Welcome to Chicago! On arrival, make your way to your hotel, where you’ll be staying for two nights. Relax after your flight or head out into the ‘Windy City’!

Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown Wolf Point or similar

You have a full day to explore Chicago, with a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing pass to help you get around. Visit the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier and many more iconic destinations. Don’t forget to hop off and take a picture at the famous sign marking the start of Route 66!

Finish a fantastic day of sightseeing with an included dinner a popular Chicago restaurant.

Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown Wolf Point or similar

Dinner

Enjoy the last of your sightseeing opportunities in Chicago, before making your way to Union Station and board the Amtrak train to St. Louis. Your journey through the ‘Land of Lincoln’ to the ‘Show-Me-State’ includes some amazing views, albeit just a taster for those to come.

Holiday Inn St. Louis Downtown or similar

Begin your day with a visit to St. Louis’ iconic Gateway Arch, which at an astounding 630-feet tall, is the tallest man-made National Monument in the United States. Its unique shape and stainless-steel façade represent St. Louis’ history as the jumping off point for pioneers journeying into the American West.

Holiday Inn St. Louis Downtown or similar

Make your way to the station and board the Amtrak train to Albuquerque; a relaxing overnight trip on the Southwest Chief. Travel past wheat fields and ranches, missions and pueblos as you journey west. Carving through canyon passages only a few feet wider than the train itself, you will see spectacular landscapes and pristine vistas not visible from interstate highways.

Overnight on board the train

Arrive in Albuquerque later this afternoon and travel to your hotel. Enjoy your free time exploring the sights and sounds of the city marked by its rich Spanish roots.

Crowne Plaza Albuquerque or similar

Today, explore historic Old Town Albuquerque on a private walking tour. Learn about the history of Albuquerque and Route 66 as you guide escorts you on an exciting adventure through time. Uncover the Old Town’s unusual and well-hidden architectural details and learn about early southwest pioneers’ daily struggle to survive. Relive the sights and sounds of the Civil War as Confederate soldiers entered the Plaza and imagine early merchants as they travelled the Santa Fe Trail for trade.

Crowne Plaza Albuquerque or similar

Head to the station and board the Southwest Chief train to Williams Junction, where on arrival you will be transferred the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in the town of Williams.

Grand Canyon Railway Hotel or similar

Enjoy breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant and be sure to not miss the morning shootout before boarding the Grand Canyon Railway into the Grand Canyon National Park. Explore the South Rim on a coach tour and take in some of the most spectacular vistas in North America, formed over 17 million years ago.

Maswik Lodge or similar

Breakfast

Enjoy today at leisure in the Grand Canyon. Spend your free time taking in the fresh air, amazing sights and many photo opportunities in the National Park.

Maswik Lodge or similar

After a good night’s sleep, board the Grand Canyon Railway back to Williams. Enjoy dinner at the Fred Harvey Restaurant this evening, before your transfer from the hotel to the Amtrak station, to board the Southwest Chief train to Los Angeles.

Overnight on board the train

Dinner

Upon arrival early this morning, make your way to your hotel. Spend the day exploring Hollywood at leisure. Stop by the Walk of Fame or venture up to Griffith Observatory to view the Hollywood sign. There is so much to do and see in Los Angeles!

Holiday Inn Express Hollywood Walk Of Fame or similar

Today, enjoy a guided sightseeing city tour of Los Angeles. See the homes of famous movie stars, tour Hollywood and visit the most popular of California’s beaches, at Ventura, Venice and Santa Monica, where you’ll also find the ‘End of Route 66’ sign by the pier.

Holiday Inn Express Hollywood Walk Of Fame or similar

Your Route 66 rail adventure comes to an end today. Make your way to the airport for your flight home, or perhaps head up to San Francisco to extend your holiday?