Highlights of Route 66 with Mother Road Festival & Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

16 days
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Group Tour
Get your kicks on Route 66 with a legendary trip across America. This historic route, which was called the “Main Street of America” for more than 50 years before the advent of the US Interstate system, begins in Chicago, travels through eight states, and ends in Los Angeles. On this trip down memory lane, you’ll visit the major cities along Route 66, visit Ro...
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

What's this trip about?

    Get your kicks on Route 66 with a legendary trip across America. This historic route, which was called the “Main Street of America” for more than 50 years before the advent of the US Interstate system, begins in Chicago, travels through eight states, and ends in Los Angeles. On this trip down memory lane, you’ll visit the major cities along Route 66, visit Route 66 museums, and step back in time to when the journey was part of the fun! And you’ll be just in time to experience two special events - the 20th Annual Mother Road Festival and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta! The annual Mother Road Festival in Springfield, Illinois, brings automobile and motorcycle enthusiasts with hot cars, cool trucks, and vintage bikes together to salute Route 66 and the tradition of the open road. Enjoy classic cars, live entertainment, and other scheduled activities. Then on to St. Louis to witness amazing views of the city and the Mississippi River from the top of the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch. Visit the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City to view antique cars and historic documents that help you feel what it was like to travel Route 66. In Albuquerque, watch the colorful spectacle of hundreds of balloons rising into the sky at the early morning Balloon Glow and the Mass Ascension at the International Balloon Fiesta, before continuing your journey. Overnight in Williams Arizona—listed in the National Register for Historic Places and where you’ll see neon signs of the intact circa 1940s “Motel Row.” Deviate from Route 66 to see breathtaking scenery at one of the Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon and then experience the excitement of Las Vegas where you can explore the Vegas Strip, take an optional trip to see Hoover Dam, an engineering marvel, or just relax by the pool. In Los Angeles, you’ll enjoy a tour of Hollywood, the Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, and finally Santa Monica, the ending point of Route 66. Discover vintage Americana, wide open spaces, and national treasures on this Route 66 tour designed for value-minded travel lovers.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transport
Start CityCHICAGO
End CityLOS ANGELES

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus

Destinations

Attractions

  • Albuquerque
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Chicago
  • Las Vegas
  • Los Angeles
  • St. Louis
  • Texas

Activities

  • Culture

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: CHICAGO

Welcome to Chicago, the start of Route 66! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3pm-6pm to answer questions.

Once settled into your hotel, perhaps start exploring the city’s amazing architecture via the 1.25-mile Riverwalk along the Chicago River or do some shopping at the many well-known retail destinations along Michigan Avenue.

Day 2: CHICAGO

Known as the “Windy City,” Chicago is home to magnificent architecture including one of America’s tallest buildings, notorious gangster Al Capone, and countless jazz and blues clubs. Oh, and deep-dish pizza, of course! Get to know this exciting city on a morning sigh...

Day 3: CHICAGO–PONTIAC–SPRINGFIELD-INTERNATIONAL ROUTE 66 MOTHER ROAD FESTIVAL

This morning, take a spin through Route 66 memorabilia with a visit to the Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac. Housed in a historic fire station, this collection of fascinating items includes large maps to sketch out your upcoming Route 66 adventure, as we...

Day 4: SPRINGFIELD–ST. LOUIS

Cross the mighty Mississippi River and continue to St. Louis, “Gateway to the West.” Your orientation tour includes the towering Gateway Arch National Park. Ascend to the top of the 630-foot-tall arch for a panoramic view of the city and river. Then drive along an ori...

Day 5: ST. LOUIS–JOPLIN

Travel through the Missouri countryside, exploring interesting quaint towns and quirky roadside attractions along Route 66. Overnight in Joplin, a town where a couple of infamous outlaws named Bonnie and Clyde once hid out. (Breakfast)

Day 6: JOPLIN–TULSA–OKLAHOMA CITY

After a quick drive through Kansas, enter Oklahoma, once known as Indian Territory and home to the Cherokee Nation. Visit the Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center and get an overview of Cherokee history, art, and culture. In Tulsa, see the “East...

Day 7: OKLAHOMA CITY–ELK CITY–AMARILLO

Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Oklahoma City, the capital and largest city in Oklahoma. From here, travel to Elk City and visit the National Route 66 Museum for a journey through each of the eight states Route 66 passes through. Continue into the Texas Panhandle en route to Amarillo, the Yellow Rose of Texas. (Breakfast)

Day 8: AMARILLO–TUCUMCARI–ALBUQUERQUE

On the way out of Amarillo, stop at Cadillac Ranch, a quirky art sculpture consisting of a collection of 10 colorful Cadillacs. Before crossing into New Mexico, reach Adrian, the halfway point on Route 66. Across the New Mexico border, visit Russell’s Car Museum, feat...

Day 9: ALBUQUERQUE

Enjoy a day at leisure in this Southwestern city of diverse cultures, authentic art, and rich history. Consider spending time in Old Town, site of the city’s original settlement or visit one of the city’s fine museums, like the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, Albuquerque Museum, or the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

Day 10: ALBUQUERQUE–GALLUP–WINSLOW–WILLIAMS

Enjoy an unforgettable experience at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta’s early morning Balloon Glow followed by the Mass Ascension, where hundreds of colorful hot-air balloons fill the morning sky. Then depart Albuquerque and continue to Gallup, sometimes c...

Day 11: WILLIAMS. EXCURSION TO GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Deviate from Route 66 to see one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Grand Canyon National Park. Wander along the canyon rim for breathtaking views and wildlife with the chance to spot elk grazing in the forested areas on the South Rim. For an unforgettable exp...

Day 12: WILLIAMS–SELIGMAN–LAS VEGAS

Depart Williams for Seligman, home to the rebirth of Route 66. Detour once again from Route 66 to visit the bright lights of Las Vegas. An orientation tour upon arrival shows off many of the themed casino resorts along the glittering “Strip.” This evening, join an opt...

Day 13: LAS VEGAS

A day at leisure to relax by the pool or explore the legendary Las Vegas Strip. Float through a Venetian canal, visit jaw-dropping horticultural displays, or test your luck at one of the many world-famous casinos—it’s all possible in Las Vegas! Don’t miss downtown Las...

Day 14: LAS VEGAS–VICTORVILLE–LOS ANGELES

Today, depart the man-made oasis of Las Vegas, and cross the natural beauty of Mojave Desert and the San Bernardino Mountains en route to Los Angeles. Visit the California Route 66 Museum to see its nostalgic 50’s diner, VW Love Bus, and the 1917 Model T Ford exhibits. Overnight in Los Angeles, where you’ll visit Santa Monica, the ending point of Route 66.

Day 15: LOS ANGELES

Explore the exciting “City of Angels” with a morning tour of legendary Beverly Hills, Sunset Strip, and Hollywood, where you’ll walk along the stars on Hollywood Boulevard, and get a photo of the iconic Hollywood sign. This afternoon is at leisure. Get a real taste of...

Day 16: LOS ANGELES

Your vacation ends this morning. Consider extending your vacation with extra nights to explore Los Angeles further.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,819
Price per day$239
Last Updated: 3/26/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
25 Sep 2025
10 Oct 2025
$3,819
24 Sep 2026
09 Oct 2026
$4,169
24 Sep 2026
09 Oct 2026
$4,169

Gratuities for Tour Director and driver are available for pre-purchase.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Cosmos.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hotel Saint Clair

Drury Inn & Suites Springfield

Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Convention Center

Drury Inn & Suites Joplin

Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel

Country Inn & Suites Amarillo West

Hilton Garden Inn Albuquerque Uptown

La Quinta Inn and Suites-Grand Canyon Area

Sahara Las Vegas

Westin Bonaventure

Travel Insurance
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Age Requirements
6 years and up
Optional Activities
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Additional Information
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Trip ID
COSMOS-8580

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