USA

Vacation Overview

Follow legendary Route 66 and see how Americans traveled from the 1920s thru the 1960s. Also known as the “Mother Road,” this historic route begins in Chicago and ends in Los Angeles. Now a preserved piece of history, its original purpose was to connect rural and urban communities to main streets, providing freedom of travel. On this vacation, you’ll get the opportunity to travel to some of the cities along Route 66. Start your trip in Chicago and stop in Springfield, St. Louis, Branson, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. A few of the many highlights along the way include the Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield, St. Louis’ Gateway Arch, the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, the Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa, the Barstow Route 66 Museum, and various Route 66 icons. The tour also deviates from Route 66, so you can see breathtaking scenery at the Grand Canyon and experience the excitement of Las Vegas.

Sightseeing :

In Chicago, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, and Los Angeles; orientation in St. Louis, Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, Gateway Arch, Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Cowboy Hall of Fame & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, Route 66 Auto Museum, and Barstow Route 66 Museum. Inside visits as shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable. Scenic Highlights: Route 66, Acoma Sky City, Grand Canyon National Park, and Route 66 icons: Cadillac Ranch, Tucumcari, and Wigwam Village. NOTE: 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 Guides: Services of a professional Tour Director.

Day 1 : Chicago :

Welcome to the start of famous Route 66! Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand evening to answer any questions.

Day 2 : Chicago :

Known as the Windy City, Chicago is home to Americas tallest building, legends such as Al Capone and his notorious gang, and countless jazz and blues clubs. Get to know this exciting city on a morning sightseeing tour. This afternoon is at leisure. Ride the elevator to the top of the Willis Tower, formally known as the Sears Tower, explore The Magnificent Mile with 460 stores in eight city blocks, or stroll along Navy Pier. Tonight, an optional Gangster Tour.

Day 3 : Chicago Pontiac Springfield :

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 Roads heyday. Outside the museum, enjoy some of the outdoor murals depicting Route 66 themes scattered throughout the town center. On to Springfield and the former home of President Abraham Lincoln. Visit his home and the ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM.

Day 4 : Springfield St. Louis :

This morning we cross the mighty Mississippi River and continue to St. Louis, Gateway to the West. Your orientation tour includes the towering GATEWAY ARCH. Ride to the top of the 630-foot-tall Arch for a panoramic view of the city and river.

Day 5 : St. Louis Branson :

Today we travel through the Missouri countryside, then on to Branson, one of Americas biggest music centers. Join us this evening for our optional award-winning buffet dinner and one of Bransons top shows. Your Tour Director will have further details. (CB)

Day 6 : Branson Oklahoma City :

This morning, leave the Ozarks and travel through Americas Bible Belt into Cowboy Country. After a quick drive through Kansas, enter Oklahoma, once known as Indian Territory. Stop in Claremore to visit the WILL ROGERS MEMORIAL MUSEUM. Born on a sprawling frontier ranch in Oklahoma, Will Rogers was an Indian, a cowboy, a movie and Broadway star, a writer, a speaker, a comedian, and a world figure. View his collection of saddles, photos, and manuscripts that reflect on his incredible life. Later today, arrive in Oklahoma City. (CB)

Day 7 : Oklahoma City Amarillo :

A city tour this morning includes the NATIONAL COWBOY HALL OF FAME & WESTERN HERITAGE MUSEUM, a national memorial to the American cowboy. See exhibits that include Native Americans, the American cowboy, rodeo, and more. A must-see is Prosperity Junction, a recreated Western town. OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66 MUSEUM, home to vintage cars, neon signs, a 50s diner, and drive-in theater. Continue through the rolling hill country into Texas and on to Amarillo, the states oil capital. Get into the Lone Star spirit tonight with our optional dinner of juicy Texas steak, served with heaps of Wild West atmosphere. (CB)

Day 8 : Amarillo-Tucumcari-Santa Rosa-Albuquerque :

On the way out of Amarillo, see Cadillac Ranch, a quirky art sculpture consisting of a collection of 10 Cadillacs. Before crossing into New Mexico, reach Adrian, the halfway point on Route 66. Next, stop in Tucumcari to hear the ancient Indian fable of how the city received its name, shop for souvenirs at Tepee Curios, and see the neon signs of the Blue Swallow Motel that has been serving travelers of Route 66 since 1939. Continue along old Route 66 west to Santa Rosa. Look for the signs of the good ol days: Comet Drive-In, Silver Moon, Sun and Sand, and the still-grinning faces of Fat Man billboards outside of town. Visit the ROUTE 66 AUTO MUSEUM to see memorabilia and cars of the era. Upon arrival in Albuquerque, visit Central Avenue, where many of the original Route 66 buildings and businesses still stand. An included guided walking tour features Albuquerques Old Town, site of the citys original settlement. (CB)

Day 9 : Albuquerque :

This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast or sunbathe in the New Mexico sunshine. Consider a short walk to Old Town, site of the city ' s original settlement. Hone your bargaining skills with the local craftsmen who line the square to sell their lovely silver and turquoise jewelry. You may wish to visit the renowned Albuquerque Museum of Art & History that features Southwestern art and 400 years of Albuquerque history. After spending the rest of the day exploring more of this atmospheric city, seize the chance to ride the worlds longest aerial tramway up nearby Sandia Peak Mountain and witness spine-tingling views of the desert floor, forests, and canyons below.

Day 10 : Albuquerque-Gallup-Holbrook-Winslow-Flagstaff :

This morning, visit ACOMA SKY CITY, home of the Pueblo Indians, situated on 357-foot-high sandstone rock. It is considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited village in the United States. Learn about this city and its inhabitants, and peruse Acoma pottery and jewelry. Then, cross the Continental Divide and continue to Gallup, which claims a longtime Hollywood connection. From Redskin, filmed in 1929, to the more recent adventures of Superman, the area has provided unequaled movie scenery. Tonight is in Flagstaff, nestled at the base of the San Francisco Mountains.

Day 11 : Flagstaff Grand Canyon National Park :

Deviate from Route 66 to see one of the Natural Wonders of the World, the GRAND CANYON. Wander along the canyon rim and experience breathtaking views. Perhaps join the optional helicopter flightseeing tour. Tonight you stay inside Grand Canyon National Park. (CB)

Day 12 : Grand Canyon National Park Williams SeligmanLas Vegas :

Return to Route 66 and pass through historic Williams, which is listed in the National Register for Historic Places. Make sure to appreciate the neon signs of the intact circa 1940s Motel Row. Later today, visit Seligman, home to the rebirth of Route 66. Detour once again from Route 66 to visit the bright lights and excitement of Las Vegas.

Day 13 : Las Vegas :

Enjoy a day at leisure. Relax by the pool or explore the worldrenowned Las Vegas Strip. Ride the worlds highest rollercoaster, float through a Venice canal, or see man-eating sharks up close-its all possible in Las Vegas. Dont miss downtown Las Vegas, where youll find the Fremont Street Experience, five city blocks enclosed in a glass atrium and filled with dazzling lights, sounds, and action. A variety of optional excursions are available, including a float trip through dramatic Black Canyon on the Colorado River. In the evening, join an optional night out at a dazzling show featuring top Vegas entertainment.

Day 14 : Las Vegas Barstow Santa Monica Los Angeles :

Today, depart the man-made phenomenon of Las Vegas and cross the Mojave Desert and the San Bernardino Mountains en route to Los Angeles. Time to stop in Barstow to visit the BARSTOW ROUTE 66 MUSEUM, which displays a collection of historic photographs and artifacts related to Route 66 and the Mojave Desert communities. Continue on to Santa Monica, the ending point of Route 66. Overnight in Los Angeles, the "Capital of Glamour."

Day 15 : Los Angeles :

Savor the exciting City of Angels on our morning tour of glamorous Beverly Hills, Sunset Strip, Hollywood, and more legendary sights. The rest of the day is yours to perhaps enjoy Disneyland or Universal Studios, shop for souvenirs, or relax by the pool. Alternatively, join our Inside Historic Hollywood tour to sample the excitement of this revered film district with its studios and landmarks.

Day 16 : Los Angeles :

The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to Los Angeles International Airport are included. You can extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Los Angeles further with a variety of exciting optional activities.

Accommodations :

CHICAGO Essex Inn (MF)

SPRINGFIELD Hilton Springfield (F)

ST. LOUIS Drury Inn Union Station (ST)

BRANSON Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills (ST)

OKLAHOMA CITY Best Western Plus Saddleback Inn (F)

AMARILLO Drury Inn & Suites Amarillo (ST)

ALBUQUERQUE Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn (ST)

FLAGSTAFF Drury Inn & Suites Flagstaff (ST)

GRAND CANYON Canyon National Park Lodges (NP)

LAS VEGAS Harrah’s LasVegas (F)

LOS ANGELES The L.A. Hotel Downtown (SF)

tRANSPORTATION Private, deluxe air-conditioned Motorcoach while touring.

MEALS 5 continental breakfasts

Day 1 Arrive in Vancouver, BC

Welcome to Vancouver, your gateway to the Canadian Rockies! At 6 pm, meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.

Day 2 : Vancouver :

This morning, tour Vancouver, including the waterfront, Chinatown, and Stanley Park with its old-growth evergreen forests and totem poles. The rest of the day is free to explore the many attractions at your leisure. (B)

Day3 VancouverRocky Mountaineer Kamloops :

At Vancouver's Rocky Mountaineer Station, board the ROCKY MOUNTAINEER. Follow the Fraser Canyon and the Thompson River through beautiful landscapes to historic Kamloops. Tonight, enjoy free time in Kamloops. (B, L)

Day 4 : KamloopsRocky Mountaineer :

Back aboard the ROCKY MOUNTAINEER, journey from Kamloops eastward to Shuswap Lake with its many miles of shoreline. Follow the Kicking Horse River and pass over the Continental Divide into Banff National Park. (B, L) Special Feature: Spend the next 2Nts at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, internationally recognized as the symbol of Canadian hospitality. Opened by Canadian Pacific Railway in 1888, this chateau-style hotel developed into one of the top three getaways in North America.

Day 5 : Banff :

Breathe in the fresh mountain air! This morning, tour the highlights of Banff: Bow Falls, Tunnel Mountain, and Surprise Corner. Enjoy your choice of activities this afternoon: take a leisurely [LF] NATURE WALK with a picnic lunch or enjoy AFTERNOON TEA at the Banff Springs Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 6 : BanffLake Louise :

: En route to Lake Louise, a side trip showcases one of the crown jewels of the Rockies-Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Here, 10 mountain peaks soar above 10,000 feet and surround the tranquil waters of the lake. Later, we arrive at enchanting Lake Louise. After checking into our rooms, the rest of the day is free to enjoy the beauty, romance, and serenity of this famous location. (B,D) NOTE: The visit to Moraine Lake is normally possible from late May to early September. Special Feature: Overnight at the spectacular Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Built as a log cabin in 1890, the historic chateau has become world famous, hosting celebrities and royalty including Queen Elizabeth II, Alfred Hitchcock, and Marilyn Monroe. Take a leisurely stroll along the pristine lake, pamper yourself in the spa, or just relax with Afternoon Tea.

Day 7 : Lake Louise Columbia Icefield Jasper :

Travel on awe-inspiring Icefields Parkway past towering peaks and immense hanging glaciers to JASPER NATIONAL PARK. Ride an exciting ICE EXPLORER on the 1,000-foot-thick Athabasca Glacier, and see thundering Athabasca Falls. Your overnight destination is the charming village of Jasper in Jasper National Park. (B,D)
Special Feature: Spend this evening at the beautiful Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Originally built by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway and called "Tent City," it is now a 4-star resort nestled between majestic mountains and enchanting lakes. Take a nature hike, play a game of croquet, enjoy a canoe trip on the lake, or just bask in the beauty of this tranquil setting.

Day 8 : Jasper Sun Peaks :

Departing Jasper, watch the scenery unfold while traveling the Yellowhead Highway along the Fraser and Thompson Rivers. This is the same route followed by the early fur brigades of the Hudson's Bay Company as they paddled fully laden canoes to the Pacific Coast. Pass regal Mount Robson; at 12,972 feet, it is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. (B)

Day 9 : Sun Peaks Whistler :

A spectacular day lies ahead! This morning, travel past some of the most beautiful and rugged lakes and mountains in British Columbia. This afternoon, we arrive in Whistler-one of Canada's newest and most exciting mountain resorts, and host of the 2010 Winter Olympics-and settle into the deluxe Fairmont Chateau Whistler. (B) Special Feature: Overnight at the all-season luxury resort, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Nestled at the base of breathtaking Blackcomb Mountain, the chateau brings old and new together in a seamless meld of historical style and modern beauty. Enjoy impeccable service and outstanding cuisine in this pristine mountain wilderness.

Day 10 : Whistler Victoria :

This morning, enjoy a visit and private breakfast at the [LF] SQUAMISH LIL'WAT CULTURAL CENTRE, dedicated to the history and culture of the First Nations peoples. Afterward, Victoria awaits! Board a BC FERRY for a picturesque cruise to Vancouver Island and the charming, very British "Garden City" of Victoria. This afternoon, discover British Columbia's capital on a city highlights tour. Later, perhaps stroll around the Parliament buildings or do some shopping. Enjoy dinner on your own at one of the many restaurants in this delightful harbor city. (B)

Day 11 : Victoria :

Today, another choose your experience activity! Enjoy traditional AFTERNOON TEA at the grand Fairmont Empress Hotel or, for the more adventurous, choose the WHALE-WATCHING excursion from Victoria's Inner Harbour. This afternoon, visit the world-famous [LF] BUTCHART GARDENS. This estate offers more than 700 varieties of flowers on 55 acres and includes Italian, Japanese, and English-style gardens. Later, your Tour Director hosts a festive farewell dinner in the original Butchart family residence. (B,D)

Day 12 : Victoria Vancouver :

This morning, travel via BC FERRY through the Gulf Islands back to the British Columbia mainland for a transfer to Vancouver International Airport. Please schedule flights after 2 pm. (B)

Vacation Highlights :


Included Features :

Inside Visits : special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

Accommodations : MEALS Breakfast daily (breakfast on RedLeaf Service is continental), 3 lunches, 4 three-course dinners including a farewell dinner

Vancouver : Sightseeing

Rocky Mountaineer : 2-day scenic train trip

Banff National Park : Choose between a [LF] nature walk with picnic lunch or Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Columbia : Ice Explorer ride on the Columbia Icefield

Jasper National Park : Sightseeing

Whistler : [LF] Breakfast at Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre Victoria Sightseeing and a farewell dinner at [LF] world-famous Butchart Gardens; choose between Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel or a whale-watching excursion at Butchart Garden


Day 1 Arrive in Vancouver, BC.

Welcome to Vancouver, your gateway to the Canadian Rockies! At 6 pm, meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.

Day 2 Vancouver.

This morning, tour Vancouver, including the waterfront, Chinatown, and Stanley Park with its old-growth evergreen forests and totem poles. The rest of the day is free to explore the many attractions at your leisure. (B)

Day3 Vancouver–Rocky Mountaineer –Kamloops.

At Vancouver’s Rocky Mountaineer Station, board the ROCKY MOUNTAINEER. Follow the Fraser Canyon and the Thompson River through beautiful landscapes to historic Kamloops. Tonight, enjoy free time in Kamloops. (B, L) Note: Kamloops properties are considered moderate 2- or 3-star hotels or motor inns. The city does not offer any hotels in the superior category. Your chosen hotel is determined by Rocky Mountaineer Railtours; however, you can rest assured it satisfies our high standards of cleanliness and comfort. For your convenience, baggage that will not be needed during the train journey will be checked through to Banff. Checked luggage will not be accessible during the journey. Plan to pack an overnight bag with necessities for the train portion of the tour, including medications, eyeglasses, and other important items (SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf passengers will have their luggage delivered to their Kamloops hotel).

Day 4 Kamloops–Rocky Mountaineer–Banff.

Back aboard the ROCKY MOUNTAINEER, journey from Kamloops eastward to Shuswap Lake with its many miles of shoreline. Follow the Kicking Horse River and pass over the Continental Divide into Banff National Park. (B, L) Special Feature: Spend the next 2Nts at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, internationally recognized as the symbol of Canadian hospitality. Opened by Canadian Pacific Railway in 1888, this chateau-style hotel developed into one of the top three getaways in North America.

Day 5 Banff.

Breathe in the fresh mountain air! This morning, tour the highlights of Banff: Bow Falls, Tunnel Mountain, and Surprise Corner. Enjoy your choice of activities this afternoon: take a leisurely [LF] NATURE WALK with a picnic lunch or enjoy AFTERNOON TEA at the Banff Springs Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Banff–Lake Louise.

En route to Lake Louise, a side trip showcases one of the crown jewels of the Rockies—Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Here, 10 mountain peaks soar above 10,000 feet and surround the tranquil waters of the lake. Later, we arrive at enchanting Lake Louise. After checking into our rooms, the rest of the day is free to enjoy the beauty, romance, and serenity of this famous location. (B,D) NOTE: The visit to Moraine Lake is normally possible from late May to early September.Special Feature: Overnight at the spectacular Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Built as a log cabin in 1890, the historic chateau has become world famous, hosting celebrities and royalty including Queen Elizabeth II, Alfred Hitchcock, and Marilyn Monroe. Take a leisurely stroll along the pristine lake, pamper yourself in the spa, or just relax with Afternoon Tea.

Day 7 Lake Louise–Columbia Icefield–Jasper.

Travel on awe-inspiring Icefields Parkway past towering peaks and immense hanging glaciers to JASPER NATIONAL PARK. Ride an exciting ICE EXPLORER on the 1,000-foot-thick Athabasca Glacier, and see thundering Athabasca Falls. Your overnight destination is the charming village of Jasper in Jasper National Park. (B,D)Special Feature: Spend this evening at the beautiful Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Originally built by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway and called “Tent City,” it is now a 4-star resort nestled between majestic mountains and enchanting lakes. Take a nature hike, play a game of croquet, enjoy a canoe trip on the lake, or just bask in the beauty of this tranquil setting.

Day 8 Jasper–Sun Peaks.

Departing Jasper, watch the scenery unfold while traveling the Yellowhead Highway along the Fraser and Thompson Rivers. This is the same route followed by the early fur brigades of the Hudson’s Bay Company as they paddled fully laden canoes to the Pacific Coast. Pass regal Mount Robson; at 12,972 feet, it is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. (B)

Day 9 Sun Peaks–Whistler.

A spectacular day lies ahead! This morning, travel past some of the most beautiful and rugged lakes and mountains in British Columbia. This afternoon, we arrive in Whistler—one of Canada’s newest and most exciting mountain resorts, and host of the 2010 Winter Olympics—and settle into the deluxe Fairmont Chateau Whistler. (B) Special Feature: Overnight at the all-season luxury resort, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Nestled at the base of breathtaking Blackcomb Mountain, the chateau brings old and new together in a seamless meld of historical style and modern beauty. Enjoy impeccable service and outstanding cuisine in this pristine mountain wilderness.

Day 10 Whistler–Victoria.

This morning, enjoy a visit and private breakfast at the [LF] SQUAMISH LIL’WAT CULTURAL CENTRE, dedicated to the history and culture of the First Nations peoples. Afterward, Victoria awaits! Board a BC FERRY for a picturesque cruise to Vancouver Island and the charming, very British “Garden City” of Victoria. This afternoon, discover British Columbia’s capital on a city highlights tour. Later, perhaps stroll around the Parliament buildings or do some shopping. Enjoy dinner on your own at one of the many restaurants in this delightful harbor city. (B)

Day 11 Victoria.

Today, another choose your experience activity! Enjoy traditional AFTERNOON TEA at the grand Fairmont Empress Hotel or, for the more adventurous, choose the WHALE-WATCHING excursion from Victoria’s Inner Harbour. This afternoon, visit the world-famous [LF] BUTCHART GARDENS. This estate offers more than 700 varieties of flowers on 55 acres and includes Italian, Japanese, and English-style gardens. Later, your Tour Director hosts a festive farewell dinner in the original Butchart family residence. (B,D)

Day 12 Victoria–Vancouver.

This morning, travel via BC FERRY through the Gulf Islands back to the British Columbia mainland for a transfer to Vancouver International Airport. Please schedule flights after 2 pm. (B)