Birthplace of the Mother Road

Day 1 - Arrive Chicago, IL

Upon arrival at Chicago’s O’Hare airport collect your intermediate car & head downtown to check into your hotel for the next 2 nights. This cosmopolitan playground is bursting with things to do, today why not explore Millennium Park’s sculptures, fountains, gardens & event spaces, including the most famous sculpture, the Cloud Gate also known as the Bean. After, get above it all on the Ledge, a glass platform at Willis Tower or the 360 Chicago Observation Deck where the TILT experience leans you out 300 metres above Michigan Avenue. This evening delve into Chicago’s culinary scene, filled with star chefs, ethnic eateries & award-winning fine dining. Overnight Chicago.

Day 2 - Chicago, IL

Today take in the beautiful cityscape with a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, where you can enjoy a waterside meal or perhaps a cruise on the Chicago River. Chicago is renowned for its cultural offerings so this afternoon why not visit one of more than 60 museums including the Art Institute of Chicago, containing 300,000 works in its permanent collection. After dinner finish your evening with a visit to a speciality cocktail bar, historic pub or one of the 65 craft breweries. Overnight Chicago.

Day 3 - St Louis, MO

This morning head south and across the state line into Missouri. Upon arrival in St Louis check out the St Louis arch for a photo opportunity as well as a bird eye view from the top of this stainless-steel monument. Then stop by the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial to get a glimpse of where Lewis & Clark set out on their historic expedition. For those sports’ enthusiast head over to the Busch Stadium to catch a Cardinals game or perhaps even a baseball experience at the GCS Ballpark watching the Gateway Grizzlies. This evening stop by Westport Plaza’s 42acre entertainment district for drinks & dinner. Overnight St Louis.

Day 4 - Springfield, MO

Known as the pulse of the Ozarks, Springfield is rooted in the celebration of family, friends, and life’s genuine moments. Springfield is recognised as the official birthplace of Route 66 & history buffs will want to make stops along at the History Museum on the Square, Route 66 Car Museum & the Park Central Square, site of the quick-draw shootout between Wild Bill Hockok & Davis Tutt. Another popular stop is at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, where the second major battle of the American Civil War took place in 1861, see war exhibits & go on a self-guided tour. We also recommend visiting Fantastic Caverns, the only cave in North America large enough to ride through on a 50-minute tour of an underground riverbed on Jeep-drawn trams. This evening try out Springfield’s signature dish, Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken at the Leong Family restaurant, Leong’s Family Diner. Overnight Springfield.

Day 5 - Tulsa, OK

Today is all about ‘a little bit of Oklahoma’s Route 66’. First stop is in Miami, (pronounced Miama) see the Coleman Theatre and the only 1928 Mighty Wurlitzer organ located in its original home. In Chelsea stop at Ed Galloway Totem Pole Park to see the ‘World’s Largest Concrete Totem Pole’. In Claremore, visit Will Rogers Museum. Will Rogers was a Cherokee variety entertainer, actor, radio announcer, author and philosopher. Upon your arrival in Tulsa visit the Greenwood District for a truly moving experience at Tulsa’s newest attraction, Greenwood Rising. Greenwood Rising tells the story of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 using history, technology & interactive design features to educate people on what happened in this district 100 years ago. Another attraction to visit would be the Philbrook Museum, housed in a grand historical mansion set on 25 acres of perfectly manicured, Italian – inspired gardens, for a view of Native America, modern & contemporary art. After why not stop at Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curious where you can pose for a photo with Buck, a colourful space cowboy with a wry grin & a shiny silver rocket ship. Proceed to Gathering Place, an outdoor space offering outdoor activities for all ages & abilities including a kayak tour on the lake or a stroll through one of many garden exhibits. Finish the evening at one of the many local restaurants before experiencing the live music offerings. Overnight Tulsa.

Day 6 - Tulsa, OK

A small, sleepy town at the turn of the 20th century - within a dozen years Tulsa had blossomed into a bustling oil-prospectors’ city and today it is replete with history, culture, energy and fun. Home to the most substantial art and artefacts collection of the American West, marvellous collections of European art acquired by the oil barons of old, there is much to see on this free day in and around Tulsa. Vibrant Guthrie Green plays host to mouth-watering food trucks most days. It’s an ideal stop for lunch and the super-cool Brady Arts District, centre of Tulsa’s music pedigree, embracing jazz, blues, rock, and of course folk - in the evocative Woody Guthrie Center. Lively evening entertainment is a hallmark of the District. Overnight Tulsa.

Day 7 - Oklahoma City, OK

Today explore what Oklahoma City has to offer including the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, home of the most comprehensive collection of glass by artist Dale Chihuly. consider visiting the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, a sombre but beautiful memorial to the victims, survivors & rescue workers of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah. Wrap up the evening in Bricktown, Oklahoma’s largest entertainment district, where you can have dinner along the canal and then finish your evening with a beverage listening to live music. Overnight Oklahoma City.

Day 8 - Oklahoma City, OK

Why not try breakfast at Oklahoma’s oldest continuously run restaurant – Cattlemen’s, located in the Historic Stockyards City. After, take a walk around the area & see working cowboys going about their daily live, shop at a custom boot or hat maker. Another recommended stop would be Oklahoma City’s newest premier Smithsonian affiliated attraction, the First American Museum. Here you will learn of each of the 39 tribes headquartered in Oklahoma. Enjoy interactive exhibits, see artifacts dating back hundreds of years and most of all experience America’s true history. Overnight Oklahoma City.

Day 9 - Elk City, OK

Another relatively short driving day on Route 66 to Elk City. This stretch is the beating heart of the Mother Road, studded with genuine Oklahoma attractions and toothsome eating experiences, such as the legendary fried onion burgers in El Reno, historic Lucille’s Roadhouse in Weatherford, and astronaut Tom Stafford’s Air & Space Museum nearby. On the edge of Clinton. an intriguing stop is the Mohawk Lodge Indian Store - one of few remaining Indian Trading Posts - and downtown is the iconic Oklahoma Route 66 Museum. Overnight Elk City.

Day 10 - Elk City, OK

This morning visit Elk City’s eclectic and great fun Old Town Museum complex. Waiting to be explored is the story of pioneering western Oklahoma - the Transportation Museum, Old Town Museum and Ranch Museum are topped off with the National Route 66 Museum, a memorable way to take leave of the Sooner State. Overnight Elk City.

Day 11 - Amarillo, TX

Head west to Amarillo for a unique blend of two American eras, working western ranches & a vibrant 21st century economy. One of Amarillo’s gems is the Palo Duro Canyon State Park, claimed to be one of the most beautiful nature parks in the entire US due to its lavishing floral environment & mixture of animal species. Things to do include hiking & horseback riding. For a taste of Texas drop by the Big Texan Steak Ranch Brewery for its incredible steak challenge. If you’re brave enough take on the steak challenge that involves eating a 72 oz steak accompanied with an appetiser, salad & a side of potatoes, all finished within one hour. The popular Route 6 District is another famous visit in Amarillo. The district spans for one mile and is enough to cover the route’s historic quirks. Spend the afternoon sightseeing the historical buildings, handicraft shops & antique stores. For another quirky Route 66 highlight stop at the Cadillac Ranch, an ideal stop for photographers at an art installation dedicated to the famous Route 66. Overnight Amarillo.

Day 12 - Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque enjoys mild, sunny weather year-round. Cruise up & down Central Avenue to see Americana as its best, from buzzing neon signs, vintage motels to historic architecture. Make a stop at the Route 66 Diner for a blast from the past, make sure you order one of their delicious malts or milkshakes. Another attraction is Sandia Peak, boasting breathtaking views and adventure. Either hike the La Luz Trail to reach the peak or take the tram to the top. This afternoon sample some New Mexican cuisine at Sadie’s. a staple of Albuquerque but authentic in their blend of Spanish & Native American flavours. After lunch take a walk or ride on the Bosque Trail, running from the north to the south edges of the metro area, this 16-mile trail parallels the Rio Grande and runs through the cottonwood forest past Tingley Beach and the Nature Center. This evening grab drinks at Hotel Parq’s rooftop for some of the best panoramic views of the city. Overnight Albuquerque

Day 13 - Albuquerque, NM

Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center today to learn about the history and life of the 19 different New Mexican Pueblos, see original artwork & craftsmanship or attend an event with foot, native dances, art markets, exhibitions and more. Historic Old Town has been the heart of Albuquerque for over three centuries. The Old Town is a great place to shop & soak in the local culture. Boasting five museums and more than 100 shops you will have plenty to see and do. Overnight Albuquerque

Day 14 - Depart for Home

Explore more of this fascinating town this morning & pick up some last-minute souvenirs prior to making your way back to the airport for your flight back home.

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