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Highlights of Route 66 and Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 2025

From Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA
Operator
Cosmos
Days
17
From
USD $3,999
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Dates & Prices

Start Date End Date OffersBrochure
Land Price
Our PriceQuote
From
Friday,
Oct 03, 2025
To
Sunday,
Oct 19, 2025
Bonus$3,999Get Lower PriceGet Quote

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Up to $500 Welcome Back Credit for Repeat Travelers

Mention Promo Code: PT7212
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Up to $500 Welcome Back Credit for Repeat Travelers

Up to $500 Welcome Back Credit for Repeat Travelers

Promotion Details
With the Globus family of brands, you not only go beyond the ordinary, you can also see more of the world more often! With the Welcome Back Credit, the more you travel, the more credit you earn toward future vacations. You can easily redeem your Welcome Back Credit towards a future Globus or Cosmos tour, or Avalon Waterways river cruise. The credit amount is based on the overall value of your vacation, from a $100 - $250 credit per person.
Combinable with all applicable consumer promotions except those with any Globus family of brands special discount programs of the vacation price.
Must Book By Tue, Dec 31, 2024
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The Welcome Back Credit is awarded upon completion of Globus family of brands vacations. Credit amount can only be applied to the land/cruise or cruise only portion of a new Globus family of brands vacation (excluding 2022 Custom/Charter vacations). Credit amount is per person and must be redeemed for a future vacation with a deposit within 2 years from date of credit issue. Bookings can be made by calling the Globus family of brands, online, or by contacting your preferred travel advisor. Passenger must activate redemption credit prior to redemption. Combinable with all applicable consumer promotions except those with any Globus family of brands special discount programs. Credit must be applied before final payment on a future booking. Credit is not redeemable for cash, non-refundable deposit, airfare, transfers, travel insurance, prepaid gratuities, pre/post nights, or optional excursions and is non-transferrable. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply. Valid for all participating Globus family of brands offices. Additional restrictions may apply.

Itinerary

Tour Itinerary

Get your kicks on Route 66 with a legendary trip across America. This historic route was called the “Main Street of America” for more than 50 years before the advent of the US Interstate system. On this trip down memory lane, you’ll visit the major cities along Route 66, see many of the Route 66 museums, and step back in time to when the journey was part of the fun. And you’ll be just in time to experience the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, an annual event where hundreds of vibrantly colored hot-air balloons take to the sky! This trip begins in the “Windy City” of Chicago, travels through eight states, and ends in Los Angeles. Travel to St. Louis where you’ll witness amazing views of the city and the Mississippi River from the top of the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch. Visit the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City to view antique cars and historic documents that help you feel what it was like to travel Route 66. In Albuquerque, watch the colorful spectacle of hundreds of balloons rising into the sky at the early morning Balloon Glow and the Mass Ascension at the International Balloon Fiesta. Spend a day in beautiful Santa Fe, a city known for its art and culture and the home to the oldest and highest capitol in the United States. Deviate from Route 66 to see breathtaking scenery at one of the Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon and then experience the excitement of Las Vegas where you can explore the Vegas Strip, take an optional excursion to see the engineering marvel, Hoover Dam, or just relax by the pool. In Los Angeles, you’ll enjoy a tour of Hollywood, the Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica, the ending point of Route 66. Discover vintage Americana, wide open spaces, and national treasures on this Route 66 tour designed for value-minded travel lovers.

  1. Day 1
    CHICAGO
    Welcome to Chicago, the start of Route 66! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon with answers, tips, and suggestions.
  2. Day 2
    CHICAGO
    Known as the “Windy City,” Chicago is home to magnificent architecture including one of America’s tallest buildings, notorious gangster Al Capone, and countless jazz and blues clubs. Oh, and deep-dish pizza, of course! Get to know this exciting city on a morning sightseeing tour that includes the sign marking the start of historic Route 66. Spend a free afternoon exploring Chi Town—perhaps a visit to the 103rd-floor Skydeck of the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), a walk along the Magnificent Mile, or an optional river cruise for a different view of the city’s celebrated architecture. (CB)
  3. Day 3
    CHICAGO–PONTIAC–SPRINGFIELD
    This morning, immerse yourself in Route 66 memorabilia. Visit the Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac, housed in a historic fire station. See the large maps that will sketch out your Route 66 adventure for the coming days and enjoy the nostalgic photos and postcards from the “Mother Road’s” heyday. Then on to Springfield, the capital of Illinois, where we will visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. (CB)
  4. Day 4
    SPRINGFIELD–ST. LOUIS
    Cross the mighty Mississippi River and continue to St. Louis, “Gateway to the West.” Your orientation tour includes the towering Gateway Arch National Park. Ascend to the top of the 630-foot-tall arch for a panoramic view of the city and river. Then drive along an original stretch of Route 66 and get the chance to savor some Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, a Route 66 treat since 1929. (B)
    Meals:   Breakfast
  5. Day 5
    ST. LOUIS–JOPLIN
    Today, we travel through the Missouri countryside, exploring interesting quaint towns and quirky roadside attractions along Route 66. Overnight in Joplin, a city where a couple of infamous outlaws named Bonnie and Clyde once hid out. (B)
    Meals:   Breakfast
  6. Day 6
    JOPLIN–TULSA–OKLAHOMA CITY
    After a quick drive through Kansas, enter Oklahoma, once known as Indian Territory and home to the Cherokee Nation. In Tulsa, see the “East Meets West” sculpture that pays tribute to Cyrus Avery, “The Father of Route 66.” Later today, arrive in Oklahoma City. (B)
    Meals:   Breakfast
  7. Day 7
    OKLAHOMA CITY–ELK CITY–AMARILLO
    Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Oklahoma City, the capital and largest city in Oklahoma. From here, travel to Elk City and visit the National Route 66 Museum and take a journey through each of the eight states Route 66 passes through. Continue into the Texas Panhandle and on to Amarillo, the Yellow Rose of Texas. (B)
    Meals:   Breakfast
  8. Day 8
    AMARILLO–TUCUMCARI–ALBUQUERQUE
    On the way out of Amarillo, you’ll stop at Cadillac Ranch, the quirky art sculpture consisting of a collection of 10 colorful Cadillacs. Before crossing into New Mexico, reach Adrian, the halfway point on Route 66. Across the New Mexico border, visit Russell’s Car Museum, featuring classic cars and memorabilia. Next, stop in Tucumcari and shop for souvenirs at Teepee Curios. See the iconic Blue Swallow Motel that has been serving travelers of Route 66 since 1939, along with many original signs from the town’s heyday. Arrive in Albuquerque and visit Central Avenue where many of the original Route 66 buildings and businesses still stand. (CB)
  9. Day 9
    ALBUQUERQUE-INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FESTIVAL
    This morning, enjoy an unforgettable experience at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta’s Mass Ascension, where hundreds of colorful hot-air balloons fill the morning sky. Enjoy time walking down Main Street where you’ll find food vendors, merchandise, and entertainment. This afternoon, learn about Pueblo culture from ancient times to the present at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, then explore Old Town Albuquerque, site of the city’s original settlement. This evening return to the balloon grounds for the breathtaking Night Glow and other exciting events of the Fiesta.
  10. Day 10
    ALBUQUERQUE. EXCURSION TO SANTA FE
    Travel through the foothills of the Sandia Mountains to enjoy the day in Santa Fe. Take an orientation tour with highlights including the Palace of the Governors and the State Capitol. Visit historic Loretto Chapel and learn about its mysterious “Miraculous Staircase.” Return to Albuquerque via the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway with a stop in the eclectic artist community of Madrid.
  11. Day 11
    ALBUQUERQUE–GALLUP–WINSLOW–WILLIAMS
    Depart Albuquerque and cross the Continental Divide continuing to Gallup, sometimes called the “Indian Capital of the World.” It is the homeland of Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, and many other tribes who comprise a large percentage of the population. Then we’ll be “standing on the corner of Winslow, Arizona,” the sleepy Route 66 town made famous by The Eagles’ hit song “Take It Easy.” Continue to Williams, gateway to the Grand Canyon, and listed in the National Register for Historic Places. The Historic Downtown District covers six square blocks and boasts a rich heritage that features the Old West and Route 66.
  12. Day 12
    WILLIAMS. EXCURSION TO GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
    Deviate from Route 66 to see one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Grand Canyon National Park. Wander along the canyon rim for breathtaking views and wildlife, including the chance to spot Elk grazing in the forested areas on the South Rim. Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience on an optional helicopter flightseeing tour for an awe-inspiring bird’s eye view from above the canyon. Return to Williams where the evening is free to explore the historic Americana-style shops and restaurants dating back to the early 1900s. Be sure to take note of the neon signs of the preserved circa 1940s “Motel Row.” (CB)
  13. Day 13
    WILLIAMS–SELIGMAN–LAS VEGAS
    Depart Williams for Seligman, home to the rebirth of Route 66. Detour once again from Route 66 to visit the bright lights of Las Vegas. An orientation tour upon arrival shows off many of the themed casino resorts along the glittering “Strip.” This evening, consider an optional night on the town featuring an extravagant dinner followed by a dazzling show featuring top Vegas entertainment. (CB)
  14. Day 14
    LAS VEGAS
    A day at leisure to relax by the pool or explore the legendary Las Vegas Strip. Float through a Venetian canal, visit jaw-dropping horticultural displays, or test your luck at one of the many world-famous casinos—it’s all possible in Las Vegas! Don’t miss downtown Las Vegas, where you’ll find the Fremont Street Experience, five city blocks enclosed in a glass atrium and filled with dazzling lights, sounds, and action. You’ll also have an opportunity to take an optional excursion to see and learn about nearby Hoover Dam, an engineering marvel.
  15. Day 15
    LAS VEGAS–VICTORVILLE–LOS ANGELES
    Today, depart the man-made oasis of Las Vegas, and cross the natural beauty of the Mojave Desert and the San Bernardino Mountains en route to Los Angeles. Visit the California Route 66 Museum, featuring a 50’s diner, VW Love Bus, and the 1917 Model T Ford exhibits. Overnight in Los Angeles, where you’ll visit Santa Monica, the ending point of Route 66.
  16. Day 16
    LOS ANGELES
    Explore the exciting “City of Angels” on a morning tour of legendary Beverly Hills, Sunset Strip, and Hollywood, where you’ll walk along the stars on Hollywood Boulevard, and get a photo of the iconic Hollywood sign. Your afternoon is free. Get a real taste of Hollywood on the optional Warner Bros. Studio tour where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how TV and movies are made, including seeing famous sets from the big and small screen.
  17. Day 17
    LOS ANGELES
    Your vacation ends this morning. Consider extending your vacation with extra nights and explore Los Angeles further.

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Inclusions

Guests should be prepared for sustained walking (approximately 1/2 mile) and standing while at the Balloon Fiesta.

On vacations that include an overnight stay in Las Vegas, at least one member of the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older.

Maximum elevation on tour: 7,262 ft

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Accommodations

Gratuities for Tour Director and driver are available for pre-purchase.

Chicago: Hotel Saint Clair
Springfield: Drury Inn & Suites Springfield
St Louis: Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Convention Center
Joplin: Drury Inn & Suites Joplin
Oklahoma City: Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel
Amarillo: Country Inn & Suites Amarillo West
Albuquerque: Hilton Garden Inn Albuquerque Uptown
Williams: La Quinta Inn and Suites-Grand Canyon Area
Las Vegas: Sahara Las Vegas
Los Angeles: Westin Bonaventure

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Questions & Answers

Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?

Each person is allowed one "check-in," and one "carry-on." Remember to take all valuables with you as "carry-on", because electronic equipment, cameras, laptops, jewelry, business documents and money are not covered by the airlines' liability, so always carry them aboard with you.

Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?

Airfare from your point of origin to and from the trip is not included in the land price.


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