley to Grand Canyon
Day 18 At leisure at the Grand Canyon
Day 19 Grand Canyon to Needles
Day 20 Needles to Las Vegas
Day 21 At leisure in Las Vegas
Day 22 Las Vegas to Victorville
Day 23 Victorville to Santa Monica (end of Route 66)
Day 24 At leisure in Santa Monica
Day 25 Return flight to the UK from Los Angeles area airport
Approximate Total Mileage: 3000
Coast to Coast extension
Why not fly out a week early and enjoy an unforgettable drive up from Florida? Take in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains in the heart of Appalachia, home to some of the most scenic roads in the United States. Spend a full day in Nashville, the world-famous home of country music, then continue on to Indianapolis, home of the Indy 500, before meeting the rest of the group in Chicago, just in time to begin your journey along Route 66!
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This exclusive tour extension includes:
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1 night Orlando, Florida
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1 night Savannah, Georgia
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2 nights Ashville, North Carolina
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2 nights in Nashville, Tennessee
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1 night in Indianapolis, Indiana
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9 additional days car rental (Mustang upgrades available on request)
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Additional road book featuring great drives and must see attractions
A chance to experience America's heartland with iconic roadside attractions, adding that classic America charm to your journey.
17 September 2027
32 Days / 31 Nights
From £6299* per person
Car Hire
Our Route 66 car hire package comes with a range of inclusions to make your journey smooth and worry-free. All rentals include unlimited mileage, Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection Waiver with zero excess, $1 million USD liability cover, local sales taxes, airport surcharges, Homeland Security fees, customer facility charges, and mechanical assistance. You can also add up to three additional drivers at no extra cost, and your rental includes an initial tank of fuel, you simply return the car empty.
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While many clients ask for classic American cars, this option is not currently available as no suppliers offer them. The types of vehicles you can hire depend on your starting location. For those hoping for a modern American classic, such as a Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Camaro convertible, pre-booking is possible from Orlando, Florida for a supplement. Starting your journey in Chicago generally allows only regular cars or SUVs, though upgrades to convertibles or similar vehicles may be possible once in the USA, with any upgrade charges payable locally.
Flights
All our tour prices are quoted excluding flights. This allows you the flexibility to choose your preferred departure date, airport, or even use frequent flyer points or upgrades.
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If you would like, we can provide a quote including flights. Flight-inclusive packages are arranged for Scenic Car Tours by our sister company, Success Tours (ATOL No. 5114).
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Please be aware that flight costs are estimated at the time of booking, and any changes to fares once flights go on sale may result in a flight supplement.
Fees & Insurance
Additional costs not included in the base hire include a one-way fee, payable locally upon returning your car (typically around $600–$700), and any fuel beyond the initial tank.