Commemorate a century of adventure on a true American classic. Known as the “Mother Road,” this iconic highway has long symbolized freedom, exploration, and the spirit of the open road. Along the way, soak in the nostalgic charm of retro diners, glowing neon signs, roadside curiosities, and timeless mom-and-pop establishments that bring the golden age of travel to life.
- See the Blue Whale of Catoosa, a Route 66 icon that has delighted road trippers since the 70s
- Visit Cadillac Ranch, a roadside art installation in Amarillo, Texas
- Explore the historic Texas town of Amarillo with a local guide
- Walk among fossilized trees and colorful desert landscapes in Petrified Forest National Park
- Explore Santa Monica Pier, the official end of Route 66
- Capture unforgettable moments at classic diners, neon signs, retro gas stations, and unique roadside attractions along the way
DAY 1: WELCOME TO LOS ANGELES!
Your Route 66 adventure begins at the end! In iconic fashion at the Santa Monica Pier, snap a photo at the official “End of the Trail” sign and browse souvenirs at the Last Stop Shop. Enjoy the ocean breeze, stunning coastal views, and a bit of classic boardwalk fun. See the site of the first McDonald’s opened in 1940, and view one of the few remaining lodging trends from the 1930s, the Wigwam Motel. D
DAY 2: OATMAN, AZ
Continue through the Golden State with a visit to the California Route 66 Museum, where interactive exhibits showcase the highway’s cultural and economic impact. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Mojave Desert, stopping at a historic schoolhouse before heading into Oatman, AZ. Here, be a part of a lively Wild West performance, while wild burros, descendants of mining days, roam the streets and welcome visitors into town. B, D
DAY 3: KINGMAN & SELIGMAN, AZ
Visit the Powerhouse Visitors Center, a hub of Route 66 history and home to the Arizona Route 66 Museum. Continue east through Peach Springs, the town that inspired Pixar’s Cars. In Seligman, often called the birthplace of the Route 66 revival, enjoy vintage charm, neon signs, and colorful storefronts. Stop at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In, a quirky eatery known for its pranks and dedication to Route 66 culture. End the day in Winslow. B, D
DAY 4: WINSLOW, AZ
Step back in time on a special tour honoring the pioneering women who brought elegance and hospitality to the American railroad and Route 66. In downtown Winslow, visit the iconic “Standing on the Corner” park, immortalized by the Eagles’ hit song. Enjoy nostalgic photo stops at the classic Jack Rabbit Trading Post, and travel through Holbrook, where a stop at the famous Wigwam Motel offers a glimpse of one of Route 66’s most whimsical and beloved landmarks. B, L
DAY 5: PETRIFIED FOREST NATIONAL PARK
Spend the day exploring Petrified Forest National Park, home to the world’s largest and most colorful collection of petrified wood, dating back over 225 million years. This striking landscape, part of a natural travel corridor used for over 10,000 years, is also crossed by historic Route 66. Start at the Painted Desert Visitor Center, then enjoy lunch on your own at the Painted Desert Diner. Afterward, take a scenic 28-mile drive through the park. Continue to Gallup, NM, for an overnight stay at the historic El Rancho Hotel, once a favorite of movie stars filming in the area. B, D
DAY 6: ALBUQUERQUE, NM
It’s full speed ahead to Albuquerque, where you’ll travel along 4th Street, the original north-south route of Route 66 before its east-west realignment in 1937. While downtown, visit the unique intersection of 4th Street and Central Avenue—the only place in the country where Route 66 crosses itself. Continue along the path of the original Route 66 to Santa Fe. B, D
DAY 7: SANTA FE/TUCAMACARI, NM
Enjoy a morning exploring the Old Santa Fe Trail with classic Route 66 highlights. Travel through beautiful desert landscapes arriving in Tucumcari, where we’ll visit the iconic Blue Swallow Motel. Cross into Texas and reach the halfway point in Adrian; don’t forget to snap a photo at the Midpoint sign! As we head toward Amarillo, watch for the quirky leaning water tower in Groom, a fun roadside landmark. Tonight, enjoy a Texas-sized dinner at the legendary Big Texan Steak Ranch. B, D
DAY 8: AMARILLO, TX/OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
Begin today with a visit to the iconic Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, where you can snap photos and even leave your mark with a spray paint on the half-buried classic cars. From there, head to Devil’s Rope Museum, which tells the unexpected story of barbed wire and its role in shaping the American West. Next, travel to Shamrock, TX, for a stop at the art deco U-Drop Inn Cafe. Continue to Elk City for a visit to the National Route 66 Museum, where vintage vehicles, neon signs, and nostalgic exhibits bring the history of the Mother Road to life. B, D
DAY 9: JOPLIN, MO
This morning, visit the Old Round Barn in Arcadia, a beautifully restored landmark that has stood along Route 66 since 1898. Next, explore the Route 66 Interpretive Center in Chandler, where artwork and memorabilia capture the spirit of the Mother Road. Snap a fun photo at the famous Blue Whale of Catoosa, a beloved roadside attraction. In Claremore, learn about the life and legacy of humorist Will Rogers at his memorial museum. Then make a quick photo stop at the World’s Largest Totem Pole, a colorful tribute to folk art. B, D
DAY 10: RETURN HOME
Begin the final stretch in Joplin with a visit to Route 66 Mural Park and the apartment where Bonnie and Clyde once hid. Continue east to Springfield, the official birthplace of Route 66, for a taste of nostalgic roadside charm. Travel through the scenic Ozarks, passing small towns and classic Americana. In Cuba, MO—nicknamed Mural City—enjoy colorful street art that brings Route 66 history to life. Return home with great memories, celebrating 100 years of this iconic American highway. B
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Night 1: Home 2 Suites, San Bernadino, CA (or similar)
Night 2: Ramada, Kingman, AZ
Nights 3-4: Winslow Hotel, Winslow, AZ
Night 5: El Rancho Hotel, Gallup, NM
Night 6: Drury Plaza, Santa Fe, NM
Night 7: Fairfield Inn, Amarillo, TX
Night 8: Hampton Inn & Suites, Oklahoma City, OK (or similar)
Night 9: Drury Inn, Joplin, MO
Departure Cities:
- St. Louis
Depart: September 3, 2026
Return: September 12, 2026
Price Per Person: (SAME PRICE AS 2025!)
- DB $2,799,
- TP/QD $2,569
- SG $3,339
This tour is a fly-in, drive-out tour. Price includes departure airfare from STL. Call for other gateway cities.
Other General Information
We will send 3 key communications for your tour; “Get Ready” is your email confirmation and initial tour information sent upon registration, “Get Set” email will be sent about two months before departure, “Go” trip documentation mailing is sent via USPS 3-4 weeks before departure and will include your daily itinerary, luggage tags and final departure information.
Travel Protection is optional and highly recommended and can be purchased until the day before departure. We offer Travel Guard from AIG, which costs 8.5% of your tour, information about which will be sent with your Get Ready email.
Unless otherwise noted, your Sunrise Tour includes: Professional Sunrise Tour Director, meals as indicated, local step on guides including gratuity (international tour guide gratuity inclusion vary by tour), deluxe motorcoach transportation w/rest room, admission to activities and events as indicated, airfare from designated airports, transportation to/from designated airports from our convenient local pickup points*, luggage handling at hotels when available
We believe tipping is a personal and discretionary interaction between our guests and our staff. A typical gratuity for your Sunrise Tour Director and motorcoach driver may be $5-$7per person, per day on tour. Sunrise Shuttle drivers appreciate gratuities (suggest $5 per person) for excellent service as well. Our staff will not solicit gratuities or pass out envelopes.
We are happy to offer refreshments on most motorcoach travel days on tour. We recommend you bring a refillable water bottle to maintain healthy hydration.
If less than 4 people request a pickup point, we may ask that you choose another pickup point from which to join your Sunrise Tour.
If you would like to join a tour from a city not listed as a departure point, we would love to have you along! Please discuss arrangements with our friendly reservation team. From a departure city not listed, typical airfare will be +$100 higher than our published fare for domestic tours, and +$200 for international tours.
If you have a TSA precheck or Airline Rewards numbers, you MUST give those numbers to our reservations team at least 60 days before departure, otherwise they may not be applied.
Preferred seating may not be available on group air. In some cases, seats are not assigned until the airport. Your tour fare includes an economy seat on the flight; it does not include seat selection. Seat upgrades may be available at an additional cost.
To help make our tours the most comfortable in the business, we limit Sunrise Tours motorcoaches to 80% capacity, or 44 passengers on a coach built for 55. We reserve the right to amend this practice.
Your Tour Director will rotate seats on the motorcoach each day of your tour. A single fare does not guarantee two seats on the coach; you may be seated next to another friendly Sunrise Tours guest.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.
