Louisville & Lexington

Join us for an 8-day getaway to Louisville & Lexington, Kentucky where we will be totally immersed with all things Bourbon and Horses!

This week we’ll make our way along the iconic Kentucky Bourbon Trail, highlighting the prominent bourbon whiskey industry in the state. We’ll tour and taste our way through some of the best bourbon distilleries in the country including Woodford Reserve, Evan Williams, Old Forester, and Prohibition Craft Spirits. In Louisville we’ll visit the Frazier History Museum, which is also the welcome center of the Bourbon Trail. You’ll get serious “Hattitude” as you learn how to make your own Derby Hat and get a lesson on how to bet at the Kentucky Derby Museum. Sports fans will also enjoy touring the famous Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory and the Muhammad Ali Center. Our time in Louisville will come to an end with a dinner cruise aboard the Mary M. Miller along the Ohio River. In Lexington we’ll learn about all thing’s horses on a tour of Keeneland, and Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Home, where champion horses go to live out their days. We’ll also visit the Mary Todd Lincoln house and enjoy several great meals at historic locations in the Lexington area. You won’t want to miss this fantastic tour through the Bluegrass State.

A Canadian passport is required for this tour. All guests must be 21 years of age by the start of the tour to enjoy the bourbon experiences!

Day 1: Departure to Ohio

Board our coach at your designated pickup location this morning as we make our way into Ohio (location to be determined closer to date of departure) for a stopover night on our way to Louisville. We will make rest stops along the way and keep you entertained. On arrival in Ohio, the evening will be at leisure to grab dinner (on your own).

Day 2: Arrival in Louisville, Start Point of Kentucky Bourbon Trail (B)

Today we will arrive in Louisville, Kentucky. After checking into the Drury Inn Louisville North, we will visit the Frazier History Museum. This is the official starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The museum also houses artifacts from famous politicians and celebrities spanning thousands of years. You can enjoy dinner tonight (on your own) in the city or enjoy the Drury Inn’s “Kick Back” Happy Hour with a rotating menu of free food and drink.

Day 3: Kentucky Derby Museum (B, D)

After an included breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the Kentucky Derby Museum. Here you make your own derby hat and enjoy a seminar known as “Horse Talk”, where you learn the secrets of picking a winning horse. After lunch (on your own), you will experience a mock racing event where everyone receives $5000 worth of “Horsey Bucks” to wager with. Tonight, an authentic Kentucky buffet dinner will be provided at the Derby Café.

Day 4: Louisville Slugger Museum & Bourbon Experience (B, D)

Following breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the famous Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory – one of Louisville’s best known tourist attractions. After the museum, you will receive your Kentucky Bourbon Trail Guidebook and Passport and enjoy guided tours of the Old Forester Distillery, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience and Prohibition Craft Spirits. There will be time to eat lunch (on your own) after the Old Forester Distillery tour. This evening, enjoy a dinner cruise and sightseeing aboard the Mary M. Miller on the Ohio River.

Day 5: Muhammad Ali Center Tour & Depart for Lexington (B, D)

Following your included breakfast at the hotel, we will check out of the Drury Inn and head over to the Muhammad Ali Center for a guided tour showcasing the life of the boxing legend. We will then depart for Lexington and have time for lunch on your own. This afternoon, we will visit the Mary Todd Lincoln House which is one of the oldest structures in the city. After, we will check into our Lexington Hotel which will be our lodging destination for two nights. Dinner is included this evening at a local restaurant.

Day 6: Keeneland Morning Works Tour & Woodford Distillery (B, L, D)

After breakfast at the hotel, we will experience the Keeneland Morning Works tour – an overview of operations for both horse racing and sales at the “storied racetrack”. An included lunch will be provided at the Woodford Inn in Versailles. There will then be a guided tour through the Woodford Reserve Distillery, where they explain the history of bourbon, bottling process and more. Following the tour, a visit to the Old Friends Horse Farm which showcases retired racehorses whose careers have come to an end. Dinner tonight will be at the Columbia Steakhouse.

Day 7: Departure for Ohio (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart Lexington for Ohio (location to be determined closer to date of departure) for a stopover night while making rest stops along the way. You will have time for dinner on your own this evening at the many restaurants near the hotel.

Day 8: Departure Home (B)

After an included breakfast this morning, we will check out of our hotel and begin the journey home with comfort stops along the way. Our coach will return to our designated pickup locations and bid you farewell!

A deposit of $250.00 is due at the time of booking. Final payment will be due 45 days prior to departure. All payments are non- refundable if you cancel on your own terms. A valid Canadian passport is required for this tour. The listed itinerary is only a guideline and is subject to change. Cancellation insurance is highly recommended. Please visit our website for our full terms and conditions: www.cardinalcoachtours.ca/our-policy/