Motorcycle tour through Illinois. Hotels & Bike, without flight (we will be happy to make you a daily updated offer).

Illinois – Chicago – Route 66

Great River Road

Selfguided Tour –
11 days – 10 nights from/to Chicago

Day 1: Arrival in Chicago
Welcome to Chicago, one of America's greatest cities. Upon arrival in Chicago, the transfer will take place on your own to a well-located middle-class hotel. Enjoy the rest of the evening and visit one of the countless jazz and blues clubs. 2 nights in Chicago.

Day 2: Experience Chicago
Today is at your leisure in the city of Chicago, also known as the "Windy City". The journey on Route 66 begins with breakfast at Lou Mitchell's. This has always been the case. The coffee shop opened in 1923. One of Chicago's oldest restaurants, Lou Mitchell's offers an old-school traditional dining experience. Experience the city on a guided tour in a double-decker bus and visit the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), from which you have a fantastic overview of the city. The Route 66 sign, the Millennium Park, the Navy Pier, the Buckingham Fountain from the opening credits of the series "A Terribly Nice Family – Al Bundy" and the polished bean are of course also on the program.

Day 3: Chicago – Springfield approx. 350 km
After your third night on American soil, you will set off in the morning to pick up your bikes. Afterwards, the "Ultimate American Road Trip" starts on the legendary Route 66 heading south. You can make your first stop in Joliet and visit the famous Route 66 Museum there. Continue past the Gemini Giant, the entrance to Wilmington, and Route 66 West. 2 nights in Springfield, the capital of Illinois.

Day 4: Experience Springfield
Today is a day for relaxation. Those who wish can follow in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln. Many things still remind us of the famous US president. His former residence can be visited at the Abraham Lincoln Historic Site. Another highlight is the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, which is dedicated to the life and legacy of the 16th US president.

Day 5: Springfield – Alton approx. 138 km
After a refreshment at the Cozy Dog Drive-In with corn dogs fried in cornmeal dough, the so-called corn dogs, we continue to Auburn, which can still boast 2,250 meters of original Route 66, a hand-laid brick road. Litchfield is home to the Sky View Drive-In, one of the very last remaining drive-in theaters on Route 66. It is also home to the Ariston Cafe, probably the oldest restaurant along Route 66. Before crossing the mighty Mississippi, a trip to Alton is announced. Overnight in Alton.

Day 6: Alton
Alton, Illinois, is located just 40 miles north of St. Louis, Missouri, on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River and on the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway, also known as the Great River Road. This scenic road stretches 3,219 km along the Mississippi River, and the section between Hartford and Grafton is designated as a National Scenic Byway. It takes you to historic towns and three major rivers around Alton. This Midwestern gem includes pretty stretches of road that lead past the roaring waters of the Mississippi River and majestic limestone cliffs.

In the early afternoon, you should have booked a free viewing appointment in advance at the famous Budweiser Brewery in nearby St. Louis. Back on Route 66, the world's largest ketchup bottle rises into the sky in Collinsville, which actually hides a water tower. South of Alton, at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cahokia, you can visit the largest prehistoric city north of Mexico and climb the earth pyramid Monks Mound. Overnight in Alton.

Day 7: Alton – Quincy – Moline – approx. 430 km
Today you will continue the longest part of the day on the scenic road with an eventful history: The picturesque Great Rivers Country promises an unforgettable stay in Illinois. The Great River Road, an official National Scenic Byway, follows the course of the Mississippi River between East Dubuque and Cairo for a length of 885 km. The scenic road was selected by National Geographic as one of the "500 Drives of a Lifetime".

Stopover in Quincy
Further upstream, you'll reach the quaint little town of Quincy. Visit the 'Great River Road Harley-Davidson' dealer. Many of the pre-war buildings can be found in the city's Downtown Historic District. The city is also known for the influence of German immigrants on architecture and due to its large number of craft buildings. Overnight in Moline.

Day 8: Moline – Galena – approx. 144 km
Before the journey continues, linger a little in Moline and visit the John Deere Pavilion. Here you can see old agricultural machinery, operate a simulated excavator or bulldozer, explore exhibits about how technology helps people shape and maintain the land. The rest of the day revolves around the Mississippi River. Before continuing your journey, take a river cruise and then drive along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River on the Great River Road National Scenic Byway until you arrive in Galena. Overnight in Galena.

Day 9: Galena – Rockford – Milwaukee approx. 275 km
Before you head to Rockford today, stroll through historic downtown Galena along winding Main Street. Red brick buildings and boutiques to art galleries and restaurants. You will reach Rockford after about 2 hours of driving. So there is still plenty of time to visit the Anderson Japenese Gardens. On 12 hectares you will find ponds with koi, winding paths, water features such as gentle streams and waterfalls. The garden is a masterpiece. On the way to Milwaukee, you should definitely make a stop at one of the oldest Harley dealers. For more than 100 years, the Spirit of the Road has been lived here. In the afternoon, a visit to the Harley Museum is a must. End the day in one of Milwaukee's quaint pubs. Overnight in Milwaukee.

Day 10: Milwaukee – Chicago approx. 129 km
Unfortunately, today is the end of your tour. The ride goes back to Chicago, where you return your bikes to the Chicago Harley-Davidson station in Rosemont in the afternoon. Overnight in Chicago.

Day 11: End of the round trip
In the course of the day, the transfer to the airport in Chicago takes place, and it is time to say goodbye. Return flight to Germany.

Included services

• 10 nights as per itinerary in good standard or mid-range hotels or motels, some including breakfast
• Rental of a HD Big Twin® including unlimited free miles, local taxes, preparation costs, half-shell helmets (subject to availability), saddlebags, security lock and motorcycle instruction
• VIP supplementary insurance without deductible in case of damage or theft***
• Additional liability insurance over EUR 1 million
• detailed roadbook with extensive information and road maps

*** In case of theft/tire damage the deductible on site is up to a maximum of US$2000 to US$ 5000 and must first be paid by the customer in the event of a claim, after the tour the claim is submitted and the self-service costs are reimbursed after verification by our German reinsurer.

Services not included:

• Flight (we will be happy to make you an offer at the current daily price)
• additional transfers, personal expenses, parking fees, petrol, oil, entrance fees, road tolls, tips, other fees
• Travel insurance

Seasonal surcharges:

• 01.05. – 30.07.24 and 01.10.-31.10.24
  EUR 95.- p.p. for 2 people on one bike
  EUR 175,- p. p. for 2 persons on 2 bikes and as a single rider
• 01.08.-30.09.24
  EUR 145.- p. p. for 2 people on one bike
  EUR 275,- p. p. for 2 persons on 2 bikes and as a single rider