Grand Canyon Holidays

Day 1 : Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

This exciting USA fly-drive holiday begins in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It was in this state that Route 66, The Mother Road, was conceived when Cyrus Avery of Tulsa conceived of the idea to link Chicago all the way to Los Angeles. Oklahoma boasts more miles of the original highway than any other state (over 400), they were also the first state to install historic markers along the old route.

After a night of midwestern enterainment in the lively Bricktown historic district of Oklahoma City jump into your car to start your road trip through the red,dry dusty southwest. En route from Oklahoma to Texas you'll encounter such Route 66 holiday landmarks as Arcadia’s Round Barn, Catoosa’s Blue Whale, Claremore’s Will Rogers Memorial, Foyil’s Totem Pole Park, Stroud’s Rock Café and both the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton and the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City.

Day 2 : Amarillo, Texas

Distance: 258 miles

As you cruise into the Lone Star state of Texas you'll arrive in the heart of Cowboy Country and the quirky Cadillac Ranch. If you're seeking cracking scenery in Texas, be sure to take a short diversion to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, one of the most beautiful places in Texas. Here you'll learn about the Apache, Kiowa and Comanche tribes who took refuge here.

Days 3 - 4 : Santa Fe, New Mexico

Distance: 278 miles

En route to Santa Fe, New Mexico you'll pass through Tucumcari once nicknamed Six Shooter Siding due to its numerous gunfights. Tucumcari got its start in 1901 as a rowdy railroad camp filled with saloons and outlaws.Be sure to take the tour of the 20 murals throughout the town that tell the story of this unique destination.

New Mexico is fondly known at The Land Of Enchantment and your next stop Santa Fe is magical, exuberant and colourful at any time of year. The history and culture of this, the oldest state capital in the USA, will fascinate and inspire you. Spend your time here exploring the art galleries, finding bargains in the lively street markets, visiting the ancient pueblos and enjoying the many festivals that take place throughout the year.

Day 5 : Albuquerque, New Mexico

Distance: 65 miles

En route to Albuquerque, be sure to stop at the historic Santo Domingo Trading Post. If you fancy a paddle on the Rio Grande, stop en route too at Bernalillo and hire a kayak for a couple of hours.

New Mexico's 'Big City' Albuquerque is surrounded by the beautiful Sandia Mountains. Spend your time here exploring historic Old Town, or perhaps check out the Southwestern art galleries housed in ancient adobe structures.  A visit to the stunning Church of San Felipe de Neri , the city's oldest building, is a must do.

Just 45 minutes west of Albuquerque is Sky City's Ancient Acoma Pueblo.The adobe houses, plazas, and walkways on the 367-foot tall mesa have been used for nearly one thousand years, making Acoma Sky City the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States. Throughout the year Acoma residents provide tours of this fascinating place.

Day 6 : Holbrook, Arizona

Distance: 265 miles

Today you'll travel from New Mexico into the Arizona desert. Over the border you'll encounter the incredible Petrified Forest National Park with thousands of acres of petrified trees. Your next stop is sleepy Holbrook. Here we suggested you stay in one of Route 66's attractions - the quirky Wigwam Village.

Approximately 30 miles from Holbrook, en route to the Grand Canyon, is the fascinating Meteor Crater. Over 22,000 years ago a meteorite blasted a huge hole, nearly a mile across and over 500 foot deep into this plateau.

Don't forget to stop en route at Winslow too and have your picture taken Standing on the corner of Winslow, Arizona. There's a statue of a guy with a guitar, and a mural of a girl driving by in a flatbed ford. We guarantee it will have you humming the Eagles hit as you drive off.

Day 7 : Grand Canyon, Arizona

Distance: 144 miles

The Grand Canyon is not officially on a classic Route 66 holiday, but it's only a short detour off route and a sight you can't miss.  At 277 miles long and 6,000 feet deep the Grand Canyon, a World Heritage site, is the granddaddy of natural wonders encompassing over 1.2 million acres.  

Bon Voyage will be happy to suggest pre-bookable excursions at the Grand Canyon such as hikes, sunset Jeep tours and helicopter trips to the North Rim.

There's also the Desert View Scenic Drive, a 25 mile stretch of Arizona that parallels the South Rim of Grand Canyon.  Along the drive, witness the most breathtaking views of the Canyon and the massive layers of multi-coloured rock.

Days 8 - 9 : Las Vegas, Nevada

Distance: 326 miles

Next stop -Viva Las Vegas. Since its founding 100 years ago, Las Vegas has been the biggest, brightest, and the brazenest boomtown in the history of the world. Love it or hate it, there’s no denying that this place will blow your mind.

The Las Vegas Strip, now an All American Road and National Scenic Byway, is a sparkling fantasyland at the heart of the city. It’s unique blend of exciting entertainment, scenic beauty and lavishly landscaped resorts take you to a wide variety of exotic realms from a medieval castle to a Parisian sidewalk cafe, a lakeside Italian Village or a pyramid in ancient Egypt.

Here you’ll find some of the most glamorous, unique hotels in the world, complete with award winning restaurants, opulent health spas, lavish swimming pools and incredible golf courses. If you are looking for more of an adrenaline rush, try out one or more of the dozen thrill rides located throughout the city; many combine the excitement of a thrill ride with a bird’s eye view of the city, our personal favourite is Big Shot on top of the Stratosphere Hotel. Not for the faint hearted.

Let Bon Voyage suggest and pre-book shows for your whilst in the city. To make the most of your time here Bon Voyage would also be pleased to suggest plans to dine.

Days 10- 11 : Santa Monica, California

Distance: 270 miles

It's time to leave Vegas and make for the end of Route 66/33. Santa Monica is 270 miles through the Mojave Desert passing through the ghost town of Calico and historic Barstow. This is the quickest way, however, you may wish to take a detour into Death Valley or follow the true path of old Route 66 via Needles, Amboy and Ludlow. Your Route 66 consultant at Bon Voyage will discuss the options most suitable for you.

Once you hit the Pacific Ocean, you've come to the official end of Route 66. Visit the famous Santa Monica Pier and have your picture taken under the sign. 

Day 12 : Santa Monica

As they say, all good things must come to an end and it's time for your early evening flight back to the UK.

Unless, of course, you are not quite ready to go home. Perhaps you would like to extend your stay and continue north up the California coast to San Francisco and along one of the world's most scenic drives - Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway. Or maybe you would like to travel to one of the Hawaiian Islands for some relaxation before heading back home.


Call the USA experts at Bon Voyage to discuss your perfect Route 66 adventure.

If you're considering a Route 66 holiday, you may find one of our limited edition Route 66 maps handy, don't delay contact us today. We'll also sign you up to receive ideas and inspiration on the USA.