Some people know it as “Will Rogers Highway” or “The Great Diagonal Way.” In its heyday, people referred to it as the “Main Street of America” or the “Mother Road.” Today, Route 66 is experiencing a rise in popularity as it approaches its official 100th anniversary on Nov. 11, 2026. 

 

Stretching 2,448 miles through eight states from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, Route 66 was one of the country’s major thoroughfares for nearly half a century. Established in 1926 as part of the new federal highway system, it became synonymous with the great American road trip after World War II as automobile ownership and leisure travel surged. Eventually, the interstate highway system made Route 66 obsolete; it was officially decommissioned in 1985. 

 

Yet people are still fascinated with Route 66’s history, culture and nostalgia. As one of the most famous roads in America, it represents freedom, adventure and the thrill of exploring the open road, small towns, and changing landscapes. Route 66 has been popularized so much in books, songs, film, TV and other pop culture, that people visit from all over the world to travel along the historic route. 

 

 

Travel Route 66 in Comfort and Style in a Luxury Motorcoach 

A century after Route 66 transformed the American road trip, travelers can experience the Mother Road in an entirely new way in a luxury motorcoach rental through LiTRV. Much like a luxury hotel suite, a luxury motorcoach features the convenience of an expansive kitchen, comfortable beds, multiple bathrooms, washer and dryer, and even a dishwasher. Just like a resort room, you can wake up with a hot shower and turn on the heat on a cool morning. There’s also plenty of room for your pets to stretch out and relax and ample room for luggage. And because everything is on the motorcoach, you don’t have to worry about forgetting something important back at the hotel.

 

 

Some motorcoaches have electric fireplaces, heated floors, and state-of-the-art entertainment centers. All luxury motorcoaches have Smart TVs throughout and WIFI access. And because all short- and long-term charters include a private driver, you can relax throughout your journey and enjoy your Route 66 adventure without having to worry about driving long stretches of highway. When your trip includes overnight stays, our LiTRV concierge specialist will arrange for your private driver to stay nearby so you can enjoy your privacy.

 

 

While our LiTRV team can create a custom itinerary for a memorable trip from Chicago to Santa Monica, you and your family or friends may want to choose a region and spend time there. Here are three destinations worth exploring along Route 66:

 

Williams, Arizona

Arizona has 385.2 miles of the longest preserved stretch of original Route 66 in the United States. One destination worth exploring is Williams, a small town nestled in the pine country of northern Arizona in Coconino County. Founded in 1881, Williams was named for the famous trapper, scout and mountain man, “Old Bill Williams.” Located about 2 ½ hours north of Phoenix, Williams is known as a gateway to Grand Canyon National Park.

 

 

Williams is full of Americana and Wild West charm. With more than six blocks of historic buildings, the town features antique shops, art galleries, neon signs, retro diners, a classic car culture, cowboys, cowgirls and lots of history from the Old West. 

 

 

Leave plenty of time for a scenic train ride via the Grand Canyon Railway, which has been transporting passengers to the Grand Canyon since 1901. The historic train makes a two-and-a-half-hour journey from Williams, Arizona to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, offering breathtaking views of the desert landscape along the way. 

 

Our LiTRV concierge specialist can explore availability at nearby luxury RV resorts, including Village Camp Outdoor Resort, a new resort in Bellemont between Williams and Flagstaff (some 25 minutes from Williams). The resort’s premium lots include top-tier amenities such as an outdoor kitchen and fireplace, perfect for dining al fresco and enjoying the cool mountain evenings. Or, we can extend your trip to include time exploring Flagstaff, Sedona and other scenic areas of northern Arizona. 

 

Albuquerque, New Mexico

New Mexico’s striking natural beauty, rich culture and wide-open spaces have earned it the nickname “Land of Enchantment.” Our LiTRV concierge specialist can create a customized vacation itinerary to explore the state, including Albuquerque, which features the longest continuous urban stretch of the Route 66 historic highway along an 18-mile portion of Central Avenue.

 

 

Spend time enjoying “Route 66 Remixed: An Art-Fueled Road Trip,” a creative reimagining of the city’s 18-mile stretch of Route 66. Along the Route, you will discover 20 large-scale public art installations and site-specific digital activations that reflect the stories, traditions, and people that have helped to shape Albuquerque. 

 

If time permits, visit the Albuquerque Museum to view The Other Route 66: 100 Years of People, Identity, and Place in Albuquerque. The powerful exhibition centers the lives of those who traveled, worked, and lived alongside the road, including stories often left out of mainstream accounts: migrants seeking opportunity, communities shaped by segregation and commerce, and the individuals whose identities were forged at this intersection of movement and place.

 

Our LiTRV concierge specialist can explore availability at near RV sites, such as Route 66 RV Resort or you may choose to stay for a few nights at a luxury resort and spa, such as Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa. Nestled in the Sandia Mountains, the resort is owned by the Santa Ana Pueblo and highlights the heritage of the Tamayame people through Indigenous artwork, architecture, and guest programs led by tribal members. Your LiTRV private driver can drop you off at the resort and pick you up when you are ready to continue on your journey. 

 

St. Louis, Missouri 

St. Louis blends rich westward-expansion history, iconic architecture, and a vibrant cultural and food scene into a unique Midwestern hub. It is also the largest city on the historic highway between Chicago and Los Angeles, packed with original landmarks and special 100th-anniversary celebrations. The city’s Route 66 Centennial in St. Louis offers a list of celebratory events and historic destinations to visit, including the Missouri History Museum, the National Museum of Transportation, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, Crown Candy Kitchen, a historic soda fountain open for nearly a century, must-visit diners, breweries, and more. 

 

 

Be sure to carve out time to visit the Gateway Arch. Designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, it’s the tallest monument in the U.S. at 630 feet, and a gleaming symbol of the country’s collective wanderlust. Today, visitors can take a tram ride to the top for panoramic views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River.

 

Our LiTRV concierge specialist can explore availability at nearby RV sites, such as 370 Lakeside Park or extend your journey to explore more of the state, including a stay in the Ozarks at Coconuts RV Resort, a luxury RV resort featuring a water park, marina, boat rentals and other fun for the family.

 

Ready for a Route 66 Road Trip?

If you’re seeking a memorable vacation that blends vintage American history, diverse landscapes, and a nostalgic sense of personal freedom, consider taking the ultimate road trip along Route 66 in a luxury motorcoach rental. Our LiTRV team is ready to help you plan a flexible, customized itinerary. Give us a call at 800-369-8153, email us at info@litrv.com or click on the “Get a Quote” button at the bottom of our home page.