Historic Route 66

Fly to Chicago. On arrival proceed to your hotel.

Begin this epic adventure by standing on the corner of Michigan and Adams, marked as the starting point for Route 66. Perhaps enjoy coffee at Lou Mitchell's, a Chicago institution, stroll along Lake Michigan, take in the views from the Willis Tower, or explore Navy Pier.

Collect your car and follow the traditional east-to-west path of Route 66 from Chicago to St Louis, cruising through endless cornfields and flat prairies. Places to stop include Wilmington and Springfield, birthplace of the corn dog, and in St Louis itself discover numerous historic sites, including the Gateway Arch (300 miles).

Continue through the Ozark Highlands of southern Missouri to Springfield, recognised as the birthplace of Route 66. En route, stop at Meramec Caverns, an extensive set of beautiful natural limestone caves used by legendary Jesse James as a hideout (210 miles).

Cut through the south eastern corner of Kansas, the shortest stretch of Route 66's eight-state run, on your way to Oklahoma City. Stop at Catoosa's beloved Blue Whale, and the Cyrus Avery Route 66 Memorial Bridge in Tulsa. Once in Oklahoma City, check out old Route 66 motels, gas stations and many vintage buildings (310 miles).

Continue to Amarillo, in the pancake-flat plains of the Texas Panhandle. Stops include the Route 66 Museum in Clinton and the first restored Phillips 66 gas station in McClean. In Amarillo, be sure to visit the Big Texas Steak Ranch to attempt their 72oz steak challenge! (260 miles).

Visit Amarillo's Cadillac Ranch, a row of 10 colourfully painted Cadillac cars buried grille first in the ground. Continue to the MidPoint Café in Adrian, known for its 'ugly crust pies' and from there follow Route 66 to Albuquerque. Set along the Rio Grande's banks, the city offers a taste of New Mexico's Spanish colonial past and has a treasure trove of Route 66 landmarks (270 miles).

Today's highlight is the Petrified Forest National Park with its petrified trees, historic structures and archaeological sites. It's also the only national park containing a section of Route 66 (260 miles).

Drive to Meteor City, a true vintage trading post, then perhaps stop in Flagstaff, a beautiful college town surrounded by many national Monuments, such as Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater Volcano and Wuptaki. Alternatively, you may wish to visit the Lowell Observatory for stargazing before heading to Williams (123 miles).

A full day to explore mesmerising Grand Canyon National Park, a natural wonder that simply has to be seen to be believed. The South Rim has numerous overlooks that will truly take your breath away!

Travel to Seligman and on to Kingman whose old Route 66 cafés and motels still flourish. Drive on to the Hoover Dam, a must-see landmark. Continue to Las Vegas, a city that needs no introduction (220 miles).

Walk the famous Strip lined with mega-resorts, ride the High Roller, try your luck in a casino, enjoy shopping or take in a show. Your options here are endless!

Set out through the Mojave Desert for Calico Ghost Town, California's authentic silver mining town. Rejoin Route 66 in Barstow and visit the Route 66 Mother Road Museum. Continue through Pasadena, Los Angeles, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills to Santa Monica. Park up and venture the last few blocks on foot to view the "End of the Trail" sign on Santa Monica's pier (290 miles).

Laze on Santa Monica's sandy beach or check out LA's many sights, be it Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Universal Studios and so much more.

Drive to Los Angeles airport where your tour ends with your onward journey.