Day 1
Arrival in Chicago
Arrival, hotel check-in and an easy start to the journey. Depending on arrival time, a first walk along Lake Michigan or through downtown.
Overnight: Chicago
Day 2
Chicago — architecture and downtown
Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, skyline views, Downtown architecture and major lakefront landmarks.
Overnight: Chicago
Day 3
Chicago — second sightseeing day
An extra day keeps the city visit unhurried and leaves room for weather-dependent attractions and the interests of the group.
Overnight: Chicago
Day 4
Chicago → Las Vegas
Domestic flight to Nevada, followed by an evening introduction to the Las Vegas Strip at its most spectacular.
Overnight: Las Vegas
Day 5
Las Vegas → Death Valley → Bakersfield
Leave Las Vegas, cross Death Valley, visit selected viewpoints and continue across the desert. The listed distance covers the full day, not only the section from the park to the hotel.
Overnight: Bakersfield
Day 6
Bakersfield → Sequoia → Fresno
Giant Forest, General Sherman Tree and a walk among the world’s largest trees, followed by the drive to Fresno.
Overnight: Fresno
Day 7
Fresno → Yosemite → Modesto
Yosemite Valley, waterfalls, Half Dome and the optional Four Mile Trail descent from Glacier Point, followed by the drive to Modesto.
Overnight: Modesto
Day 8
San Francisco
Golden Gate, bay views, distinctive neighbourhoods and time to experience one of America’s most unusual cities.
San Francisco / area
Day 9
San Francisco → Highway 1 / Big Sur → Bakersfield
A very long day via Monterey, Big Sur and selected coastal stops before turning inland. The exact route depends on Highway 1 openings, weather and group pace; current Caltrans notices are checked before departure.
Overnight: Bakersfield
Day 10
Los Angeles & Santa Monica
Hollywood, the coast, Santa Monica Pier and the symbolic end of Route 66.
Overnight: Barstow
Day 11
Oatman & Route 66
The historic highway, an old mining town, burros in the street and classic Wild West atmosphere.
Overnight: Williams
Day 12
Grand Canyon → Page
Several South Rim viewpoints, followed by the drive to Page and Horseshoe Bend.
Overnight: Page
Day 13
Monument Valley
A full-day visit to the Navajo Nation tribal park and return to Page.
Overnight: Page
Day 14
Bryce Canyon
Rim viewpoints and an optional Queen’s Garden descent or combined Navajo Loop route.
Overnight: Hatch
Day 15
Zion — day one
The main canyon, park shuttle, viewpoints and optional Canyon Overlook Trail.
Overnight: St. George
Day 16
Zion — day two
Time for a slower visit or a bottom-up walk into The Narrows, depending on conditions.
Overnight: St. George
Day 17
Valley of Fire → Las Vegas
Nevada’s red-rock landscapes and the end of the road loop in Las Vegas.
Overnight: Las Vegas
Day 18
Las Vegas → Chicago
Domestic flight to Chicago and the end of the shared journey.
Journey ends
