The ending point is at Jackson Blvd. and Lake Shore Drive.

During your two full days in Chicago, you'll experience some of Chicago's greatest offerings, as well as having a Route 66 tour.

At 10:15 AM, meet your study guide in the hotel lobby. The group will walk to the Art Institute for early entry.

From 10:30 -11:30 AM you'll have a walking exploration of the Art Institute of Chicago, including the history, architecture, and an orientation to the collection.

Route 66 actually starts right in front of the Art Institute!

You'll be able to select from a huge variety of food choices.

From portraits to landscapes to semi-abstractions, you'll discover how artists express the many sides of the American experience through the rich variety of this collection.

After your guided walk, you'll have time to explore some things on your own.

Walk back to Club Quarters at 4:15 PM.

The walk (with lots of stops to look at buildings) lasts approximately two hours.

Return to the hotel to rest before dinner.

Tonight, you'll visit Tommy Gun's Garage, Chicago's only original Speakeasy Dinner Theater. The evening will include a raid by the cops, complete with raid sirens and flashing lights. This audience interactive club offiers a musical comedy revue with the gangsters, the flappers, and YOU! After dinner, join Vito, Gloves, and the mugs and dolls for non-stop comedy and dangerous fun as they entertain you. Alcohol is an extra, but can certainly be purchased on your own! Dinner will include soup or salad, rollas butter, and one of several entree choices. Ice cream is served at intermission; coffee, tea, or soda included with dinner.

Bus departs for Springfield, IL, where you'll spend the night.

We'll follow Route 66 as closely as is possible; often, it's impossible to take a motorcoach on roads that are in poor repair or are unsafe, so we'll move between interstates and frontage roads to access points of interest.

Bus will travel through some of Chicago's suburbs. We'll pick up I-55 to continue on to Pontiac, IL

Pontiac also offers some rather quaint remnants of Rt. 66, including a Rt. 66 Hall of Fame, which you'll visit.

The former highway, US Route 66, once ran directly through the city's downtown and later on a bypass to the east.

From 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM, you'll have a ride on the Main Street Trolley to see the historic murals in Pontiac.

Your study guide has some fun places he'll want you to see on the way, including the Pioneer Motel and Bill Shea's Gas Station.

Upon arrival in Springfield, the bus will travel to Lincoln's Tomb State Historic Site, where the President and his family are laid to rest. We'll schedule your visit for 4:30 PM; visits last no more than 30 minutes. Silence is requested at this site visit.

Afterwards, bus takes you to the Hilton Springfield for check-in (about 5:30 PM).

Bennigan's is an Irish American Grill & Tavern, famous for great food.

You'll depart from Springfield, IL, and take a sidetrip to Lincoln's Home, where the president and his family lived.

You'll also visit the Lincoln Museum (we can't visit the Lincoln Library as it's not open on weekends.

After our visits, we'll proceed to our lunch destination.

First, we'll see Staunton, famous for Henry's Rabbit Ranch, which we'll visit, and Livingston. As we approach the little town of Hamel, we'll see the Church of the Neon Cross.

We'll pick up I-55 and travel into St. Louis, MO, the largest city on Rt. 66 between Los Angeles and Chicago.

We'll skirt St. Louis along a Rt. 66 alignment and arrive in Kirkwood on US-67.

Time permitting, we'll check into our hotel before dinner.

We'll go first to a historic area called Forest Park, where early Rt. 66 ran through. Its many attractions include the Missouri History Museum. The Missouri History Museum has been active in the St. Louis community since 1866. Founding members created the organization “for the purpose of saving from oblivion the early history of the city and state.” Today, the Missouri History Museum is located in historic Forest Park, the site of the 1904 World’s Fair.

After the 10:00 AM visit to the Museum, we'll divert and have a little treat at Ted Drew's Frozen Custard.

Next stop will be Meramec Caverns, a complex of mineral formations and color as rare and unique as they are beautiful. The formations took thousands of years to grow, and are preserved in the spectacular sights of the caverns.

You will have the 45 minute abbreviated group tour, which has all the highlights of the regular tour, but with less walking.

The Caverns are wheelchair accessible, but wheelchairs are not available on site

We'll pick up some boxed lunches from the Caverns restaurant, and proceed on to Rolla, MO.

Across I-44 at Exit 189 is the Mule Trading Post, purveyor of Ozark souvenirs for many a year.

Rolla is a city in Phelps County midway between the larger cities of St. Louis and Springfield. The population was estimated in 2008 as 18,438.

Rolla is an important center for state and federal education and research in science and technology. In addition, the US Geological Survey operates a large regional facility with various centers there. The headquarters of the Mark Twain National Forest, the only United States National Forest in Missouri, is also located in Rolla.

As a quirky aside, although private businesses are more limited, Royal Canin, a major manufacturer of dog and cat food, operates in Rolla.

The city has some wonderful old homes, and it really is a beautiful place to see.

Bus continues on to Springfield, MO, where we'll spend the night.

We'll check into the hotel there at approximately 6:30 PM.

You'll continue west, crossing I-44 onto MO-266 (Historic US-66) and go through Elwood, Halltown, Paris Springs (where we'll stop at the Gay Parita Sinclair Station), Spencer, Heatonville, Albatross (yup, Albatross!), Phelps, Rescue (the names are getting more interesting!), Plew, Log City, Stone City, Avilla, Forest Mills, Maxville (where, at the 7-11 store, you'll see the Flying Manure Spreader - sorry, it's fondly known as the "Crap Duster"), and Carthage (with its Civil War Museum and Historic Town Square), followed by Brooklyn Heights, Carterville, Webb City, and finally, Joplin.

From Joplin, it's just a few miles into Kansas and Baxter Springs. You'll almost immediately enter Oklahoma on US-69 (Oklahoma 66).

Just a few miles down the road, you'll enter Mickey Mantle's hometown of Commerce, OK.

A few miles on is Miami, OK. This town has 13 miles of Route 66 as its main street. We'll stop for lunch at a restaurant in Miami.

You'll pass through Vinita (which, by the way, has one of the largest, if not THE largest) McDonald's restaurants in the world!), continue to White Oak, Chelsea, Busyhead, and Foyil. At Foyil, we'll take a sidetrip 4 miles east on OK-28 to Galloway Park, where a 90-foot totem pole is surrounded by other local art.

Then, on to Sequoyah, and then to Claremore.

We'll visit the Will Rogers Memorial there, and if time permits, pass by the famous Blue Whale Swimming Hole and The Ark.

Continuing on OK-66, you'll go through Verdigris and Catoosa

We'll bypass Tulsa as much as we can and aim for Sapulpa. continuing on OK-66, going through Bristow, Pulaski, Depew, Stroud, and Davenport.

Continue on OK-66 and if time and weather permit, go through Chandler, Warwick, Wellston, Luther and Arcadia.

Exit at I-44 and enter Oklahoma City. Proceed to hotel for check-in at approximately 5:30 PM.

At 9:30 AM, we'll take you to see the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City (visit at 10:00 AM)

This amazing museum features , American Rodeo Gallery, Museum of the Frontier West, Western Performers' Gallery, Children's Cowboy Corral, Art of the American West, Native American Gallery, Monumental Sculptures Gallery, and the Eldridge Gallery, We'll take a few hours for you to enjoy this most interesting place.

We'll take I-40 to Amarillo, with a few short departures from the Interstate. You'll go through Elk City, visit the Rt. 66 National Museum, then continue onward.

In Shamrock, which we'll drive through, you'll see the U-Drop-Inn Restaurant, the the Leaning Water Tower (built that way to attract visitors), and the largest cross in the western hemisphere.

Much of Route 66 through this area is really rough going, with a lot of dirt roads, often impassable for a motor coach, so we'll stick to I-40 for your safety.

We'll go around Conway, and enter Amarillo on Business Loop I-40. We'll proceed to the hotel for check-in about 6:00 PM.

Bus will depart for dinner destination about 6:45 PM.

As you cross the threshold, you'll feel the excitement shared by thousands of visitors each year. Laughter echoes above the sizzle of steaks on the open grill. The strolling musicians may be strumming "The Yellow Rose of Texas" or "Amarillo by Morning."

Take in the old-fashioned bar, the giant rocking chair, the magician entertaining in the lobby, and the lure of intriguing items in the gift shop.

Big Texan Prime Rib is one of the all-time favorites, as are the tender 6-ounce filets and the hearty 36-oz. Houston Cut ribeyes.

There's always a big contest going on to see if someone can actually eat all of a 72-ounce steak (if you can, you get dinner for free!). We think it's fair to tell you, though, that only 8,500 people have succeeded in completing the feat and 50,000 have tried! The record, though, is held by a Bengal tiger; his meal was limited to the steak only and he dined in the front of the building. It took him less than 90 seconds to eat the steak!

Linebackers and linemen from UCLA took the challenge, and none of their names made it to the "Wall of Fame." Professional wrestler, Klondike Bill, ate two of the dinners within the one-hour time limit.

We think you'll love the Big Texan; it was right on Route 66 and enjoyed feeding many, many travelers - just like you!

We'll depart Amarillo along the remnants of Route 66 to Cadillac Ranch. It was the brainchild of Stanley Marsh III, the helium millionaire who owns the dusty wheat field where it stands. Marsh and the Ant Farm, a San Francisco art collective, assembled used Cadillacs representing the "Golden Age" of American Automobiles (1949-1963). The 10 graffiti-covered cars are half-buried, nose-down, facing west "at the same angle as the Cheops' pyramids."

There are other bits of Marsh art in the vicinity; Cadillac Ranch is a "must-see" that was moved from one location to the current location in 1997.

Bus continues onward, passing through some fascinating little towns, including Vega, Adrian (billed as the geographical midpoint of Rt 66) and Glenrio, astraddle the Texas/New Mexico state line, which was beaten by the bypassand is now home to picturesque ruins and barking dogs.

We'll arrive in Tucumcari about noon.

Del's is a comfortable, family restaurant with a pleasant atmosphere and a unique, attractive decor. It was established in 1956 on historic Route 66. It's run by sisters, Yvonne and Yvette. Website: www.delsrestaurant.com

Opened in 2000, the exhibit hall houses replicated and original fossils, from tiny footprint casts to the 40' long skeleton of a Torvosaurus. It was the first museum in the world to display this beast, a rare carnivore from the Jurassic that is related to Tyrannosaurus Rex.

After the museum, you'll have a bus expedition around Tucumcari.

This town is still prosperous and offers Route 66 travelers the first real glimpse of what Route 66 was all about.

Motel Row is first - even today, the neon signs beckon and entice the wanderer to stop awhile and rest.

There will be a photo opportunity at the Rt. 66 Monument. You'll see the historic Blue Swallow Motel and others.

After your trip around Tucumcari, the bus will depart for Albuquerque, with a stop at Comet Drive-In in Santa Rosa, arriving at hotel about 6:30 PM.

Hotel check-in prior to dinner.

At 10:15 AM, bus will depart for Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, arriving at 10:30 AM.

Owned and run by the 19 Indian Pueblos of New Mexico, this important center showcases the history of the Pueblo people through ancient artifacts, dance demonstrations, and art exhibits.

Route 66 definitely had an effect on Native Americans of the state, as it brought tourism to the state, a route via which commerce could reach from east to west, and more people to live in the area.

You'll enjoy the opportunity to see many of the beautiful exhibits here, and to think about how a highway could influence so many lives.

Old Town is the site where the city of Albuquerque initially was located. There are many historic buildings here, including San Felipe de Neri Catholic Church. You'll have a good time wandering around the area looking at the adobe architecture, some of the shops, and visiting some of the historic buildings.

There is also a lovely Museum of Natural History close by, as well as some other museums. Your group leader will give you information about things to do in Old Town.

Bus picks you up at 5:30 PM to take you to dinner destination.

Field trip around Acoma Pueblo at approximately 11:00 AM.

Acoma Pueblo , located 85 miles from Albuquerque, is often called "Sky City."

The oldest part of the pueblo was built on top of a 400-foot mesa, to protect it from attack.

Much as it was several hundred years ago, the pueblo has no electricity and no running water, but its residents vie for chances to live there for a year at a time.

There are other pueblo villages at the base of the mesa, where most of the Acoma Indians dwell.

You'll have an opportunity to explore the Visitors' Center, and then you'll be bused to the top of the mesa where you'll see the adobe dwellings, an old Spanish church and meet some of the inhabitants of this remarkable pueblo.

Bus departs for lunch destination.

You'll travel along some remaining parts of old Rt. 66 and will stop for several photo opportunities.

The bus will take a jog through Grants, NM. It is a railroad town and trading center for a large agricultural and ranching territory.

The junctions of NM 53 and NM 174 unite with US 66 west for 4 miles; the roads aren't the greatest for the bus to travel on, but you should know about the alignments.

Your group leader will talk about the original Rt. 66 and the areas through which it passed. You'll take a little detour (Exit 47; I-40 crosses the Continental Divide at 7,275 feet) off the interstate where Rt. 66 crossed it. It's not terribly exciting, but entrepreneurs still exploit it!

At Exit 26, the red rock gets seriously splendiferous at Red Rock State Park.

Gallup is rough around the edges, but nonetheless, a gem. At its heart, Rt. 66 splits vintage storefronts on one side from the railroad tracks on the other. The town was forged by the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway in 1881.

Before the railroad was built, there was only a saloon and general store here; it was built about 1880, was called the Blue Goose, and it is still standing--and served as a stop on the Westward Overland Stage.

Gallup is the main shipping point and buying center for the Navajo wool clip. Many Navajos from the vast reservation come here to trade, do their laundry, and cash their checks.

You'll have a special visit to Richardson's Trading Post. The Richardsons have traded with the Indians since 1913, and the place is as much a living museum as a store.

The bus will give you a tour of Gallup prior to hotel check-in at 5:00 PM.

The El Rancho Hotel, was built in 1937 to house stars filming Western movies in the area. Ronald Reagan, Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, and Kirk Douglas were among the many who stayed at El Rancho. The hotel is decorated and furnished throughout in an Old West rustic style.

Heavy on comfort food such as chicken fried steak, you can also select Navajo tacos and mexican food.

Local Native Americans market their wares outside the restaurant, and inside, move around among the Formica-topped tables offering jewelry and other items

This restaurant was on old Rt. 66 and is a lot of fun for participants to experience.

In the 1880s, the frontiersmen were cowboys, cattle ranchers and railroaders who made Holbrook the center of ranch country.

In the 1930s through the 1950s, the "frontiersmen" were travelers of Route 66, known as The Mother Road and The Main Street of America.

This narrow strip of asphalt was a symbol of hope for farmers fleeing the dust bowl and soldiers starting a new life after World War II. Today, Holbrook is the frontier for modern explorers.

Bus continues on to Winslow. Here, you'll see the historic La Posada Hotel. This magnificent property, designed by renowned architect, Mary Colter, is the last of the great Harvey Houses of the 1930s. As the showplace of the entire Santa Fe Railroad system, all passenger trains running between Los Angeles and Chicago stopped at La Posada.

The hotel has been beautifully restored and is in full operation.

Route 66 buffs enjoy Winslow's historic downtown district.

You'll then continue on to Flagstaff.

During this part of the program, you'll have a step-on guide who knows this part of the country very well and can really tell you about all the things you'll see from Holbrooke to Flagstaff.

Upon arrival in Flagstaff, we'll check in at the hotel, and then if you wish, the bus will take you to the charming downtown area where you can have a few hours on your own.

Bus will pick you up at designated location and take you back to the hotel and then to our dinner destination.

The first stop in the Canyon is at the Desert View Lookout on the East Rim. You'll have plenty of time to take in the views of the Colorado River and the Painted Desert from the observation tower.

Next, we will stop at Grand Canyon Village on the Canyon's South Rim, where there are many famous buildings including El Tovar and Hopi House. You'll have some free time to explore the buildings or walk along the paved rim trail.

Don't forget your camera!

The bus will depart for Williams, AZ about 3:00 PM.

Hotel check-in upon arrival in Williams.

We know you'll be tired, so we have nothing planned for the rest of the evening!

There will be short stops in Valentine and Hackberry.

Bus continues on to Kingman. The Quality Inn Motel is totally dedicated to Rt. 66; each room is named for a person that's tied to the 66 legend. You'll visit the old Powerhouse Building, which has been converted to a Rt. 66 Museum and Visitors' Center. At the famous Rt 66 Mural, there will be a stop for a group photograph.

We'll take Interstate 40 for part of the way to Victorville, and take a few little diversions onto old Rt. 66 when it's safe.

We'll pass through Cadiz Summit, Amboy (with its giant roadrunner!) and the Amboy Crater which is a U.S Dept. of the Interior National Landmark, whose lava flow crosses Rt. 66 a bit west., and Ludlow, where, if there's time, we'll stop at the Ludlow Cafe/Coffee Shop for a bit of a break. (You're in the Mojave Desert now, in case you didn't notice!).

We'll get back on the Interstate and travel into Barstow, a town that owes its existence to the railroads. We'll stop at the Route 66 Mother Road Museum there, a truly first class collection of displays and artifacts of road and region (we'll make an appointment for our visit).

From Barstow, we'll drive on to Victorville, where we'll check into our hotel upon arrival.

Moving right along, we'll go through Rialto, with its concrete Tee Pees of the Wig Wam Motel, which has been renovated and refreshed.

Somewhere in the outskirts of Los Angeles, we'll pick up our step-on-guide, who will assist our wonderful bus driver in navigating the wilds of Los Angeles, and who will point out more Rt. 66 icons, as they appear.

We'll wend our way to Santa Monica Boulevard, where you can, sometimes, see the famed Hollywood Sign on the north side.

We'll go straight to the TERMINUS OF ROUTE 66 (did you know there was more than one?!!) in Santa Monica, and we'll choose the "Unofficial" end of '66, the Will Rogers Highway Marker in Palisades Park, at the "T" intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Ocean. The 14-block park tops a sheer bluff, lined with exotic palms and shrubs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The marker is a great photo op to mark the end of your trip, as is the neon Santa Monica yacht Harbor Sign.

The streets here are rather tight and crowded, so the bus may park someplace and you'll walk around this beautiful area.

Your step-on-guide will have some ideas for other places to visit this afternoon, so we'll take the bus and drive through Hollywood or whatever your guide thinks you should see.

About 3:00 PM, we'll drive back into Los Angeles, and check in at the Downtown Marriott.

You'll have some time to relax before dinner at the hotel.

This will be a lovely finish to this Route 66 program.

Hotel check-out and departure anytime after breakfast.

We sincerely hope that this program will have fulfilled your expectations and exceeded them. Have a safe journey home!