Route 66 - Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Special Departure
On this special departure, you'll be part of the International Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta - the largest in the world!
Your Itinerary
Once the route of pioneers' wagons, America's historic and colourful Route 66 beckons on this mesmerising road trip. Starting in Chicago, you'll experience rugged deserts, cowboy towns and the thrills of Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon as you follow 'America's Main Street' to its end in glamorous Los Angeles.
In Albuquerque, you'll be part of the International Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta - the largest in the world! Enjoy the unforgettable Mass Ascension where hundreds of hot air balloons take off, turning the sky into a virtual rainbow of colours.
DAY 1: Depart UK.
Fly to Chicago where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights.
DAY 2: Chicago.
Known as the 'Windy City', Chicago is home to the legend of Al Capone and countless jazz and blues clubs. This morning's sightseeing takes you to the heart of this ebullient metropolis on the banks of Lake Michigan. This afternoon there is free time to further explore Chicago, perhaps by climbing the soaring Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), browsing the store-filled Magnificent Mile or strolling along the waterside in Grant Park?
DAY 3: Chicago - Springfield.
Today cross the farmlands of Illinois to Springfield, resting place of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th US president. En route, you'll visit the popular Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum in Pontiac, charting the fascinating history and sights of Route 66. On arrival in Springfield, spend time exploring Lincoln's home as well as the new state-of-the-art Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
DAY 4: Springfield - St. Louis.
This morning cross the mighty Mississippi River and continue to St Louis, located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, and dubbed the 'Gateway to the West'. On your morning tour, visit the towering Gateway Arch and ride to the top of the 630-foot-tall iconic structure for panoramic views of the city and river. The remainder of your day is at leisure.
DAY 5: St Louis - Branson.
Travel through Missouri, home to the Meramec Caverns, the hideout of notorious bank robber Jesse James, to Branson, one of America's biggest music centres. This evening, why not join our optional dinner and show?
DAY 6: Branson - Oklahoma City.
Today, we enter the cowboy country of Kansas before crossing into Oklahoma, once known as Indian Territory. After visiting the Will Rogers Memorial Museum with its artefacts from the life of this famous cowboy-movie star, you'll arrive in Oklahoma City where you might want to enjoy the attractions of Bricktown, the old warehouse district now transformed into a warren of lively shopping, restaurant and nightclub-filled streets.
DAY 7: Oklahoma City - Amarillo.
An intriguing morning's sightseeing around this old frontier town awaits, including visits to the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Museum with its historic Native American and rodeo exhibits, and a recreation of a Wild West town. From here, travel to Clinton, Oklahoma where you will visit the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, home to vintage cars, neon signs, a 50s diner and drive-in theatre. Your adventure continues through rolling hill country into Texas, and on to Amarillo, the state's oil capital.
DAY 8: Amarillo - Tucumcari - Santa Rosa - Albuquerque.
Leaving Amarillo, watch for the Cadillac Ranch sculpture, crafted from real Cadillacs as we travel into New Mexico and reach Adrian, Route 66's halfway point. After passing through the old Indian town of Tucumcari, continue to Santa Rosa with its iconic Route 66 motels, drive-in grills and billboards, and call in at the quirky Route 66 Auto Museum with its 1950's fin-tailed vintage cars. Next, drive to Albuquerque, where we take a walking tour of this originally Spanish town, including a stroll around its quaint Old Town with its fine parish church and Hispanic-style plaza. Later, visit the city's original Route 66 section.
DAY 9: Albuquerque.
This morning stand in awe as you experience the pre-dawn opening ceremonies and the unforgettable Mass Ascension where hundreds of hot air balloons take off, turning the sky into a virtual rainbow of colors. What began as a gathering of thirteen balloons 40 years ago has since turned into the largest ballooning event in the world. This afternoon is at leisure for independent exploring of Albuquerque. Consider a short walk to Old Town, site of the city’s original settlement. Hone your bargaining skills with the local craftsmen who line the square to sell their lovely silver and turquoise jewellery. Perhaps visit the renowned Albuquerque Museum of Art & History that features Southwestern art and 400 years of Albuquerque history. This evening return to the Balloon Fiesta to catch the popular ‘Balloon Glow’, where all balloons fire up their burners and light up at the same time, and ‘After Glow’ fireworks show this evening.
DAY 10: Albuquerque - Gallup - Winslow - Flagstaff.
This morning cross the Continental Divide and arrive in Gallup, the setting for many famous Hollywood films before passing Holbrook's Wigwam Village. On to Winslow, with time to explore its historic downtown district, home to 'the Corner', immortalised by The Eagles in 'Take it Easy'. Continue on to Flagstaff beneath the San Francisco Mountains for an overnight stay. This evening why not visit the town's Museum Club roadhouse to kick up those boots to country and western music, Arizona style?
DAY 11: Flagstaff - Grand Canyon - Williams.
One of the highlights of today's journey is a visit to the spectacular Grand Canyon. Leaving Route 66, you'll have time to walk the canyon rim, soaking up the staggering vistas and watching the changing lights on the towering walls of what is one of the natural wonders of the world. To truly experience the Canyon's magnificence, join our optional helicopter 'flightseeing' tour and thrill at the aerial panoramas. Overnight in Williams.
DAY 12: Williams - Seligman - Las Vegas.
Returning to Route 66, you'll pass through historic Williams, viewing the legendary neon signs of its 1940s 'Motel Row'. Next on to Seligman, home to the rebirth of 66, before deviating from the Route for two nights in Las Vegas.
DAY 13: Las Vegas.
A day at leisure to explore this eye-popping, glittering desert city, dubbed 'Sin City' for its myriad of casinos, themed hotels and lavish shows. Revel in the neon-gilded Las Vegas strip or ride the world's highest roller coaster. Don't miss the Fremont Street Experience, where a glass atrium enclosing five city blocks comes alive with dazzling sounds and lights. Alternatively, choose from our optional excursions including an exhilarating raft ride along the Colorado River's dramatic Black Canyon, or an exciting helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon.
DAY 14: Las Vegas - Los Angeles.
This morning we traverse desert landscapes and the San Bernardino Mountains to Barstow. After stopping at the Route 66 Mother Road Museum, we head for Los Angeles, America's 'Capital of Glamour'.
DAY 15: Los Angeles.
Savour the exciting 'City of Angels' on our morning tour of glamorous Beverly Hills, the Sunset Strip, Hollywood and more legendary sights. The rest of the day is yours to shop for souvenirs, explore further or relax by the pool.
DAY 16: Los Angeles - UK.
Transfer to Los Angeles airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay in San Francisco, Los Angeles or Santa Monica.
DAY 17: Home landing in the UK.
Accommodation on Tour
Chicago: Best Western Grant Park; Springfield: Hilton Springfield; St Louis: St. Louis Union Station Marriott; Branson: Comfort Inn Thousand Hills; Oklahoma City: Best Western Saddleback Inn; Amarillo: Holiday Inn; Albuquerque: Best Western Rio Grande Inn; Flagstaff: Radisson Woodlands Hotel; Williams: Grand Canyon Railway Hotel; Las Vegas: Harrah's Las Vegas Casino and Hotel; Los Angeles: Los Angeles Marriott Downtown.
Your Holiday Map
Route 66 - Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Special Departure
Optional Excursions
To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.
Chicago Trolley Tour
Discover the Windy City's most popular attractions aboard Chicago's largest trolley fleet. Regular stops along the 13-mile loop include the Sears Tower, the Art Institute, the Adler Planetarium, Marshall Field's, Michael Jordan's, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Your trolley ticket allows hop on / hop off privileges all day.
$29 (US Dollar)
Untouchable Gangster Tour
Have a bang up good time on the two hour romp back to the Roaring Twenties! See Chicago's most infamous sites, hear historically accurate accounts for the exploits of Capone, Moran, Dillinger, and the rest of "da boys".
$30 (US Dollar)
Wendella's Chicago Lake and River Cruise
Chicago's most comprehensive boat tour. This signature tour of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River includes a trip through the Chicago Locks and a live narration featuring an overview of architecture and history. NOTE: Boat tours only operate on the weekends in March. Subject to availability.
$26 (US Dollar)
Wendella's Chicago River Architecture Tour
Chicago's architectural heritage is considered to be among the finest in the world, and the Chicago River provides the ultimate setting to view these magnificent structures. The Wrigley Building, one of Chicago's' most recognizable architectural treasures, is the perfect location to start the 75 minute journey. Traveling through the heart of the city, the docents will provide an in-depth perspective on why Chicago's architectural heritage is known and studied around the world.
$26 (US Dollar)
Mercury Skyline Lake & River Cruise
A guided tour through Chicago's downtown river and harbor front. Enjoy lively commentary on 17 bridges, 82 buildings and landmarks. Experience the famous Chicago River locking system as you enter Lake Michigan.
$25 (US Dollar)
Duttons Evening Show and Dinner
The Duttons, as seen on America's Got Talent! , will entertain you with their multiple talents, non-stop singing, dancing, and phenonmenal instrumentals. Prior to the show an included dinner at Grand Country Buffet. Subject to change.
$61 (US Dollar)
Big Texan Steak Ranch
Texas legends are filled with tales of cowboys, cattle, and campfires. RJ "Bob" Lee built a legend of his own when he cooked steaks over an open flame until a bragging cowboy couldn't eat another bite. The result was the steak that make Amarillo famous. This restaurant is the home of the FREE 72 oz steak - if you can eat it in one hour!
$29 (US Dollar)
Grand Canyon Helicopter Flightseeing - North Canyon Tour
Explore impressive Dragon Corridor, the deepest and widest part of the Canyon, and one of the most remarkable panoramas of the Grand Canyon. The Tower of Ra, a 6,076-foot butte named in the 1800s after the Egyptian sun god, comes into view, as do other fanciful rock formations resembling temples and shrines. Fly in a comfortable, climate controlled helicopter with specially designed windows for optimum viewing. (30 minute flight, weather dependent)
$175 (US Dollar)
Grand Canyon Imax
Fly like a condor over the rim and into the Canyon, be drenched in the power of the raging Colorado River without ever leaving your seat at the Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center. And relive the history and mystery of one of the most storied natural wonders of the world. From the mysterious Anasazi who inhabited the Canyon 4,000 years ago, viewers at The National Geographic Visitor Center will travel through Grand Canyon history to join Major John Wesley Powell as he challenges the unexplored Canyon and raging Colorado River in 1869. (40 minute multimedia presentation)
$13 (US Dollar)
Eco-Star Grand Canyon Helicopter Flightseeing
This experience will be a highlight of your vacation. Fly over the widest and deepest portion of the Grand Canyon. You will see the amazing views of the Dragon Corridor, Colorado River and other geologic features and formations over a billion years old. If you have ever wanted to see the Grand Canyon from a birds eye view this is the trip for you. Fly in our first class state of the art ECO-Star helicopter with specially designed windows and seating for 180 degrees of virtually unobstructed views. This is a comfortable, climate controlled helicopter with quiet ride technology for a more comfortable Grand Canyon helicopter tour experience. Grab your camera and enjoy this spectacular journey to the Grand Canyon. (30 minute flight)
$199 (US Dollar)
Black Canyon Raft Trip With Transportation
This is a unique day trip aboard a motor-assisted raft which allows the visitor to leisurely enjoy and share in the history, desert wildlife and beauty in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. Black Canyon/Willow Beach River Adventures will provide round trip transportation. You will be transported on our tour buses to the launch area at the base of the Hoover Dam. This is an extremely rare view of the Hoover Dam that very few people have the opportunity to see. At this time, you will board our large comfortable rafts which have been carefully constructed with your party's safety in mind. During this excursion, our experienced and knowledgeable guides will share with you the history of this magnificent geological area. The high canyon walls will leave you breathless. Be prepared to see Desert Big Horn Sheep, Osprey, and Great Blue Heron in their natural setting. Bring your camera because it is seldom you will have an opportunity such as this to view the wonders of nature. Our rafts will stop along the shore to give you a chance to swim or play in the cool clear waters below Hoover Dam. You might take this opportunity to enjoy the box lunch provided while watching and listening to the sights and sounds of this magnificent desert. Your trip will end on the Arizona side of the river at Willow Beach. Here you will board our comfortable tour buses for the return trip over the crest of the Hoover Dam to your Las Vegas hotel. Fun for all ages, no paddling experience necessary. This is truly an experience to remember. (Approximately 8 hours round trip from hotel to hotel)
$132 (US Dollar)
Grand Celebration Helicopter Experience
Embark on an unforgettable, narrated flight from Boulder City to the floor of the Grand Canyon. Descend 4,000 feet toward your exclusive landing site and enjoy breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon. Touch down by the banks of the Colorado River. Compliment your journey with a delightful picnic meal and refreshments served under an authentic Indian "Ramada". You will have ample time to take photos and explore the canyon floor. Before taking back off toast your journey with a champagne toast. Your tour also includes majestic views of historic Boulder City, Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam, Guano and Eagle Points, the famous SkyWalk and the Grand Canyon itself. (Approximately 4 hours, hotel to hotel, weather dependent)
$429 (US Dollar)
Lake Mead Cruise And Hoover Dam Discovery Tour
Explore Lake Mead on a paddle-wheeler boat, viewing amazing sights such as Hoover Dam and the Arizona Paint Pots. Your tour begins with a stop at Hoover Dam, one of the greatest engineering feats ever accomplished. There you will take a guided tour starting at the visitor's center that will include an informative movie, a trip to the generator room on the Nevada side and time to explore a number of exhibits at the center. After a 90-minute stay at the dam you will move on to Lake Mead. Here enjoy the largest man-made lake in the United States with more than 550 miles of shoreline. Board the Desert Princess, a three-level Mississippi-style paddle wheeler with two enclosed climate-controlled decks and a third observation deck. Cruise the beautiful waters of Lake Mead and view the unparalleled sights of Hoover Dam and the steep canyon walls that surround it. View Boulder Island, Sentinel Island and see the Arizona Paint Pots. Your will enjoy lunch on board the Desert Princess. After your cruise, enjoy a visit to the historic Boulder Dam Museum, where you'll learn even more about Boulder City and its magnificent dam. (Approximately 7.5 hours)
$110 (US Dollar)
Black Canyon River Rafting
This is a unique day trip aboard a motor-assisted raft which allows the visitor to leisurely enjoy and share in the history, desert wildlife and beauty in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. Black Canyon/Willow Beach River Adventures will provide round trip transportation. You will be transported on our tour buses to the launch area at the base of the Hoover Dam. This is an extremely rare view of the Hoover Dam that very few people have the opportunity to see. At this time, you will board our large comfortable rafts which have been carefully constructed with your party's safety in mind. During this excursion, our experienced and knowledgeable guides will share with you the history of this magnificent geological area. The high canyon walls will leave you breathless. Be prepared to see Desert Big Horn Sheep, Osprey, and Great Blue Heron in their natural setting. Bring your camera because it is seldom you will have an opportunity such as this to view the wonders of nature. Our rafts will stop along the shore to give you a chance to swim or play in the cool clear waters below Hoover Dam. You might take this opportunity to enjoy the box lunch provided while watching and listening to the sights and sounds of this magnificent desert. Your trip will end on the Arizona side of the river at Willow Beach. Here you will board our comfortable tour buses for the return trip over the crest of the Hoover Dam to your Las Vegas hotel. Fun for all ages, no paddling experience necessary. This is truly an experience to remember. (Approximately 8 hours round trip from hotel to hotel)
$132 (US Dollar)
Hoover Dam Classic
Travel to Hoover Dam in style and comfort aboard our custom Tour Trekker. Your talented guide will share many points of interest along the way. You'll truly appreciate the extra care and comfort you receive from Pink Jeep Tours.
The Hoover Dam Discovery Tour offers ample time for exploring this National Historic Landmark and engineering wonder of the world. See live presentations, a fascinating film on the Dam's construction and history, exhibit gallery, observation deck, and venture down to the observation room in the power plant to view the massive generators. You'll also encounter dramatic views of both the Colorado River and Lake Mead, the largest manmade body of water in the Western Hemisphere. (4 hours)
$92 (US Dollar)
Hoover Dam Top to Bottom
From the Lake Mead Overlook, you're transported to the Colorado River by van on the Lower Portal Road, where construction crews traveled each day. You'll see the original gauging station used to measure water level and flow, and dynamite storage bunkers used during construction. Then, a guided Colorado River float tour by raft offers you close-up views few people have ever seen of Hoover Dam, mighty power plants, and Black Canyon.
You'll also learn historical facts and get an astounding view of the Hoover Dam Bypass project and construction of the nearly 2000-foot-long bridge spanning over 900 feet above the river. This is absolutely the best photo opportunity of the Hoover Dam and Colorado River! (5 hours)
$142 (US Dollar)
Dinner at the Carnival World Buffet and The Rat Pack Show
Before there was Elvis there was The Rat Pack - Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Dean Martin - who won over audiences with their cool musical styling's and playful stage demeanour during their run at the Sands in the original Copa Room. First you have dinner at the Rio's Carnival World Buffet recognized as the best buffet in Vegas year after year by guests and critics alike; the Carnival World Buffet has raised the bar in buffet dining once again, offering more variety in food choices (more than 300 dishes prepared fresh daily) and a new contemporary design that make the best buffet in Vegas even better. From pizza to omelets, sushi to teppan yaki, fresh carved meats to Asian barbecue, the Carnival World Buffet offers numerous distinct dining experiences from around the world featuring live-action cooking right before your eyes guaranteeing freshness and top quality. Enjoy more than 70 varieties of homemade pies, cakes and pastries, and nine gelato flavours, all made from scratch. After dinner relive the glory days of Vegas with the Rat Pack in this international hit, now in its 11th smash year.
$100 (US Dollar)
West Rim & Hoover Dam Combo Tour
Travel in comfort to one of the Southwest's most exciting venues in our luxurious, custom vehicles with a professional tour guide. Experience the extraordinary desert scenery of the Mojave Desert as you travel to the West Rim. Brief stops along the way allow for close-up views and photo of the desert community of Dolan Springs, the rugged Joshua tree forest, and the magnificent Colorado River. Your journey culminates at the stunning West Rim of the Grand Canyon, home of the Hualapai Nation. Your knowledgeable tour guide escorts you to points of interest, and shares fascinating facts on the history, culture, geology, flora, fauna, and all that surrounds you on this exceptional adventure. Next, explore the Hoover Dam. Spend some time exploring this National Historic Landmark and engineering wonder of the world. See live presentations, a fascinating film on the Dam's construction and history, exhibit gallery, observation deck, and venture down to the observation room in the power plant to view the massive generators. You'll also encounter dramatic views of both the Colorado River and Lake Mead, the largest manmade body of water in the Western Hemisphere. Approximate time 10-11 hours, lunch is included at the West Rim. Tickets to the Skywalk can be purchased for $32.50 at the West Rim.
$304 (US Dollar)
Universal Studios Hollywood - One day admission - client ID #1074
No visit to the West Coast would be complete without seeing the world's largest motion picture and television studio. There's a chance to see live shows currently aired on TV, a screen test, comedy theater, and a daring stunt show.
$77 (US Dollar)
Movie Stars Homes With Hotel Transportation
You've seen their movies, now see where the stars actually live with our most popular tour! Sit back and relax in an air-conditioned Starline Mini-Buses, where other buses can't go (featured in "The Osbournes" and "Speed"), and see over 40 breathtaking mansions, in a fully narrated two- hour tour. Transportation provided from hotel.
$55 (US Dollar)
Movie Stars Homes From Chinese Theater
Movie Stars' Homes Tour in Los Angeles, provides an exclusive comprehensive narrated tour of breath-taking stars' homes in Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Bel-Air and Los Angeles as well as introducing you to Hollywood's iconic Sign and mile-long Walk of Fame, West Hollywood's glittering Sunset Strip and Beverly Hills's glamorous Rodeo Drive! Our professionally trained tour guides will take you in our air-conditioned or open-air mini-buses (featured in "The Osbournes" and "Speed") to see LA's most exclusive residential neighborhoods. During your two hour tour, your informative fun guide will take you to see over 40 breathtaking mansions. Celebrities are constantly moving in and out of the neighborhood, so bring your camera... you never know who you might see! (2 hours)
$47 (US Dollar)
24-hour Hop On Hop Off Double Decker Bus Tour
Discover the whole of Los Angeles and get on or off the buses at over 50 stops! Enjoy the open-air view from our vintage Double Decker Buses from England as the narrated tour points out landmarks from Downtown L.A. to the beaches of Santa Monica, with Hollywood and Beverly Hills in between. Hop-On or Hop-Off as often as you like to explore major attractions, movie studios or dine and shop at Los Angeles's hotspots - when you're ready to continue, just hop back on the bus. This ticket allows you to transfer between routes. (24 hour pass)
$35 (US Dollar)
Dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp in Santa Monica
Join your fellow travelling companions for an optional farewell dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in Santa Monica. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. captures the charm and American spirit that made "Forrest Gump" a smash hit, featuring down-home decor reminiscent of the movie's setting in Alabama. After dinner spend some time at the Santa Monica Pier before returning to your hotel.
$35 (US Dollar)
Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.
Route 66 - Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Special Departure 15 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the calendar.
Route 66 - Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Special Departure 15 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.

| Earlier Dates | Date | Depart From | Price from PP | Later Dates | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Sep 2012 |
Make your own way
Make your own wayThis is the price of the holiday without flights
|
Select | |||||||||||
| 28 Sep 2012 | Aberdeen |
Departure Times
|
Select | ||||||||||
| 28 Sep 2012 | Birmingham |
Departure Times
|
Select | ||||||||||
| 28 Sep 2012 | Edinburgh |
Departure Times
|
Select | ||||||||||
| 28 Sep 2012 | Glasgow |
Departure Times
|
Select | ||||||||||
| 28 Sep 2012 | London Gatwick |
Departure Times
|
Select | ||||||||||
| 28 Sep 2012 | London Heathrow |
Departure Times
|
Select | ||||||||||
| 28 Sep 2012 | Manchester |
Departure Times
|
Select |
Route 66 - Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Special Departure
Price from £2149.00
What's Included
- Flights: UK - Chicago; Los Angeles - UK
- Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
- Professional tour director on tour and local representative's assistance at other times
- Porterage at hotel during tour (for one suitcase per person)
- Transfers between overseas airports and hotels
- All local and airport taxes/service charges
- Single share option no supplement to pay
Holiday highlights
- Springfield Route 66 Museum, Abraham Lincoln's home and Presidential Museum
- Oklahoma City National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Museum
- Santa Rosa Route 66 Auto Museum
- Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Los Angeles City sightseeing
Departures from
- Aberdeen
- Birmingham
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- London Gatwick
- London Heathrow
- Manchester
Departures between
28 Sep 2012 to 28 Sep 2012
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
© Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. All holidays and offers are subject to availability.
