Derby Week Tours
Join us for the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby in May of 2026. The week of the Kentucky Derby is one of the most popular times to visit the Bluegrass State!
Derby Tours
Each year, thousands of visitors descend on Louisville for the horse race, mint juleps and Kentucky hospitality.
Mint Julep Sunset Social
4.5 Hours • An exclusive culinary experience at historic Hermitage Farm!Kick off Derby season in style at Hermitage Farm!We invite you to an unforgettable evening of fine dining, mixology, and thoroughbred history at a stunning 19th-century estate! Then, dive into the world of horse racing with an insider Q&A featuring Hermitage’s Stallion Manager. Next, channel your inner bartender and handcraft your own signature mint julep using farm-fresh ingredients.
$585 Per Person
Bourbon Country
Learn about the history of bourbon and the process in which “America’s Native Spirit” is made.On this morning and afternoon adventure, you'll visit Maker's Mark and Heaven Hill for tours and tastings, learning the processes, traditions and styles behind some of today's top-selling whiskeys. Also included is lunch at a local, Southern-inspired restaurant.
$299-$429 Per Person
Best of Kentucky
Horse Farm, Southern-inspired lunch, KY bourbon distillery.Experience what makes the state of Kentucky so great with a day filled of bourbon and horses. The adventure begins with a full tour at a beloved Kentucky horse farm. Next, you'll enjoy a local, Southern-inspired lunch, followed by a full tour and tasting at a KY bourbon distillery.
$299-$429 Per Person
Horse Country
Immerse yourself in Kentucky's Horse Country with past and future Derby stars at two thoroughbred horse farms.On this full-day adventure, you'll visit Hermitage Farm and Kismet Thoroughbred Farms to learn the secrets of breeding and raising a viable race horse. Lunch at a local, Southern-inspired restaurant is also included.
$299-$429 Per Person
The Details
tour description
Held the first Saturday in May, the Kentucky Derby is more than a race, it’s a bucket-list tradition. To truly experience the Bluegrass State, you need a curated Derby week itinerary that extends beyond the track. Mint Julep Experiences offers the ultimate "Derby Country" immersion, from exclusive bourbon distillery tours and elite horse farm visits to high-energy Derby-themed events. While our Public Derby Week Tours run Wednesday through Sunday, we specialize in customized VIP itineraries and private luxury transportation to Churchill Downs for every day of the festival. Don’t just attend the race; experience the legend with the local experts in Kentucky hospitality.
What's Included
- Luxury Guided Transportation: Relax as we navigate the scenic bluegrass landscape.
- Mint Julep Sunset Social: Enjoy a welcome cocktail, exclusive tour of the Stud Barn, a Q&A session featuring Hermitage's Stallion Manager, make your own Mint Julep using farm fresh ingredients and a three-course farm to table dinner.
- Kentucky Bourbon Trail: A visit to two Kentucky Bourbon Distilleries for tours and tastings.
- Best of Kentucky: A visit to one thoroughbred horse farm, followed by a lunch and then a full tour and tasting of a Kentucky Bourbon Trail Distillery.
- Horse Country: A visit to two thoroughbred horse farms to learn about the process of breeding and raising a viable racehorse.
- Local Lunch: Indulge in a delicious meal at a favorite local eatery.
Additional information
Check-in details
Public tours depart from the Mint Julep Hub in the Omni Louisville Hotel. Please check in at least 15 minutes before your departure time. Your tour leader will check you in, give you a wristband, and lead you to the bus as a group.
What to bring
- Wear closed-toe shoes
- Dress is casual for Bourbon Country, Best of Kentucky and Horse Country tours; Dress is Cocktail Casual for the Mint Julep Sunset Social.
- You may bring a cooler (limited 12×12 or smaller on public tours) with snacks and beverages (non-alcoholic) on the bus.
- Gratuity (15-20% suggested)
Please Note
All Mint Julep Tours vehicles are non-smoking. Possession of firearms or other weapons is strictly prohibited.Company policy dictates that no alcohol may be consumed before a tour of a horse farm or cooperage for safety reasons.
Bourbon City Weekend Itinerary: Where to Stay, Eat, and Sip
Wednesday, Oct 8, 2025
Bourbon City Weekend Itinerary: Where to Stay, Eat, and Sip
Wednesday, Oct 8, 2025
Southern Hospitality with a Twist of Mint
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Didn't find what you were looking for? Feel free to reach out to our team
When is The Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby is a prestigious horse race that takes place on the first Saturday in May at iconic Churchill Downs. The 2026 run for the roses will be held on May 2, 2026.
When should I book flights and hotels for the Kentucky Derby?
Ideally, you should book 6 to 10 months in advance. Hotels in downtown Louisville and near Churchill Downs often sell out or triple their rates by November for the following May. If you are booking late, consider staying in Lexington or Shelbyville (about 60–90 minutes away). Mint Julep Experiences can book your hotel and transport you from an city or state!
How many days should I stay in Louisville for Derby weekend?
A 4-to-5-day stay is the "sweet spot." Most visitors arrive Wednesday or Thursday to experience Thurby (a local favorite) or Oaks Day (Friday) before the main event on Saturday. This also allows a full day for a Mint Julep Experiences Bourbon Trail tour or a visit to a horse farm.
Is it better to stay downtown, NuLu, Germantown, or near Churchill Downs?
Downtown: Best for first-timers; walkable to the Omni (the Mint Julep Experiences hub), Fourth Street Live!, and Whiskey Row.
NuLu/Germantown: Best for foodies and those wanting a "local" boutique vibe.
Near Churchill Downs: Convenient for the race, but very residential with limited nightlife/dining options outside of track gates.
Pro Tip: Stay near the Omni Louisville Hotel to make your tour departures effortless.What’s the traffic really like on Derby Day?
While you may encounter "gridlock" conditions, Mint Julep Experiences employs local drivers and utilizes strategic parking lots to eliminate this concern. A standard 15-minute drive can take over 2 hours due to road closures around Churchill Downs, which is why most veteran attendees book directly with Mint Julep Experiences.
What do people actually wear to the Derby?
Think "Southern Elegance." Women typically wear bright sundresses or suits with statement hats or fascinators. Men opt for pastel suits, seersucker, and fedoras.
Pro Tip: If you're joining a Mint Julep tour during the week, "smart casual" is perfect, but save the big hats for the track!Hat or fascinator — which one wins?
It’s a tie! Hats offer better sun protection in the Grandstand, while fascinators are trendier and much easier to pack if you're traveling from out of state. Ask your Mint Julep Experiences travel coordinator about our exclusive Milliner experience!
What happens if it rains?
The Kentucky Derby race continues "Rain or Shine." Umbrellas are prohibited, so your fashion becomes "survival mode." We recommend a high-quality clear poncho to keep your outfit visible while staying dry. Every Mint Julep Experiences vehicle carries ponchos and umbrellas so you can stay dry to and from the front gate!
Can we fit in the Bourbon Trail during Derby week?
Yes, a bourbon tour is a must-do. Mint Julep Experiences offers specialized Derby Week Bourbon Tours that handle the logistics, bookings, and transportation, ensuring you get to the best distilleries and back to Louisville in time for dinner. Mint Julep Experiences offers several private and public experiences Wednesday through Sunday of Derby week!
Do distilleries book out during Derby week?
Yes, rapidly. Most major distilleries (like Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, and Maker’s Mark) release their tour tickets 2 to 3 months in advance, and during Derby week, they often sell out within minutes of being posted. Because Mint Julep Experiences has long-standing partnerships and scheduled tours, booking a tour through us is often the only way to guarantee a spot at top-tier distilleries during the busiest week of the year. If you see "Sold Out" on a distillery's website, check our Derby Week Public Tours or call the Mint Julep Experiences sales team as we may still have seats available.
What are the best activities for large groups or corporate guests?
For groups of 6+, a Private Custom Tour is the gold standard. Mint Julep Experiences can curate a full itinerary including private barrel picks, exclusive experiences, horse farm visits, and VIP transportation, allowing your group to stay together without the stress of navigating multiple Ubers.
How far in advance should I book my Derby week tours?
Mint Julep Experiences tours for Derby week often sell out 4-6 months in advance. We recommend booking your bourbon and horse farm tours as soon as you confirm your race tickets.
THE “HELP ME, I’M OVERWHELMED” QUESTIONS
Is the Derby actually worth it in person? Absolutely. There is nothing like the energy of 150,000 people singing "My Old Kentucky Home" as the horses head to the gate. To make it "worth it" without the stress, many guests rely on Mint Julep Experiences to handle reservations and transportation so they can focus on enjoying the race.
