Day 1
Chicago, IL
Welcome to the vibrant Windy City! Known as the 'Paris of the Prairie,' Chicago boasts a stunning skyline along Lake Michigan, top-rated museums, diverse restaurants, and lively jazz and blues venues. Make your way independently from the airport to your accommodation and see the city at leisure. This evening join your Orientation Meeting and Welcome Dinner as you embark on your dream Route 66 journey!
Overnight: Chicago. Welcome dinner included
Day 2
Chicago, IL – Springfield, IL (271 miles)
Embark on the ultimate American road trip as you pick up your bike in Chicago. Follow the legendary Route 66 from Illinois to the Pacific Coast, exploring the Pontiac Trail. Pass through Joliet, visit the incredible Route 66 Museum in Pontiac, and feel the essence of the Mother Road beneath your wheels.
Overnight: Springfield. Breakfast included
Day 3
Springfield, IL – St. Louis, MO (116 miles)
Today, we journey towards St. Louis, staying on the 2-lane sections of the Mother Road, passing through cornfields and small heartland towns. Arrival over the Chain of Rocks Bridge, the original Route 66 crossing of the Mississippi River. Enjoy the short ride into the music-filled "Gateway to the West," St. Louis, home to exceptional live music and BBQ ribs along the mighty Mississippi River.
Overnight: St. Louis. Breakfast included
Day 4
St. Louis, MO – Joplin, MO (335 miles)
Rise early for a view of the St. Louis Arch and Mississippi River before hitting the road. Journey through the rolling Missouri hills, visit the World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Fanning, explore Devil’s Elbow's twisting roads, and discover Route 66 icons. In Joplin, hear locals' tales about surviving the 2011 tornado over a stay and perhaps gather amazing stories from those who experienced the massive tornado firsthand.
Overnight: Joplin. Breakfast included
Day 5
Joplin, MO – Oklahoma City, OK (255 miles)
Today's focus is on the route! From Joplin, journey west through hills and horse country in Oklahoma, passing by Miami, Claremore, and Catoosa, home of the legendary Blue Whale. Traverse Tulsa, experiencing the reservations of Native American tribes, including Choctaw, Chickasaw, Seminole, Creek, and Cherokee. Tonight, rest in Oklahoma City, the heart and soul of Route 66. Explore Bricktown's vibrant restaurants, bars, and shops for a lively evening.
Overnight: Oklahoma. Breakfast included
Day 6
Oklahoma City, OK – Amarillo, TX (266 miles)
Embark on the historic stretches of Oklahoma’s Route 66, once home to vast buffalo herds and cattle trails. Ride the Chisholm Trail through Yukon and El Reno, visit the Route 66 Museum in Clinton, and cross into the Texas Panhandle. Consider an optional visit to the renowned Big Texan Steakhouse in Amarillo for a guaranteed taste of the best steaks in Texas!
Overnight: Amarillo. Breakfast included
Day 7
Amarillo, TX – Santa Fe, NM (303 miles)
Today, depart Texas for "The Land of Enchantment," New Mexico. Visit Cadillac Ranch, stop at Route 66's midway point in Adrian, explore the ghost town of Glen Rio, and enter the land of the Comanche Indians. Head to the High Plains and the altitude of Santa Fe, a beautiful and historic city, your base for the next two nights.
Overnight: Santa Fe. Breakfast included
Day 8
Santa Fe, NM Free Day
Today is at leisure in Santa Fe, a nearly 400-year-old city. Experience the blend of cultures through southwestern architecture. Explore options like a ride to Taos or a sunrise hot air balloon ride for a taste of Santa Fe's diverse offerings.
Overnight: Santa Fe. Breakfast included
Day 9
Santa Fe, NM – Gallup, NM (271 mi)
This morning, journey south to Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city, at the heart of the state. Cross the Rio Grande, head west into the Navajo wilderness, pass through Laguna, Grants, and Cibola National Forest. Reach the famous Route 66 town of Gallup for a stay in a biker-friendly hotel with fellow riders from around the world.
Overnight: Gallup. Breakfast included
Day 10
Gallup, NM – Grand Canyon, AZ (283 miles)
Today brings spectacular scenery and iconic Route 66 stops. Cross into Arizona, explore Petrified Forest National Park, and witness a fossilized prehistoric forest. Journey to the Wigwam Hotel in Holbrook, stand on the corner in Winslow, and continue to the Grand Canyon's South Rim for a dream-like evening with a sunset view.
Overnight: Grand Canyon. Breakfast included
Day 11
Grand Canyon, AZ – Laughlin, NV (256 miles)
Experience a "Bird's Eye View" of the Grand Canyon with a morning helicopter ride. Resume Route 66 in Williams, visit Seligman, Hackberry, Kingman, and Oatman before reaching our Laughlin hotel along the Colorado River.
Overnight: Laughlin. Breakfast included
Day 12
Laughlin, NV – Las Vegas, NV (129 miles)
Today, enjoy a quick ride for a detour to Las Vegas, experiencing the Mojave Desert and crossing the Hoover Dam. Though brief, make your time in Vegas sweet, and prepare for resuming Route 66 tomorrow where you left off.
Overnight: Las Vegas. Breakfast included
Day 13
Las Vegas, NV – Victorville, CA (282 miles)
This morning, cross into California, marking the final state on Route 66. Traverse the dramatic Mojave Desert, experiencing the historic route's unique scenery. Explore "waystations" in Amboy and Ludlow, imagining the journey of early Route 66 travellers. Celebrate the last night on the Mother Road tonight.
Overnight: Victorville. Breakfast included
Day 14
Victorville, CA – Los Angeles, CA (124 miles)
Embark on the final leg to Santa Monica Pier, riding the scenic 66 miles of Angeles Crest Highway through Angeles National Forest. Descend into the Los Angeles Basin and reach the Pacific Ocean. At the Santa Monica Pier's "End of the Trail" sign, experience mixed emotions of joy and elation for completing the dream journey and sadness as the ride concludes. Drop your bike off before celebrating the miles and friendships at the Farewell Dinner tonight.
Overnight: Los Angeles. Breakfast and Farewell Dinner included
Day 15
Los Angeles, CA
Today your exciting trip will conclude in Los Angeles. If you need an extra night or two in Los Angeles let us know. Otherwise, make your way independently to the airport.
