Itinerary
The ultimate road trip: Route 66 , the most famous road in the world, will take us through 7 American states, from Illinois to California , from Lake Michigan to the Pacific Ocean, passing through the great prairies of Missouri , the farms of Kansas and Oklahoma, the desert expanses of Texas and New Mexico and the natural parks of Arizona. The real protagonist will obviously be the road: we will travel almost 4,000km discovering the many facets of the United States; we will pass through Springfield , St. Louis , Santa Fe , Amarillo , Albuquerque , Flagstaff and Las Vegas; we'll dress up as cowboys in Oklahoma City and marvel at the colours of the Painted Desert; we will eat grilled meat in the best Texan BBQs and taste the best Mexican food in New Mexico; we will enjoy the sunset in the Grand Canyon and we will travel the last kilometers to Los Angeles with a little sadness in our hearts but also with a lot of joy for the whole road travelled. Route 66 gives this: happiness, adventure, freedom.


Welcome to the United States
Welcome!
Arrive and check-in at your hotel in Chicago and we gather for welcome meeting— click here to see how it works!. We are in the "Windy City", as Chicago is nicknamed . The wind here is actually a constant - but a little breeze that comes from the immense Lake Michigan , which the city overlooks, certainly doesn't scare us. Let's start exploring the city - with The Bean as our first stop! Then let's have a taste of Chicago's most famous dish… yes, you're right - the deep dish pizza! Will this pizza win us over or will we remain faithful to the original? We will find out!

Chicago
Lets discover the city
We have a full day to explore Chicago and all it has to offer. We will take part in a guided tour - for sure the best way to discover the hidden gems of the city. Here, the skyscrapers are plentiful and the skyline decidedly iconic – among the most famous skyscrapers here is the Willis Tower , where you can take a stroll into the void - literally. Yes, in the observatory you can walk on a ledge made entirely of glass more than 400 meters high - definitely not suitable for vertigo sufferers! But if you enjoy a thrill, you will absolutely love this.
After seeing the city from the sky, let's get back down to earth and make another leap to Millennium Park to take a few more selfies in front of the big bean - then we can decide together what to do: we can go to Navy Pier, full of shops and attractions, or pop into one of the many museums. Another option: a mini cruise along the river past the skyscrapers, definitely a different perspective on Chicago! We then return to the hotel to take a quick shower before our first dinner - what will American cuisine offer us?

From Illinois to Mississippi: Pontiac, Springfield and St. Louis
But are we really on Route 66?! The dream come true
Finally today begins our real journey on the road : ready to head down Route 66 ? Where can we pick up the cars that will accompany us on the road, if not in Pontiac? We reach this suburb of Illinois which has the same name as that of Michigan where the first factories of General Motors were built, the famous US parent company, among others, of Cadillac and Chevrolet. Time to have the keys in hand, take a group photo in front of the mural that indicates the beginning of Route 66 and finally... we're off! The first kilometers will be the most exciting: we are on the most famous road in the world! We get to grips with the asphalt until we get to the small town of Springfield , the capital of Illinois, where we stop for lunch - grilled cheese everyone?
From Springfield to St. Louis
We take a stroll through Springfield, where President Lincoln also lived (in fact there are statues, murals and museums dedicated to him dotted around) and then we set off again, towards St. Louis , saying goodbye definitively to Illinois and entering the state of Missouri . This city sits along the banks of the longest river in the United States, the Mississippi , and is famed for its blues-related music culture - we've traveled a long way south and already notice the differences from more cosmopolitan Chicago. Let's take a walk around the city, starting from its symbol, the Gateway Arch (the tallest arch in the world) and perhaps choosing a place with live music for tonight.

In the Heart of Missouri
Good morning America! We wake up early and are ready to hit the road: this morning the road takes us to the heart of Missouri , both figuratively and literally! We move immediately towards Cuba (no, not the island!), a town full of murals where we can stop for a coffee and then restart the engines and head towards the Meramec caves , impressive caves with spectacular rock formations! We return to the surface and get back on the road, reaching Rolla , where we stop for two reasons: the first, to visit the Totem Pole Trading Post, which is apparently the longest-running business on Route 66 in all of Missouri (established in 1933!); the second, we are hungry! So we stop to eat something - hamburger and fries (and milkshake, in good American tradition)?
On the Missouri / Kansas border
You won't believe it, but today we also stop… in Springfield (no no, it's not the same Springfield as yesterday!) After taking a look around, we then set off again to… another state! It seems impossible, but in 3 days we have already crossed two! We reach Galena , famous because here we can see scale reproductions of the famous cars from the film "Cars" - the customary photos are practically obligatory for everyone. We have dinner in this quirky town on the Missouri-Kansas border and then we arrive at the hotel - tomorrow we have a lot of miles to go and new places to see!

From Kansas to Oklahoma: Catoosa, Tulsa and Oklahoma City
On the road
In case it wasn't clear: yes, we are traveling along Route 66, but we are also crossing three quarters of the United States, passing through what are perhaps its most eccentric and exciting places. This morning is no different: the first stop is in Catoosa , where we find a… whale ? Yes, a kind of work of art that has become one of the symbols of Route 66 has exactly the shape and appearance of a whale: we stop here and, as always… the ritual selfie! We get back on the road and say goodbye to Kansas, entering the state of Oklahoma - we are pushing further and further west, after having crossed the immense plains that make up the landscape of the centre of the States. There's no shortage of farms here, as well as cornfields - maybe we'll even see aliens? Hanz Zimmer is a must for the playlist.
Like cowboys: boots and hats at hand
We stop in Tulsa for a Mexican lunch - as well as going west, we've also moved south, meaning we are now in the land of cowboys, and we realise it in Oklahoma City , the state capital, where there is no shortage of cowboy boots and hats and that strange feeling of being in the middle of a film with Morricone's soundtracks. Here we have to stop in Stockyards City , a real western "village" where we can find everything - will any of us buy cowboy boots? We also stop in the city for the evening and take a stroll through the downtown district known as Bricktown - there is no shortage of restaurants here, and for sure we have to try something local. Steakhouses are hugely popular, as are fried chicken and deep-fried pickles - our arteries must be jumping for joy by now.

The history of Route 66: Elk City, Shamrock and Amarillo
Time for Texas
Another day, another journey: this morning we reach Elk City , where we immerse ourselves in the history of Route 66 by visiting the museum of the same name. Inspired by those who have traveled this famous road before us, which runs from Illinois to California, we're back on the road - today we'll be on the road for lunch, so let's keep our eyes open in case we come across a typical diner that inspires us.
We will continue until we arrive at Shamrock - and yes, we have officially entered Texas ! If we bought cowboy hats or boots yesterday, the time has undoubtedly come to wear them and feel part of the local population! In Shamrock we stop at the U-Drop Inn , an example of art deco applied to a gas station - definitely unique! We continue along Route 66, enjoying the ride (undoubtedly the most beautiful part of this itinerary) until we arrive in Amarillo , a lively Texan town where we stop for the night - and to eat! Have we tasted pulled pork yet? One thing is certain: in these parts we will not be hungry.

From Texas to New Mexico: Tucumcari, Santa Rosa and Santa Fe
New Mexico
We get up early and have a nice breakfast (one of the best things in the States!) with bacon and eggs and then, before setting off, we stop at the Cadillac Ranch , a monumental sculpture on display outdoors - a series of scrapped Cadillacs that seem to sprout from the ground, a tribute to Bruce Springsteen's album “The River”. Let's take some pictures and then it is time to say goodbye to Texas. We continue our journey along Route 66 continues west and end up in New Mexico! We make a stop at the Blue Swallow Motel , one of the symbols of Route 66, and then head to Santa Rosa for lunch, which we do in one of the various Route 66 themed diners.
Santa Fe
In the afternoon we head towards the heart of New Mexico and reach Santa Fe , which holds lots of charm! Here, we park the cars and stretch our legs, taking a stroll in the centre, the Old Town, with the Cathedral Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi and Santa Fe Plaza, the heart of Santa Fe. Here, we take a break from the hamburgers and fries and treat ourselves to a typical Mexican dinner in a traditional restaurant - if not here, where?!

From Santa Fe to Gallup via Albuquerque
1 night: Gallup
Walter White, is that you?
Ready to step into a movie? Actually no, sorry... a TV series! We set off early in the morning and reach Albuquerque, which has become quite famous after the very famous series "Breaking Bad" - where it is set - and therefore if we feel a bit in the mood of the show, don't worry. The important thing is that none of us rent an RV and start producing meth in the desert. Clear?
We visit the Old Town, which reminds us of Santa Fe, and then we can go to the Rattlesnake Museum , a museum dedicated to the rattlesnake, one of the symbols of this area of the United States. Then we move to West Park , a vast park that sits on the banks of the Rio Grande River, where we can lie in the sun and enjoy some peace and quiet.
Desert immersion
After visiting Albuquerque we will arrive in Gallup, a town close to the New Mexico border, where we stop to explore the surroundings. We can take a walk to Red Rock Park , where we can finally see the rock formations with the typical reddish colour of this area up close. We spend the evening and the night in Gallup, immersed in the desert.

Finally in Arizona: Painted Desert, Petrified Forest and Holbrook
1 night: Holbrook
In the footsteps of the blues
Bye bye New Mexico, it's time to cross the Arizona border ! Can you feel the Pacific Ocean breeze from here? Metaphorically speaking, of course: we are in the middle of the desert! We certainly notice it in the Painted Desert , located in the eastern end of the Grand Canyon Park , which is today's first stop: ready to be amazed? This desert is composed of stratified faults that date back to the Triassic - erosion has since made all these layers visible, which make the rocks multicoloured. If there's time we should also check out the beautiful Horseshoe Bend and Monument Valley!
After the painted desert, the petrified forest awaits us! The Petrified Forest National Park has the unique feature of containing an incredible amount of fossilised tree trunks, which date back more than 200 million years. A real open-air museum that will leave us breathless - we explore the park and then, very hungry, we reach Holbrook , where we stop to eat at the famous Joe and Aggie's Cafè (a must on Route 66) and to spend the night.
Sedona to Flagstaff
1 night: Flagstaff
In the middle of the desert
Arizona is giving us the most unique landscapes: even this morning it won't leave us dry as we push towards Sedona. If there's time we can head up to see the impressive Antelope Canyon - a sight so aesthetic that it was a Windows desktop! But we certainly don't stop in the city, we continue towards… a meteorite crater! We are in the middle of the desert , where, about 50,000 years ago, a meteorite crashed and in doing so has left its mark up to the present day: with a diameter of about 1,200 meters and a depth of 170, it is an incredible natural spectacle. Shall we bring breakfast all the way here? Because how many of us will ever be able to say that they drank coffee sitting on a crater created by a meteorite?
The surprises don't end here: we continue in the Sedona area until we reach the Red Rock Crossing , where an easy hike awaits us that takes us in the presence of rock formations with an intense red colour, called Cathedral Rock , given their resemblance to imposing cathedrals. A spectacular view is guaranteed - especially if we stay until sunset. Then it's time to head back to Flagstaff for the night to rest our heads and prepare for another exciting day.

Gand Canyon, drive on Route 66
1 night: Kingman
Yes, it's time for the Grand Canyon
Ready for another day of adventures? Today we head towards Kingman , a very busy town on Route 66 because it is on the road to what everyone considers to be the most famous sight in the United States… the Grand Canyon ! In Flagstaff we'll expect the historic centre that has the old western vibe we've become accustomed to in recent days. We can also stop off at Monument Valley and Horshoe Bend. But let's not stop for too long here, because today's real protagonist is the Grand Canyon! Sure, it's not quite on Route 66, but we've come this far, what's another hour and a half drive to admire this natural wonder?
The Grand Canyon cannot be described - it can only be experienced. To give you an idea: before your eyes appears this gigantic rocky fault that seems to have no end, and which extends as far as the eye can reach, with its thousand shades of red, ocher and brown. A unique show that we can't miss: we enjoy it to the fullest, perhaps walking along some paths to go further down, towards the canyon, and then staying until sunset, the most incredible time to be here. But let's not get carried away as we have a 3 hour drive ahead of us on the road : tonight's destination: Kingman

Nevada: Las Vegas here we are!
1 night: Las Vegas
Welcome to Cali!
This morning, guess what? We're back on the road, and our destination is the legendary Las Vegas!
Today is all about relaxation, as we'll be staying here tonight and won't be driving again until tomorrow. We’ll explore the most amazing hotels in the city, from Venice (The Venetian) to New York (Hotel New York-New York). Maybe we’ll hit a pool party or try our luck at a casino—be careful with your wallet though, always gamble responsibly! As night falls, everything lights up, offering us an unforgettable show, especially the Bellagio Fountains. There’s a reason why so many hotels are inspired by Italian cities!
You can't be in Sin City without experiencing a wild night: we’ll get all dressed up, maybe splurge on renting a limousine (quite common around here!), and decide which of the many clubs we’ll party at!

Death Valley
1 night: Las Vegas
Furnace Creek
After a crazy night, we head from Las Vegas to the lowest and hottest point in North America: Death Valley, an expanse of sand alternating with salt flats, hills, canyons and jagged rock formations. The story goes that in this huge desert isolated from everything, in 1849 a group of prospectors died crossing it in an attempt to find a shortcut to the central valleys of California. The tour starts at Furnace Creek, the main center of the valley, and then goes to Zabriskie Point, Dante's View - located at 1,800 feet - Artist Drive, Artist's Palette until you get to Badwater Basin, the salt lake, decreed the lowest point in North America.

Death Valley
1 night: Las Vegas
End of the Route: We are in Los Angeles, the city of angels
It's already been 12 days since we visited Chicago and we've crossed three-quarters of the United States: today is the last road trip of this journey , so let's try to enjoy it to the fullest. We leave behind the vast, brightly lit streets lined with opulent hotels and head towards the City of Angels, one of the most iconic in America! We arrive in Los Angeles around lunchtime , find a diner, and drown our sadness in milkshakes, burgers, and fries.
We spend the afternoon in Santa Monica , whose Pier is effectively the final stop on Route 66 —again, the obligatory photo in front of the sign! We've reached the Pacific Ocean, departing from Lake Michigan: being here, after this incredible journey, is a unique experience we can only experience once in a lifetime. Let's enjoy it to the fullest! We'll take a stroll along the pier, perhaps experiencing the thrill of a roller coaster ride, and then wait for the sunset on the beach, sipping our drinks in Venice Beach . We'll end the day, and our journey, with a final dinner together: it will be sad to say goodbye after all the emotions we've experienced together, but let's toast to ourselves and to Route 66!

The last day
Saying goodbye
Time to ditch our rental cars and say goodbye; our trip to the States ends here: see you soon for another WeRoad.
What's included
14 nights hotel in shared room with private bathroom
Car rental from Day 3 to Day 15
Drink at Venice Beach
9 breakfasts
Entrance to the iconic Grand Canyon
Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)
What's not included
Meals and drinks where not indicated
Gas/petrol, parking, toll fees
Death Valley entrance - approx. USD 10
Entrance tickets unless specified
Horseshoe bend - approx. USD 8
Tips
All the extras you'll want to buy and you'll be able to fit in your backpack :)
Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section
Optional activities
Please see below extra optional activities that you can experience during your trip. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist with organizing these activities for the group. Availability may vary depending on location and group preferences.
Please note these activities are provided by third party suppliers and liability rests exclusively with these third party suppliers.
Architecture Boat tour - Chicago - approx. USD 45
Chicago 360 - approx. USD 40
Skyrock chicago (alternative to Chicago 360) - approx. USD 38
Maremac caverns Tickets - Stanton Missouri - approx. USD 31
Antilope Canyon - approx. USD 85
Additional info
- Accommodation
Hotels. Rooms can be twin, triple or quadruple.
- Drive-yourself tour
This is a Drive-yourself tour - it isn’t compulsory to drive, however if you are willing to, then please tick the box when booking your trip.
- Staff
Our trips are led by a Group Leader who has been specifically trained by us to lead group travels to ensure you have the best time. A WhatsApp group with all travel participants will be created two weeks prior to departure by your Group Leader.
- Visas and Vaccinations
Before booking, please ensure to check what documents, visas, and vaccinations are required to enter the country you are visiting. If you have any questions, please contact us.
- Arrival and Departure Times
We always advise trying to get to the meet-up point for the first day of your tour by 5pm. On the last day of the tour you are free to leave whenever you want!
- Luggage
Backpacks are mandatory to allow easy transfers - we recommend a 45L backpack for our trips.
- Info on private roomsShow all details
Why WeRoad
Small groups, on average 11 people
Move or change your trip for free up to 31 days before departure
Book with $ 0. Pay the $ 100 deposit only once the trip is confirmed
The Group Leaders
Find your flight
For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.



































