Compare Historic Route 66 Self-Drive by Audley Travel vs Southern California & Joshua Tree National Park end Santa Ana by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 19 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 3,834 | $ 3,902 |
| Price Per Day | $ 202 | $ 488 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Admire the beaches, architecture and night life of Chicago. Marvel at the epic scenery of the Grand Canyon. Enjoy a hike through the beautiful Petrified Forest National Park. Experience the excitement and bright lights of Las Vegas. Soak up the atmosphere, relax on the beach or go shopping in Los Angeles. |
Explore Southern California’s sublime golden beaches and deserts on a 7-Day Limited-Edition Tour. Traveling with a maximum of just 17 fellow guests and begin your journey in stylish Newport Beach. Discover 1930’s beach life at Crystal Cove State Park and stroll Balboa Island’s pier. Soak up stunning coastal views on board the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego, revel in the sights, sounds and flavors of the Old Town. With Your-Choice Sightseeing options that include a self-guided tour of the USS Midway or a relaxing harbor cruise in the blue waters of San Diego. Swap the bustle of the city for the calm of nature and walk amongst metal dinosaurs, learn about organic farming and see the beautiful Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Joshua Tree National Park. This intimate tour will leave you simply enchanted by Southern California, incorporating destinations and experiences not available to larger groups. |
Day 1 : Chicago
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Chicago. On arrival in Chicago make your own way to your downtown hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to settle in. You could relax in Millennium Park and admire its art installations and fountains, visit one of the city's museums or head out to a local pizzeria for your first taste of an authentic Chicago deep dish pizza.
Day 2 : Chicago
Enjoy a full day at leisure exploring the 'Windy City', Chicago. There's plenty to do in this exciting metropolis; we recommend a trip to the Skydeck at the top of Willis Tower or, for a different view of the city skyline, take a boat trip on Lake Michigan at sunset.
Day 3 : Springfield, IL
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Day 4 : St Louis
Departing Springfield, this morning's two hour drive takes you through rolling farmland and patchwork fields into St Louis, Missouri. The afternoon is free for you to explore this historic city at leisure. There's plenty to see and do in St Louis; the famous Gateway Arch represents the city's moniker, the 'Gateway to the West', and the City Museum and Lafayette Square are well worth a visit.
Day 5 : Springfield, MO
Leave the Mississippi River behind and travel along Route 66 through the scenic beauty of the Ozark Mountains. The Ozarks are the second oldest mountains in the world and offer beautiful vistas and great walking opportunities for visitors. Around a four hour drive from St Louis is Springfield, Missouri, where you'll stop for the night.
Day 6 : Oklahoma City
Today's journey sees you drive almost 483 km (300 miles) west to Oklahoma City - a journey of around five hours. Crossing the state border, you officially enter the American South; the land around you becomes increasingly arid and dusty as you pass through land that was once the haunt of Native Americans, later the territory of cowboys and outlaws. On arrival at your hotel, tuck into a hearty meal and put your feet up after your long journey.
Day 7 : Oklahoma City
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Day 8 : Amarillo
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Day 9 : Albuquerque
Continue your road trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico; around a four and a half hour drive from Amarillo. You'll be driving through the former hunting ground of the Comanche Indians; now the land of tumbleweed, cattle and cotton of the Texas Panhandle.
Day 10 : Albuquerque
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Day 11 : Winslow
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Day 12 : Grand Canyon National Park - South Rim
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Day 13 : Grand Canyon National Park - South Rim
Spend a full day exploring Grand Canyon National Park. You may wish to take a helicopter trip over the canyon, take a hike down into the valley, or simply gaze in awe at the sight of the canyon at sunrise or sunset.
Day 14 : Las Vegas
Continue your drive west for another 483 km (300 miles) into Nevada. It's worth making an early start as there's lots to see on this five and a half hour journey. Detouring from the main highway at Seligman allows you to travel along the original Route 66, which is peppered with abandoned motels, derelict gas stations, and the outdoor Route 66 Car Museum. Venturing deeper into the desert, you'll have the opportunity to stop at the Hoover Dam, which is located around 56 km (35 miles) south of Las Vegas.
Day 15 : Las Vegas
Spend a full day at leisure exploring the spectacle that is Las Vegas. Visit one of the many themed casinos, admire the bright lights and take in a show from some of the world' s most famous performers.
Day 16 : Los Angeles
Complete your epic journey with your final 435 km (270 mile) drive to Los Angeles. A journey of around six hours, you'll travel through the Californian desert for much of the day, passing by the Mojave National Preserve; a sweeping desert landscape punctuated by wildflowers and Joshua trees. On arrival in Los Angeles, return your car to the depot and make your own way to your hotel.
Day 17 : Los Angeles
Enjoy a full day at leisure exploring California's largest city, Los Angeles. This cosmopolitan city offers a diverse range of shops, restaurants and night life as well as world-renowned art galleries, beaches and film studios. Don't miss a shopping trip to Beverly Hills, explore the celebrity haunts of Hollywood or just relax on the golden sands of Santa Monica.
Day 18 : International return flight
Enjoy a last morning at leisure in Los Angeles then make your way to the airport in time for your onward flight.
Day 19 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
Day 1: Arrive Newport Beach
With beautiful beaches, superb scenery and stunning sunsets, the coastal city of Newport Beach embodies the true spirit and beauty of Southern California. Your airport transfer will take you to your waterfront hotel, Lido House. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a delicious Welcome Dinner.
Lido House
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Orange County Beach Sightseeing
Join your Travel Director for a walking tour of Balboa Island this morning. After a ferry ride, stroll the pier for magnificent views and enjoy the Balboa Fun Zone, made famous in the TV program "Arrested Development". Enjoy stunning coastal views as you drive along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway to the surfing mecca of Huntington Beach. Immerse yourself in “Surf City USA” at the intriguing International Surfing Museum. Oddly enough, the museum was founded several decades ago by a woman who has never surfed. Later, enjoy some time at Crystal Cove State Park, one of Orange County's most scenic and pristine stretches of beach and ocean. After some free time at Laguna Beach, return to Newport Beach where the rest of the day is leisurely yours.
Lido House
Breakfast
Day 3: Orange County To San Diego Via Scenic Amtrak Train
Start the day with stunning ocean views on board the scenic Amtrak train to San Diego, "America's Finest City". Then spend the afternoon exploring the famous Old Town. Dating back to 1769 it is California's oldest settlement and today is still considered the heart of San Diego. This evening is then yours to explore the Downtown dining scene. From the trendy Gaslamp Quarter to oceanfront Seaport Village to Little Italy, you won't have any problem finding a restaurant tonight.
Kimpton Hotel Palomar
Breakfast
Day 4: San Diego Sightseeing
Your Travel Director will lead you on a tour of some of the city's iconic sites this morning, including the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park and Coronado Island. This afternoon, explore San Diego with Insight Choice. Choose to visit to the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier along with an audio guided tour. Or alternatively, choose to take a one-hour boat cruise to tour the spectacular harbor. Enjoy dinner tonight at a local restaurant and taste the flavors that are making San Diego one of the newest foodie cities in America.
Kimpton Hotel Palomar
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 5: Visit Anza Borrego State Park
Step back in time in Julian, a small Gold Rush community dating back to the 1870s and taste their famous apple pies. Next travel to Borrega Springs and enter the fascinating world of artist and welder Ricardo Breceda. See his astonishing metal animal sculptures that mark the way to Anza Borrego State Park. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park then lace up your hiking boots for a hike along the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail. Look out for bighorn sheep and birds, before indulging in more amazing views as you travel the Borrego Salton Scenic Seaway. The evening is at your leisure in Palm Springs.
Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Thermal and Joshua Tree National Park
This morning we take a short drive to the agricultural town of Thermal and discover the world of Medjool dates, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Meet Saralyn Delk, owner and farmer at the Regulus Date Ranch, taste dates straight from the trees and see for yourself how good the biodynamic and organic produce tastes. This afternoon, visit the vast Joshua Tree National Park. Explore the visitor’s center and enjoy a moderate hike, keeping an eye out wildlife. Toast your travels this evening, along with your travel companions, at a delicious Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant in Downtown Palm Springs.
Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: Farewell Southern California
This morning, make the most of your last hours in Palm Springs and join your Travel Director for sightseeing tour highlighting the city's residential architecture. A transfer will take you to John Wayne Airport in Orange County (SNA), arriving at approximately 1:30 PM.
Breakfast
