Run for the Roses: The Kentucky Derby - Thoroughbred World

4 night Event - starting in Lexington, Kentucky - ending in Lexington, Kentucky

A Tauck Event Tour.

Celebrating 90 years in the travel touring business, Tauck offer the ultimate in luxury touring. Throughout the years, ingenuity and innovation, plus a focus on customer servce and authentic experiences, have grown Tauck into one of the world's leading travel touring companies. On your Tauck Event you can expect a small group, one of a kind travel experiences, exclusive access to places and experiences you can't do on your own, the finest hotels, luxury motorcoaches, highly experienced tour directors, go behind-the-scenes at key sites and venues often off-the-beaten track, Special "twists" and in-depth insights by local experts, Exclusive Private Gala Evening Events held in premier venues – cocktail receptions, special dinners, unique entertainment performances and presentations by noted experts.

Tauck rolls out the red carpet for our guests on Run for the Roses: The Kentucky Derby –  our exclusive five-day event in Lexington, Kentucky, celebrating the 142nd Running of the Kentucky Derby, May 4 – 8, 2016. Experience the excitement leading up to the first leg in horse racing’s coveted Triple Crown from the moment you arrive in Lexington... and the thrill of viewing the Derby as a VIP in Tauck’s reserved seating in the exclusive Jockey Club Suite or Start Gate Unit at legendary Churchill Downs in Louisville. Run for the Roses: The Kentucky Derby enhances the Kentucky Derby experience with sightseeing focusing on the history and traditions of Lexington's Bluegrass region and the world of Thoroughbred horses – and this Thoroughbred World itinerary includes private horse farm visits and admission to the Kentucky Oaks... the annual “sister race” for 3-year-old fillies held at Churchill Downs the day before the Kentucky Derby. 

2016 Guaranteed departure dates:
May 4th
 
TO BOOK THIS TOUR: CALL US ON FREEPHONE 0800 0336 335 OR EMAIL US RESERVATIONS@PURELYTRAVELGROUP.CO.UK
View Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive Lexington, Kentucky

The "Bluegrass Country" itinerary of Tauck's Run for the Roses: The Kentucky Derby Event begins: Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa, 7:00 PM. Welcome to Lexington, Kentucky – the “horse capital of the world” – and the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa. Your hotel for Tauck’s exclusive five-day celebration of the Kentucky Derby and the world of thoroughbred racing is nestled in the rolling green meadows of Kentucky’s Bluegrass country, epicenter of “the sport of kings.” On your first evening, May 4, join us for a welcome reception on the patio of the Bluegrass Pavilion, followed by dinner in the hotel's ballroom with entertainment featuring the Berea Festival Dancers and the Hog Operation Bluegrass Band, a Derby favorite.

Lodging Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa

Dinner

Day 2: Thoroughbred Horse, Bridles & Bourbon in Lexington

DTake an in-depth look at the enduring local traditions of raising and racing world-class thoroughbred horses – and creating legendary bourbon whiskey – in and around Lexington, Kentucky today. Begin with an exclusive visit to one of several private Lexington-area horse farms for a behind-the-scenes look at how thoroughbred horses are bred, raised and trained. Next, visit the 130-acre Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort – the oldest continually operating distillery in America – for a unique, firsthand look at the time-honored art of distilling, aging and bottling fine Kentucky Bourbon... and, of course, a tasting of the distillery’s award-winning product, plus a barbecue lunch at their private Clubhouse, complete with a bluegrass band. Back at your hotel, attend an enjoyable presentation by one of thoroughbred racing's most renowned personalities – Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron, winner of the Kentucky Derby in 1987 and 1994! Then you're off to Keeneland – the world-renowned thoroughbred horse racing and auction complex outside Lexington – for cocktails on the lawn, followed by a very special dinner overlooking Keeneland's racetrack, considered one of the finest thoroughbred racing facilities in the world; the evening also includes a talk by local expert Mike Cameron on the business of raising and racing thoroughbred horses.

Lodging Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: "Oaks Day" The 142nd Kentucky Oakes

Today is Friday, May 6 – “Oaks Day” – the day you’ll attend the 142nd Running of the Kentucky Oaks, a 1-1/8 mile race for 3-year-old fillies at Churchill Downs in Louisville, dubbed the “Run for the Lilies.” More than just a sister race to the Kentucky Derby, the Oaks dates back to 1875, and has been won by some of the greatest fillies in thoroughbred racing history. Popular with racing fans and celebrities alike, the Oaks has a prestige and a character all its own... and you’ll feel the excitement build as you watch the race from the comfort of Tauck's reserved VIP seating in the Jockey Club Suite or your Start Gate Unit. Enjoy all the amenities of your air-conditioned unit throughout the day, including fine regional cuisine, an all-day open bar, TV monitors, a self-service betting machine (or a Tauck Exclusive, live Pari-mutuel teller in the Start Gate Unit) as you experience the "Run for the Lilies"... and don't forget to wear a touch of pink today! After the Oaks, return to the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa in Lexington and enjoy your choice of dinner à la carte at the hotel, or relax with room service.

Lodging Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: "Derby Day" The 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby

Return to Louisville’s Churchill Downs today (Saturday, May 7) to experience in inimitable Tauck Style all the glamour and excitement of the greatest event in thoroughbred racing – the 142nd Running of the Kentucky Derby, the “Run for the Roses”... the first “jewel” in thoroughbred racing’s annual “Triple Crown.” Today you’ll see firsthand why legendary Churchill Downs is an integral part of the equine industry, and experience all the pageantry and excitement of Derby Day as you watch the race from the comfort of Tauck's reserved VIP seating in the Jockey Club Suite or your Start Gate Unit. Enjoy all the amenities of your air-conditioned unit throughout the day, including fine regional cuisine, an all-day open bar, TV monitors, a self-service betting machine (or a Tauck Exclusive, live Pari-mutuel teller in your private Start Gate Unit)... for an unforgettable Tauck Kentucky Derby experience! Please note that Jockey Club Suite guests enjoy the best views of the Finish Line and Winner's Circle, private butler service, a kitchen, open bar featuring premium liquors, and more. Following an incredible Derby Day, you'll return to the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa in Lexington for dinner and a farewell evening featuring live musical entertainment.

Lodging Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Journey Home or extend your stay

Tauck's unforgettable Kentucky Derby event ends in Lexington or extend your stay. A transfer is included from the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa to Lexington's Blue Grass Airport. Fly home anytime. Allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in.

Breakfast

Your Tauck Tour Highlights

Four nights’ accommodations in Lexington at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa

Welcome reception and dinner with local bluegrass entertainment
A behind-the-scenes visit to a private Lexington horse farm
Admission to the 142nd Running of the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs in Louisville on Friday, May 6; known as the "Run for the Lilies," the Oaks is the sister race to the Derby, for three-year-old fillies
Talk by Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron; winner of 6 Triple Crown races (including 2 Derbies), 9 Breeder's Cup races and 3 Kentucky Oaks, Chris ranks among thoroughbred racing's all-time leaders in purse earnings; he served as a technical advisor, racing designer and actor in the 2003 film Seabiscuit.
Visit to the Buffalo Trace distillery in Frankfort – Kentucky's oldest continually operating bourbon distillery – for a look at the production of fine Kentucky Bourbon with a tour, tasting and barbecue lunch in their private Clubhouse
Cocktails and dinner at the renowned Keeneland Thoroughbred racing complex in Lexington
Viewing of the 142nd Running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 7, with exclusive privileges as a VIP in Tauck's reserved seating in the exclusive Jockey Club Suite (limited to 23 guests) or a Start Gate Unit – featuring great views of the action, open bar and dining throughout the day, and much more
Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as detailed
All meals – 11 (4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners); service charges, gratuities to Tauck Directors, hotel staff, local guides and drivers, admission fees, taxes and porterage

Your Hotels....

Nights 1 - 4 : Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa - Lexington, Kentucky

Set in the rolling meadows of the Bluegrass Country, the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa extends a warm Kentucky welcome to guests in the true spirit of Southern hospitality. Guest rooms encourage guests to make themselves right at home with a coffee / tea maker, iron and ironing board, access to high-speed Internet, and remote-control TV with cable, satellite and premium movie channels. During your stay, take advantage of tennis courts, the indoor or outdoor swimming pools, play a few holes on the Rees Jones-designed golf course at the Griffin Gate Golf Club or find your inner harmony in the tranquil ambiance of The Spa at Griffin Gate with a soothing or rejuvenating treatment. Sample some of Kentucky’s finest bourbons at JW’s Lounge or indulge your love of great coffee at the on-site Starbucks.

Tour Only Cost: All prices quoted below are per adult person, per tour in British Pounds (GBP)

Departure Dates

Single Twin/Double Triple Quad
Start Gate Unit £5409 £4985 £4849 Please call us
Jockey Club Suite (max 23 guests) £7470 £7047 £6910 Please call us

 

Special Solo Traveller Savings – save up to £130 off the single room price on select departure dates – Please call us for more details. 

Children - may qualify for a discount when sharing a room with 2 adults - Please call us for details. 
 
Not included in your tour cost:
Flights – we can package your tour with flights at very competitive airfares using our airline partners. Please call us to discuss the best airline for your itinerary.
Pre or post accommodation - If you want to extend your stay at the start or the end of your escorted tour or add another destination to your booking please call us and we will be happy to provide a quote.
Meals, other than those listed in the itinerary.
The customary gratuities for the Tour Director and local drivers are not included.
 
FAQs:
There are many questions and considerations you might have when planning an escorted tour with Tauck Tours. For more information please click here.
 

TO BOOK YOUR TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS:

Please call us on FREEPHONE 0800 0336 335 or EMAIL us reservations@purelytravelgroup.co.uk we are open 7 days a week.

We will be happy to answer any questions, check the availability of your tour, offer a quote for flights and any pre or post nights you would like to add.

When you are ready to go ahead with the booking, a non-refundable deposit of 10% will be due at time of booking or the full balance if you are due to travel within 8 weeks.