Compare Historic Route 66 by Titan Travel vs Wonders of the American West by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 17 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 3,433 | $ 4,395 |
| Price Per Day | $ 202 | $ 400 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities | N/A |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | The spirit of Route 66, immortalised in Bobby Troup’s 1946 classic ‘(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66’ is ingrained in the American psyche. Nicknamed the ‘Mother Road’ by novelist John Steinbeck, this iconic highway between Chicago and Los Angeles represents America’s ideals of freedom and celebrates its love of the car. This sensational holiday is both an epic road trip and journey of discovery through the American heartland, taking in gems such as Oklahoma, President Lincoln’s home in Springfield, St Louis, Amarillo and Albuquerque, as well as the extraordinary expanse of the Grand Canyon and the incredible Petrified Forest National Park. Covering ‘more than two thousand miles all the way’, this tour is heaven for fans of retro Americana. | See the best of the American West on this 10-Day guided tour. Join a Local Expert at Grand Canyon National Park for a one-of-a-kind experience: Allow the expert to guide you through the park while teaching you about how this national treasure was formed. On the way to picturesque Lake Powell, stop at the Glen Canyon Dam, then lounge at the pool of your hotel. In Page, enjoy a Navajo inspired taco buffet dinner and performance. Meet a Navajo guide in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, where you will board ATVs, explore the valley and learn about the tribe’s history. Later, eat a traditional Navajo lunch amid the valley’s beautiful buttes and mesas. In Moab, see the ancient pueblo dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park, where the Ancestral Pueblo people once lived. Travel to Bryce Canyon National Park to explore its rock pillars and natural amphitheaters — then feast with your fellow travelers overlooking the park’s iconic orange rock formations. |
Day 1 London - Chicago
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to London Heathrow or Gatwick Airport and a direct, scheduled Norwegian flight to Chicago. On arrival we transfer to the Hotel Indigo Chicago Downtown Gold Coast (3T+) or Courtyard River North (3T), our base for the next two nights.
Day 2 Chicago
A morning city tour introduces us to this magnificent city constructed along the shores of Lake Michigan. The afternoon is free to explore the ‘Windy City’.
Day 3 Chicago - Springfield
This morning we take our first steps along the ‘Mother Road’. Although the roads have been changed and modernised through the years, our route over the following days still encompasses the Route 66 spirit that has enthralled so many since its inception in 1926. We stop to visit the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame & Museum, housing thousands of artefacts and memorabilia on this world-famous road. We continue south to the Springfield area, which President Lincoln called his home for so many years. We stay this evening at the Wyndham Springfield City Center (3T+).
Day 4 Springfield - St Louis
Spend today learning about the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. Our first stop is President Lincoln’s tomb, the final resting place of the president after he was assassinated in 1865. We then visit Lincoln’s home, a National Historic site, and travel to New Salem, where Lincoln lived and worked for six years in the 1830s. This reconstructed village includes houses, shops and a general store, with information imparted by period costumed interpreters. We now head for St Louis, where we spend the next two nights at the Drury Inn Union Station (3T). This evening you are again free to explore.
Day 5 St Louis
Today we take a trip to the top of the 630ft Gateway Arch, opened in 1965 to honour President Jefferson’s vision of the continental United States. The rest of the day is free to discover all that St Louis has to offer. Why not take a riverboat cruise along the Mississippi, tour the huge Anheuser-Busch Brewery or experience the beautiful Botanical Garden.
Day 6 St Louis - Springfield
Our first stop today is at the Museum of Transportation. Over 20 classic locomotives are housed here, together with many classic motor vehicles, many of which would have taken the old Route 66 in years past. Later, we take a tour of the aptly named Fantastic Caverns to view the spectacular cave formations. Tonight we stay in Springfield, Missouri at the Oasis Hotel & Convention Centre (3T).
Day 7 Springfield - Oklahoma City
Departing Springfield, we cross into Kansas and on to the state of Oklahoma and our lunch stop in Tulsa. This afternoon we continue to Oklahoma City, where on 22 April 1889 tens of thousands of settlers surged forward in the Great Land Run to grab their piece of glory and stake their claim on part of the two million areas of unassigned land then opened for settlement. Not surprisingly, Oklahoma City became known as ‘the city born in a single day’. On arrival we take an orientation tour, before checking into the Courtyard by Marriott (3T) or Skirvin Hotel (4T).
Day 8 Oklahoma City - Amarillo
We continue west, leaving the plains of Oklahoma for the oil-rich Texas Panhandle. We take time to view Palo Duro Canyon State Park, second largest in America and where spectacular vistas greet the eye. We continue to Amarillo for our overnight stay. Since it was founded in the 1880s, Amarillo has experienced many things, from civil war battles to the creation of many millionaires from the ‘black gold’ of the area. Our hotel is the Embassy Suites Downtown (3T+).
Day 9 Amarillo - Albuquerque
Just outside Amarillo we catch a glimpse of a strange sight - ten half-buried Cadillacs, tail up in a field, which is said to represent the golden era of the car. Onward to New Mexico, known as ‘the Land of Enchantment’ and Albuquerque, a historic city dating back nearly 300 years. We take a brief orientation tour before checking into the Best Western Rio Grande Hotel (3T).
Day 10 Albuquerque
Today is free to explore at your leisure. The Historic Old Town is worthy of exploration with its many museums and galleries.
Day 11 Albuquerque - Flagstaff
Arizona greets us today as we make a visit to the Petrified Forest National Park, where quite literally the remnants of an ancient forest have been fossilised. Incorporated in the park is the Painted Desert, a vast arid badland scattered with buttes and mesas. We continue west to Flagstaff and stay at the Little America Hotel (4T), for the next two nights.
Day 12 Grand Canyon
Our journey today takes us to a true world wonder - the Grand Canyon. The colossal size is difficult to comprehend, especially as its creator, the mighty Colorado River, is so small in comparison. After an enchanting day with an opportunity to take a superb helicopter flight over the canyon, we return to our hotel at Flagstaff.
Day 13 Flagstaff - Williams - Kingman - Las Vegas
Our scenic journey today takes us onwards for a brief stop at Williams, a town steeped in Route 66 history. Time to explore before travelling through Hualapai Indian country to Kingman. We continue to Las Vegas where we overnight at the classic Golden Nugget Hotel (3T+), located on Fremont Street, the original Las Vegas before the Strip was developed.
Day 14 Las Vegas - Santa Monica - Long Beach
West to Barstow and a visit to Calico Ghost town, an old silver mining town which has become a popular tourist attraction. We continue our travels through the San Bernardino Mountains and down to Los Angeles. Taking Santa Monica Boulevard to the coast itself and the actual end of the road at the Pacific Ocean our journey is now complete. You have a short time for reflection or exploration in Santa Monica before our transfer to Long Beach and the Renaissance Long Beach (4T), our base for the next two nights.
Day 15 Long Beach
Today you are at leisure in the waterfront city of Long Beach. There are many attractions a short distance from your hotel including the fabulous Queen Mary, where you can take a fascinating self-guided walking tour.
Day 16 Los Angeles - In flight
Today we transfer to Los Angeles Airport for a direct, scheduled Norwegian flight to London.
Day 17 London
Arrival at London Heathrow or Gatwick Airport where you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.
Day 1: Arrive in Las Vegas
Welcome to glittering Las Vegas. On arrival at Las Vegas International Airport, your transfer will take you to your hotel. At 18:00, join your Travel Director and companions for a Welcome Dinner with wine at the award-winning Bacchanal Buffet.
Caesars Palace, Las Vegas.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: The Wonders of the Grand Canyon
Journey on to Grand Canyon National Park. Choose to hike along the scenic Rim Trail with your Travel Director. Alternatively join a Local Expert, Canyon Tim, for a fascinating discussion on the wonders of this natural phenomenon, and learn about the local flora and fauna, and find out how you might be able to spot the local wildlife.
Grand Canyon National Park Lodge
Breakfast
Day 3: Grand Canyon and Lake Powell
Wake up to the backdrop of the Grand Canyon and enjoy some peace and tranquility before the day trippers arrive. You may take an optional flight-seeing helicopter ride for stunning views over the Grand Canyon before departing for the majesty of Lake Powell. Stop at Glen Canyon Dam to learn about its impact on the Colorado River before arriving at your lakefront resort. Check in to your room and enjoy the evening at leisure. Watch the sunset as you dine or relax by the pool.
Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas.
Breakfast
Day 4: A Leisurely day at Lake Powell Relaxed Start
Spend the day doing entirely as you please. Perhaps join an optional float trip (signed liability waiver required) down one of the most scenic stretches of the Colorado River or take to the skies and see the sights of Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam, and Horseshoe Bend with a 20 Minute landing on Tower Butte. The incredible 360-degree panoramic view this high is unlike any other. In the evening, enjoy an authentic dinner and performance at Red Heritage, a Navajo owned and operated performing arts theatre.
Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 5: Monument Valley and the Navajo Nation
Journey on through the barren beauty of the desert to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, where you will MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®. Board a Jeep 4x4 to explore the valley with your Navajo guide. These sturdy all-terrain vehicles offer open sides for spectacular views and a roof to protect you from the sun. Learn about Navajo history from your guide and more about life on their beautiful land. The area is also the backdrop for many Western Hollywood hits, including "Stagecoach" and "Fort Apache." Inspired by these iconic movies, you’ll find “John Wayne’s cabin” at nearby Goulding’s Lodge. This small structure was used for exterior shots in "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon," starring Wayne himself. The venue also holds a cinema dedicated to Wayne and his impressive movie portfolio. Enjoy a Navajo cookout Highlight Lunch amid the giant buttes and mesas of this unique landscape before making your way to Mesa Verde National Park, where the day draws to a close. Your lodge inside the park offers sweeping vistas reaching into three states.
Far View Lodge, Mesa Verde.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: Mesa Verde and Moab
Enjoy a comprehensive visit to the fascinating Mesa Verde National Park. View the ancient pueblo dwellings known as Cliff Palace. Settle in for a relaxing stay at your modern hotel superbly located on the charming Main Street. Later, enjoy a Dine-Around evening and choose from a hand-picked selection of excellent restaurants.
Homewood Suites, Moab.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: Delve into Canyonlands and Arches National Parks
In the morning, visit Arches National Park, housing the greatest concentration of natural arches in the world. Stop and take a short hike to the Delicate Arch Viewpoint to view the iconic arch. Then it's on to Canyonlands National Park for a drive onto the Island in the Sky, a mesa resting 1,000 feet (305 metres) above the surrounding countryside, offering spectacular views over the dramatic sandstone formations. Back at the hotel, your evening is at leisure. Perhaps enjoy the outdoors or relax in this beautiful natural setting.
Homewood Suites, Moab.
Breakfast
Day 8: Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks
Magnificent scenery awaits at Capitol Reef National Park, best known for its Waterpocket Fold, a 100- mile-long (160 kilometre) warp in the earth's crust. Journey along scenic Byway 12 - one of the most beautiful roads in the world, winding through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. End the night at The Lodge inside Bryce Canyon National Park. Officially designated as a Dark Sky Park, brightly hued sunsets and starry nights are likely to be found here.
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon.
Breakfast
Day 9: Whimsical Bryce Canyon National Park Relaxed Start
Start the day traveling through Bryce Canyon National Park, the great natural Amphitheatre. These whimsical eroded rock formations that characterize this Utah National Park are some of most unusual shapes imaginable, having an abstract artistic feel to them. Learn how wind, erosion and iron oxidation created the spellbinding hoodoos with your Travel Director. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a memorable Celebration Dinner set overlooking the park's vivacious orange and red rock formations.
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 10: Zion National Park, back to Las Vegas
Enjoy a last look at Bryce Canyon, glowing in the early morning light. Head on to Zion National Park - one of the most scenic canyons in the United States. Here, join a guided tour by a private Zion Canyon Shuttle, with live commentary, and views of the park's best sites. Your journey ends with a departure transfer to Las Vegas International Airport, arriving at 16:00.
Breakfast
