Upon arrival make your own way to your hotel for the next three nights where you will experience Chicago which is home to stunning architecture, lakefront beaches and the beautiful Chicago River. Whilst exploring the city make sure you get a photo of the official start of the Route 66 sign, located at the junction of Michigan Avenue & Adams Street and a ‘selfie’ at the famous ‘Bean’. For magnificent views of the city, head to the top of the Willis Tower, one of the tallest buildings in North America or take a cruise along the Chicago River. By night discover character filled jazz bars and the city’s thriving theatre scene.

After collecting your rental car, prepare for an unforgettable journey along Historic Route 66. Your journey as you travel southwest embraces the spirit of the Mother Road as you visit Joliet which was on the original Route 66 path and the town of Pontiac, home to the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and its iconic Route 66 mural. Continue to Springfield, which Abraham Lincoln called his home for many years. Time permitting visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum to learn about the life of the former US President, before continuing to St Louis, the largest city along Route 66. During your time in St Louis, head to the top of the Gateway Arch, the nation's tallest monument or visit the Budweiser Anheuser-Busch Brewery.

Head southeast today to Music City USA – Nashville, stopping off in Clarksville, a bustling city with a rich tobacco trade heritage along the way. Spend three nights in Nashville soaking up its musical heritage, history, and honky tonks! Learn about country music at the Country Music Hall of Fame, or about the life of Johnny Cash at his museum or see live music at the famous Grand Ole Opry.

Another interesting musical city awaits today as we head to Muscle Shoals, the ‘hit recording capital of the world’ in the 1960’s which contributed to the success of rock n’ roll, country, and R&B music. Visit the FAME Recording Studio where artists including Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding and the Rolling Stones recorded their hit songs. Continue to Tupelo, Mississippi to visit Elvis’ humble childhood home adorned with memorabilia including photos and costumes and the nearby family church where he sang his first song.

Today we head to Elvis’s much-loved hometown of Memphis, home of the blues, soul, and rock n’ roll. Music is around every corner in Memphis with nightly live music on Beale Street, and many must-see musical attractions including the Rock n’ Soul Museum, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and Sun Studios. Included during your stay is a visit to Elvis’s beloved home Graceland and his final resting place.

Follow the path of the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway through lush forests passing significant sights that look back at Mississippi’s history from the prehistoric American Indians to the 19th century. Make a stop in Indianola at the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Centre, dedicated to the Delta Blues and the legendary artist B.B. King, before continuing to Natchez, the oldest permanent settlement on the Mississippi River. Experience true southern charm by visiting one of the many antebellum homes or stroll around the pretty downtown area or spend an evening in one of the juke joints.

Today head to our final music city, New Orleans a smoking pot of French, African, Caribbean, and Spanish cultures, creole cuisine and where jazz music can always be heard. After dropping your car off, stroll around the different historic districts, have a drink at the famous Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone, head to lively Jackson Square and Bourbon Steet or join a lunch or dinner cruise on an authentic paddle wheeler along the mighty Mississippi River.

After a relaxing final morning, it is time for the short journey to the airport for your homebound flight.