The Spirit of Kentucky

DAY 1: WELCOME TO KENTUCKY!

Kick off your adventure by gathering for a Welcome Dinner. Enjoy the warmth of new friends, savor a delicious meal, and get a glimpse of the exciting experiences awaiting you in the heart of Kentucky. D

DAY 2: ARK ENCOUNTER/OLD FRIENDS FARM/LEXINGTON

Begin the day with a visit to the impressive Ark Encounter, a full-scale replica of Noah’s Ark that brings biblical history to life in a modern engineering model spanning 510 feet in length, 85 feet in width, and 51 feet in height. After, continue to Old Friends Farm, where you’ll meet retired Thoroughbred racehorses and hear the stories behind their remarkable careers. Conclude the day in Lexington, the heart of horse country, and dine at your leisure at one of the city’s inviting local restaurants. B, L

DAY 3: SHAKER VILLAGE/ARTISAN CENTER/BOONE TAVERN

Today, journey to the Shaker Village, a beautifully preserved historic community where countryside meets centuries of rich heritage. Stroll through the restored buildings and learn about the Shakers’ lifestyle during an engaging guided tour. Next, continue to Berea, Kentucky’s celebrated arts and crafts capital. Explore the Kentucky Artisan Center, where local artisans showcase handmade pottery, woodwork, and textiles. Conclude the day with a memorable dinner at the historic Boone Tavern, an iconic venue offering a taste of Kentucky’s culinary traditions. B, L, D

DAY 4: KEENELAND RACE DAY

Dive into Kentucky’s famed horse racing tradition at Keeneland. Begin the morning with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look, observing the early preparations before the day’s excitement unfolds. Then, take part in the thrill of live racing, soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic track, and wander through the beautifully maintained grounds. Take a moment to place a friendly wager and savor a truly unforgettable experience at one of the most celebrated racing destinations. B, L

DAY 5: BOURBON TASTING/CHURCHILL DOWNS/JACK O’LANTERN SPECTACULAR

Start today with a visit to Ward Hall, a grand mansion renowned for its stunning architecture, grand interiors, and fascinating history. Afterward, delight your senses with a curated bourbon tasting, savoring the rich flavors and unique character of Kentucky’s world-famous spirit. Continue the journey at the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs, where you’ll delve into the traditions, stories, and excitement of the “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.” Cap off this day with the Jack O’Lantern Spectacular, a magical display of thousands of intricately carved pumpkins that creates a truly unforgettable fall night. B, L

DAY 6: LOUISVILLE SLUGGER MUSEUM/RETURN HOME

Conclude your journey with a visit to the Louisville Slugger Museum, where baseball history comes to life. Explore iconic memorabilia, take a photo with the giant baseball bat, and learn about the craftsmanship behind this legendary American brand. Finally, return home taking with you fond memories of this Kentucky adventure. B

QUALITY ACCOMMODATIONS:
Night 1: Hilton Garden Inn Florence Cincinnati Airport South, Cincinnati, OH
Nights 2-4: Hilton Lexington Downtown, Lexington, KY
Night 5: Hampton Inn Downtown, Louisville, KY

Dates:
Oct 5-10, 2026
Oct 12-17, 2026

Price Per Person:
Double: $2,147; Single: $3,225

Pre/Post Hotel:
$199/night

Depart/Return:
Cincinnati, OH

Inclusions:
Free airport shuttle or hotel parking
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service

Arrival Time
Our Welcome Dinner on Day 1 is at our hotel, Hilton Garden Inn Florence Cincinnati Airport South, starting at 6:30 p.m. We recommend scheduling your flight to arrive by 4:00 p.m.

Departure Time
Schedule your flight home to depart the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport any time after 2:00 p.m. on Day 6.

Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our starting hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to/from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. If you are driving to the starting location, they also offer complimentary parking for the duration of the tour.

Walking Distance

To fully enjoy your vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved in our tours. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace up to a mile at a time for a daily total of three to four miles per day and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day. In addition, please know you may be expected to exit the motorcoach at each stop because local law requires mandatory motorcoach driver breaks.

Due to the lack of proper facilities at some of the farms, ranches, and off-the-beaten-path sites we often visit, we are unable to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.

Average Temps
October – high of 70° F, low of 45° F

Time Zone
Eastern

Hotel Amenities
Most accommodations arranged by Country Travel Discoveries are equipped with in-room amenities such as a hair dryer, iron, and coffee maker. In addition, some properties may also have a pool, fitness center, or laundry facilities.

Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.

Dress on tour is casual. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, visors, and comfortable walking shoes will add to your enjoyment of this tour. At Keeneland Racetrack, while there is no official dress code, guests are encouraged to dress in smart casual. Denim is permitted.

Travel Protection Available?

Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan