Route 66: The Ultimate USA Road Trip

Days 1-2: Chicago, Illinois

Your adventure begins in the 'Windy City'. After collecting your convertible, check in at Swissôtel Chicago: a luxury hotel with sparkling views over the river and Lake Michigan, just steps from the lively Magnificent Mile. Spend your first two days discovering Chicago's rich history, perhaps taking an architectural river cruise. Feel the rhythm of the city as you stroll amongst soaring skyscrapers and capture the perfect shot of Cloud Gate, Chicago’s iconic ‘bean’ statue. In the evenings, let the sounds of live blues draw you into dimly lit bars, and be sure to try a slice of the city's famous deep-dish pizza. 

Day 3: St. Louis, Missouri

Today, the open road calls. Head south-west towards St. Louis, crowned by its shimmering Gateway Arch: a magnificent monument offering incredible views from its summit. Your downtown sanctuary for the night is the historic Hilton Pennywell St. Louis at the Arch, which mixes modern comfort with city views. Spend the evening enjoying the city’s burgeoning food scene at your own pace, kicking things off at the bustling Soulard Farmers Market. 

Day 4: Springfield, Missouri 

Journey deeper into the heart of the U.S. as you drive to Springfield, gateway to the Ozarks and the official birthplace of Route 66. History echoes powerfully along this nostalgic route, lined with vintage petrol stations and classic motels. Take in the wonders of the Fantastic Caverns, America’s only ride-through cave tour, then retreat to the comfort of Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven, where you can cool down in the outdoor pool after a day of discovery during the summer months.  

Days 5-6: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Cross into Oklahoma, where the landscape opens up into sweeping plains. Your destination is Oklahoma City, a place with a complex past and a dynamic present. Stay at the contemporary Wyndham Grand Oklahoma City Downtown in the energetic heart of the city, close to Bricktown’s canalside restaurants and boutiques. Delve into the region’s cowboy culture with a visit to the Stockyards City district, where you can almost smell the leather and hear the echoes of cattle auctions from days gone by.  

Days 7-8: Amarillo, Texas

It’s time for Texas. As you drive to Amarillo, endless skies and rolling prairies give a real sense of stepping into the heart of the American West. Discover a slice of pure Americana at Cadillac Ranch, where half-buried cars invite you to grab a spray paint can and leave your mark on this ever-changing art installation. After igniting your creativity, check into western-themed roadside spot The Big Texan Motel. An unmissable dinner experience awaits at The Big Texan Steak Ranch – a raucous eatery famous for its 72oz steak challenge, where cowboys, road-trippers, and locals gather for country tunes and larger-than-life portions. 

Days 9-10: Albuquerque, New Mexico

The scenery shifts dramatically to golden desert as you enter New Mexico. With its Spanish colonial heritage, the 'Land of Enchantment' will captivate you at every turn. Check into Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town, located steps from lively plazas, excellent restaurants, and artisan shops selling turquoise jewellery. Spend your days wandering cobbled streets, marvelling at sandy-hued, flat-topped homes that look like they were sculpted from the desert itself, and your evenings sampling authentic local cuisine. Don’t miss the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway for panoramic city views and awe-inspiring sunsets. 

Day 11: Holbrook, Arizona

After a couple of days in Albuquerque, today’s drive takes you through the incredible Petrified Forest National Park: a landscape scattered with fossilised trees that shimmer with colour in the Arizona sun. The air here is crisp and clean, and the silence of the Painted Desert is profound. Stop for the night in Holbrook, a town that retains its classic Route 66 character, at the Best Western Arizonian Inn, which grants you easy access to the area’s Old West charm and friendly local events. Spend the night resting up in comfort – the next leg of your journey brings one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. 

Day 12: Grand Canyon, Arizona

Prepare for a truly memorable experience as a short drive brings you to the breathtaking South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Nothing prepares you for the sheer scale and majesty of this natural wonder. Just 25 minutes from the park entrance, Under Canvas Grand Canyon is your luxury glamping escape for the night. Settle into an upscale, safari-style tent set upon 160 acres of secluded piñon and juniper forest, where you can stargaze from your private deck and enjoy being truly immersed in nature. As the sun sets, watch the canyon’s ancient cliffs glow with fiery colours and let the sounds of the wilderness lull you to sleep: a truly intimate encounter with one of Earth’s most awesome creations.  

Days 13-14: Las Vegas, Nevada

From natural wonders to a man-made one, today you'll drive onwards to the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, passing the dramatic Hoover Dam on the way. The sudden emergence of this neon city from the desert is a spectacle in itself. Your playground for two nights is the Bellagio: a luxurious hotel famed for its fountains and Mediterranean-inspired style. Your days and nights in Vegas promise to be packed with energy and extravagance, whether you try your luck in world-class casinos, catch a spectacular Cirque du Soleil show, or simply soak up the endless buzz of the famous Strip. 

Day 15: Santa Monica, California

For your final day behind the wheel, the Pacific draws you onwards as you cross the Mojave Desert into California. Your epic adventure culminates at the iconic Santa Monica Pier: the official end of Route 66 and the perfect place to reflect on the miles and memories you’ve gathered before you bid farewell to the ‘Mother Road’. Park your car and stroll the boardwalk, breathing in the fresh, salty sea air. You've crossed a continent. Spend your last night at Gateway Hotel Santa Monica, a bright, welcoming home just minutes from the beach.