Embark on the ultimate American road trip along U.S. Highway 66, the legendary “Mother Road.” Travel back in time through destinations that reflect a simpler era, where classic mom-and-pop shops and iconic roadside symbols tell the story of a nation on the move. Journey from Santa Monica Pier to St. Louis, discovering preserved motels, diners, gas stations, and roadside attractions that evoke the charm of a bygone age.
DAY 1: WELCOME TO CALIFORNIA!
Your Route 66 journey starts where the Mother Road ends—at the iconic Santa Monica Pier. Capture a photo at the famous “End of the Trail” sign, browse souvenirs at the Last Stop Shop, and enjoy the ocean air, scenic Pacific views, and lively boardwalk atmosphere. Gather this evening with your fellow travelers for dinner. D
DAY 2: OATMAN, AZ
Cross the scenic Mojave Desert, visit a historic schoolhouse then experience the Old West in Oatman, where wild burros roam the streets and cowboys entertain visitors. Continue to Kingman and stop at the iconic Hackberry General Store, a landmark filled with vintage signs, classic memorabilia, and roadside charm. B, L
DAY 3: KINGMAN & SELIGMAN, AZ
Start the day at the Arizona Route 66 Museum located inside the Powerhouse Visitors Center before traveling to Seligman, the colorful town known as the birthplace of the Route 66 preservation movement. Learn how residents helped save the historic Mother Road. Browse iconic attractions such as Angel’s Barber Shop and Delgadillo’s Snow Cap before enjoying a two-night stay at the historic La Posada Hotel, celebrated for its Southwestern charm and rich railroad heritage. B, D
DAY 4: WINSLOW, AZ
Venture to one of the world’s best-preserved meteor impact sites and enjoy views from the rim of this massive crater. This afternoon head over to Winslow’s famous “Standin’ on the Corner” Park before visiting Holbrook’s iconic Wigwam Motel and Jack Rabbit Trading Post. Return to the historic La Posada Hotel this evening and enjoy time to explore its beautiful gardens and Southwestern art galleries. B, D
DAY 5: PETRIFIED FOREST NATIONAL PARK
Travel through Petrified Forest National Park with an audio guide and experience a unique landscape of colorful petrified wood, painted badlands, and sweeping desert vistas. This afternoon arrive at the historic El Rancho Hotel in Gallup, the famed lodging place of countless Hollywood stars during the golden age of Western filmmaking. Enjoy a presentation by a local historian. B, D
DAY 6: ALBUQUERQUE, NM
Continue into Albuquerque and travel along historic Central Avenue, discovering the stories behind its remarkable 18-mile stretch of Route 66. Spend the day exploring Old Town’s historic plaza, adobe buildings, and shops. This evening, watch the Mother Road come alive as neon signs glow across historic motels, diners, and storefronts, recreating the nostalgic glow that once welcomed travelers from across America. B, D
DAY 7: SANTA FE & TUCAMCARI, NM
Head to Santa Fe, one of the largest cities on the original route, tour the historic Plaza, seek out historic Route alignments, admire Loretto Chapel, and browse the boutiques on Canyon Road where centuries of cultural influences blend. This afternoon capture the vintage charm of Tucumcari and tour the iconic Blue Swallow Motel B, D
DAY 8: AMARILLO, TX
Head to Texas, for a stop at the famous Midpoint sign, we’re halfway there! It’s the halfway point between Chicago and Santa Monica. Enjoy a lively Texas-style lunch at the legendary Big Texan Steak Ranch. Journey to the legendary Cadillac Ranch, where you can leave your mark by adding colorful artwork to this ever-changing installation. B, L
DAY 9: CATOOSA, OK
Take a venture to the Art Deco style U Drop Inn Café before adventuring to the Old Round Barn, a unique architectural landmark. See POPS, the iconic restaurant with the towering 66-foot-tall pop bottle statue. Tour the Route 66 Interpretive Center that explores the deeper meaning of Route 66 and how it brought opportunity, culture and economic life to small communities. B, D
DAY 10: JOPLIN, MO
Visit the whimsical Blue Whale of Catoosa. Continue to the Will Rogers Museum in Claremore to explore the life and legacy of the beloved humorist. Continue onward to view Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park, a striking folk-art landmark and towering roadside masterpiece. Continue into Joplin to visit the Bonnie and Clyde Hideout before heading to Grand Falls, Missouri’s largest continuously flowing natural waterfall. Conclude the journey back home in Springfield, the official birthplace of Route 66, where the historic highway was named in 1926. B
ACCOMMODATIONS
Night 1: Fairfield Inn & Suites, Victorville, CA
Night 2: Ramada Hotel, Kingman, AZ
Nights 3-4: La Posada Hotel, Winslow, AZ
Night 5: El Rancho Hotel, Gallup, NM
Night 6: Drury Inn & Suites, Albuquerque, NM
Night 7: Fairfield Inn & Suites, Tucumcari, NM
Night 8: Holiday Inn & Express, Shamrock, TX
Night 9: Hampton Inn & Suites, Tulsa, OK
Departure Cities:
- Springfield, MO
Depart: October 8, 2027
Return: October 17, 2027
Price per person:
- DB $3,199
- SG $3,849
This tour departs by included one-way airfare from SGF and returns by deluxe motorcoach to Springfield, MO.
Other General Information
Tour Communications: You will receive three key communications leading up to your tour:
- Get Ready: Your email confirmation and initial tour information, sent after you register.
- Get Set: An email with additional tour details, sent approximately two months before departure.
- Go: Your final trip documents, mailed via USPS approximately three to four weeks before departure. This packet will include your daily itinerary, luggage tags, and final departure information.
Travel Protection: Travel Protection is optional but highly recommended and may be purchased until the day before departure. Sunrise Tours offers plans through battleface. Additional information will be included with your Get Ready email and can also be found HERE.
Inclusions: Unless otherwise noted, your Sunrise Tour includes:
- A professional Sunrise Tour Director
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Local step-on guides, including gratuities
- International tour guide gratuities when specified for the individual tour
- Deluxe motorcoach transportation with an onboard restroom
- Admission to activities and events as indicated
- Airfare from designated airports
- Transportation to and from designated airports from our convenient local pickup points*
- Luggage handling at hotels when available
Gratuities: We believe tipping is a personal and discretionary interaction between our guests and staff. A typical gratuity for your Sunrise Tour Director and motorcoach driver is $6 to $10 per person, per day of the tour. Sunrise Shuttle drivers also appreciate gratuities for excellent service, with a suggested amount of $5 per person. Our staff will not solicit gratuities or distribute gratuity envelopes.
Refreshments: We are happy to provide refreshments on most motorcoach travel days. We also recommend bringing a refillable water bottle to help you stay hydrated throughout your tour.
Pickup Points: If fewer than four travelers request a particular pickup point, we may ask those guests to select another available pickup location. Travelers are also welcome to join a tour from a city that is not listed as a departure point. Please contact our friendly reservations team to discuss available arrangements. For departure cities not listed, airfare is typically $100 more than the published fare for domestic tours and $200 more for international tours.
TSA PreCheck and Airline Rewards Numbers: TSA PreCheck, Known Traveler Numbers, and airline rewards numbers must be provided to our reservations team at least 60 days before departure. Numbers received after this deadline may not be applied to your reservation.
Airline Seating: Preferred seating may not be available with group airfare. In some cases, seats are not assigned until travelers arrive at the airport. Your tour fare includes an economy-class seat but does not include advance seat selection. Seat upgrades may be available for an additional cost.
Motorcoach Capacity and Seating: To provide one of the most comfortable motorcoach experiences in the industry, Sunrise Tours generally limits motorcoaches to 80% capacity. This allows for a maximum of 44 passengers on a motorcoach designed to accommodate 55. Sunrise Tours reserves the right to amend this practice. Your Tour Director will rotate motorcoach seating each day of the tour. Payment of a single-occupancy fare does not guarantee two motorcoach seats, and you may be seated beside another friendly Sunrise Tours guest.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.
