Highlights of Route 66 and Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Highlights of Route 66 and Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Highlights of Route 66 and Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
17 Days
Visiting: Chicago, Pontiac, Springfield, St. Louis, Joplin, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Elk City, Amarillo, Tucumcari, Albuquerque, Albuquerque-International Balloon Festival, Albuquerque. Excursion To Santa Fe, Gallup, Winslow, Williams, Williams. Excursion To Grand Canyon National Park, Seligman, Las Vegas, Victorville, Los Angeles, North America
Tour operator:
Tour code:
8540-2025
Tour Overview
Get your kicks on Route 66 with a legendary trip across America. This historic route was called the “Main Street of America” for more than 50 years before the advent of the US Interstate system. On this trip down memory lane, you’ll visit the major cities along Route 66, see many of the Route 66 museums, and step back in time to when the journey was part of the fun. And you’ll be just in time to experience the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, an annual event where hundreds of vibrantly colored hot-air balloons take to the sky! This trip begins in the “Windy City” of Chicago, travels through eight states, and ends in Los Angeles. Travel to St. Louis where you’ll witness amazing views of the city and the Mississippi River from the top of the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch. Visit Branson, Missouri – one of America’s most popular entertainment destinations and opt for dinner and a show. Visit the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City to view antique cars and historic documents that help you feel what it was like to travel Route 66. In Albuquerque, watch the colorful spectacle of hundreds of balloons rising into the sky at the early morning Balloon Glow and the Mass Ascension at the International Balloon Fiesta. Spend a day in beautiful Santa Fe, a city known for its art and culture and the home to the oldest and highest capitol in the United States. Deviate from Route 66 to see breathtaking scenery at one of the Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon and then experience the excitement of Las Vegas where you can explore the Vegas Strip, take an optional raft trip on the Colorado River, or just relax by the pool. In Los Angeles, you’ll enjoy a tour of Hollywood, the Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica, the ending point of Route 66. Discover vintage Americana, wide open spaces, and national treasures on this Route 66 tour designed for value-minded travel lovers.
Itinerary
Day 1: Chicago
Location: Chicago
Welcome to Chicago, the start of Route 66! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon with answers, tips, and suggestions.
CHICAGO Welcome to Chicago, the start of Route 66! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon with answers, tips, and suggestions.
Day 2: Chicago
Location: Chicago
Meals Included: Breakfast
Known as the “Windy City,” Chicago is home to one of America’s tallest buildings, larger-than-life local legends like Al Capone and his notorious gang, along with countless jazz and blues clubs. Get to know this exciting city on a morning sightseeing tour that includes the sign marking the start of historic Route 66. This afternoon is at leisure. Ride the elevator to the top of the Willis Tower, formally the Sears Tower, explore The Magnificent Mile, or stroll along Navy Pier.
CHICAGO Known as the “Windy City,” Chicago is home to one of America’s tallest buildings, larger-than-life local legends like Al Capone and his notorious gang, along with countless jazz and blues clubs. Get to know this exciting city on a morning sightseeing tour that includes the sign marking the start of historic Route 66. This afternoon is at leisure. Ride the elevator to the top of the Willis Tower, formally the Sears Tower, explore The Magnificent Mile, or stroll along Navy Pier. (CB)
Day 3: Chicago,Pontiac,Springfield
Location: Chicago, Pontiac, Springfield
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. On to Springfield, the capital of Illinois, where we will visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.
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 Road’s” heyday. On to Springfield, the capital of Illinois, where we will visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. (CB)
Day 4: Springfield,St. Louis
Location: Springfield, St. Louis
Cross the mighty Mississippi River and continue to St. Louis, “Gateway to the West.” Your orientation tour includes the 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 of Ted Drewes Frozen Custard.
SPRINGFIELD–ST. LOUIS Cross the mighty Mississippi River and continue to St. Louis, “Gateway to the West.” Your orientation tour includes the 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 of Ted Drewes Frozen Custard.
Day 5: St. Louis,Joplin
Location: St. Louis, Joplin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, we travel through the Missouri countryside, exploring interesting quaint towns and quirky roadside attractions along Route 66. Overnight in Joplin, a town where infamous robbers Bonnie and Clyde once sought refuge.
ST. LOUIS–JOPLIN Today, we travel through the Missouri countryside, exploring interesting quaint towns and quirky roadside attractions along Route 66. Overnight in Joplin, a town where infamous robbers Bonnie and Clyde once sought refuge. (B)
Day 6: Joplin,Tulsa,Oklahoma City
Location: Joplin, Tulsa, Oklahoma City
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
JOPLIN–TULSA–OKLAHOMA CITY 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. (B)
Day 7: Oklahoma City,Elk City,Amarillo
Location: Oklahoma City, Elk City, Amarillo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day with a city 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 and take a journey through each of the eight states Route 66 passes through. Continue into the Texas Panhandle and on to Amarillo, the Yellow Rose of Texas.
OKLAHOMA CITY–ELK CITY–AMARILLO Start the day with a city 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 and take a journey through each of the eight states Route 66 passes through. Continue into the Texas Panhandle and on to Amarillo, the Yellow Rose of Texas. (B)
Day 8: Amarillo,Tucumcari,Albuquerque
Location: Amarillo, Tucumcari, Albuquerque
Meals Included: Breakfast
On the way out of Amarillo, you’ll stop at Cadillac Ranch, the quirky art sculpture consisting of a collection of 10 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 this old town with its fine parish church and Spanish-style plaza.
AMARILLO–TUCUMCARI–ALBUQUERQUE On the way out of Amarillo, you’ll stop at Cadillac Ranch, the quirky art sculpture consisting of a collection of 10 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 this old town with its fine parish church and Spanish-style plaza. (CB)
Day 9: Albuquerque-International Balloon Festival
Location: Albuquerque-International Balloon Festival
This morning, enjoy an unforgettable experience at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta’s Mass Ascension, where hundreds of colorful hot-air balloons fill the morning sky. Enjoy time walking down Main Street where you’ll find food vendors, merchandise, and entertainment. This afternoon, learn about Pueblo culture from ancient times to the present at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, then explore Old Town Albuquerque, site of the city’s original settlement. This evening return to the balloon grounds for the breathtaking Night Glow and other exciting events of the Fiesta.
ALBUQUERQUE-INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FESTIVAL This morning, enjoy an unforgettable experience at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta’s Mass Ascension, where hundreds of colorful hot-air balloons fill the morning sky. Enjoy time walking down Main Street where you’ll find food vendors, merchandise, and entertainment. This afternoon, learn about Pueblo culture from ancient times to the present at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, then explore Old Town Albuquerque, site of the city’s original settlement. This evening return to the balloon grounds for the breathtaking Night Glow and other exciting events of the Fiesta.
Day 10: Albuquerque. Excursion To Santa Fe
Location: Albuquerque. Excursion To Santa Fe
Travel through the foothills of the Sandia Mountains to enjoy the day in Santa Fe. Take an orientation tour with highlights including the Palace of the Governors and the State Capitol. Visit historic Loretto Chapel and learn about its mysterious “Miracle Stairway.” Return to Albuquerque via the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway with a stop in the eclectic artist community of Madrid.
ALBUQUERQUE. EXCURSION TO SANTA FE Travel through the foothills of the Sandia Mountains to enjoy the day in Santa Fe. Take an orientation tour with highlights including the Palace of the Governors and the State Capitol. Visit historic Loretto Chapel and learn about its mysterious “Miracle Stairway.” Return to Albuquerque via the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway with a stop in the eclectic artist community of Madrid.
Day 11: Albuquerque,Gallup,Winslow,Williams
Location: Albuquerque, Gallup, Winslow, Williams
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’ hit song “Take It Easy.” Continue to 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 rich heritage that features the Old West and Route 66.
ALBUQUERQUE–GALLUP–WINSLOW–WILLIAMS 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’ hit song “Take It Easy.” Continue to 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 rich heritage that features the Old West and Route 66.
Day 12: Williams. Excursion To Grand Canyon National Park
Location: Williams. Excursion To Grand Canyon National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
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, including the chance to spot Elk grazing in the forested areas on the South Rim. Consider an optional helicopter flightseeing tour for an unforgettable bird’s-eye-view of 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.”
WILLIAMS. EXCURSION TO GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK 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, including the chance to spot Elk grazing in the forested areas on the South Rim. Consider an optional helicopter flightseeing tour for an unforgettable bird’s-eye-view of 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.” (CB)
Day 13: Williams,Seligman,Las Vegas
Location: Williams, Seligman, Las Vegas
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.” This evening, consider an optional night on the town featuring an extravagant dinner followed by a dazzling show featuring top Vegas entertainment.
WILLIAMS–SELIGMAN–LAS VEGAS 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.” This evening, consider an optional night on the town featuring an extravagant dinner followed by a dazzling show featuring top Vegas entertainment. (CB)
Day 14: Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas
A day at leisure to relax by the pool or explore the legendary Las Vegas Strip. Maybe ride the world’s highest rollercoaster, float through a Venetian canal, 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. A variety of optional excursions are available, including a float trip through dramatic Black Canyon on the Colorado River.
LAS VEGAS A day at leisure to relax by the pool or explore the legendary Las Vegas Strip. Maybe ride the world’s highest rollercoaster, float through a Venetian canal, 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. A variety of optional excursions are available, including a float trip through dramatic Black Canyon on the Colorado River.
Day 15: Las Vegas,Victorville,Los Angeles
Location: Las Vegas, Victorville, Los Angeles
Today, depart the man-made oasis of Las Vegas, and cross the natural beauty of the Mojave Desert and the San Bernardino Mountains en route to Los Angeles. Visit the California Route 66 Museum, featuring a 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.
LAS VEGAS–VICTORVILLE–LOS ANGELES Today, depart the man-made oasis of Las Vegas, and cross the natural beauty of the Mojave Desert and the San Bernardino Mountains en route to Los Angeles. Visit the California Route 66 Museum, featuring a 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 16: Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles
Explore the exciting “City of Angels” on 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. Your afternoon is free to consider an optional Warner Brothers Studio tour, shop for souvenirs, or relax by the pool.
LOS ANGELES Explore the exciting “City of Angels” on 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. Your afternoon is free to consider an optional Warner Brothers Studio tour, shop for souvenirs, or relax by the pool.
Day 17: Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles
Your vacation ends this morning. Consider extending your vacation with extra nights and explore Los Angeles further.
LOS ANGELES Your vacation ends this morning. Consider extending your vacation with extra nights and explore Los Angeles further.
Notes
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
UNESCO Sites
Grand Canyon National Park
Accommodation
Chicago:Hotel Saint ClairSt Louis:Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Convention CenterOklahoma City:Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown HotelAmarillo:Country Inn & Suites Amarillo WestAlbuquerque:Holiday Inn Express Albuquerque MidtownWilliams:Comfort Inn Near Grand CanyonLas Vegas:Sahara Las VegasLos Angeles:Westin Bonaventure
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.