Kentucky’s Unbridled Spirits

Arrive in Louisville today and transfer to your hotel. Tonight, meet your Tour Manager in the hotel lobby for a welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Manager. Meal: D

The day begins at famed Churchill Downs, the “World’s Most Legendary Racetrack.” Go behind the scenes for a walking tour of historic Churchill Downs and see the more than 1,400 stalls and watch training from rail side (when available). You will also visit the Derby Museum and see the exciting film The Greatest Race. Lunch today is at the famed Brown Hotel to enjoy their signature dish, the “Hot Brown” sandwich, an American version of the traditional Welsh rarebit featuring turkey, bacon and Mornay sauce. At the Frazier History Museum visit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center and enjoy a bourbon tasting. Browse the many exhibits and see the high-definition production Kentucky Show!, a multimedia show highlighting Kentucky’s past, present and future. Meals: B, L

Today, visit My Old Kentucky Home State Park and tour the 200-year-old mansion and plantation of the Rowan family. On a guided tour you hear the history of Stephen Foster’s ballad. You will also learn how to make biscuits during a live demonstration in the carriage house complete with home-made jams. Also, see a live demonstration of how the proper making of the perfect Kentucky mint Julep is done. Then stop at Heaven Hill Distillery for a sampling for their fine product. Tonight, dinner is at Bourbons Bistro, located in one of Clifton’s historic 1870’s buildings. Enjoy a delicious dinner followed by a whiskey tasting during a “Bourbon 101” class. Meals: B, D

Today begins with a visit to the horses at Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm. You will get up close and personal with such stars of the turf as Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm, Breeder’s Cup Champion Amazombie and stakes winners Game On Dude and Ide. In Frankfort, a stop is made at Buffalo Trace Distillery. On a guided tour you will learn the history of bourbon, see the distilling and bottling processes, walk the path of the “rolling barrels” and sample the final product. Tonight, dinner is at Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken. What started with a simple family recipe in 1953, Gus’s has grown to one of the most delicious, award-winning fried chicken meals today. Meals: B, D

After breakfast travel to the heart of Lexington’s horse country at the famed Kentucky Horse Park. Trace 55 million years of quine history at the International Museum of the Horse, tour The Big Barn, filled with beautiful draft horses and see the Parade of Breeds Show. You will also witness the Hall of Champions Show and enjoy a Bluegrass Buffet Luncheon. Then, you will visit the Lexington Brewing Company, a pioneer in Kentucky’s craft beer industry, known for their Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale. Tour the brewery, learn about the craft and taste up to four of their quality barrel-aged beers. Meals: B, L

Today is dedicated to a tour highlight, the massive Ark Encounter. This full-sized, all wood replica of Noah’s Ark presents a number of historic events centered on this one-of-a-kind historically-themed attraction. It is designed to be family oriented, historically authentic and is the largest timber frame structure in the country. Enjoy the day here and take in the entire experience. Tonight, a farewell dinner at the Hofbrauhaus is planned, featuring tasty Bavarian food served in a fun atmosphere. Meals: B, D

After breakfast, a group transfer to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is available at 8:30 a.m. for flights out after 11:00 a.m. Meal: B