The Legendary Route 66
Deserts & Badlands 17 days classique

The Legendary Route 66

From Chicago to Los Angeles, authentic America unfolds over 3,900 kilometers of mythical asphalt.

From€2,100per person
11 years of local expertise4.8/5 (0 reviews)

Duration

17 days

From

€2,100/pers.

Ideal seasons

Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct

Style

Self-drive tour

Comfort

classique

Travelers

Couple, Solo, With friends, senior

The spirit of travel

The Route 66 embodies the spirit of travel in the États-Unis on its own. From Chicago to Los Angeles, this road trip invites you to cross an authentic America, between major cities, varied landscapes and stages rich in history.

As you travel, you alternate between prairies, deserts, typical villages and iconic cities, while discovering a culture deeply rooted in the travel tradition.

Between local experiences, cultural discoveries and immersion in the history of this mythical route, each stage plunges you into a different atmosphere. You take time to observe, meet and feel the very essence of this journey, between adventure, nature and local immersion.

This tour offers you a complete approach to Route 66, designed to fully experience a road trip in the États-Unis, at your own pace.

The stages of your journey

D1
ChicagoThe Congress Plaza Hotel
D2
Springfield, ILBaymont by Wyndham Springfield
D3
St. LouisHotel Avyan
D4
Springfield, ILBaymont By Wyndham South Hwy 65
D5
TulsaAloft Tulsa Downtown
D6
Oklahoma CityGovernors Suites Hotel
D7
AmarilloHoliday Inn Express & Suites Amarillo
D8–9
Santa FeSanta Fe Motel & Inn
D10
GallupHistoric El Rancho
D11
HolbrookBrad's Desert Inn
D12
WilliamsGrand Canyon Hotel
D13–14
Las VegasLuxor Hotel & Casino
D15
BarstowRoute 66 Motel
D16–17
Los AngelesHoliday Inn Express Los Angeles Airport

Highlights

Complete Chicago-Los Angeles Crossing
Varied landscapes: meadows-deserts
Iconic Route 66 Sites
Histoire Mother Road
Authentic road trip experience
Deep American Culture

Day-by-day itinerary

Jour 1
D1

Arrival in Chicago

Upon your arrival in Chicago, you join your accommodation to settle in.

Depending on your arrival time, you then enjoy a first discovery of the downtown area in late afternoon, ideal for getting your bearings and soaking up the urban atmosphere of the city.

The Congress Plaza Hotel
Jour 2
D2

Departure on Route 66

ChicagoSpringfield, IL

3h20225 km

You pick up your rental vehicle before heading towards Springfield.

Leaving Chicago, you discover the famous sign marking the beginning of US road 66, the starting point of this iconic route.

Throughout your journey, you also spot old gas pumps and roadside diners, witnesses to the history and spirit of this mythical road.

Baymont by Wyndham Springfield
Jour 3
D3

Mississippi River Crossing

Once you arrive in St. Louis, you take time to visit the Gateway Arch and discover the city's famous blues clubs, which bear witness to its musical identity.

On the road to St. Louis, you discover iconic places like the Mustang Corral, where, over more than 1.5 hectares, Mustangs from different eras are displayed.

You also cross the Mississippi River and its famous landmark, the « The Chain of Rocks Bridge », a testament to the history of Route 66.

Hotel Avyan
Jour 4
D4

Discovery of Rural Localities along Route 66

Along your journey, between forests and meadows, you discover the Meramec Caverns, known for their natural formation and their connection to the region's history.

Continue your exploration with a visit to the village of Cuba, recognized for its murals and its atmosphere rooted in local culture.

Baymont By Wyndham South Hwy 65
Jour 5
D5

Visit to Carthage and its attractions

Springfield, ILTulsa

2h50295 km

As you head towards Tulsa, you discover the town of Carthage, known for having inspired the universe of Back to the Future as well as that of the animated film Cars.

Also make a stop in the town of Catoosa to see an emblematic attraction of Route 66: a blue whale, which has become an unusual symbol of this itinerary.

Aloft Tulsa Downtown
Jour 6
D6

Discovery of Local Museum Heritage

TulsaOklahoma City

1h40175 km

The city of Oklahoma City is recognized for its museums dedicated to the conquest of the West as well as for its restaurants specializing in barbecue dishes. A stop conducive to cultural and culinary discovery.

Governors Suites Hotel
Jour 7
D7

A Gourmet Break with Texas Flavors

Known for its BBQ restaurants and steak houses, the city of Amarillo is an appreciated stop for meat lovers. Take time to stop at the must-visit The Big Texan Steak Ranch and Brewery for a dining experience rooted in local culture.

On your way to Texas, you travel along the miles through landscapes dotted with typical gas stations and souvenir shops entirely dedicated to Route 66, witnesses to the spirit of this iconic route.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Amarillo
Jour 8
D8

Artistic Discovery of Cadillac Ranch

AmarilloSanta Fe

4h10450 km

Leaving Amarillo, you stop at Cadillac Ranch, where more than ten vintage Cadillacs are partially buried in the ground, offering a unique site along Route 66.

As you head towards Santa Fe, you also discover the towns of Tucumcari and Montoya, typical stops on US Route 66, which retain the characteristic atmosphere of this route.

Santa Fe Motel & Inn
Jour 9
D9

Wander through the historic center of Santa Fe

Once you arrive in Santa Fe, you take time to discover its historic downtown as well as its craft market, at the heart of local life.

Also discover the historic town of Pueblo de Taos, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Santa Fe Motel & Inn
Jour 10
D10

Exploration of New Mexico Landscapes

Santa FeGallup

3h320 km

Upon arriving in Gallup, you discover the Native American trading posts of the city, places of exchange and witnesses to local culture.

On the road to Gallup, several stops punctuate your journey. You discover the Rio Grande as well as its cable car, before visiting the city of Albuquerque, known for its steam train and its typical restaurants.

Historic El Rancho
Jour 12
D12

Explore the Landscapes of the Grand Canyon

HolbrookWilliams

2h200 km

You can also visit today the Grand Canyon National Park. It is advisable to get up early in order to have enough time to fully enjoy the visit.

Throughout your itinerary, you discover the famous Route 66 signs as well as the striking Meteor Crater, corresponding to the impact site of a meteorite.

Grand Canyon Hotel
Jour 13
D13

Route Through the Most Beautiful Section of Route 66

WilliamsLas Vegas

3h30250 km

Day dedicated to Route 66. You head towards Las Vegas by taking one of the most beautiful stretches of Route 66.

Throughout the journey, you discover the atmosphere specific to this iconic itinerary, between towns with Far West style, bars and gas stations that punctuate your route.

Luxor Hotel & Casino
Jour 14
D14

Visit to the famous Sin City: Vegas!

Once you arrive in Las Vegas, you take time to discover the lively atmosphere of the city and its fast pace, which make it a unique stop during your trip.

Luxor Hotel & Casino
Jour 15
D15

Discovery of the famous ghost village

Las VegasBarstow

2h20250 km

After this stopover in Las Vegas, you change atmosphere by heading towards more peaceful places.

You discover the ghost town of Calico, a witness to the mining era, then stop at the legendary Bagdad Café, an iconic address on Route 66, rooted in travelers' imagination.

Route 66 Motel
Jour 16
D16

Discovery of the City of Angels: Los Angeles!

BarstowLos Angeles

1h50185 km

You set out to discover Los Angeles, the City of Angels.

Throughout your day, you explore its different neighborhoods, each with its own identity, and you gradually grasp the unique atmosphere of this emblematic metropolis of the West Coast.

Holiday Inn Express Los Angeles Airport
Jour 17
D17

Vehicle Return

You will drop off your rental vehicle on day 17 in the late afternoon.

Price per person

2 pers.€2,100/pers.

Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.

This trip can be tailored to your preferences

This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.

Not included

  • Travel insurance (optional)
  • Flights (optional)
  • The activities (optional)
  • Everything that has not been mentioned in this price includes.
  • Hotel – car/motorcycle dealership transfers (optional)
  • Deposit fees for returning the car in another city
  • Rental of an Electra Glide motorcycle or other model with insurance (optional)

Included

  • 17 nights in the hotels mentioned or similar.
  • Rental of an intermediate SUV with all insurance and local taxes (except roadside assistance plus)
  • 100% customized itinerary
  • Local on-site assistance
  • On-site concierge service

Practical Information

Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 40% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.

The balance must be paid no later than 65 days before the departure date.

See our specific terms of sale for full details.

In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:

  • Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)

  • Entre 60 et 41 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total

  • Moins de 40 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total

We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.

The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to the United States for tourism purposes. Entry requirements may change, so we recommend verifying information with official authorities before departure.

Passport

To enter the United States, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. However, it is strongly recommended that it remains valid for at least six months beyond your planned end date of stay.
The passport must be an electronic (biometric) passport, recognizable by the electronic chip symbolized by a logo on the cover, to benefit from the visa exemption program.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).

Tourist stay without visa – Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

Nationals of the European Economic Area and Switzerland whose country is a member of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are eligible for visa exemption for tourist stays. Canadian nationals also benefit from visa exemption to enter the United States.

This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days. The authorized length of stay is determined by the immigration officer upon entry to the territory and cannot be extended under the visa exemption program.

Authorities may also request:

  • an exit ticket (return or onward flight),

  • proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,

  • proof of accommodation in the country.

ESTA Authorization (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)

Before arriving in the United States, anyone traveling under the Visa Waiver Program must obtain an ESTA authorization (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Canadian nationals are generally exempt from this requirement.

ESTA is an electronic prior authorization required by the U.S. authorities. It allows verification of the traveler's eligibility before departure:

  • passport information

  • personal information and contact details

  • answers to questions regarding security and criminal background

The application must be made online on the official U.S. government website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov), ideally at least 72 hours before departure. ESTA is valid for two years (or until passport expiration) and allows multiple entries. Fees apply when submitting the application. The authorization confirmation must be presented to the airline and immigration services.

Travel with children

Minors must have their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay and their own ESTA authorization if their nationality requires it.

In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the country may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.

Other nationalities

Entry requirements may vary depending on nationality and whether the country is a member of the Visa Waiver Program. Travelers not eligible for VWP must obtain a U.S. visa before departure. Affected travelers should contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of residence.

To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expense coverage.

Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To purchase insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.

CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for you to travel with peace of mind!

Choose the plan that best suits your needs:

  • Explorer'Multirisque

  • Explorer'Annulation

  • Explorer'Assistance

  • Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire

Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the policy detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures is available on the insurer's website.

Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their entire trip.

Chapka — Cap Explorer

Our insurance partner

Travel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.

Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insurance

Frequently asked questions

Visitors benefit from the visa waiver program for tourist stays, with an authorization (ESTA) to request online before departure (21 USD, valid for 2 years). A valid biometric passport is required. Processing takes a maximum of 72 hours (often just a few hours). Check the specific conditions for your nationality with the embassy or consulate of your country of residence before booking your trip.

Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.

You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.

For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €250 and €430 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and activities. International flights (€400-900 return depending on the season) are additional. Distances require car rental and/or domestic flights.

Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.

Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.

It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.

In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.

Payment is generally made in two installments.

Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage, which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.

Rémy, Trailblazer of America's vast wilderness
11years of expertise

Let's talk about your adventure — American West

Trailblazer of America's vast wilderness, based in Miami

In the United States, every road can become part of the journey. What I love is helping travelers find the right balance between the major sites and those detours that make the experience truly unique.

Rémy

APST Guarantee Secure Payment 24/7 Assistance4.8/5