Imagine a glorious spring day on the first Saturday in May as the shadows from the twin spires of Churchill Downs move slowly across the track in stately procession. The wind is still, the sun is shining and the subtle scent of mint perfumes the air. The hypnotic drawl and extravagant hats of the Southern aristocracy lulls one into a dreamlike trance, until suddenly the spell is broken as 20 of the fastest horses in the world burst out of the gates. A mighty roar erupts from the crowd as 80 hoofs carrying up to a half-ton of thoroughbred muscle pound around a 1 ¼ mile dirt track over the space of roughly 90 seconds in pursuit of the single most coveted trophy in horse racing.

Join us for the most electric two minutes in sport as we experience the Kentucky Derby the way it was meant to be experienced – up close and personal. See the sweat glistening on the shoulders of thoroughbred giants, sip mint juleps in the privileged environs of the clubhouse, and attend the hottest celebrity-filled parties in town. Based out of our luxury accommodation in downtown Louisville, we’ll get exclusive behind-the-scenes access to see the horses, we’ll dine at one of the best restaurants in town, and we’ll watch the winner cross the finish line at the most famous horse race in the world.

Louisville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kentucky, and the county seat of Jefferson County.  An important internal shipping port in the 19th century, Louisville is today most well known for the Kentucky Derby, the widely watched first race of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing.  It is situated on the Ohio River in north-central Kentucky at the Falls of the Ohio.

Meet your driver for a private transfer.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Overlooking the Ohio River and downtown Louisville, Galt House Hotel and Suites is at the waterfront, about two blocks from the Kentucky International Convention Center, and approximately six miles from Louisville International Airport. The hotel's two 25 story towers offer area views. A skywalk connects the towers to the Kentucky International Convention Center. The Galt House Hotel & Suites towers are linked by the Conservatory, a glass domed space. Galt House Hotel, the largest hotel in Kentucky offers a wide array of well-appointed lodging options with 1290 guest rooms, including 650 suites. The hotel services and amenities range from a state-of-the-art rooftop fitness center, in-room safes, security, seven restaurants and lounges, massages, valet parking and many more services and amenities that will make your stay feel as if you were in the comfort of your home. Galt House Hotel has a health club, an outdoor pool, a steam room, and a fitness facility.

Overnight at Galt House (3*).

Meet your driver and enjoy a transfer to Churchill Downs.

The Kentucky Oaks event is as old as the “Run for the Roses” but features fillies and lilies and lots of things women love. The Kentucky Oaks is famous for Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred fillies staged annually in Louisville. Known as the “Lilies for the Fillies”, the winner receives a large garland of lilies and silver Kentucky Oaks Trophy. With a chilled mint julep in your hand, you will bask in the unforgettable atmosphere with beautiful ladies wearing fancy hats juxaposed by horses charging towards their stake to victory.

Tonight we recommend drinks and dinner at Maker’s Mark Bourbon House & Lounge, which fuses a swanky environment with an innovative menu in a non-intimidating way. Taking cues from the hipster handbook, the lounge capitalizes on slick minimalism with its use of blond and dark-wood fixtures, flat-screen TV’s, a double-decker fireplace, sleek red-tiled pillars, and a back-lit bar that pays homage to all of Kentucky’s bourbons. The menu demonstrates a strong Asian influence paired with local ingredients, and dishes range from Black-skillet-seared scallops to “naked” lobster ravioli and grilled double-cut New Zealand lamb chops paired with a basil-mint pesto and polenta cake.

Overnight at Galt House (3*).

Meet your driver and enjoy a transfer to Churchill Downs.

We will arrive early to allow for plenty of time to enjoy the parade of hats on display. From the fantastic to the sublime the quirky to the extravagant, there are no rules or limits. The more refined and elegant ladies sport classy, fashionable styles in the clubhouse and paddock, while the eccentric and downright outrageous headgear is reserved for the infield. Sit back and watch the action from the VIP seats in the clubhouse until the moment of the race, when an audience of over 150,000 suddenly falls silent in hushed anticipation of the starting bell. After the adrenaline-rush of watching the winner cross the finish line right before your eyes, take some time to enjoy the post-race scene before returning to our hotel by private transfer.

Overnight at Galt House (3*).

Experience why Kentucky is world famous! This fun and informative tour takes you through the heart and soul of Kentucky’s Bluegrass horse country. See a world class private farm that is home to current and future Derby stars and studs. If there is an art form native to Kentucky… Travel through the heart and soul of Kentucky’s Bluegrass horse country. Tour the ivy covered grounds of Keeneland race course, also home to the world’s most expensive horse auction. As famous for its beauty as its racing prominence, Keeneland was constructed in 1936 and is now a National Historic Landmark. Distinguished by its limestone buildings and mature trees, Keeneland helped to reinvigorate horse racing when it was faltering – clearly a successful effort. These days, visitors from around the world gather to watch horses train, catch them race during April and October, and bid for thoroughbreds at auction.

Overnight at Galt House (3*).

Meet your driver for a private transfer.