12 Days USA Road Trip - Highlights of Route 66

About the destination: Chicago, once a small trading post on Lake Michigan, has grown into one of the most famous cities in the country. Visit "The Windy City" and tuck into a deep dish pizza for a truly unique holiday experience. Follow "The Loop," the city's main business district, and marvel at its array of skyscrapers, consulates, and universities. There's plenty of shopping and fine dining to be had in this area. If you've worn yourself out in the city centre, take it easy at the Riverwalk, a pedestrian path along the Chicago River, or visit the many museums and parks the city has to offer. You'll hardly believe you're actually in the city centre when you walk through the Garfield Park Conservatory, and the Art Institute of Chicago will allow you to appreciate creative works from around the globe. The most important places to visit in Chicago are: the Willis Tower, an iconic symbol of the city, the Millennium Park, a fantastic urban park, among the most famous landmarks of Chicago and a site for many major city events, the Shedd Aquarium, one of the world's largest aquariums. Known as the front lawn of Chicago, the Grant Park is a beautifully landscaped park and offers many spots for an urban escape, the Navy Pier, located right on Lake Michigan, has a festive atmosphere with entertainment, shops and restaurants. No tour of Chicago is complete without a mention of the nightlife, so end your day at a jazz lounge and let the sweet sound of music carry you away.

About the destination: Springfield is the capital of the state of Illinois and also the administrative centre of Sangamon County. The city was founded in 1819; it became an administrative centre in 1823, and received its charter in 1840. It became the capital of Illinois in 1837. The legislative assembly was convened here, for the first time, in 1839. According to the 2010 census, 111,454 inhabitants live in the city. Originally, around 1810 the city was named Calhoun, after South Carolina Sen. John C. Calhoun, but after the population had been disillusioned with Calhoun, the city was renamed Springfield. Abraham Lincoln is one of the most important and prominent inhabitants of the city; moved to the area in 1831, but did not live in the city itself until 1837. U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant also maintained ties to Springfield.

About the destination: East St. Louis is a city in St. Clair County, Illinois, United States. At the 2010 Census it had a population of 27,006 and a population density of 725.51 persons per km².

About the destination: Tulsa is the second largest city in the US state of Oklahoma, and the 46th largest in the United States, with a population of 391,906 inhabitants. What is now known as Tulsa was once part of Indian territory, established as part of the relocation of the Five Civilised Tribes - Choctaw, Cherokee, Creek (Muskogee), Chickasaw and Seminole. These tribes were moved into the region following the enactment of the "Indian Removal Act" of 1830, when they were forced by the federal government to give up their lands east of the Mississippi River in exchange for land in Indian Territory.

About the destination: Oklahoma City is the capital of the state of Oklahoma. It's a cool city filled with warm hospitality. That's why they call Oklahoma City "Cool & Warm." Oklahoma City's hip, spirited environment blends with its deep western heritage, creating an exciting destination steeped in culture and adventure. Discover all of the things to do in Oklahoma City, including renowned festivals, national sporting events, and treasure-filled museums. Explore the variety that OKC's districts offer, including arts and entertainment, shopping, history and heritage and more. The possibilities for fun in Oklahoma City are endless. Don’t miss Crystal Bridge and Myriad Botanical Gardens.

About the destination: Amarillo, which means "yellow" in Spanish, is the heart of the Texas Panhandle, situated on the brink of the Great Plains. Amarillo offers a genuine Western heritage, a unique geographical area with vast open spaces and stunning sunrises and sunsets. With its relatively mild climate, the city is rated as having some of the cleanest air in the country. Indians, conquistadors, buffalo hunters, settlers, cowboys, adventurers, lawmen, gunfighters, and the railway all contributed in many ways to the development and growth of the area. That heritage is still felt here, where "cowboy" is still a respected profession. Here you can enjoy the very best of the Old and New West! Today Amarillo is one of the dominant cities in the Panhandle Plains and is home to a variety of industries along with a number of places to interest tourists, especially those on the Route 66. Amarillo is also the gateway to Palo Duro Canyon, America's second largest canyon. Palo Duro Canyon is unique with rock formations and a valley with wonderful views and pictures.

About the destination: The true Southwest is waiting for you in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Come and immerse yourself in its rich culture and heritage, rooted in centuries of history. Soak in its blue skies and sun that shines 310 days a year - perfect for outdoor activities. Breathe in the high desert air scented with sage and piñon, and you'll understand why Albuquerque, NM is a destination like no other. Whether you want to shop for authentic Native American jewellery, try hot air ballooning, explore living history museums, enjoy Albuquerque events and festivals, sample local cuisines or hit the golf courses and spas, Albuquerque has you sorted. Don’t miss to visit the historic Old Town, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Centre and Rio Grande Nature Centre State Park.

About the destination: Gallup is a town in the state of New Mexico. Gallup is an important gateway to the Navajo Nation and other nearby attractions. The numerous trading posts, galleries and shops in Gallup offer a unique blend of Native American Culture with a rich abundance of authentic Indian and Southwest Hispanic arts and crafts. The landscape is beyond words, with red mesas to the north and east, and the mountains and painted deserts of Arizona to the west. An incredible selection of ancient Indian ruins, stunning scenic attractions, and fascinating historic sites are within a 90-minute journey from your holiday base in Gallup. No trip to the southwest is complete without experiencing this area of New Mexico.

About the destination: Williams is a city in Coconino County, Arizona. Williams is an exceptional way to experience the Grand Canyon. Only in Williams can you appreciate the beauty of a mountainside town, the best-preserved stretch of Route 66, outdoor adventure to suit every taste, a railway to transport you to the Canyon in style, an outdoor drive-thru wildlife park, a genuine western setting with cowboys strutting through town, and a friendly atmosphere that welcomes you upon arrival and bids you goodbye when you leave.

About the destination: Las Vegas is the largest city in the U.S. state of Nevada. Known as the Entertainment Capital of the World or Sin City, it is located in the Mojave Desert and is surrounded by dry mountains. Las Vegas is famous worldwide for its consolidated casino-hotels and associated entertainment. The city is home to many mega-hotel complexes, each decorated with lavish care and attention to detail, creating a fantasy-like environment. Each hotel has a unique style, there are special sights everywhere, and every hotel has its own casino. Most of the hotel casinos are in the city's downtown area, along The Las Vegas Strip. The Strip is a world of its own. Where else could you go to visit Egypt, New York, Venice, Disneyland, Hollywood, and much more all on one street? The fact is that all the action that Las Vegas is famous for is happening on this one and only street. Bellagio could be considered the unofficial centre of the Strip, one of the reasons being the free displays of musical fountains which go off every half an hour with different choreography accompanied by different music. Bellagio is one of the more stylish venues with a superb flower garden and for those with gourmet inclinations, it offers arguably one of the best buffets in town. The Venetian is another point where one might linger longer due to its fabulous attempt at recreating Venice in the desert. The main square of Venice is filled with gondolas ply the water channels and opera singers entertain their captive audience on board. The opposite end of the Strip is closest to the airport starting with the funny rendition of Egypt with its Luxor casino despite the fact that there are no pyramids in Luxor, but everything is possible in Las Vegas.

About the destination: Victorville is a city situated in the Victor Valley of southwestern San Bernardino County, California.

About the destination: Nicknamed the City of Angels, Los Angeles is a leading global hub for business, international trade, entertainment, culture, media, fashion, science, sports, technology, and education. Los Angeles is architecturally diverse and its attractions are spread over a large area. Downtown is a thriving urban centre, a business district and home to the Grand Avenue cultural corridor. Everyone knows about Hollywood and you have got to visit the Hollywood sign, when in Los Angeles, as well as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where Hollywood celebrates its contribution to entertainment through these celebrity stars. Experience the colourful lifestyle of the West Coast on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Here, you will find a festive atmosphere, eclectic entertainers and funky shops. By the scene at Santa Monica Beach, is the famous Pier with a perennial carnival like setting. Draws locals, as well as visitors from around the world. Located in Griffith Park on Mt. Hollywood is the Griffith Observatory. This great public observatory has state of the art facilities and excellent views of Los Angeles. If you are a shopping buff, you will love Rodeo Drive. A glamorous shopping District, Rodeo Drive is full of upscale and fashionable shops. Take a walk around Beverly Hills, you might even spot a celebrity in this neighbourhood. This city offers great weather, good shopping, lots of diversity, great cultural events, excellent dining, and friendly people. Los Angeles is cool, fake, stylized, vast and never boring.