Compare Historic Route 66 Self-Drive by Audley Travel vs California Panorama by Omega Tours
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 19 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 3,834 | $ 2,127 |
| Price Per Day | $ 202 | $ 266 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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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. |
Tick off all the Californian must-sees on this fantastic escorted tour as you experience Las Vegas in all its glittering glory, see the spectacular Yosemite National Park in awe and embrace San Francisco with its diverse and incredible surroundings including the Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Discover all the glamour Los Angeles has to offer with stops at some of its most famous spots and much more |
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: LOS ANGELES ARRIVAL
Arrive at Los Angeles International Airport and transfer independently to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport, Los Angeles, or similar
DAY 2: LOS ANGELES > MOJAVE DESERT > LAS VEGAS
Meet your Tour Director and depart for Las Vegas, the glittering “Entertainment Capital of the World,” for non-stop fun, gambling, and world-class entertainment. Your tour stops at the iconic Las Vegas Welcome Sign where you may wish to capture your photo memory of Las Vegas.
Accommodation at the Luxor Las Vegas, Las Vegas, or similar
DAY 3: LAS VEGAS > DEATH VALLEY > MAMMOTH LAKES/FRESNO
Having enjoyed glamorous Las Vegas, it will be a sharp contrast this afternoon to enter the quiet and extreme environment of Death Valley. Stop at Zabriskie Point and Furnace Creek Ranch/Visitors Center before continuing across the valley and ascending the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the alpine resort town of Mammoth Lakes. The area gained prominence as a gold mining town in the 19th century and today is renowned for its superior skiing terrain and staggeringly beautiful mountain vistas.
Important note: Winter Routing The Tioga Pass may be closed due to weather or road conditions, in which case you will overnight in Fresno or Visalia and a visit to Mammoth Lakes will not be possible (winter routing applies to all departures between October and May under normal snow conditions).
Accommodation at the Mammoth Mountain Inn, Mammoth Lakes, or Piccadilly Inn, Fresno
DAY 4: MAMMOTH/FRESNO > YOSEMITE > MODESTO
Your journey today brings you to the Tioga Pass (please see important note on day 3) into the scenic wonderland of Yosemite National Park. Here, you will experience the valley floor and its splendors including the glacial-shaped granite formations of El Capitan, Half Dome, the magnificent Bridal Falls, and Yosemite Falls. Overnight in Modesto.
Accommodation at the Doubletree by Hilton Modesto, Modesto, or similar
DAY 5: MODESTO > SAN FRANCISCO
Depart early this morning to arrive in San Francisco, one of the most beloved cities in America. Enjoy a comprehensive sightseeing tour before arriving at your hotel. This evening take a memorable City by Night Tour (optional).
Accommodation at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, San Francisco, or similar
DAY 6: SAN FRANCISCO (NAPA VALLEY OPTIONAL)
Day at leisure! Your Tour Director is on hand to assist with making your plans for the day: perhaps a cable car ride to Fisherman’s Wharf where one may enjoy a “Taste of San Francisco”: local seafood, famous sourdough bread, or decadent Ghiradelli’s Chocolate. Or take a stroll by Sea Lions’ Marina to watch them frolic.
Be sure to gaze across the bay to Alcatraz Island where “America’s Most Wanted” such as Al Capone and ”Machine Gun” Kelly were incarcerated. Or visit Union Square for a shopping stop at Macy’s Department Store. You also may choose to embark on a wine-tasting tour to Napa Valley, world-renowned for its fine wineries and beautiful scenery (optional).
Accommodation at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, San Francisco, or similar
DAY 7: SAN FRANCISCO > MONTEREY/ CARMEL > CENTRAL COAST
Depart San Francisco this morning for the drive to the Monterey Peninsula, known for its magnificent homes and lovely beaches. In Monterey, visit Fisherman’s Wharf and famous Cannery Row Then tour charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, noted for its quaint houses, upscale art galleries, and unique stores. In the afternoon your tour continues through Paso Robles, home of fine wineries. Overnight in a quaint Central California Coast town.
Accommodation at the Radisson Santa Maria, Central Coast, or similar
DAY 8: CENTRAL COAST > SANTA BARBARA > SANTA MONICA > LOS ANGELES DEPARTURE
Journey south through the Santa Ynez Valley into Santa Barbara where palm-lined walkways border white sandy beaches. Upon arrival in Los Angeles, an orientation tour commences to include Hollywood, portions of Beverly Hills, and Century City before arriving in Santa Monica, home to the finish line of Historic Route 66, where you may enjoy an optional lunch on the pier before departure or arriving at your hotel.
