DAY 1: Depart UK.
Fly to Chicago where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights.

DAY 2: Chicago. Included sightseeing.
Known as the 'Windy City', Chicago is home to the legend of Al Capone and countless jazz and blues clubs. This morning's sightseeing takes you to the heart of this ebullient metropolis on the banks of Lake Michigan. This afternoon there is free time to further explore Chicago, perhaps by climbing the soaring Sears Tower, browsing the store-filled Magnificent Mile or strolling along the waterside in Grant Park? Tonight don't miss our optional Gangster tour around the city's former hoodlum hangouts and gambling dens.

DAY 3: Chicago - Springfield. Included sightseeing.
Today cross the farmlands of Illinois to Springfield, resting place of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th US president. Upon arrival in Springfield, you'll visit the popular Route 66 Gas Station Museum, charting the fascinating history and sights of Route 66. Later this afternoon, spend time exploring Lincoln's home as well as the new state-of-the-art Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. The remainder of the day and evening are yours to enjoy the International Route 66 Festival, where the streets come alive with the rumble of engines from hot cars, cool tracks and vintage motorcycles. There are two stages with free live entertainment featuring R & B, Motown and everyone's favourite tunes of the 50s and 60s. There are also various exhibitors, vendors, and dozens of speciality food stalls.

DAY 4: Springfield - St. Louis. Included sightseeing.
This morning we cross the mighty Mississippi River and continue to St. Louis, located where the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers meet, and dubbed the "Gateway to the West". Your morning tour of this colourful city includes a visit to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard stand, a mainstay on Route 66 since 1941. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing and the best places to shop and dine. Tonight, why not dig into one of the city's legendary barbecues of smoky ribs and pork steaks, or experience live blues music in one of the dozens of clubs in the area?

DAY 5: St Louis - Branson.
Before leaving St. Louis, you'll visit the towering Gateway Arch, where you'll ride to the top of this magnificent 630-foot-tall iconic structure for a panoramic view of the city and river. Travel through the Missouri countryside passing Meramec Caverns, the hideout of notorious bank robber Jesse James, to Branson, one of America's biggest music centres. Join us this evening for our optional evening out to Dick Clark's American Bandstand where you'll 'shake, rattle & roll' with original American Bandstand stars from the '50s, '60, and '70s.

DAY 6: Branson - Oklahoma City.
Today, we enter the cowboy country of Kansas before crossing into Oklahoma, once known as Indian Territory. After visiting the Will Rogers Memorial Museum with its artefacts from the life of this famous cowboy-movie star, you'll arrive in Oklahoma City where you might want to enjoy the attractions of Bricktown, the old warehouse district now transformed into a warren of lively shopping, restaurant and nightclub-filled streets.

DAY 7: Oklahoma City. Included sightseeing - Amarillo.
An intriguing morning's sightseeing around this old frontier town awaits, including visits to the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Museum with its historic Native American and rodeo exhibits, and Prosperity Junction, a recreation of a Wild West town. From here, travel to Clinton, Oklahoma where you will visit the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, home to vintage cars, neon signs, a 50s diner and drive-in theatre. Your adventure continues through rolling hill country into Texas, and on to Amarillo, the state's oil capital. Get into the Lone Star spirit tonight with our optional dinner of juicy Texan steak, served with heaps of Wild-West atmosphere!

DAY 8: Amarillo - Tucumcari - Santa Rosa - Albuquerque.
Leaving Amarillo, watch for the Cadillac Ranch sculpture, crafted from real Cadillacs as we travel into New Mexico and reach Adrian, Route 66's halfway point. After passing through the old Indian town of Tucumcari, continue to Santa Rosa, with its iconic Route 66 motels, drive-in grills and billboards and call in at the quirky Route 66 Auto Museum with its 1950s fin-tailed vintage cars. Next, drive to Albuquerque for a two night stay.

DAY 9: Albuquerque. Included sightseeing.
Enjoy a morning walking tour of this originally Spanish town, including a stroll around its quaint Old Town with its fine parish church and Hispanic-style plaza. Later, visit the city's original Route 66 section, perhaps stopping at the 66 Diner for a true American burger. After spending the rest of the day exploring more of this atmospheric city, seize the chance to ride the world's longest aerial tramway up nearby Sandia Peak Mountain and witness spine-tingling views of the desert floor, forests and canyons below.

DAY 10: Albuquerque - Balloon Fiesta - Flagstaff.
This morning stand in awe as you experience the pre-dawn opening ceremonies and the unforgettable Mass Ascension where hundreds of hot air balloons take off, turning the sky into a virtual rainbow of colours. What began as a gathering of thirteen balloons 35 years ago has since turned into the largest ballooning event in the world. Later this morning we leave Albuquerque cross the Continental Divide and arrive in Gallup, the setting for many famous Hollywood films before passing Holbrook's Wigwam Village. On to Winslow, with time to explore its historic downtown district, home to 'the Corner, immortalised by The Eagles in 'Take it Easy'. Continue on to Flagstaff beneath the San Francisco Mountains for an overnight stay. This evening why not visit the town's Museum Club roadhouse to kick up those boots to country and western music, Arizona style?
Note: On this special departure, we will not be able to visit Acoma Sky City. The Puebla is closed to the public for special ceremonies being held at this time.

DAY 11: Flagstaff - Grand Canyon.
One of the highlights of today's journey is a visit to the spectacular Grand Canyon. Leaving Route 66, you'll have time to walk the canyon rim, soaking up the staggering vistas and watching the changing lights on the towering walls of what is one of the natural wonders of the world. To truly experience the Canyon's magnificence, join our optional helicopter 'flightseeing' tour and thrill at the aerial panoramas. Overnight in the Grand Canyon National Park.

DAY 12: Grand Canyon - Williams - Seligman - Las Vegas.
Returning to Route 66, you'll pass through historic Williams, viewing the legendary neon signs of its 1940s 'Motel Row'. Next on to Seligman, home to the rebirth of 66, before deviating from the Route for two nights in Las Vegas.

DAY 13: Las Vegas.
A day at your leisure to explore this eye-popping, glittering desert city, dubbed 'Sin City' for its myriad of casinos, themed hotels and lavish shows. Revel in the neon-gilded Las Vegas strip or ride the world's highest roller coaster and then view man-eating sharks up-close. Don't miss the Fremont Street Experience, where a glass atrium enclosing five city blocks comes alive with dazzling sounds and lights. Alternatively, choose from our optional excursions including an exhilarating raft ride along the Colorado River's dramatic Black Canyon. Tonight, why not round off your day with an optional dazzling Vegas show.

DAY 14: Las Vegas - Los Angeles.
This morning we traverse desert landscapes and the San Bernardino Mountains to Barstow. After stopping at the Route 66 Mother Road Museum, we head for Los Angeles, America's 'Capital of Glamour'.

DAY 15: Los Angeles. Included sightseeing.
Savour the exciting 'City of Angels' on our morning tour of glamorous Beverly Hills, the Sunset Strip, Hollywood and more legendary sights. Next head for Santa Monica Pier, the official endpoint of Route 66, to stroll the boardwalk, dip your toes in the Pacific and reflect on your journey along 'America's Main Street'. The rest of the day is yours to perhaps enjoy Disneyland or Universal Studios, shop for souvenirs or relax by the pool. Alternatively, join our Inside Historic Hollywood tour to sample the excitement of this revered film district with its studios and landmarks.

DAY 16: Los Angeles - UK.
Transfer to Los Angeles airport for your flight to the UK.

DAY 17: Home landing in the UK.