Knowledge Base

How did Blacktop Candy’s choose the accommodations for the Route 66 road trip?

2012-12-20T16:27:36+00:00

The accommodations that we have chosen is one of the features that truly differentiate our driving tours from others.

1. We’ve personally vetted each hotel, motel or inn. Before we contract with providers, we carefully research each property and then make an on-site visit and spend a day or two.

2. Location is very important. All of our accommodations are located on Route 66 or within just a block and very convenient to local and Route 66 attractions.

3. Accommodations in larger cities like Chicago and St Louis, though part of larger national consortiums, were selected for their high quality, reputation and high customer ratings.

4. In as many locations as possible, accommodations were selected for their vintage and historic appeal. These properties were built in the 1930’s and ‘40’s, are meticulously maintained and have built a reputation over the years as first class establishments.

The result is a high quality list of accommodations that is convenient to the route, relaxing, and in many cases very authentic to the period that we wish to convey.

How long is the Route 66 road trip?

2012-12-20T15:33:23+00:00

The Route 66 road trip is approximately 2451 miles plus side trips to Branson, MO and Las Vegas, NV.

We designed the Route 66 classic car road trip so that travelers can fly to their starting city (either L.A. or Chicago), drive the entire route, and be back home within a three week period. The tour is 19 days, 18 nights and includes 2 nights in L.A., 2 nights in Chicago, and 2 side trips; Branson, MO and Las Vegas, NV.

Here’s a sample itinerary for the westbound trip (view detailed itinerary):

Mon - Arrive Chicago
Wed - Springfield, IL
Thu - St Louis, MO
Fri - Branson, MO
Sun - Tulsa, OK
Mon - Elk City, OK
Tue - Tucumcari, NM
Wed - Santa Fe, NM
Thu - Gallup, NM
Fri - Flagstaff, AZ
Sat - Williams, AZ (via the Grand Canyon)
Sun - Las Vegas, NV
Tue - San Bernardino, CA
Wed - Santa Monica, CA
Fri - Depart L.A.

Route 66 - Back-tracking after Las Vegas

2012-12-20T15:03:51+00:00

I receive a lot of questions about taking the side trip to Las Vegas since Route 66 doesn’t actually go through Las Vegas.

There are a couple routes to take and I like to give travelers the options. But I do have a preferred route.

First, you can take US 93 North out of Kingman, AZ which is the the most direct route to Las Vegas. US 93 also takes you by the Hoover Dam, a “must see” attraction. From Las Vegas you can take Interstate 15 South which runs along the northern border of the Mohave National Preserve and into Barstow, CA where you can re-join Route 66. But this route by-passes one of the jewels of Route 66, the Oatman Rd drive and Oatman, AZ (video).

My preferred route is to stay on Route 66 from Kingman (which becomes Oatman Rd), past the Cool Springs Station, through Sitgreaves Pass, and into the old mining town of Oatman, AZ, where wild burros still roam the streets and gunfighters entertain passersby. Continue on Oatman Rd and take US 95 North into Las Vegas. When leaving Las Vegas you can either take Interstate 15 South to Barstow, or US 95 South to I-40 then continue on Route 66 (National Trails Hwy) through the California Mohave Dessert. Taking US 95 South adds about two hours to the drive to Barstow, but the National Trails Hwy drive is quite beautiful.

How much does the Route 66 Tour cost and what’s included?

2012-12-19T20:03:29+00:00

We’ve made every effort to keep the double occupancy cost of our Route 66 road trip less than other internationally offered driving tours for two adults while offering features that far surpass our competitors.

The total cost of the tour for two adults is $11,900 and includes the following (see “Included” for full details):

- Vintage automobile rental
- First class ground transportation to and from your arrival and departure airport
- Carefully selected top-notch accommodations
- In addtion to the stops along Route 66, two nights in L.A., two nights in Chicago, and side trips to Branson, MO (2 nights) and Las Vegas, NV (2 nights)
- Vehicle damage, liability and theft insurance (deposit is required)
- Free fuel. For 2013, an unprecedented fuel allowance
- GPS Navigation System with Route 66 Turn-by-Turn directions and attractions
- Tour adviser, mechanic and spare classic vehicle on each tour
- Daily car washing and fueling service
- Double occupancy. Tour cost covers two adults