Derby Week Tours
Join us for the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby in May of 2025. 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
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 two Kentucky bourbon distilleries 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
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.T he 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
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 two beloved horse farms and learn the secrets of breeding and raising a viable race horse. Lunch at a local, Southern-inspired restaurant is also included.
$299
The Details
tour description
Held the first Saturday in May, the Kentucky Derby is an iconic Kentucky tradition. Make the most of your time in Derby Country by planning a full Derby week itinerary visiting bourbon distilleries, horse farms and attending Derby-themed events. Public Derby tours are available Wednesday through Monday of Derby week, but customized Derby experiences or private transportation to Churchill Downs can be arranged any day of Derby week!
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 followed by a three-course farm to table dinner.
- Bourbon Country: 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 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.
Looking for a custom itinerary
Craft your own Custom Tour
By working with one of our experience coordinators, you will tap into our local knowledge and expertise to craft the perfect day.
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Southern Hospitality with a Twist of Mint
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When is The Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby takes place on the first Saturday in May every year. For 2025, the Kentucky Derby will be held on May 3, 2025.
Where do tours depart from?
All public food tours depart from the Falls City Market in the Omni Louisville Hotel in downtown Louisville at 210 W Liberty St. *Secrets of Bluegrass Chefs takes places at the Kitchen Theater at Paristown Cafe located at 731 Brent St. Louisville, KY. Guests are responsible for their own transportation to Secrets of Bluegrass Chefs.
