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Highlights of Route 66 2026
16 days from Chicago to Los Angeles
Tour Description:
Get your kicks on Route 66 with a legendary trip across America. This historic route, which was called the “Main Street of America” for more than 50 years before the advent of the US Interstate system, begins in Chicago, travels through eight states, and ends in Los Angeles. On this trip down memory lane, you’ll travel to the major cities along Route 66, visit Route 66 museums, and step back in time to when the journey was part of the fun! Visit Pontiac’s Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum, which features memorabilia from the heyday of Route 66. In Springfield, visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, and in St. Louis, witness amazing views of the city and the Mississippi River from the top of the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch. In Elk City, Oklahoma, stop at the National Route 66 Museum where antique cars and historic documents help you feel what it was like to travel Route 66. See more classic cars and memorabilia at Russell’s Car Museum in New Mexico. Overnight in Williams Arizona—listed in the National Register for Historic Places and where you’ll see neon signs of the intact circa 1940s “Motel Row.” Then deviate from Route 66 to see the breathtaking scenery at the Grand Canyon and the bright lights and excitement of Las Vegas. Before arriving at the end of Route 66 in Santa Monica, California, visit the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville, which displays memories in such settings as a 50’s diner, VW Love Bus and the 1917 Model T Ford. These are just some of the many highlights of this Route 66 tour designed for value-minded travelers. So, sit back, relax, and let Cosmos handle the driving and details while you enjoy the ride!
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Dates & Pricing
| Saturday 25 Apr 26 — Sunday 10 May 26 | Starting at $3,739 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 09 May 26 — Sunday 24 May 26 | Starting at $3,739 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 23 May 26 — Sunday 07 Jun 26 | Starting at $3,739 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 20 Jun 26 — Sunday 05 Jul 26 | Starting at $3,739 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 11 Jul 26 — Sunday 26 Jul 26 | Starting at $3,719 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 25 Jul 26 — Sunday 09 Aug 26 | Starting at $3,719 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 08 Aug 26 — Sunday 23 Aug 26 | Starting at $3,799 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 22 Aug 26 — Sunday 06 Sep 26 | Starting at $3,739 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 05 Sep 26 — Sunday 20 Sep 26 | Starting at $3,739 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 19 Sep 26 — Sunday 04 Oct 26 | Starting at $3,739 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 03 Oct 26 — Sunday 18 Oct 26 | Starting at $3,739 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingThe world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available). Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!
Notes:
Guests should be prepared for sustained walking (approximately 1/2 mile) and standing while at the Balloon Fiesta. On vacations that include an overnight stay in Las Vegas, at least one member of the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older. Maximum elevation on tour: 7,262 ft
Guests should be prepared for sustained walking (approximately 1/2 mile) and standing while at the Balloon Fiesta. On vacations that include an overnight stay in Las Vegas, at least one member of the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older. Maximum elevation on tour: 7,262 ft
Transportation:
Private, deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach while touring with free Wi-Fi.
Private, deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach while touring with free Wi-Fi.
MEALS
MEALS ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1
Welcome to Chicago, the start of Route 66! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3pm-6pm to answer questions
Day 2
Known as the “Windy City,” Chicago is home to iconic architecture, including one of America’s tallest buildings, notorious gangster Al Capone, and countless jazz and blues clubs. Oh, and deep-dish pizza, of course! Get to know this exciting city on a morning sightseeing tour that includes the sign marking the start of historic Route 66. Spend a free afternoon exploring Chi Town—perhaps a visit to the 103rd-floor Skydeck of the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), a walk along the Magnificent Mile, or an optional river cruise for a different view of the city’s celebrated architecture
Day 3
This morning, immerse yourself in Route 66 memorabilia. Visit the Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac, housed in a historic fire station. See the large maps that will sketch out your Route 66 adventure for the coming days and enjoy the nostalgic photos and postcards from the “Mother Road’s” heyday. Then on to Springfield, the capital of Illinois, where we will visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
Day 4
Cross the mighty Mississippi River and continue to St. Louis, “Gateway to the West.” Your orientation tour includes towering Gateway Arch National Park. Ascend to the top of the 630-foot-tall arch for a panoramic view of the city and river. Then drive along an original stretch of Route 66 and get the chance to savor some Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, a Route 66 treat since 1929
Day 5
Today, we travel through the Missouri countryside exploring interesting quaint towns and quirky roadside attractions along Route 66. Overnight in Joplin, a city where a couple of infamous outlaws named Bonnie and Clyde once hid out
Day 6
After a quick drive through Kansas, enter Oklahoma, once known as Indian Territory and home to the Cherokee Nation. In Tulsa, see the “East Meets West” sculpture that pays tribute to Cyrus Avery, “The Father of Route 66.” Later today, arrive in Oklahoma City
Day 7
Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Oklahoma City, the capital and largest city in Oklahoma. From here, travel to Elk City and visit the National Route 66 Museum for a journey through each of the eight states which Route 66 passes through. Continue into the Texas Panhandle en route to Amarillo, the Yellow Rose of Texas
Day 8
On the way out of Amarillo, stop at Cadillac Ranch, a quirky art sculpture consisting of a collection of 10 colorful Cadillacs. Before crossing into New Mexico, reach Adrian, the halfway point on Route 66. Across the New Mexico border, visit Russell’s Car Museum, featuring classic cars and memorabilia. Next, stop in Tucumcari and shop for souvenirs at Teepee Curios. See the iconic Blue Swallow Motel that has been serving travelers of Route 66 since 1939, along with many original signs from the town’s heyday. Visit Central Avenue in Albuquerque, where many of the original Route 66 buildings and businesses still stand. Afterward, there’s free time to enjoy Historic Old Town with its fine parish church and Spanish-style plaza
Day 9
Enjoy a day at leisure in this Southwestern city of diverse cultures, authentic art, and rich history. Take a short walk to Old Town, site of the city’s original settlement, or visit one of the Albuquerque’s fine museums, like the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, Albuquerque Museum, or the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Consider an optional open-air, narrated Albuquerque trolley ride tour of the city’s famous spots
Day 10
Depart Albuquerque and cross the Continental Divide continuing to Gallup, sometimes called the “Indian Capital of the World.” It is the homeland of Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, and many other tribes who comprise a large percentage of the population. Then we’ll be “Standing on the Corner of Winslow, Arizona”, the sleepy Route 66 town made famous by The Eagles in their hit song “Take It Easy”. The next two nights are in Williams, gateway to the Grand Canyon, and listed in the National Register for Historic Places. The Historic Downtown District covers six square blocks and boasts a heritage that features the Old West and Route 66
Day 11
Deviate from Route 66 to see one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Grand Canyon National Park. Wander along the canyon rim for breathtaking views and wildlife with a chance to spot elk grazing in the forested areas on the South Rim. Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience on an optional helicopter flightseeing tour for an awe-inspiring bird’s eye view from above the canyon. Return to Williams where the evening is free to explore the historic Americana-style shops and restaurants dating back to the early 1900s. Be sure to take note of the neon signs of the preserved circa 1940s “Motel Row.”
Day 12
Depart Williams for Seligman, home to the rebirth of Route 66. Detour once again from Route 66 to visit the bright lights of Las Vegas. An orientation tour upon arrival shows off many of the themed casino resorts along the glittering “Strip.” What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, including an optional night on the town featuring an extravagant dinner followed by a dazzling live show featuring top Vegas entertainment
Day 13
A day at leisure to relax by the pool or explore the legendary Las Vegas Strip. Float through a Venetian canal, visit jaw-dropping horticultural displays, or test your luck at one of the many world-famous casinos—it’s all possible in Las Vegas! Don’t miss downtown Las Vegas, where you’ll find the Fremont Street Experience, five city blocks enclosed in a glass atrium and filled with dazzling lights, sounds, and action. History and engineering buffs won’t want to miss an optional excursion to nearby Hoover Dam. Learn about the massive undertaking in building this towering engineering marvel known as the “Greatest Dam in the World.”
Day 14
Today, depart the man-made oasis of Las Vegas, and cross the natural beauty of Mojave Desert and the San Bernardino Mountains en route to Los Angeles. Visit the California Route 66 Museum, to see its nostalgic 50’s diner, VW Love Bus and the 1917 Model T Ford exhibits. Overnight in Los Angeles, where you’ll visit Santa Monica, the ending point of Route 66
Day 15
Explore the exciting “City of Angels” with a morning tour of legendary Beverly Hills, Sunset Strip, and Hollywood, where you’ll walk along the stars on Hollywood Boulevard, and get a photo of the iconic Hollywood sign. This afternoon is at leisure. Get a real taste of Hollywood on the optional Warner Bros. Studio tour where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how TV and movies are made, including seeing famous sets from the big and small screen
Day 16
Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Los Angeles further.
Accommodations
Accommodations| Chicago | Springfield | St Louis | Joplin | Oklahoma City | Amarillo | Albuquerque | Williams | Las Vegas | Los Angeles |
Hotel Saint Clair
Superior Tourist-Class
Superior Tourist-Class
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
