14 Day Route 66 Bus Tour
June 16-29, 2013
“If you ever plan to motor west
Travel my way, the highway that's the best.
Get your kicks on Route 66!”
Itinerary:
Before our ROUTE 66 Expedition begins, we are offering an additional hotel stay in Chicago prior to the trip. Cost of the hotel is $119 per person, based on double occupancy. This will be the same hotel we use to begin our tour.
Saturday, June 16th- WELCOME TO CHICAGO, ILLINOIS!
Today we begin our historic Route 66 adventure with a special “welcome dinner.” Ricky Tims and Jim West will be your hosts for tonight’s dinner, and you will have an opportunity to mix and mingle with everyone who is participating on this historic expedition. Theme for today is “Gangstah!” D
Sunday, June 17th - WELCOME TO SPRINGFIELD!
Following a delicious early breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and travel south to Springfield, Illinois. Upon our arrival, we will check into our hotel and have time for lunch and relaxing on our own. This afternoon we will visit the Abraham Lincoln Museum and his homestead. Later in the afternoon we will visit a local quilt shop for some shopping and fun! We will return to our hotel in the early evening and enjoy a delicious dinner. Theme for today is “Abe Lincoln.” B, D
Monday, June 18th– WELCOME TO ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI!
This morning following breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and drive to the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), located in Collinsville, Illinois. There will be time to enjoy the site, have lunch and shop this afternoon, in addition to seeing the world's largest catsup bottle! We will continue our drive south to St. Louis, Missouri. Tonight we will all enjoy dinner on a Riverboat cruise. Theme for today is “North American History.” B, D
Tuesday, June 19th – ST. LOUIS FUN!
Following breakfast this morning, we will check out of our hotel and enjoy a tour of the famous Gateway Arch at the National Westward Expansion Memorial. This visit includes a ride to the top of the arch, with panoramic views of St. Louis and the surrounding area. We will enjoy lunch together at a nearby restaurant and stop off at the legendary Ted Drews Frozen Custard Shop for those who would like to partake of the legendary frozen custard for dessert. We will continue our drive to the extraordinary Meramec Caverns, originally a hide out for Jesse James. We will finish our day with an overnight stay in Rolla, Missouri. Theme for today is “Jesse James.” B, L
Wednesday, June 20th – WELCOME TO BRANSON!
Following breakfast today we will check out of our hotel and travel to the entertainment capital of the Midwest- Branson, Missouri! We will have lunch and then enjoy a visit to the Quilts and Quilts Country Store. Following this visit, we will check into our hotel and the remainder of the evening is free at your leisure. Tonight you may opt to enjoy dinner and show at one of the local theaters in Branson. Theme for today is “Country Cutie.” B, L
Thursday, June 21st – WELCOME TO JOPLIN!
Today following breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and drive to Joplin, Missouri! Because of the devastating tornado that touched down in this city in 2011, we are encouraged to do something special for the local quilt guild and quilt shop in the area. Therefore, we will be participating in a special silent auction fundraiser for quilters in Joplin. Today’s theme is “Helping Hands.” B, D
Friday, June 22nd – WELCOME TO OKLAHOMA CITY!
Following an early breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and travel to Oklahoma City. We will check into our hotel and spend the afternoon visiting a Native American Indian Reservation. We will enjoy an authentic Native American dinner. Theme for today is “Native Americans.” B, D
Saturday, June 23rd – WELCOME TO AMARILLO!
This morning we will start early with a hearty breakfast and travel to Amarillo, Texas. We will arrive midday in Amarillo and have an opportunity to enjoy for the remainder of the afternoon, part of the original historic Route 66 district. Over one mile of antiques and collectibles stretch down streets that feature historic buildings that once housed theatres, cafes and drug stores, which have now been turned into antique, craft and specialty shops. Tonight, dinner will be at the Big Texan Steak Ranch. Theme for today is “Cowboys and Indians.” B, D
Sunday, June 24th – WELCOME TO SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO!
This morning we will check out of our hotel and drive to Santa Fe. During our journey we stop for lunch and also watch the movie The Grapes of Wrath, starring Henry Fonda. We will arrive into town in the later part of the afternoon. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Theme for today is “Steinbeck, & The Grapes of Wrath.” B, L
Monday, June 25th – SANTA FE AT YOUR LEISURE!
This morning is completely at your leisure. There are many art galleries, boutique shops and fabulous restaurants for you to enjoy. Tonight we will meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Theme for today is “Casual Tourist.” B, D
Tuesday, June 26th – WELCOME TO GALLUP!
Following an early breakfast, we check out of our hotel and drive to Gallup, New Mexico. We have a few surprises along the way that are sure to put a smile on your face! Theme for today is “Desert Diva!” B, L
Wednesday, June 27th – WELCOME TO THE GRAND CANYON!
This morning after breakfast, we will travel to the historical and extraordinary Grand Canyon! Upon our arrival we will check into our hotel and relax for the remainder of the day. We will enjoy dinner at the hotel and Ricky will share some special stories following dinner. Theme for today is “Natural Wonder.” B, D
Thursday, June 28th – WELCOME TO BARSTOW!
This morning you can enjoy the beauty of the early morning sunrise over the Grand Canyon before we check out of our hotel and begin our drive to Barstow, California. We will have lunch along the way. Later in the day, we will arrive at our hotel where we will settle in for a good night sleep. Theme for today is “California Dreaming.” B, L
Friday, June 29th – WELCOME TO LOS ANGELES!
This morning following breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and visit the Calico Ghost Town in the nearby town of Yermo. From here we will drive to Los Angeles and the extraordinary Hollywood, California! We will enjoy a panoramic tour of the city before checking into our hotel. Tonight we bring our extraordinary Route 66 Expedition to a close with a special “farewell dinner.” It will be an extraordinary close to our incredible journey! Theme for today is “Movie Star.” B, D
We are offering an optional night hotel stay on June 30th for those who might be interested. Cost is $139 per person, based on double occupancy. This will be a free day for you to enjoy at your leisure.
