Route 66 & the American Southwest

Day 1  Los Angeles    
Arrive in Los Angeles, pick up your car and drive to your hotel in stylish Santa Monica. Stroll along the lively boardwalk to see the food vendors, street performers and amusement park along the pier.

Days 2-3  Los Angeles  
Explore the sights of Los Angeles over the next couple of days. Visit iconic landmarks including the Walk of Fame, Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory.

Day 4  Los Angeles to Barstow    
Embark on an epic Route 66 road trip, as you leave Santa Monica behind and venture across the Mojave Desert to Barstow. Make a pit stop at the popular Fair Oaks Pharmacy diner for some coffee, ice cream and novelty souvenirs, then stop for photos at the Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch, with its unique sculptures made from glass bottles. Upon reaching Barstow, perhaps learn more about this historic road with a visit to the Route 66 Mother Road Museum.

Day 5  Barstow to Flagstaff      
Today’s section of the Route 66 is one of the finest, filled with iconic Americana sights. Stop at the retro Roy’s motel and café in Ambroy, wind through the picturesque Black Mountains to Oatman and see the colourful, neon signs of Seligman.

Day 6  Grand Canyon NP      
Take a detour to one of America’s most impressive natural wonders, the Grand Canyon. Appreciate jaw-dropping views of this colossal, 277 mile long rock formation as you explore the trails around the rim.

Day 7  Flagstaff to Holbrook      
Make your way from Flagstaff to the quirky town of Holbrook. En route, pass through nostalgic towns and stop at some intriguing geological sites, including the impressive mile wide Meteor Crater or the ancient cliff dwelling of Walnut Creek National Monument.

Day 8  Holbrook to Santa Fe      
Drive through the magnificent Petrified Forest National Park and see the stunning landscape of the Painted Desert, with rolling hills striped in vibrant red and purple hues. Continue to Gallup, known for its deep-rooted Native American heritage celebrated through colourful murals. Pass through Albuquerque, then leave route 66 behind as you journey on to delightful Santa Fe.

Day 9  Santa Fe      
With Santa Fe’s rich blend of Native American and Hispanic culture, see historic adobe buildings, discover a thriving arts scene and pick up handcrafted souvenirs.

Day 10  Santa Fe to Alburquerque      
See more of the breathtaking landscape of New Mexico by taking the Turquoise Trail, a scenic byway, to Albuquerque.

Day 11  Alburquerque      
With its stunning desert setting and intriguing Spanish and Native American heritage, charming Alburquerque offers an exciting urban stretch of the Mother Road. Explore the old town’s blend of traditional adobe buildings and Victorian architecture as you visit fascinating museums, lovely local shops and restaurants serving up flavourful New Mexican cuisine.

Day 12  Alburquerque      
End your road trip here as you drop off your car at the airport for your onward travels.