A world beyond.
Hassle-free planning, regional Tour Directors & Local Guides, Handpicked hotels and inclusions, seamless transportation, VIP access, and rare Local Favourites that go beyond the guidebook. 

 

Adventure is knocking.
Turn “never thought I would” into “glad I did” with a budget-friendly tour that includes all the essentials plus a great mix of included excursions and free time. 

 

Cruising Elevated.
Cruise on Suite Ships with the widest stateroom views from your window-facing bed. Relaxed luxury flows throughout the ship in every detail plus personalise with Classic, Active, and Discovery excursions.

Back

Highlights Of Route 66 With Mother Road Festival & Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

ChicagoLos Angeles
Overview
  • Overview
  • Highlights
  • Itinerary
  • Personalise Your Trip
  • Tour Director
Download Itinerary
DOWNLOAD ITINERARY
View Map
Map
FROM
USD
3,819.00 pp*
BookDates & Prices
Get your kicks on Route 66 with a legendary trip across America. This historic route, which was called the “Main Street of America” for more than 50 years before the advent of the US Interstate system, begins in Chicago, travels through eight states, and ends in Los Angeles. On this trip down memory lane, you’ll visit the major cities along Route 66, visit 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 two special events - the 20th Annual Mother Road Festival and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta! The annual Mother Road Festival in Springfield, Illinois, brings automobile and motorcycle enthusiasts with hot cars, cool trucks, and vintage bikes together to salute Route 66 and the tradition of the open road. Enjoy classic cars, live entertainment, and other scheduled activities. Then on to St. Louis to witness amazing views of the city and the Mississippi River from the top of the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch. 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 colourful spectacle of hundreds of balloons rising into the sky at the early morning Balloon Glow and the Mass Ascension at the International Balloon Fiesta, before continuing your journey. Overnight in Williams Arizona—listed in the National Register for Historic Places and where you’ll see neon signs of the intact circa 1940s “Motel Row.” 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 trip to see Hoover Dam, an engineering marvel, or just relax by the pool. In Los Angeles, you’ll enjoy a tour of Hollywood, the Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, and finally 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.

Traveller Notes
- Adventure is knocking with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!
- On holidays that include an overnight stay in Las Vegas, at least one member of the travelling party must be 21 years of age or older.
- Maximum elevation on tour: 7,262 ft.

Map

Leisurely On the go

Country
Meals
9breakfasts;
0lunches;
0dinners;
Transport
Touring by private, air-conditioned motorcoach. Free Wi-Fi (where available)
Accommodation
Rooms with private bath or shower. Includes hotel taxes, tips and service charges
Tour Code
8580
Tour Theme
Price
*Price per person, based on Twin occupancy for 25 September 2025 departure
CAT
Highlights
Day 1

CHICAGO

Welcome to Chicago, the start of Route 66! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer questions. 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 2

CHICAGO

Known as the "Windy City," Chicago is home to magnificent architecture including one of America's tallest buildings, notorious gangster Al Capone, and countless jazz and blues clubs. Oh, and deep-dish pizza, of course! Get to know this exciting city on a morning sightseeing tour that includes the sign marking the start of historic Route 66. Spend a free afternoon exploring Chi Town-perhaps a visit to the 103rd-floor Skydeck of the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), a walk along the Magnificent Mile, or an optional river cruise for a different view of the city's celebrated architecture.  (CB) 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 3

CHICAGO-PONTIAC-SPRINGFIELD-INTERNATIONAL ROUTE 66 MOTHER ROAD FESTIVAL

This morning, take a spin through Route 66 memorabilia with a visit to the Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac. Housed in a historic fire station, this collection of fascinating items includes large maps to sketch out your upcoming Route 66 adventure, as well as nostalgic photos and postcards from the Mother Road's heyday. Then on to Springfield, the capital of Illinois, to enjoy the International Route 66 Festival, where the streets come alive with the rumble of engines from hotrod cars, cool trucks, and vintage motorcycles. There is free live entertainment featuring R&B, Motown, and chart-topping tunes of the 50s and 60s. There are also various exhibitors, vendors, and dozens of specialty food stalls. (CB)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 4

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 savour some Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, a Route 66 treat since 1929. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 5

ST. LOUIS-JOPLIN

Travel through the Missouri countryside, exploring interesting quaint towns and quirky roadside attractions along Route 66. Overnight in Joplin, a town where a couple of infamous outlaws named Bonnie and Clyde once hid out. (B) 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 6

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) 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 7

OKLAHOMA CITY-ELK CITY-AMARILLO

Start the day with a 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 for a journey through each of the eight states Route 66 passes through. Continue into the Texas Panhandle en route to Amarillo, the Yellow Rose of Texas. (B) 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 8

AMARILLO-TUCUMCARI-ALBUQUERQUE

On the way out of Amarillo, stop at Cadillac Ranch, a quirky art sculpture consisting of a collection of 10 colourful 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 travellers 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 Historic Old Town with its fine parish church and Spanish-style plaza. (CB)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 9

ALBUQUERQUE

Enjoy a day at leisure in this Southwestern city of diverse cultures, authentic art, and rich history. Consider spending time in Old Town, site of the city's original settlement or visit one of the city's fine museums, like the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, Albuquerque Museum, or the Indian Pueblo Cultural centre.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 10

ALBUQUERQUE-GALLUP-WINSLOW-WILLIAMS

Enjoy an unforgettable experience at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta's early morning Balloon Glow followed by the Mass Ascension, where hundreds of colourful hot-air balloons fill the morning sky. Then depart Albuquerque and continue 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 in their hit song "Take It Easy". The next two nights are in 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 heritage that features the Old West and Route 66. 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 11

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 with the chance to spot elk grazing in the forested areas on the South Rim. For an unforgettable experience, consider an optional helicopter flightseeing tour for an awe-inspiring 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) 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 12

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, join an optional night on the town featuring an extravagant dinner followed by a dazzling live show featuring top Vegas entertainment. (CB) 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 13

LAS VEGAS

A day at leisure to relax by the pool or explore the legendary Las Vegas Strip. Float through a Venetian canal, visit jaw-dropping horticultural displays, 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. History and engineering buffs won't want to miss an optional excursion to nearby Hoover Dam. Learn about the massive undertaking in building this towering engineering marvel known as the "Greatest Dam in the World." 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 14

LAS VEGAS-VICTORVILLE-LOS ANGELES

Today, depart the man-made oasis of Las Vegas, and cross the natural beauty of Mojave Desert and the San Bernardino Mountains en route to Los Angeles. Visit the California Route 66 Museum to see its nostalgic 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. 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 15

LOS ANGELES

Explore the exciting "City of Angels" with 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. This afternoon is at leisure. Get a real taste of Hollywood on the optional Warner Bros. Studio tour where you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how TV and movies are made, including seeing famous sets from the big and small screen.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 16

LOS ANGELES

Your holiday ends this morning. Consider extending your holiday with extra nights to explore Los Angeles further. 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHOW
*

TRIP ACCOMMODATION & OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

The displayed price is a guide only. You will be able to book most excursions within MyAccount up to 4 days prior to excursion date, where the exact price will be displayed. For Australia and New Zealand tours, optional excursions can be booked on tour with the Tour Director. All excursions are subject to availability.

Personalise your trip

Available extensions (0)

Tour directors

With Cosmos, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of your Tour Director. We’d like you to meet a Tour Director who is representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your tour.

Buryiak, Barbara

As a Tour Director for more than two decades, I've always had a passion for travel. At 18, I traveled solo throughout Europe. A few years later, I was one of three youth ambassadors on a cultural exchange to Burkina Faso. As a Tour Director, I enjoy showing off America's Heartland. I encourage my guests to talk to the locals and try the regional foods. Guests often tell me that their fondest memories are of their time spent in small towns with "real Americans."

Get your kicks on Route 66 with a legendary trip across America. This historic route, which was called the “Main Street of America” for more than 50 years before the advent of the US Interstate system, begins in Chicago, travels through eight states, and ends in Los Angeles. On this trip down memory lane, you’ll visit the major cities along Route 66, visit 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 two special events - the 20th Annual Mother Road Festival and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta! The annual Mother Road Festival in Springfield, Illinois, brings automobile and motorcycle enthusiasts with hot cars, cool trucks, and vintage bikes together to salute Route 66 and the tradition of the open road. Enjoy classic cars, live entertainment, and other scheduled activities. Then on to St. Louis to witness amazing views of the city and the Mississippi River from the top of the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch. 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 colourful spectacle of hundreds of balloons rising into the sky at the early morning Balloon Glow and the Mass Ascension at the International Balloon Fiesta, before continuing your journey. Overnight in Williams Arizona—listed in the National Register for Historic Places and where you’ll see neon signs of the intact circa 1940s “Motel Row.” 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 trip to see Hoover Dam, an engineering marvel, or just relax by the pool. In Los Angeles, you’ll enjoy a tour of Hollywood, the Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, and finally 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.

Traveller Notes
- Adventure is knocking with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!
- On holidays that include an overnight stay in Las Vegas, at least one member of the travelling party must be 21 years of age or older.
- Maximum elevation on tour: 7,262 ft.

Map

Leisurely On the go

Country
Meals
9breakfasts;
0lunches;
0dinners;
Transport
Touring by private, air-conditioned motorcoach. Free Wi-Fi (where available)
Accommodation
Rooms with private bath or shower. Includes hotel taxes, tips and service charges
Tour Code
8580
Tour Theme
Price
*Price per person, based on Twin occupancy for 25 September 2025 departure
CAT

Next Section

Highlights