The most exciting two minutes in sports, plus the whole weekend that builds up to it. Hats encouraged, and I mean that.
The Kentucky Derby is one of those events that is bigger in person than it has any right to be. A hundred and fifty thousand people, mint juleps, the singing of My Old Kentucky Home, and then two minutes that go by in a blur.
But the weekend is the real story. Louisville turns itself over to it entirely. There is racing all week, the whole city dresses up, and the anticipation builds until Saturday afternoon when it finally lets go.
Between race days there is bourbon country, the Louisville Slugger factory, Churchill Downs itself, and some of the prettiest horse farm country in America just outside of town.
Buy the hat. You will want the hat.
The twin spires, the paddock, and the track itself. Being there is nothing like watching it on television.
Mint juleps, the hats, the singing, and two minutes of racing that empty the lungs of a hundred thousand people.
Distillery tours and tastings through the rolling country outside Louisville, where most of the world's bourbon is made.
White fences, bluegrass, and thoroughbreds. Some of the most beautiful farmland anywhere in the country.
Make your way to the TownePlace Suites Louisville North, your home for the next three nights. It sits just across the Ohio River in Jeffersonville, Indiana, which puts you close to downtown Louisville, Churchill Downs, and most of what you will want to see. Suite-style rooms, daily breakfast, and once you have checked in the rest of the day is yours for Louisville's dining, its music, and its bourbon.
Breakfast at the hotel, then to Churchill Downs for one of the most stylish days on the racing calendar. Dress your best, because thousands do. Your premium hospitality package includes all-inclusive food and beverages through the day, so you are not queuing for anything. A full program of racing builds to the Kentucky Oaks itself, known affectionately as the Lilies for the Fillies, where the finest three-year-old fillies run.
The day everything has been building toward. Back to Churchill Downs and straight into the atmosphere, which is unlike anything else in American sport. Premium hospitality again, all-inclusive through the day. The racing builds to the 153rd running of the Kentucky Derby, twenty of the finest three-year-old Thoroughbreds over the most famous two minutes in sport, beneath the Twin Spires.
One last breakfast, then check out and head for home, carrying a weekend of world-class racing and a great deal of hospitality with you.
Yes. This one is open to everyone. Bring him along, bring a friend, bring the whole family.
Soon. This departure is still being finalized. Send me a note or call me at 931-801-9900 and you will hear the moment pricing and the full itinerary are set.
Not a thing. Asking for information is just asking. No deposit, no obligation, and it helps me size the trip.
No, but sharing brings the cost down. I am glad to match you with a roommate from the group.
I recommend it on every trip, and I recommend buying it at deposit rather than waiting. The pre-existing condition waiver window closes early, and once it does I cannot reopen it.
Pricing per person, land only. Airfare to Kentucky is not included.
$1,000 non-refundable deposit per person
Booking is handled securely through our Trips Unlimited reservation system. Prefer to talk it through first? Call me.
Button not opening your email? Write to frances@tripsunlimited.com or call 931-801-9900.
Travel insurance recommended at the time of deposit.
The complete day-by-day for The Derby Package, with what is included and what to expect. Print it, save it, or pass it to someone who should come along.
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