Iconic Route 66 by Motorhome with Campgrounds

Iconic Route 66 by Motorhome with Campgrounds

• Day 1-2 Arrive in Chicago

  Upon arrival in Chicago make your way to your hotel by taxi or jump on the Blue Train which takes you to the heart of downtown Chicago. Spend the next two nights exploring the 'Windy City' and its beautiful architecture along the Magnificent Mile, the main shopping street in the city. Stroll along the riverwalk by the pretty Chicago River or take a cruise down the river and out on to Lake Michigan, the second largest of the 'Great Lakes. Take in the wonderful Chicago Skyline from one of its observation decks including the Skydeck Chicago at the Willis Tower or the 360-degree Chicago Experience on top of the former John Hancock Tower.

• Day 3 Chicago to Springfield, IL, 215 miles

  It's time for your epic motorhome adventure along Historic Route 66 as you make your way to your rental location to collect your motorhome. As you travel south-west embrace the spirit of the Mother Road as you visit Joliet which was on the original Route 66 path and is home to the Route 66 Welcome Centre. Next visit Pontiac and the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and its thousands of pieces of historic Route 66 memorabilia including its iconic Route 66 mural. Continue to Springfield, best known for being the home of the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, the Lincoln Home National Historic Site or the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum are great places to start your Springfield exploration. When night rolls around, head on over to the Route 66 Drive-In for a dose of nostalgia, entertainment, and relaxation before you head for campground where you will overnight.

• Day 4 Springfield IL, to Springfield, MO, 312 miles

  Today we head to the banks of the Mississippi River - St Louis, the largest city along Route 66. For a birds-eye view of the city and the river, climb to the top of the nation's tallest monument, the Gateway Arch. For non-drivers and beer lovers visit the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, home to Budweiser beer. Later continue through the Ozark Mountains to southern Missouri and Springfield, Missouri recognised as the birthplace of Route 66. During your journey, stop at Meramec Caverns in Stanton, an extensive set of natural limestone caves whose colours and formations are both unique and beautiful. In Springfield visit the aptly named Route 66 Car Museum with displays cars starting from the early 1900's

• Day 5 Springfield, MO to Carthage, 58 miles

  One of the first paved sections of Missouri's highway system was a section of road west of Carthage, Missouri. And in 1926, this stretch of road became part of Route 66! Not only does Carthage have a plethora of Route 66 attractions, it was also the site of two American Civil War battles. Stop for lunch at the 1950's style Carthage Deli and enjoy its delicious sandwiches and milkshakes. On your way out of town, check out the old Route 66 landmark, the Boot Court Motel - visited by Clark Gable and many other weary travellers over the years!

• Day 6-7 Carthage - Oklahoma City, 233 miles

  This morning head to Joplin, the historic town, which was once the hideout of the famous outlaws Bonnie and Clyde. Leave Missouri behind and time-permitting drive the short distance west to the Kansas border. Route 66 is only 12.8 miles long through the state of Kansas, but despite its short length, it passes through three towns rich in Route 66 history including Baxter Springs where Route 66 memorabilia is everywhere from the Phillips 66 service station to the Rainbow Curve Bridge, the only remaining Marsh Arch Bridge on Route 66. Continue to Oklahoma City, perhaps stopping in Tulsa which used to be the 'oil capital of the world' and is now home to some of western America's finest art collections. Continue to Oklahoma City, where there is Western and Native American history and culture galore, the unique atmosphere of Stockyard City - the USA's largest working cattle market, and the riveting nightlife of Bricktown - alive with music, entertainment and eating places.

• Day 8 Oklahoma City - Amarillo, 258 miles

  Continue to Amarillo, located in the flat plains of the Texas Panhandle visiting lots of unique and interesting Route 66 sights along the way. Worthwhile visits include Lucille's Historic Gas Station and the Route 66 Museum in Clinton where you can experience six decades of Route 66 history. Other stops include the interesting National Route 66 Museum complete with reconstructed authentic Route 66 buildings and Americana memorabilia including a pink Cadillac. For lunch or a snack, a recommended stop is the U-Drop Inn where you can sit in the same booth that Elvis Presley dined in. On arrival in Amarillo make sure to drive down Amarillo Boulevard to see its 1950's buildings before retiring to your campground.

• Day 9 Amarillo - Tucumcari, 112 miles

  After breakfast and a quick stop at Cadillac Ranch, a unique display of art featuring a row of ten colourfully painted Cadillac cars buried grille first in the ground, continue to Adrian, the official midway point of Route 66. As you continue west you will pass through the ghost town of Glenrio, and on to Tucumcari, New Mexico where you will overnight. Tucumcari is one of the best-preserved Route 66 towns which has stood still in time and is a colourful 1950's Route 66 town. Drive down Tucumcari Boulevard and see its vibrant murals and neon signs and pick up Route 66 memorabilia in its authentic Route 66 stores.

• Day 10-11 Tucumcari - Albuquerque, 176 miles

  On arrival in New Mexico's largest city, Albuquerque explore Central Avenue, a haven for Route 66 landmarks and Historic Old Town for a taste of New Mexico's Spanish colonial past. Make sure to stroll around Old Town Albuquerque where you may catch a Mariachi band playing and Tango dancers performing. If you have time take the hour long train journey to Santa Fe, an ancient town oozing charm around every corner, in its unique adobe architecture, pretty arts district and plaza.

• Day 12 Albuquerque-Holbrook, 232 miles

  Your journey today continues as the state of Arizona welcomes Route 66 travellers with an overwhelming display of trading posts. View huge concrete tepees that stand at the foot of red-rock mesas enroute to the Petrified Forest National Park, the only park in the National Park System containing a section of Historic Route 66. Explore the park where ancient trees turned to stone creating a mesmerising landscape and enjoy outdoor adventures such as hiking and fishing. Discover the fascinating history at the Navajo County Historical Museum and immerse yourself in Native American culture at the nearby Hopi and Navajo reservations. Overnight in Holbrook in readiness for an epic next day exploring the Grand Canyon.

• Day 13-14 Holbrook - Grand Canyon, 178 miles

  This morning continue to Meteor City, a true vintage trading post and its distinctive crater which is over 500 feet deep. Continue to Flagstaff, which is surrounded by large areas of Ponderosa Pine Forest, and by many national Monuments, like Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki. Stop at Williams, a classic Route 66 town which has blocks of shops and historic buildings packed full of Route 66 memorabilia waiting to be explored. Later take the one-hour drive to Grand Canyon National Park, a natural wonder that must be seen to be believed. Park your motorhome and explore the South Rim of the Canyon, on the complimentary national park buses that take you around the park to various breath-taking overlooks, walk part of the Rim Trail or take to the skies on a short helicopter flight for memorable views of the park.

• Day 15-16 Grand Canyon - Las Vegas, 275 miles

  As you leave the Grand Canyon behind you, make your way to Seligman, the first stop heading west on the longest uninterrupted stretch of Route 66. Continue through Kingman whose old Route 66 cafes and motels still thrive, before arriving at one of Arizona's most famous treasures, Hoover Dam. Considered the largest single public works project in the history of the U.S., Hoover Dam straddles the mighty Colorado River, which forms the border between Nevada and Arizona and brings the necessary water and electricity to the Southwest. Continue to Las Vegas, Nevada, where you have a two-night stay, to wonder in and out of the epic hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, enjoy a star-studded show or dine in the huge array of restaurants.

• Day 17 Las Vegas - Barstow, 156 miles

  Head south-west to Barstow which lies at the junction of several major highways including Interstate 15, California State Route 58 and the legendary Route 66. Your drive through the Mojave Desert will take you via Primm, Nevada's border with California and home to the last of Nevada Casino's. Visit Calico Ghost Town, California's authentic silver mining town and one of the few original mining camps of the Old West. On arrival in Barstow, attractions to explore include the Route 66 'Mother Road' Museum and the Western America Railroad Museum.

• Day 18-19 Barstow - Los Angeles, 131 miles

  The final leg of your Route 66 journey takes you to the official end of Route 66, the official sign of which is located at Santa Monica Pier and your chosen campground which will be your home for the next two nights. Join a sightseeing tour of Los Angeles including visits to iconic Hollywood and its star-studded Hollywood Walk of Fame. Window shop along the pristine pavements of Beverly Hills. For thrill seekers enjoy all the excitement of Universal Studios or venture further afield to Anaheim to experience the magic of Disneyland.

• Day 20 Homeward Bound

  Return your motorhome before heading to Los Angeles airport for your return flight, during which you can reminiscence on a holiday of a lifetime.