ROUTE 66 • OCT 3–15, 2026
Route 66 Tour 2026 — The Mother Road, Your Way
13 days across 8 American states.
5,157 km from Chicago to Santa Monica on the most legendary road in the world.
Route 66 is more than a road — it’s a piece of American mythology. Born in 1926 to connect Chicago to Santa Monica, it crossed eight states, transformed mid-century America, and inspired countless songs, films, and dreams. Decommissioned in 1985, much of it survives as Historic Route 66 — a patchwork of original alignments, vintage diners, neon-lit motels, and ghost towns that you can ride end to end.
13 days, 5,157 km / 3,204 mi, eight states (IL, MO, OK, TX, NM, AZ, NV, CA), and the freedom to choose your machine. BMW R1300GS for the classic American chrome experience, or BMW R1300GS for adventure-touring comfort. UpSerra coordinates everything: rental, hotels, support vehicle, bilingual tour leader (Portuguese / English), professional photo coverage.
Iconic stops along the way: Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Horseshoe Bend near Page, Monument Valley red sandstone, Grand Canyon South Rim, Las Vegas, Sequoia National Park, and the Santa Monica Pier at the End of the Trail. This is the version of the Mother Road that international tour leaders deliver — small group, full curation, intentional pace. American road trip with UpSerra style.
IN MOTION
Watch the institutional video
UpSerra institutional video — the spirit of the operation, the team, and what we deliver. This is the first edition of Route 66; in October we’ll come back with our own footage.
More videos on @upserra YouTube channel →
THE ROUTE
Chicago → Grand Canyon → Las Vegas → Sequoia → Santa Monica
Day-by-day itinerary
DAY 01 · SAT OCT 3 · CHICAGO
Arrival in Chicago
Welcome in Chicago, transfer to the hotel and technical briefing with the UpSerra team. Bike handover at the partner rental (BMW R1300GS), luggage rack fitting and test ride. Welcome dinner, classic American style — diner, burger, cold beer.
DAY 02 · SUN OCT 4 · 477 KM
Chicago → St. Louis (MO)
First contact with the Mother Road. Departure from the Begin of Route 66 sign in Chicago, crossing rural Illinois and the small historic towns that lived off the road — Springfield among them, where Lincoln built his political career before the White House. Across the Mississippi into St. Louis, Missouri, with the Gateway Arch framing the end of the day.
DAY 03 · MON OCT 5 · 643 KM
St. Louis → Tulsa
Classic Route 66 stretch, with neon diners, 1950s gas stations and towns that stood still when the interstates took the traffic away. We cross Missouri and the short — and mandatory — slice of Kansas. Overnight in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
DAY 04 · TUE OCT 6 · 591 KM · CADILLAC RANCH
Tulsa → Amarillo (TX)
The infinite horizons of Texas start here. Mandatory stop at the Cadillac Ranch — ten Cadillacs buried nose-down in the desert, covered in graffiti. Bring a spray can and leave your mark. Arrival in Amarillo, capital of the Texas Panhandle.
DAY 05 · WED OCT 7 · 679 KM
Amarillo → Gallup (NM)
The longest riding day of the tour, and the one that changes the landscape completely. Into New Mexico and the colours of the American Southwest, following Route 66 across the high desert to Gallup — a town that grew on the road, surrounded by Navajo and Zuni territory.
DAY 06 · THU OCT 8 · 560 KM · MONUMENT VALLEY
Gallup → Page (AZ)
The day of the West’s iconic landscapes. Past Shiprock, the volcanic formation sacred to the Navajo, and through Monument Valley — the red buttes that became the postcard of John Ford’s westerns. Overnight in Page, on the shore of Lake Powell and minutes from Horseshoe Bend.
DAY 07 · FRI OCT 9 · 318 KM · GRAND CANYON
Page → Williams
A short day on the handlebars and a long one on scenery. Crossing Grand Canyon National Park along the South Rim viewpoints, with colours shifting from red to purple depending on the hour. Overnight in Williams, the village that reinvented itself as the capital of Route 66 tourism, with themed bars and the historic railway station.
DAY 08 · SAT OCT 10 · 500 KM · SELIGMAN · OATMAN · HOOVER DAM
Williams → Las Vegas
Probably the most cinematic day of the tour. Route 66 nostalgia in Seligman (the village that inspired Pixar’s Cars), a stop at the Hackberry General Store, and the technical challenge of the Sitgreaves Pass dropping into Oatman — a mining town with wild burros walking freely down the main street. Crossing the Hoover Dam and arrival under the lights of the Las Vegas Strip.
DAY 09 · SUN OCT 11 · LAS VEGAS · FREE
Free day in Las Vegas
First day off the bike after eight on the road. Cirque du Soleil show, premium dinner, the iconic Strip casinos, pool party — or simply sleeping in. Each rider lives their own Vegas.
DAY 10 · MON OCT 12 · LAS VEGAS · FREE
A second free day in Las Vegas
A rest day in the city that never sleeps. Cirque du Soleil show, premium dinner, the iconic Strip casinos (Bellagio, Caesars, MGM), pool party, or a day trip to Red Rock Canyon or Valley of Fire. Each rider lives their own Vegas.
DAY 11 · TUE OCT 13 · 461 KM · MOJAVE
Las Vegas → Kernville
Crossing the Mojave Desert (alternate route to Death Valley to avoid extreme October temperatures). Approach to Sequoia National Park, riding the Kern River Canyon with its red gorges. Overnight in Kernville, a mountain village with an outdoorsy vibe.
DAY 12 · WED OCT 14 · 360 KM · SEQUOIA NP
Kernville → Fresno
We cross Sequoia National Park end to end on the park’s most cinematic roads: Kern River Road, California Highway 99, Tunnel Rock, Tunnel Log, and a stop at the General Sherman Tree — the largest living tree on the planet by volume (84 m tall, 31 m around). Descent to Fresno.
DAY 13 · THU OCT 15 · 567 KM · END OF THE TRAIL
Fresno → Santa Monica
The day to close the loop. Descent through inland California to the Santa Monica Pier, the mandatory photo under the “End of the Trail” sign — the point where Route 66 ends, on the Pacific. Closing toast with the team.
EXPEDITION MEMORIES
Route 66 in pictures
Photos from previous editions along the way — Chicago, Monument Valley, Las Vegas, Santa Monica. To give you a sense of what’s waiting in October.
More on Instagram @upserra_ →
ROUTE 66 EXPERIENCE
The Mother Road, your way
Route 66 has existed since 1926 — diners, vintage motels, 1950s gas stations still operating, towns frozen in time when the interstates were built and traffic moved elsewhere. This tour preserves that rhythm, with no shortcuts. The bike is a BMW R1300GS for a more upright riding position and dual-sport versatility.
It’s eight states in fifteen days: Illinois (urban), Missouri (Mississippi), Oklahoma (cowboy country), Texas (infinite horizon), New Mexico (Spanish colonial), Arizona (Grand Canyon, Monument Valley), Nevada (Las Vegas, Hoover Dam), and California (Sequoia, Pacific). 5,157 km / 3,204 mi — and each state with its own absolutely distinct identity.
Full UpSerra logistics: hand-picked hotels, bilingual tour leader, mechanical support vehicle, professional photo coverage. The rental partner provides the BMW R1300GS, prepared and serviced.
What’s Included
- Motorcycle rental for 13 days — your choice of BMW R1300GS, with basic insurance included
- UpSerra bilingual tour leader (Portuguese / English) for all 13 days
- Mechanical and logistical support vehicle
- 13 nights of selected accommodation
- Technical briefing in Chicago + bike handover
- Professional photo and video coverage of the expedition
- Complete planning of route, historic stops, and logistics
- Pre-trip support (documentation, visa, equipment, flights)
Not Included
- International airfare to Chicago + from Los Angeles
- US visa or ESTA waiver (USD 21, online — depending on your country)
- Motorcycle fuel during the tour
- Meals (breakfast included at hotels — high-quality American gastronomy along the way)
- Mandatory international travel insurance
- Park entrance fees
- Las Vegas attractions (shows, casinos, premium restaurants)
- Personal expenses
- Tourist taxes and local fees — paid directly by the participant
You ride a BMW R1300GS — upright riding position, balanced weight and the same machine for the whole group, which is what keeps a guided pace working over thirteen days. BMW R1300GS — depending on preference and availability. The earlier you confirm your spot, the more options. USD 2,000 hold placed on your credit card at pickup (released at return).
Requirements
Documentation (international riders)
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond return date
- For non-US citizens: ESTA visa waiver (online, USD 21) or B1/B2 visa, depending on your home country. UpSerra confirms requirements at booking
- Motorcycle license (Class M or Class A equivalent) — at least 1 year holding it. Rental partner accepts home country license; International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended, especially for non-US riders (issued by AAA in the US, AA in UK)
- International credit card with at least USD 2,000 available limit (bike security hold)
- Round-trip international flight to Chicago (arrival by Oct 3) + from Los Angeles (departure on or after Oct 16)
- Mandatory international travel insurance with motorcycle riding coverage and US medical
Other requirements
- Heavy-bike experience required (700cc+): the BMW R1300GS weighs about 250 kg / 550 lb. Comfort with weight at low speeds is what matters.
- Riding gear: helmet (mandatory in Texas/California, recommended in all states), jacket with full protection, gloves, riding pants, boots, knee armor, rain shell
- Layered weather gear: October across 8 states ranges from 5°C / 41°F (Sequoia mornings) to 30°C / 86°F (Mojave afternoon). Layered system mandatory
- Vaccinations: none mandatory for US entry
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Reserve your spot — Route 66 October 2026
Leave your details and our team will reach out on WhatsApp within 24 hours.
Prefer to talk first? Message us on WhatsApp →
Frequently Asked Questions
Which motorcycle will I ride?
A BMW R1300GS, prepared and serviced by the partner rental. Upright riding position, balanced weight and adventure-touring capability — and the same machine for the whole group, which is what keeps a guided pace working over thirteen days.
Do I need a visa for the US?
Depends on your country. ESTA visa waiver (USD 21, applied online): Canada, UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil (recently joined), and ~40 others. B1/B2 visa: required for many other countries (consult US embassy). UpSerra confirms requirements at booking based on your nationality.
Is my motorcycle license valid in the US?
For US citizens: yes. For international riders: home country motorcycle license + International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended. Get IDP before traveling — issued by AAA in your home country.
What’s the weather like in October?
Variable across 8 states. Illinois/Missouri: 10–22°C / 50–72°F. Texas/New Mexico: 12–25°C / 54–77°F. Arizona/Nevada/California desert: 15–30°C / 59–86°F days, can drop to 5°C / 41°F at night in Sequoia/Sierra Nevada. Layered gear with rain shell mandatory. Rain unlikely.
How much fuel and food cost?
Vegas optional.
Fuel, meals and personal expenses are up to each rider and vary a lot with exchange rates, region and personal style. UpSerra does not estimate these figures — we go through the day-to-day of the trip at the initial briefing.
Best flights to Chicago?
Chicago has 2 main airports — O’Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW). ORD has direct flights from most international hubs (London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, São Paulo, Mexico City, etc.). Plan to arrive 1–2 days early. Return flight from Los Angeles (LAX) on Oct 16 or later.
Is it tough for someone without big-bike experience?
Moderate level. The BMW R1300GS weighs about 250 kg (550 lb) and demands comfort with weight at low speeds. 100% paved, comfortable daily averages.
Where are bikes picked up and returned?
Pickup in Chicago on Day 1 (Oct 3), at the rental partner near the airport/hotel. Handing the bikes back is UpSerra’s responsibility — it happens in Los Angeles the day after arrival (Oct 16), so you do not need to extend your stay because of the motorcycle. Rental partner coordinates transfers between airport and your hotel. Riders flying internationally need to ensure flight to Chicago arrives by Oct 3 and from LA departs on or after Oct 16. UpSerra suggests compatible flight times.
How do I pay? What’s the deposit?
10% deposit at booking confirms your spot. Balance via international wire transfer in USD or credit card. Once you submit the booking form, our team contacts you on WhatsApp within 24 hours to handle the details.
Pricing
Per person, in USD. Motorcycle rental (BMW R1300GS) always included. International flight Brazil ↔ US on the rider.
| Package | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rider — Twin Room (motorcycle included) | USD 8,000 |
| Rider — Single Room (motorcycle included) | USD 10,000 |
| Couple — Double Room (motorcycle included) | USD 11,000 |
Payment terms: 10% deposit at booking confirms your spot. Balance via international wire transfer (USD) or credit card. Talk to the UpSerra team on WhatsApp.
Limited spots.
Small group to preserve pace and full attention from the team.
Reserve your spot directly with our team.
“More than roads, we live experiences. More than destinations, we build friendships.”
@UPSERRA_ · OFFICIAL BMW MOTORRAD PARTNER