- Visit must-see sights like the historic starting point of Route 66 in Chicago, the famous Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, and the “End of the Trail” sign in Santa Monica
- Explore natural wonders of the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest National Park, and the Painted Desert
- Discover Seligman, known as the “historic birthplace of Route 66,” and visit the vibrant Hotel El Rancho in Gallup, where Golden Age movie stars once stayed
- Take a guided tour of the City of Angels
- On select departures, you’ll experience the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and the theme for 2026 is “The Scenic Route” marking 100 years of Route 66!

Historic Route 66 - 100th Anniversary
Highlights
Celebrate 100 years of Route 66 with an unforgettable American road trip crafted especially for YMT Vacations travelers! In 2026, the Mother Road’s centennial invites you to relive a century of adventure along its legendary path, stretching from the Midwest’s open plains to the sun-drenched deserts of the Southwest.
This special itinerary lets you visit classic diners, neon-lit motels, quirky roadside attractions, and quiet, nearly forgotten towns, each with its own story etched into the fabric of America. Trace the evolution of cross-country travel as you explore historic trading posts, vintage gas stations, and iconic landmarks that shaped the nation’s love affair with the open road.
And on select departures, your journey becomes even more spectacular with a visit to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, specially themed The Scenic Route honoring 100 years of Route 66. Watch hundreds of vibrant balloons fill the sky, a breathtaking tribute to a century of freedom, discovery, and pure Americana.
What Guests are Saying
May 2026
Oct 2025
Oct 2025
Oct 2024
Activity level
- Easy Going
- Moderate
- Active
- Very Active
Active
Tour Includes
Locations Visited
- Chicago
- Springfield, IL
- St. Louis
- Joplin
- Oklahoma City
- Amarillo
- Albuquerque
- Flagstaff
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Santa Monica
Hotel Accommodations
- 15 nights
- Moderate hotels based on twin/double occupancy
Meals
- 15 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners *bonus 1 outdoor dinner during Balloon Fiesta
Service
- A professionally trained tour director who is knowledgeable about the area will provide you with a wealth of information. Their friendly service will make your trip a memorable experience.
Baggage Handling
- To and from your hotel room throughout your land tour for one piece of checked baggage per person.
Arrive in Chicago and meet our YMT representative at the airport, if you booked your airline tickets with us. Say hi to your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner featuring, Chicago’s iconic deep dish pizzas!
Meals: Dinner
Fairfield Inn Chicago Downtown River North or similar
Start your day with a panoramic city tour, stopping at the iconic intersection of E. Adams and S. Michigan, the official starting point of Route 66 in downtown Chicago. Then, embark on a riverboat architecture tour along the Chicago River, where expert guides will share the history of over 50 buildings and their role in the city’s dynamic development.
Meals: Breakfast
Fairfield Inn Chicago Downtown River North or similar
Add-On: 360 Chicago Observation Deck & Dinner At Ed Debevic’s
Today, you’ll head to Pontiac and later, Springfield. Explore the Pontiac Route 66 Museum, where you can take a self-guided tour highlighting the iconic communities along Route 66. Enjoy an included lunch at Route 66 Motorheads Museum and discover vintage billboards and the Legends Neon Sign Park, along with a tribute to the famous muffler men followed by a visit to Lincoln’s Tomb, offering a mix of history and Route 66 charm.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Drury Inn & Suites Springfield or similar
Add-On: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Start your day with a visit to the iconic St. Louis, where you will ride to the top of the Gateway Arch, the 630-foot-tall monument, followed by free time for lunch on your own. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon, or join us for an optional Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour.
Meals: Breakfast
Drury Inn St. Louis At Union Station or similar
Add-On: Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour
Depart Springfield and make stops in the forgotten towns of Cuba, Missouri, known as Mural City, and Fanning, Missouri, where you’ll see the world’s largest rocking chair. Arrive in Joplin by late afternoon, and enjoy a panoramic tour of the famous Route 66 murals before spending the evening at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Drury Inn & Suites Joplin or similar
Leave Joplin and head to Galena, where you will see quirky Route 66 attractions and memorabilia. Continue to Tulsa for a panoramic view of the iconic “East Meets West” sculpture, a tribute to Cyrus Avery, the “Father of Route 66.” End the day at the Oklahoma City Memorial.
Meals: Breakfast
Hampton Inn Oklahoma City Bricktown or similar
Add-On: Canal Tour & Buffet Dinner
Next, head to Elk City to visit the National Route 66 & Transportation Museum. Enjoy some free time for lunch in this charming town before continuing on to Amarillo, TX, where you’ll have dinner at the famous Big Texan Steak Ranch, followed by a visit to Slug Bug Ranch. a whimsical display of half-buried Volkswagen Beetles.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Drury Inn & Suites Amarillo or similar
Make a stop at Cadillac Ranch—ten graffiti-covered Cadillacs half-buried nose-first in the earth, creating a quirky outdoor art exhibit! After a brief stop in Adrian, the halfway point of Route 66, you’ll have time to grab lunch in the charming town of Tucumcari before continuing on to Albuquerque.
Meals: Breakfast
Best Western Plus Rio Grande or similar
Enjoy a panoramic city tour of Albuquerque, taking in the vibrant sights and sounds of this historic city, with some leisure time in Old Town.
Bonus: If you’re traveling in September or October , you’ll have the unique opportunity to visit the world-renowned Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Enjoy the morning balloon ascension and in the evening an outdoor picnic style dinner at the Balloon Glow followed by fireworks.
Meals: Breakfast
Best Western Plus Rio Grande or similar
Add-On: Sandia Peak & Dinner
BONUS: ALBUQUERQUE BALLOON FIESTA:
Those departing on Sept 26, 2026 will visit Albuquerque during the Balloon Fiesta. Witness hundreds of balloons slowly rise to float into the clear blue New Mexico sky.
BONUS: ALBUQUERQUE BALLOON FIESTA SHAPES BALLOONS:
If you’re departing on Sept 30, 2026, you will witness the Special Shapes Balloons
Gallup is home to the vibrant Hotel El Rancho, once a favorite of Golden Age movie stars filming classic westerns in the nearby desert. Enjoy some free time for lunch in Gallup before continuing to the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park. You’ll spend the night in Flagstaff.
Meals: Breakfast
The Kendrick Hotel or similar
The Grand Canyon’s stunning beauty is the result of billions of years of geological forces, showcasing the raw power of nature. Spend the day exploring this awe-inspiring landscape before returning to Flagstaff in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast
The Kendrick Hotel or similar
Add-On: Buckwild Grand Canyon Hummer Tour
Your first stop today is Seligman, known as the “historic birthplace of Route 66.” Next, head to Kingman, Arizona, where you’ll find vibrant murals celebrating Route 66—perfect for a lunch break. Continue on to Las Vegas, arriving in the afternoon with the evening free to explore at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Hampton Inn Tropicana or similar
Add-On: High Roller Observation Wheel & Dinner/ Hoover Dam Power Plant & Lunch (2026 only)
Start your day with a photo op at the iconic Las Vegas sign, then take a guided tour of the famous Las Vegas Strip. Afterward, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, or opt for an optional tour to Hoover Dam and/or a Show.
Meals: Breakfast
Hampton Inn Tropicana or similar
Add-On: Vegas! The Show & Dinner
After lunch in Barstow, visit Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, one of Route 66’s most unique attractions. This whimsical display features over 200 trees and cacti made from glass bottles, shimmering under the desert sun.
Meals: Breakfast
Sheraton Gateway Angeles Airport or similar
Today, embark on a guided tour of Los Angeles and Hollywood, exploring iconic landmarks like the Sunset Strip and Hollywood & Highland. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner on the Santa Monica Pier, the official end of Route 66. Celebrate your unforgettable 2,448-mile journey with stunning ocean views and the famous “End of the Trail” sign.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Sheraton Gateway Angeles Airport or similar
Add-On: Paramount Pictures Studio Tour
Meals: Breakfast
Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Hotels may differ depending on date. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.
YMT Vacations itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
All tour prices include taxes and fees.
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Reviews
We love that YMT takes care of everything for us
Excellent guide (Daniel) & bus driver (Matt)!
The entire trip was well planned with great stops
Trip was over the top in terms of the care and assistance we were given by YMT
FAQs
Unfortunately, additional nights are not available from YMT Vacations for this tour. Your YMT Sales Consultant will confirm the specific hotel related to your departure date, and you can then contact the hotel directly to arrange an extended stay.
Yes, triples are permitted (depending on availability) in 2 beds.
You should arrive in Chicago no later than 3pm.
No, none are required.
Please note that some National Parks will be checking ID to confirm your current state of residence. Carry your REAL ID-compliant identification with you throughout the tour, regardless of whether you are flying or driving to the start of your tour.
U.S. National Park Non-Resident Fee: Effective Jan 1, 2026, Non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older are required to pay a $100 USD non-resident entrance fee per park visit when entering the following U.S. National Parks: Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion. This fee is assessed and collected directly by the U.S. National Park Services. It is not included in the tour price and cannot be controlled or waived by tour operators. Park officials will request proof of U.S. citizenship or residency to waive the fee. All non-resident fees are the responsibility of the passenger and are subject to change.
Non-Resident Annual Pass: A new “America the Beautiful – Non-Resident Annual Pass” is available to purchase for $250 USD. It waives the $100 USD per-visit fee at participating parks and covers the passholder plus up to three additional adults (16+). The pass is non-refundable, non-transferable, and requires valid photo ID. YMT Vacations is not responsible for securing this pass; it is up to each passenger to secure the digital version of this pass prior to arriving on tour.
Please note: U.S. residents visiting the parks as part of a YMT Vacations Tour are not required to pay any additional fees.
More information:
Non-Resident Fees: https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/commercial-tours-and-nonresident-fees.htm
Non-Resident Annual Pass: https://www.recreation.gov/interagency-pass/types/nonresident
The YMT luggage allowance is one suitcase and one small bag per person, in addition to a small handbag or personal item. Due to capacity limits on vehicles, the standard maximum weight per suitcase is 50 pounds. The maximum size for a suitcase is 62 linear inches (sum of length, width, and depth). For example, suitcase cannot be larger than 30 inches by 20 inches by 12 inches. Luggage that is larger or heavier may attract extra fees, might not fit on the motor coach and may need to be shipped home.
The small bag cannot be larger than 12 inches by 11 inches by 6 inches and must fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. To comply with safety regulations for motor coaches, mid-size buses, and vans, wheeled carry-on bags are not accepted as your small bag. View our helpful packing guide here!
Add-Ons
Make your vacation extra special by adding optional excursions to your tour. It’s a great opportunity to enhance your trip, these experiences slot seamlessly into your package, and we’ll take care of all the logistics for you. Remember that adding an optional experience might increase the overall activity level of the tour, so always keep that in mind when planning your trip.
Enjoy panoramic views of Chicago at the 360 Chicago observatory in the John Hancock building, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. Visit 360 Chicago on the 94th floor of the John Hancock building. 360 Chicago Observation Deck offers breathtaking panoramic views of Chicago from 1,000 feet above the Magnificent Mile. Dinner will follow at Ed Debevic’s.
Inclusions
- Entrance to 360 Chicago Observatory
- Dinner at Ed Debevic’s – Meals will come served with a salad, fries and coleslaw, guests will have choice of Entrée, Cheeseburger, Veggie Burger (plant based), Chicago Style Hot Dog, Edʼs pulled Pork sandwich, Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken. All entrées are followed by homemade chocolate brownie for dessert. Unlimited soft drinks. Tax & tip included. Beer, wine and spirits available for purchase.
- Round trip bus transportation included
Note: This is not a traditional dining experience. Quirky servers in flashy costumes serve up great burgers, hot dogs, cheese fries, huge salads, milkshakes, and brownies – all delivered to your glittery booth with a side order of sass. Don’t expect this diner to be a “Please” and “Thank You” kind of place, or you might just get your feelings hurt! The servers are encouraged to create characters – ranging from jocks, to beauty school dropouts, to greasers, to nerds – and are even known to drop their trays and break into choreographed dance numbers on top of the soda counters!
Duration: Approx. 3 Hours (evening)
Activity Level: Easy
Price: $95 USD
Step into the world of one of America’s most revered leaders at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. This pioneering “Experience Museum” brings the legacy of Lincoln to life through immersive exhibits, interactive displays, multimedia programs, and special effects that create an unparalleled journey through history.
Walk through a meticulously recreated 1861 White House, and step into Lincoln’s shoes as you navigate pivotal moments of his life. The museum’s “Journey” exhibits guide you through key chapters of his story—from his humble beginnings to his leadership during the Civil War. Life-sized dioramas place you in the heart of history, with powerful scenes like a New Orleans slave auction, a bustling New Salem store, and the iconic Lincoln-Douglas debates. Marvel at the replica of Lincoln’s childhood log cabin, a symbol of his early struggles, and step into the cabinet room where decisions that shaped the nation’s future were made.
Inclusions
- Self-guided museum tour
- Bus transportation
Duration: Approx. 1.5-2 Hours
Activity Level: Easy
Price: $20 USD
Enjoy a guided walking tour of the iconic Anheuser-Busch brewery, where history and brewing artistry meet. Explore the lush campus and gain insight into the brewing process, tracing the journey of a Budweiser beer from its humble beginnings as quality ingredients to its crisp, refreshing final sip.
Visit the legendary Budweiser Clydesdales’ paddock and stables, and discover the storied history of these majestic horses. Wander through the Beechwood Aging Cellars, where secondary fermentation takes place with beechwood chips, and learn how this unique process enhances the beer’s flavor. Step into the historic brewhouse to uncover the traditional brewing techniques that have been perfected over the years.
Your tour also includes a visit to the Bevo Packaging Facility (note: bottle lines may not be running on weekends), offering a behind-the-scenes look at how Budweiser reaches beer lovers worldwide.
Inclusions
- Guests over the age of 21 will get to taste 1 small beer sample at the half way point and 1 full beer sample in the Biergarten at the end of the tour (non alcoholic beverages are available)
- Bus transportation
- Guided tour
Note: Closed-toe shoes are strongly encouraged for your safety and comfort. Make sure your bags are not larger than than 8 x 10 x 8, and avoid carrying backpacks of any size. This tour involves some walking at a slow pace and you’ll also have time to sit for a beer tasting.
Duration: Approx. 1.5-2 Hours
Activity Level: Moderate
Price: $25 USD
Experience the Grand Canyon during mid-morning and see majestic colors of the rocks in the grand canyon aboard a Hummer. Learn about the American Southwest and it’s ancient inhabitants. Look out for the wildlife you may see on along your way. Don’t forget to bring your camera.
Inclusions
- 2 hour Hummer “Humvee” tour of the Grand Canyon
- Learn about the history of the Grand Canyon
- Breathtaking photo opportunities
Note: Layered clothing is recommended.
Duration: Approx. 2 Hours (Morning)
Activity Level: Easy
Price: $145 USD
Set off on a memorable cruise through downtown Oklahoma City’s most scenic playground, the vibrant Bricktown Canal. Hop aboard one of the iconic bright-yellow Bricktown Water Taxis and settle in for a lively, story-filled cruise. As you glide along the water, your guide brings Oklahoma history to life, sharing how OKC transformed from a rugged warehouse hub into one of the South’s most exciting, culture-rich destinations.
Float beneath charming footbridges and alongside colorful murals, gentle waterfalls, boutique shops, buzzing eateries, striking sculptures, and the breathtaking Centennial Land Run Monument. Once you dock, keep the adventure going with a mouthwatering Italian dinner—a hearty buffet at a favorite local spot to wrap up the evening in true Oklahoma style.
Inclusions
-
Bricktown Water Taxi cruise followed by Dinner at a local restaurant.
- Buffet Dinner Menu includes: Lemon Herb Chicken, Honey Garlic Pork Loin, Roasted Red Potatoes, Green Beans, House Salad, Cheesecake, soft drink & coffee
Note: Guests need to take a short 0.2 mile walk to and from the venue. The activity is not wheelchair accessible.
Duration: Approx. 3 Hours (Evening)
Activity Level: Moderate
Price: $119 USD
Sit down with your fellow travelers at an informal Italian family-style dinner in Las Vegas. Then, we will head to the High Roller Observation Wheel and enjoy 360 degree views of the Las Vegas strip and beyond. The High Roller is 550 feet above the Las Vegas Strip and is the largest observation wheel in North America.
Inclusions
- Italian family-style dinner at a restaurant in Las Vegas
- Menu includes: mixed green salad, fresh baked bread, spaghetti marinara, fettuccine alfredo and chicken parmigiana, followed by cheesecake; includes soft drinks, coffee and tea. Menu subject to change. Taxes & gratuities are included.
- Admission to the High Roller Observation Wheel
Note: Layered clothing is recommended.
Duration: Approx. 3 – 3.5 Hours (Evening)
Activity Level: Easy
Price: $87 USD
Dive into the fascinating history of the Hoover Dam, the monumental concrete arch-gravity dam that spans the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, straddling the border between Nevada and Arizona. This guided tour offers a firsthand look at the dam’s original construction tunnels, where you’ll walk in the footsteps of those who built this iconic structure.
Step onto the viewing platform for an up-close view of a massive 30-foot diameter penstock, and feel the powerful vibration beneath your feet as water rushes through the pipes with tremendous force. The experience culminates with a 12-minute presentation that brings the history of Hoover Dam to life, recounting its transformative impact on the region and the rest of the world.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of Hoover Dam Powerplant
- Boxed lunch
- Bus transportation
Note: Dam tour is not included, as tickets are not available for purchase in advance. Guests can get a possible upgraded ticket at their own expense on arrival, based on availability and timing of bus scheduled departure (check with your tour director on arrival to Hoover Dam). Closed-toe comfortable shoes are recommended for this tour.
Duration: Approx. 4-5 Hours
Activity Level: Moderate
Price: $79 USD
Step behind the velvet curtain and journey through more than a hundred years of Hollywood magic at Paramount Pictures Studio. As you explore this legendary lot, you’ll walk in the footsteps of iconic filmmakers and stars while discovering where beloved movies and hit television shows come to life.
Climb aboard a classic studio cart and wind your way through historic and fully operational backlot sets, from timeless streetscapes to modern-day filming locations. Peek inside prop warehouses brimming with cinematic treasures, and watch the creative energy of an active studio at work. The Paramount Pictures Studio Tour is your front-row ticket to Hollywood’s past, present, and the stories still waiting to be told.
Inclusions
- Paramount Studio Tour entrance and guided studio cart tour
- Bus Transportation
Note: Layered clothing is recommended. ADA carts available, but limited, please book early and note requirement on reservation. Don’t forget your camera!
Duration: Approx. 3 Hours (Morning)
Activity Level: Easy
Price: $105 USD
Reach the towering heights of the Sandia Mountains aboard the Sandia Tram that takes you to the summit at 10,378 feet. From this lofty vantage point, enjoy sweeping, panoramic views that stretch endlessly across the horizon. As the sun begins to set, watch in awe as the golden light bathes the city below.
Once at the peak, take a leisurely stroll through a tranquil forest of fir and aspen trees. Reconnect with nature on this serene escape from bustling towns and cities.
Inclusions
- Sandia Tram up to the peak of Sandia Mountains
- Dinner included at a local restaurant
- Bus transportation
Note: This optional tour is not available for tours departing in September & October (due to the Balloon Fiesta).
Duration: Approx. 4.5 Hours (Evening)
Activity Level: Easy
Price: $99 USD
Inclusions
- Admission to Vegas! The Show
- Bus transportation
- One of the only shows still featuring the iconic Las Vegas showgirls
- Dinner is All You Can Eat, featuring over 64 choices of food, including beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, fish, a variety of vegetables and sushi. Soft drinks and dessert included. Menu subject to change. Taxes and gratuities included. Alcoholic beverages available for an additional fee
Note: Korean BBQ is a dining style where you cook your own meats on a grill built into the table. It’s served with lots of banchan (side dishes). The experience is interactive, shareable, and centered around grilling and customizing each bite. Guests can order meats cooked if preferred. Vegetarian options are available on request: vegetables available for grilling as well as ramen, japchae noodles, rice sticks, fried rice, Doenjang Soup (fermented soy bean paste soup with a unique vegetable blend) and Soondooboo Soup (spicy soft tofu soup with vegetables).
Duration: 3 – 3.5 hours (Evening)
Activity Level: Easy
Price: $169 USD