12 Days USA Road Trip - Highlights of Route 66

About the destination: Chicago, originally a small trading post on Lake Michigan, has evolved into one of the most renowned cities in the nation. Take a trip to "The Windy City" and indulge in a deep dish pizza for a truly unique holiday experience. Explore "The Loop," the city's main business district, and be amazed by its collection of skyscrapers, embassies, and universities. This area is rich in shopping and fine dining opportunities. If you're feeling worn out from the city's hustle and bustle, slow down and enjoy the Riverwalk, a pedestrian path along the Chicago River, or visit the numerous museums and parks the city offers. You'll forget you're in the heart of the city when you stroll through the Garfield Park Conservatory, and the Art Institute of Chicago will let you admire artistic masterpieces from around the globe. The must-see spots in Chicago include: the Willis Tower, a city icon, the Millennium Park, a fantastic urban park and one of Chicago's most famous landmarks that hosts many major city events, and the Shedd Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world. Known as Chicago's front yard, the Grant Park is a beautifully landscaped park offering many spots for an urban getaway, while the Navy Pier, located right on Lake Michigan, provides a festive environment with entertainment, shops, and restaurants. No tour of Chicago is complete without experiencing the nightlife, so end your day at a jazz lounge and let the soothing sounds of music whisk you away.

About the destination: Springfield is the capital of the state of Illinois and also serves as the administrative hub of Sangamon County. The city was established in 1819, became an administrative center in 1823, and was granted its charter in 1840. It was designated as the capital of Illinois in 1837. The legislative assembly convened here for the first time in 1839. As per the 2010 census, the city is home to 111,454 residents. Initially, around 1810, the city was named Calhoun, in honor of South Carolina Senator John C. Calhoun. However, after the population became disillusioned with Calhoun, the city was renamed Springfield. Abraham Lincoln, one of the city's most notable residents, moved to the area in 1831, but did not reside in the city itself until 1837. U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant also had connections to Springfield.

About the destination: East St. Louis is a city in St. Clair County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2010 Census, it had a population of 27,006 and a population density of 1,879.2 persons per square mile.

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 the Indian Territory, which was established as part of the relocation of the Five Civilized 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 the Indian Territory.

About the destination: Oklahoma City is the capital of the state of Oklahoma. It's a vibrant city brimming with welcoming hospitality. This is why they refer to Oklahoma City as "Cool & Warm." The city's trendy, lively atmosphere merges with its deep-rooted western heritage, forming an exhilarating destination rich in culture and adventure. Discover all the activities Oklahoma City has to offer, including renowned festivals, national sporting events, and museums filled with treasures. Explore the diversity that OKC's districts provide, from arts and entertainment to shopping, history, heritage, and more. The opportunities for fun in Oklahoma City are limitless. Don't forget to visit Crystal Bridge and Myriad Botanical Gardens.

About the destination: Amarillo, which means "yellow" in Spanish, is the center of the Texas Panhandle, located at the edge of the Great Plains. Amarillo offers a true Western heritage, a unique geographical area with wide open spaces and breathtaking 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 railroad all contributed in many ways to the development and growth of the area. That heritage is still felt here, where "cowboy" is still an honorable 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 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 authentic Southwest is waiting for you in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Immerse yourself in its deep-rooted culture and heritage, steeped in centuries of history. Enjoy its clear blue skies and sun that shines 310 days a year - ideal for outdoor activities. Take a deep breath of the high desert air, fragrant with sage and piñon, and you'll see why Albuquerque, NM is a destination unlike any other. Whether you're looking to shop for genuine Native American jewelry, try hot air ballooning, explore living history museums, partake in Albuquerque events and festivals, taste local cuisines or hit the golf courses and spas, Albuquerque has it all. Don't forget to visit the historic Old Town, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park.

About the destination: Gallup is a town located in the state of New Mexico. It serves as a significant entry point to the Navajo Nation and other nearby attractions. Gallup is home to numerous trading posts, galleries, and shops that offer a unique mix of Native American Culture, showcasing a rich variety of authentic Indian and Southwest Hispanic arts and crafts. The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful, with red mesas to the north and east, and the mountains and painted deserts of Arizona to the west. A remarkable array of ancient Indian ruins, stunning scenic attractions, and intriguing historic sites are all within a 90-minute journey from your vacation base in Gallup. A visit to the southwest is not complete without experiencing this part of New Mexico.

About the destination: Williams is a city located in Coconino County, Arizona. It serves as an exceptional gateway to the Grand Canyon. Only in Williams can you experience the charm of a mountainside town, the most well-preserved section of Route 66, outdoor adventures to cater to every preference, a railway that transports you to the Canyon in style, an open-air drive-through wildlife park, a genuine western ambiance with cowboys strolling through the town, and a welcoming atmosphere that greets you upon arrival and bids you goodbye upon departure.

About the destination: Las Vegas is the biggest city in the U.S. state of Nevada. Often referred to as the Entertainment Capital of the World or Sin City, it is located in the Mojave Desert and is encircled by arid mountains. Las Vegas is globally renowned for its combined casino-hotels and related entertainment. The city is home to numerous mega-hotel complexes, each meticulously decorated to create a fantastical atmosphere. Every hotel has a unique style, with special sights everywhere, and each hotel has its own casino. The majority of the hotel casinos are located in the city's downtown area, along The Las Vegas Strip. The Strip is a world unto itself. Where else can you visit Egypt, New York, Venice, Disneyland, Hollywood, and more all on one street? The truth is that all the action Las Vegas is known for happens on this single street. The Bellagio could be considered the unofficial center of the Strip, partly due to the free musical fountain shows that occur every half hour with varying choreography and music. The Bellagio is one of the more elegant venues with a beautiful flower garden and, for food lovers, it arguably offers one of the best buffets in town. The Venetian is another spot where one might spend more time due to its impressive attempt to recreate Venice in the desert. The main square of Venice is filled with gondolas navigating the water channels and opera singers entertaining their captive audience on board. The opposite end of the Strip, closest to the airport, begins with a humorous depiction of Egypt with its Luxor casino, despite the fact that there are no pyramids in Luxor. But in Las Vegas, anything is possible.

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 boasts a diverse architectural landscape and its attractions are spread across a vast area. Downtown is a bustling urban center, a business district, and the home of the Grand Avenue cultural corridor. Everyone is familiar with Hollywood, and a visit to the Hollywood sign is a must when in Los Angeles, as well as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where Hollywood's contributions to entertainment are celebrated through stars dedicated to celebrities. Experience the vibrant lifestyle of the West Coast on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Here, you'll encounter a festive atmosphere, unique entertainers, and quirky shops. Adjacent to the scene at Santa Monica Beach is the famous Pier with a year-round carnival-like atmosphere. It attracts locals and visitors from around the globe. Located in Griffith Park on Mt. Hollywood is the Griffith Observatory. This fantastic public observatory boasts state-of-the-art facilities and stunning views of Los Angeles. If you're a shopping enthusiast, you'll adore Rodeo Drive. A chic shopping district, Rodeo Drive is filled with high-end and fashionable stores. Take a stroll around Beverly Hills; you might even spot a celebrity in this neighborhood. This city offers fantastic weather, excellent shopping, immense diversity, great cultural events, superb dining, and friendly people. Los Angeles is cool, artificial, stylized, expansive, and never dull.