Route 66 by car

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: 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: Santa Fe, New Mexico is a magical, exuberant, colourful journey at any time of the year. Its legendary history and culture will captivate and inspire you. Its art galleries and diverse visual arts span ancient traditional techniques to the most contemporary and edgy. Santa Fe is home to more than a dozen fascinating museums that document the region's history, art and cultures. Here you'll find the country's only museum dedicated to a female artist, Georgia O'Keeffe. Many visitors travel here to experience fascinating historic sites, including stunning remnants of ancient Native American communities near Santa Fe and pueblo communities that are still vibrant today.

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: Formed at the point where the Colorado River breaks through the mountains of the American West, The Grand Canyon National Park is the most beautiful and well-known nature reserve in the USA, its 5000 square kilometres covering more than four different climatic zones and rising to 2200 metres above sea level creates an unforgettable setting. The Grand Canyon is also Indian Territory, the Navajo, Hopi and Havasuapi Indians still inhabit this region. There are Indian Reservations offering several activities and a collection of viewpoints overlooking the Grand Canyon and the stagnant waters of the Colorado River. The Colorado River created this natural masterpiece in less than ten million years with severe heat and extreme cold eroding the rock, followed by rainfall that drove it down into a mighty river. Up to 1600 metres deep and averaging 16 kilometres wide, the incredible dimensions of this huge abyss are difficult to comprehend, the descent into the canyon being like a journey into the Earth’s distant past. Described as one of the great natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is truly awe-inspiring, and should be on everyone's travel list.

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.